Policy and public affairs manager jobs
We are looking for someone with excellent communication and organisational skills to support with developing and communicating policy positions that contribute to the charity’s key strategic objectives.
In this dynamic role, you’ll work as a core part of the team and across the wider organisation to coordinate and draft responses to consultations and lead on responding to policy enquiries.
Your ability to influence and work together with others will help you to succeed as Policy Officer to learn from colleagues and external networks in order to contribute to policy positions, confidently represent Diabetes UK and influence others appropriately.
You will also be keen to seek out opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills and have an appetite to develop expert knowledge in particular policy areas.
Join us and be a part of something truly transformative. Together, we can change the narrative around diabetes and make a positive difference to the lives of people impacted by the condition.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Annual leave: 33 days (plus eight bank holidays)
Benefits:
- enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental pay
- family-friendly policies
- 8% employer pension contribution (Aviva)
- three x basic salary life assurance cover
- free health cashback plan (Medicash): employee cover plus up to four dependent children
- 24/7 virtual GP access (UK registered), plus access to Best Doctors
free, confidential employee assistance programme (Medicash) - access to a wellbeing app
- flexible working options including hybrid working, flexible working patterns such as part-time, compressed hours, and more*
- learning and development opportunities including bespoke training and access to LinkedIn Learning)
- commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
- we have a Menopause Friendly accreditation and are a Disability Confident employer
Join Dementia UK as a Policy Officer where you will play a crucial role in driving our long-term policy and influencing strategy in alignment with our 2025-30 strategic plan. As a member of our dedicated Policy, Campaigns, and Public Affairs division, you will lead and shape areas of public policy that affect the quality of healthcare delivered for people living dementia and their carers.
You will play a pivotal role in advocating for improvements to legislation, public policies, and statutory services on behalf of individuals affected by dementia in England. Reporting to the Policy Manager, yourresponsibilities will include monitoring and analysing policy developments while establishing external relationships with sector colleagues and central government. Working closely with the Insights and Evaluation team, Research team, and the broader Clinical Directorate, you will conduct and interpret both qualitative and quantitative research. Your findings will inform the creation of comprehensive public policy documents, reports, briefings, and consultation responses on behalf of the organisation.
The ideal candidate for this role will bring prior experience in public policy within a charity or public sector setting. You should possess a strong track record in policy making and influencing, with proficiency in conducting qualitative and quantitative research. Effective communication skills will be essential, as you will need to adeptly negotiate and influence stakeholders to drive positive change.
If this sounds like you, join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
We would love to hear from you!
Our culture
In addition to a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, we truly value our people. It’s important for us to create a working environment that looks after our workforce to support them in achieving their full potential. You will become part of a diverse and dedicated team who are supported to use and develop their skills. We recognise and value the key role you will play in delivering our strategic plans for the benefit of those living with dementia.
Our staff have a voice. Representatives from different roles and levels across the organisation positively contribute to and lead on our working groups around health and wellbeing, menopause, and equity, diversity and inclusion.
Dementia UK is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate difference and individuality and encourage everyone to join us and be their whole selves always.
Dementia UK is a Disability Confident Employer.
By applying to join Dementia UK, you acknowledge that in the event you are successful for the role, any offer and your ongoing employment will be conditional on you having or obtaining the right to work in the UK.
*Please note that any decision on flexible working is based on business needs
When you apply for a job at Dementia UK, we will collect certain information about you to process your application and assess your suitability for the role. Further details can be found in our privacy notice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Policy and Advocacy Manager will play a central role in advancing IAPB’s engagement at the United Nations during a critical period for global eye health, including the lead-up to and legacy of the Global Summit for Eye Health in 2026. The role will support high-level political engagement, coordination with Member States and UN institutions, and the translation of global commitments into sustained policy momentum beyond 2026.
Scope and Accountability
Work closely with the Head of Global Advocacy and Policy to deliver IAPB’s programme of work at the United Nations and related institutions. This will include:
· Coordinating the UN Friends of Vision Member State group and secretariat, acting as a liaison for Member States and UN Institutions on policy and advocacy initiatives.
· Drafting letters, speeches, policy briefs and briefing materials for United Nations processes and high-level engagements.
· Managing the organisation of advocacy events and strategic engagements at the UN, including high-level briefings, side events, and visibility moments; liaising with senior speakers and government representatives; coordinating promotion; and working closely with communications and events teams.
· Attending global health and development forums and meetings to gather information to support our policy goals and to represent IAPB and the eye health sector.
· Monitoring and analysing relevant activities across the UN system and related institutions, including UN reform processes and post-2030 agenda discussions, to identify policy and advocacy opportunities that advance vision and eye health as a development enabler.
· Supporting the development of advocacy capacity across the eye health sector, including liaising with IAPB members and partners, coordinating shared activities, and producing tools and guidance that support national implementation of global commitments emerging from UN processes and the Global Summit for Eye Health.
· Working closely with IAPB’s Communications, Knowledge and Regional teams, to raise the profile of IAPB messages and advocacy activity, including providing content for internal and external communications.
· Producing project plans, milestones and key outcomes for policy and advocacy initiatives, including multi-year workstreams linked to UN engagement and the Global Summit for Eye Health, for discussion and agreement with the Head of Global Advocacy and Policy and Senior Leadership Team.
· Providing input into advocacy and policy strategies for IAPB and the wider eye health sector.
General
· To respect the personal choice and lifestyles of colleagues those with whom we come into contact, ensuring that equal opportunity principles are always applied.
· To be an ambassador for IAPB and demonstrate IAPB organisational behaviours – Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive and Strategic.
Education, Skills & Experience
Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):
Required:
· Graduate degree in related field (International Affairs, Political Science, Public Health)
· 2-5 years of professional experience in advocacy and policy work, preferably in international development and/or health related context
· Knowledge of relevant global development policies and activities, in particular familiarity with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and emerging discussions on the post-2030 global development framework, and international organization systems, such as the United Nations, World Health Organization etc
· Ability to work in UK/ US Time zone
Desirable:
· Experience with engaging diverse actors in international development, such as government institutions, communities, civil society, NGOs, donors, UN agencies
· Experience supporting or coordinating multi-stakeholder or Member State-led initiatives within the UN system
· Experience coordinating or organizing high-level political events, summits, or global campaigns
Skills Required
· Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex policy and advocacy messages clearly, concisely, and persuasively to diverse multilateral and diplomatic audiences
· Ability to navigate political and institutional dynamics with discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgement
· Project management skills with the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget and work with a wide range of stakeholders
· Positive, solution-oriented collaborative team player
· Able to take initiative and work independently to deliver key activities.
· Strong ability to collate and present diverse information from varied sources in an engaging format.
· Ability to remote work in a multicultural, global team environment
Corporate Competencies and Key Behaviours:
· Passionate about affecting change at a global level with a deep commitment to the vision, mission and strategic goals of IAPB
· Demonstrates integrity by modelling the IAPB’s values and ethical standards
· Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
· Action orientated
Other Information
· Generous annual leave entitlement.
· Flexible working.
· Employee Assistance Provider.
· Various family friendly policies.
LOCATION:
This role is based in either the US (East Coast preferred) or UK. It will be a hybrid role. IAPB does NOT sponsor work visas, so we will only accept applications from individuals with either a right to work in the UK or US.
To Apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter explaining why you have the suitable skills for this role and confirm where you are based.
Closing date Friday 6th February 2026. IAPB reserves the right to close the vacancy early.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 28 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
We request no contact from agencies.
About us
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector dedicated to eliminating the global vision crisis. A global network spread across 100+ countries, of the most brilliant and committed non-profits, philanthropists, public and private organisations.
There are 1.1 billion people living with sight loss because they don't have access to eye care services. We are making the case loudly and repeatedly that access to eye health services are vital to everything, for everyone.
IAPB, on behalf of its network, holds trusted relationships with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. No one else is operating under this same model with the same reach. We are a growing and successful international organisation registered as a charity in the UK with a dedicated staff team located around the world.
We are seeking someone to be a part of our journey and help us achieve our goals. We are a small charity with a supportive can-do attitude. We are informal but professional and work flexibly. This role offers a real opportunity for someone to contribute our development and progress towards our goals.
IAPB is the premier eye health body which brings together a unique network of members and membership bodies from across the world.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have demonstrable experience of new business development? Have you personally secured 6 figure partnerships in previous roles?
We're recruiting a New Partnerships Manager to be responsible for proactively identifying, prospecting, and cultivating leads in key sectors to secure new 5-6 figure, multi-year corporate partnerships with local and national businesses.
What does this role do?
As New Partnerships Manager, you'll:
- develop a prospect pipeline to raise a personal income target which contributes to an overall team target,
- support the Senior New Partnerships Manager in the identification and cultivation of new corporate partnerships, accessing a range of income streams and budget holders,
- support senior team members in attending meetings with potential corporate partners, including preparing relevant briefs in advance,
- prepare relevant and creative applications and proposals for pitches for potential corporate partners,
- work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Team to ensure the transition between new business and account management is seamless for both Dogs Trust and the new partner.
Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 9th February 2026, and will take place on Teams. Please note, this role is based at our London office, with office attendance at least one day per week and sometimes at short notice.
Could this be you?
To be successful in this role you'll have demonstrable experience of new business development, ideally in a charity setting, with a track record of securing six-figure partnerships. You'll be organised, articulate and credible, with a real appreciation of different budget holders within companies who may be interested in supporting Dogs Trust, and an understanding of different types of corporate partnerships. In addition, you'll have demonstrable experience of senior stakeholder management and negotiation skills, and you'll have the ability to write clearly and concisely, and to tailor written style to the needs of different audiences.
To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Please note, Dogs Trust is a wholly independent organisation, free of association with any political party. Our independence is critical, as it allows us to pursue our mission to campaign on dog welfare issues, on behalf of the UK’s dogs and their owners. For our public affairs roles, the ability to display political neutrality in the public eye or when working with MPs is essential.
Role outline and purpose
The Senior Policy & Public Affairs Manager will be accountable for overseeing public affairs activities, policy development and supporting influencing activity to advance the goals of the Supportive Communities programme. The role will plan and lead public affairs activities, policy development and support influencing strategy and activities, providing in-depth expertise across the programme with a specific focus on our emerging community design priorities and our work with a range of stakeholders, local/regional decision-makers and national policy-makers in the communities space.
This role is part of Trussell’s Supportive Communities programme, the goal of which is to enable local communities to become places where people at risk of needing to use a food bank are supported and are using their agency to bring about meaningful changes that prevent anybody from needing emergency food. This role is focused on the successful delivery of the overall programme outcomes, contributing to the fulfilment of our long term vision of a UK without the need for food banks.
Role responsibilities
· Lead public affairs activities linked to the Community Design portfolio within the Supportive Communities programme, including developing and delivering an effective public affairs strategy reaching key decision-makers including parliamentarians, mayors and local authority leaders.
· Work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders from the sector and among policymakers to shape and deliver the programme’s policy strategy.
· Lead policy development to achieve the goals of the Supportive Communities programme.
· Establish and maintain momentum in policy development across the programme, ensuring the creation of credible proposals and building a strong case for policymakers to implement asks.
- Support with wider strategic development as part of Trussell’s policy and influencing strategy, including working with colleagues to align policy development and asks within the programme across the UK, nations and regions.
· Provide advice and line management, including regular 1:1s and assessment against objectives, and identify development needs.
Person Specification
Technical skills and minimum knowledge:
· Significant experience of developing and delivering effective public affairs strategies and interventions with evidence of securing local or national policy-change
· Significant track record of successfully developing policy solutions and influencing politicians and/or key decision-makers to achieve policy change
· Strong communication skills (written and oral) with impact and for a range of audiences
· Experience of providing strategic input to support senior leadership
· Experience of line managing, including dealing with performance issues and supporting team development
· Self-sufficient use of IT, including proficiency in Work, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience in project management processes and software
Behaviours and competencies:
· Works collaboratively, managing challenges in a constructive manner
· Balances competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
· Demonstrates a dedication to the values of Trussell
· Demonstrates empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds
· Role models inclusive behaviour, values and leadership
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Public Affairs & Policy Lead – Devolved Nations
Job Type: 12-month contract
Hours: 21 hours/ week
Department: External Affairs
Salary: Pro rata £22,173 – £23,205 (FTE £36,955 - £38,509)
Reports to: Director of External Affairs
Location: Hybrid – COSRH Office (London Bridge), home working. For anyone wishing to work remotely in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, home working with occasional travel to London will also be considered. Generally, travel to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and where applicable, London, should be assumed to occur at least 12 times a year in total.
The role:
The Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Devolved Nations will drive CoSRH’s engagement and policy work in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This key strategic liaison role will support the Director of External Affairs in enabling delivery of the CoSRH’s Hatfield Vision across all UK nations, and in supporting CoSRH members and interests in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For this new role, we are seeking an experienced and forward-looking individual interested in developing the strategic and influencing work of CoSRH in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in ensuring that CoSRH represents members and their interests across the UK.
Who we are:
The College of Sexual and Reproductive (CoSRH) is the leader in the field of sexual and reproductive healthcare, and we are the voice for professionals working in this area. As a multi-disciplinary professional membership organisation, we set clinical guidance and standards, provide training and lifelong education, and champion safe and effective sexual and reproductive healthcare across the life course for all.
Key tasks:
a. Stakeholder engagement:
- Lead CoSRH’s stakeholder engagement programme in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales - influencing policy debate, contributing to building internal capacity on devolved and regional issues, and in building key relationships.
- Collaborate with colleagues across CoSRH to develop and deliver a strategic programme of engagement across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring that the work of member committees in devolved nations feeds into wider CoSRH activity, inclusive of the Hatfield Vision, and that the CoSRH President maintains appropriate oversight at Taskforce level.
- Manage internal and external relationships with key individuals and organisations including parliamentarians, civil servants and policymakers in the devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales; staff and member representatives of sister organisations like British Association for Sexual Health and HIV and Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, and nation-specific networks and collaborative groups such as Cross-Party Group for Women’s Health in Scotland, and Women’s Health Wales.
- Develop, deliver, and evaluate plans for specific areas of policy and stakeholder engagement work, including influencing decision-makers, building, and strengthening support among key regional and national stakeholders in the devolved nations.
- Working in collaboration with the Director of External Affairs and Chairs of the CoSRH Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Committees, to represent CoSRH at a variety of conferences, meetings, and events across the three devolved nations.
b. Policy, Public Affairs & Partnership Building
- Monitor the external environment for issues that may impact on SRH, and help identify, analyse and grasp opportunities to influence policy and public opinion relevant to CoSRH’s work within the three devolved nations, outlining CoSRH’s position/response to policy and public opinion developments.
- Develop and oversee the effective monitoring of parliamentary activity in the devolved nations in relation to sexual and reproductive healthcare and related interests.
- Produce policy briefings for the organisation’s leadership including President, Officers and CEO as relevant.
- Advise on, assimilate evidence for and produce responses to external consultations issued by Government departments and other relevant agencies across the three devolved nations, consulting with members and drawing on relevant policy documents.
- Engage with CoSRH members, policy makers and the public across the three devolved nations including supporting the CoSRH Media and Communications Manager role where necessary, helping with media and social media output.
c. Committee support
- Work with the CoSRH External Affairs & Membership & Engagement Teams to provide secretariat support as required to CoSRH’s member committees in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- As required, work with the CoSRH External Affairs & Membership & Engagement Teams as well as devolved nation chairs to develop and implement meetings and their agendas, record actions and discuss strategic approaches to the delivery of actions with relevant leaders.
- As required, work with the CoSRH External Affairs & Membership & Engagement Teams to ensure that the work of member committees in devolved nations feeds into wider CoSRH activity, inclusive of the Hatfield Vision, and that the CoSRH President maintains appropriate oversight at Hatfield Vision Taskforce level.
Key skills and attributes
Essential:
- Proven public policy experience, ideally within the health sector, with a good understanding of devolved policymaking and influencing opportunities.
- Knowledge of the healthcare systems across the three devolved nations.
- Experience in developing relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including developing partnerships for collaboration on joint initiatives, projects and/or events, in order to deliver organisational impact.
- Demonstrable experience of drafting clear and engaging briefings and policy submissions, tailored to different audiences.
- Ability to work proactively and independently supporting colleagues in nations as well as part of a broader team function.
- Demonstrable evidence of supporting the delivery of business priorities and delivering stakeholder engagement plans.
- Ability to manage a varied workload with flexibility and adaptability.
- Ability to quickly grasp complex issues and provide analysis.
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Excellent prioritisation and time-management skills.
Desirable:
- Experience of working in charity and/or membership organisation.
- Experience of organising parliamentary or stakeholder events.
- Knowledge of sexual & reproductive healthcare policy.
Join our team and contribute to the exciting work of the External Affairs team - influencing policy and practice through evidence-based advocacy as well as raising awareness of SRH among our partners, members and the wider public across the UK.
A flexible approach to working hours is necessary as there are some evening meetings in various locations and, with occasional travel possibility elsewhere in the UK, although many of them take place virtually.
NB: In order to fulfil this role you should be resident in the UK with a valid right to work; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.
We will offer you:
We offer a range of benefits at CoSRH to support staff wellbeing, including:
- 25 days holiday, with an additional 2 days leave after 2 years of service, and a further 3 days after 5 years.
- Birthday leave
- Flexible working culture
- Pension and life assurance scheme: 10% employer contribution / 5% employee contribution after successful completion of probation. This also includes access to life assurance at 4x annual salary and an income protection scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee discounts portal
- Free Lunch Thursday
- Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption pay
- Free eye tests
- Training and development
To Apply
To apply please follow this link – Public Affairs & Policy Lead – Devolved Nations job - Hybrid - College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare
Deadline for applications is 15 February 2026 at 12pm
Interviews are likely to take place w/c 2 March 2026
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
We value diversity, promote equality and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are working hard to minimise unconscious bias and your application will be anonymised to support this.
NB: In order to fulfil this role you should be resident in the UK with a valid right to work; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.
The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH) is the leader in the field of sexual and reproductive healthcare.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
Leading national policy strategy
As Head of Policy you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan. Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall.
You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:
-
Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services
-
Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits
-
Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups
-
Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people
-
National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level
-
Professional development standards for school inclusion
Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier
In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders. You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.
Building the evidence base
In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.
Raising your voice
This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post, you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas. You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will:
Design and execute an impactful influencing plan
-
Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones.
-
Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.
-
Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks.
-
Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.
Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation
-
Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives.
-
Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert.
-
Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
-
Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic.
-
Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change.
-
Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.
-
Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus.
-
Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact.
-
Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference.
-
Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following:
-
Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice.
-
Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).
We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply.
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Public Affairs and Policy Officer
Location: Hybrid with 1 day per week in the London Office
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £35,355 per annum
What we do: We help young people through cancer
How we work: We’re Determined, United, Spirited and Kind
What we’re looking for:
-
Someone with enthusiasm for driving change for young people with cancer using tools from across the policy and public affairs
-
Someone with experience of effectively engaging stakeholders, including politicians and/or policy makers, in influencing work
-
Someone with strong skills in analysing, developing and communicating complex information in a clear way
-
Someone with proven knowledge of UK political systems
- Someone with a commitment to keeping young people at the heart of everything while shaping cancer policy and engaging decision makers across the UK
How to apply:
You’ll need to register on our portal, complete a short application form and answer questions about your skills and experience in relation to the role.
Key dates:
Applications by 04 February 2026, 1st stage interviews online 11 February 2026 online and 2nd Stage interviews on 17 February 2026 in London.
What we offer:
-
Leave: 25 days of annual leave, which increases with service, in addition to bank holidays and a 3 or 4 day closure over the Christmas period. We also have finish early Fridays in August and quarterly rest days to step away from day to day work and refocus.
-
Flexible bank holidays: the option to swap five UK public holidays (except 25th, 26th December, and 1st January or any substitute bank holidays for these dates) for other dates off.
-
Paid Carer and Compassionate Leave: paid time off to care for family members or dependants.
-
Paid Parental Leave: enhanced pay for parental leave such as maternity leave, paternity leave or adoption leave.
-
Paid Volunteering Leave: support your community by taking paid leave for volunteering activities.
-
Health Cashback Plan: access a health cashback plan to cover medical expenses.
-
Life assurance and Income Protection: financial support if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
-
Discount scheme: access exclusive savings at various high street retailers and gyms.
-
Flexible Working: we care about your wellbeing and encourage flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.
Our commitment to inclusion and accessibility:
At Teenage Cancer Trust one of our key focuses is around equity and making sure our services are accessible and inclusive to all young people with cancer, with no-one left behind. We have the same goal for people working with us.
Teenage Cancer Trust is committed to recognising and valuing individual differences and the contributions of all people.
Should you require any assistance or adjustments to support your interview process, such as additional time for tasks, meeting the panellists beforehand, information in another format or a different interview format (online/offline/in person), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the HR Team and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
We are a Disability Confident employer which means we have committed to offering interviews to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role listed under the 'What you'll bring to the team' section of the job description and shortlisting questions.
To opt into this scheme, please enter ‘yes’ in the appropriate question on the application form.
Please note that in recruitment campaigns with a high volume of candidates opting into the scheme, interview offers will be made only to those who best meet the essential criteria and provide the strongest responses to the shortlisting questions.
We are unable to offer individual feedback at the shortlisting stage.
Privacy and Safeguarding:
At Teenage Cancer Trust we take our commitment to safeguarding seriously and work to protect and promote the rights of the young people who we support. Our safeguarding responsibilities extend to the children and adults who work to support the charity, who we also have a duty of care to protect. Safeguarding is at the forefront of each activity we carry out. In line with our approach, this role is subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service).
For information on how we collect, store and process personal data please contact the HR Team.
We’re here to give every young person facing cancer the best care and support.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you an experienced Public Affairs professional with a passion for dogs?
We’re looking for a Public Affairs Officer to support the important work we do to ensure policy makers consider dog welfare in their decision making.
What does this role do?
As Public Affairs Officer, you’ll:
- contribute to the delivery of our ambitious public affairs programme across Westminster and Whitehall, the devolved administrations and in the EU,
- support and occasionally lead on the organisation and coordination of political events, meetings, and project visits, as part of our programme of engagement with policy makers,
- support the management of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) and the EU Dog & Cat Alliance,
- establish and maintain positive relationships with key external stakeholders, including parliamentarians and civil servants.
Please note, this role is available as a fixed term contract until January 2027. Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 9th February 2026, and will take place on Teams.
Could this be you?
To be successful in this role, you’ll need experience in parliamentary or public affairs, with a good understanding of the political landscape in the UK. You’ll also need excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen actively, negotiate and influence decision makers and strong written English, to draft clear and concise professional correspondence and communications. Above all, an interest in the aims and values of Dogs Trust is essential.
To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Please note, Dogs Trust is a wholly independent organisation, free of association with any political party. Our independence is critical, as it allows us to pursue our mission to campaign on dog welfare issues, on behalf of the UK’s dogs and their owners. For our public affairs roles, the ability to display political neutrality in the public eye or when working with MPs is essential.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is a Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and is the representative body for Directors of Public Health (DPH) in the UK. It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice.
The Association has a rich heritage, its origins dating back more than 160 years. It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice
We are seeking a dedicated Public Affairs Manager to join our small and supportive team. In this role, you will utilise your expertise to shape strategies to help influence legislation and government policy, making a meaningful impact in the public health sector. You will be responsible for developing and implementing effective public affairs strategies, building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers, and crafting tailored communications, including letters and briefings, that resonate with diverse audiences. Staying informed about the UK political landscape will be essential for driving successful initiatives.
To excel in this role, you should possess a degree or equivalent experience, complemented by a solid background in public affairs. A proven ability to navigate political systems and employ tactics for effective advocacy is crucial, as is exceptional writing skill paired with excellent IT and interpersonal capabilities. Strong organizational skills are necessary, along with a commitment to meeting deadlines with precision.
While experience in local authorities or the public health sector is desirable, we are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate resilience, confidence, and a keen attention to detail. We value a flexible and pro-active self-starter who is enthusiastic about ensuring positive change and can adapt to evolving challenges.
The Association offers hybrid and flexible working and welcomes applicants from across the UK, though attending meetings in London will be a feature of the role. Full details can be confirmed ahead of any application if required by contacting Mark Hamblett at the Association. The successful applicant will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
To be considered for an interview in addition to an up to date CV applications must include a covering letter outlining why you feel you would be a suitable applicant for the role.
We do reserve the right to arrange interviews ahead of the quoted closing date so would urge candidates to apply as soon as is possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.
The Role:
• This is an exciting opportunity as we are looking for a Policy and Advocacy Manager who will be responsible for developing and directing the delivery of Coed Cadw programme of advocacy and campaigning work in Wales.
• You will be responsible for developing relationships across broad policy-influencing audiences to achieve key policy outcomes in line with the Woodland Trust’s goals and objectives.
• Responsible for ensuring the Trust have and are following integrated and focused influencing strategies to achieve our public policy goals.
• Lead the Wales Policy and Advocacy team whilst integrating our policy and campaigning work across the wider Wales team, providing clarity of direction, inspiring our employees and building capabilities and skills, upholding and actively promoting the values and behaviours of the Trust.
• Actively monitor, gather intelligence, understand and analyse relevant areas of Welsh policy and politics, acting on key opportunities. Collaborate with UK colleagues to ensure our policy and advocacy work is supported and aligned across the four nations and ensure consistent campaigning messages with the Trust’s wider communications and influencing strategies and plans.
• This is a hybrid role with travel to the Cardiff office and around the UK as required.
The Candidate:
• This is a key role in our Wales team and for candidates to stand out, we are looking for experience of working within a policy & advocacy or political context.
• Experience in shaping and implementing policy and advocacy or political strategies preferably in the environmental/voluntary sector, providing technical policy input and advice.
• Knowledge of the Welsh Government and Senedd with a strong understanding of current environmental policy, conservation and land management issues. You’ll have awareness of current affairs and processes through legislation, policy and grants in the Welsh context.
• Confident in building and developing partnerships with external and internal stakeholders, able to influence different audiences, to successfully change attitudes, behaviours and/or policy of key stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to collaborate with a diverse range of teams and stakeholders to ensure the best development of strategies and policies.
• Ability to analyse complex information and be able to communicate in effective ways for diverse audiences.
• Understanding of different levers and approaches that can be used effectively to influence decision-makers.
• This role is based in Wales and will require the successful candidate to undertake travel across Wales and the UK.
Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees.
Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our employees, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.
Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for your CV at application stage OR so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. [Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.
Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.
First Stage Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams
Ynglyn â Ni: Coed Cadw (y Woodland Trust) yw elusen cadwraeth coetiroedd fwyaf y DU sydd wedi ymroi i greu byd lle mae coed a choedwigoedd yn ffynnu ymhlith pobl a natur. Mae ein cenhadaeth yn cynnwys ysbrydoli ac ymgysylltu ag unigolion i gyfrannu at fynd i'r afael â'r argyfwng natur a hinsawdd drwy warchod, adfer a chreu cynefinoedd o goetiroedd hollbwysig.
Y RÔL
• Dyma gyfle cyffrous wrth i ni chwilio am Reolwr Polisi ac Eiriolaeth a fydd yn gyfrifol am ddatblygu ac arwain y gwaith o gyflawni rhaglen eiriolaeth ac ymgyrchu Coed Cadw yng Nghymru.
• Byddwch yn gyfrifol am ddatblygu perthnasoedd ar draws cynulleidfaoedd polisi eang i sicrhau canlyniadau polisi allweddol yn unol â nodau ac amcanion Coed Cadw.
• Yn gyfrifol am sicrhau bod yr Ymddiriedolaeth yn dilyn ac wedi dilyn strategaethau dylanwadu integredig â ffocws i gyflawni ein nodau polisi cyhoeddus.
• Arwain y tîm Polisi ac Eiriolaeth yng Nghymru tra'n integreiddio ein gwaith polisi ac ymgyrchu ar draws y tîm ehangach yng Nghymru, gan roi arweiniad clir, ysbrydoli ein gweithwyr a meithrin galluoedd a sgiliau, cynnal a hyrwyddo gwerthoedd ac ymddygiadau'r Ymddiriedolaeth.
• Ymroi i fonitro, casglu gwybodaeth, deall a dadansoddi meysydd perthnasol o bolisi a gwleidyddiaeth Cymru, gan weithredu ar gyfleoedd allweddol. Cydweithio â chydweithwyr yn y DU i sicrhau bod ein gwaith polisi ac eiriolaeth yn cael ei gefnogi ac yn gyson ar draws y pedair gwlad a sicrhau bod y negeseuon ymgyrchu yn gyson â strategaethau a chynlluniau cyfathrebu a dylanwadu ehangach yr Ymddiriedolaeth.
• Mae hon yn rôl hybrid gyda theithio i'r swyddfa yng Nghaerdydd a ledled y DU yn ôl yr angen.
YR YMGEISYDD
• Mae hon yn rôl allweddol yn ein tîm yng Nghymru, ac er mwyn i ymgeiswyr sefyll allan, rydyn ni’n chwilio am brofiad o weithio o fewn cyd-destun polisi ac eiriolaeth neu wleidyddol.
• Profiad o lunio a gweithredu polisïau ac eiriolaeth neu strategaethau gwleidyddol yn ddelfrydol yn y sector amgylcheddol/gwirfoddol, gan ddarparu mewnbwn a chyngor polisi technegol.
• Gwybodaeth am Lywodraeth Cymru a’r Senedd gyda dealltwriaeth gref o bolisïau amgylcheddol, cadwraeth a materion rheoli tir ar hyn o bryd. Bydd gennych ymwybyddiaeth o faterion cyfoes a phrosesau drwy ddeddfwriaeth, polisïau a grantiau yn y cyd-destun Cymreig.
• Hyderus wrth feithrin a datblygu partneriaethau gyda rhanddeiliaid allanol a mewnol, sy'n gallu dylanwadu ar wahanol gynulleidfaoedd, i newid agweddau, ymddygiadau a/neu bolisïau rhanddeiliaid allweddol yn llwyddiannus.
• Sgiliau arwain cryf gyda'r gallu i gydweithio ag ystod amrywiol o dimau a rhanddeiliaid i sicrhau'r datblygiad gorau o ran strategaethau a pholisïau.
• Y gallu i ddadansoddi gwybodaeth gymhleth a'r gallu i gyfathrebu mewn ffyrdd effeithiol ar gyfer cynulleidfaoedd amrywiol.
• Dealltwriaeth o wahanol ysgogiadau a dulliau gweithredu y gellir eu defnyddio'n effeithiol i ddylanwadu ar y rhai sy'n gwneud penderfyniadau.
• Mae'r rôl hon wedi'i lleoli yng Nghymru a bydd angen i'r ymgeisydd llwyddiannus deithio ledled Cymru a'r DU.
Mae ein Natur Sefydliadol yn ein galluogi i ddeall yn well beth mae’n ei olygu i fod yn rhan o Coed Cadw, a’n grymuso i wneud argraff, bob dydd. Rydyn ni eisiau i chi fod yn fodel rôl ar gyfer ein gwerthoedd; ‘Tyfu Gyda’n Gilydd’, ‘Ffocws’, ‘Archwilio’ a ‘Gwneud iddo Gyfrif’ i sicrhau bod pob un ohonom yn chwarae ein rhan wrth helpu i warchod, adfer a chreu ein coedwigoedd a’n coed.
Buddion a Llesiant: Mae ymuno â'n tîm yn golygu y byddwch yn rhan fawr o fynd i'r afael â materion amgylcheddol a hinsawdd. Rydyn ni’n cymryd gofal da o'n gweithwyr, gan gynnig cymorth a chyfleoedd hyfforddi. Rydyn ni hefyd yn cynnig:
• Pensiwn Uwch i Gyflogwyr
• Yswiriant Bywyd
• Opsiynau Gweithio Hyblyg a Hybrid
• Gwyliau Blynyddol hael
• Tâl Rhiant Uwch
• Rhaglen Cymorth i Weithwyr
Ymrwymiad i Amrywiaeth a Chynhwysiant: Mae Coed Cadw yn cofleidio amrywiaeth a chynhwysiant. Rydyn ni eisiau i'n tîm adlewyrchu cymuned amrywiol y DU. Rydyn ni’n cefnogi pobl o bob cefndir i wneud cais, yn enwedig y rhai sydd heb gynrychiolaeth ddigonol.
Cyngor wrth Wneud Cais: Hyd yn oed os nad ydych yn bodloni holl ofynion y rôl, byddem yn eich annog i wneud cais. Eich brwdfrydedd dros yr amgylchedd a'n gwerthoedd craidd - Tyfu Gyda’n Gilydd, Archwilio, Ffocws a Gwneud iddo Gyfrif - sydd bwysicaf. Rydyn ni hefyd yn cadw manylion personol ein hymgeiswyr wrth y rheolwyr sy’n cyflogi, fel nad ydynt yn gweld eich CV nes bod y rhestr fer wedi'i chwblhau. Gwnewch yn siwr bod eich Datganiad Personol yn dangos yn glir eich profiad a’ch angerdd am y rôl.
Gwnewch gais nawr: Os ydych chi'n barod i wneud gwahaniaeth a thyfu gyda ni, anfonwch eich cais heddiw. Efallai y byddwn yn cau'r swydd yn gynnar os cawn lawer o geisiadau, felly mae'n syniad da gwneud cais yn fuan. Edrychwn ymlaen at glywed wrthych a chydweithio i gael effaith bositif ar ein planed.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.
You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.
You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team.
Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.
Team:Research and Development
Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location
Duration:Permanent
Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)
Main Purpose
The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).
While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.
They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and management
- Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
- Line management of senior and mid-level staff
- Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate
Income
- Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
- Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
- Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners
Impact
- Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
- Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
- Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them.
Delivery
- Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
- Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
- Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team
Person Specification
Experience
Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential
Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential
Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential
Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential
Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable
Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable
Skills
Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential
Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable
Clear and direct written communication style - Essential
Knowledge
Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential
Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential
Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable
Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Wales)
Directorate: Strategy and Knowledge
Team/Department: Policy and Public Affairs
Salary range: £ 28,337 - £33,301 (recruitment is typically at the bottom of the range)
Location: Cardiff (hybrid working, with at least one day per week in the Cardiff office). The post holder maybe expected to travel to locations across the UK to support business needs, as and when required.
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Context and Background
The NSPCC’s vision is that together, we can stop child abuse and neglect. Through the collective power of our staff, volunteers, supporters, partners, and over 100 years of experience we will move closer to achieving that vision.
We launched our ten-year strategy in 2021, which is centred around three impact goals. This is the difference we want to make by 2031:
- Everyone plays their part to prevent child abuse: we’ll work together to make it easier for everyone to play their part and create a social safety net that prevents child abuse and neglect.
- Every child is safe online: together, we’ll transform the online world, so it’s safe for every child to go online.
- Children feel safe, listened to and supported: more children will be able to speak out, so they feel safe, listened to and understood – and abuse doesn’t shape their future.
The Policy and Public Affairs team works to ensure that national laws, policies and guidance across the UK are fit-for-purpose in preventing cruelty to children. We work across the four nations of the UK. We develop and maintain the NSPCC’s positions on key public policy issues, drawing on research and policy analysis and feed in organisational insight and expertise gained through our services. We use our evidence-based positions to shape and influence national policy discussions on issues affecting child protection and manage the NSPCC’s political relations and work with governments, legislatures and stakeholders across the UK.
We focus on five key policy priorities: the child protection system and children’s social care; early years and health; child sexual abuse; online safety; and young victims and witnesses.
Job purpose
We are recruiting a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to contribute to the work of the Wales Policy and Public Affairs team in delivering real change and reform in the best interests of children.
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will be responsible for undertaking policy work to achieve the NSPCC’s strategic goals, using their skills and experience to strengthen the NSPCC’s impact on public policy, and in doing so make a significant contribution to keeping children safe. The post holder will support the delivery of a range of policy-focused projects both within the Wales policy team, and across the wider UK policy team:
- Within the Wales team, the Officer will research and help build persuasive, evidence-based policy positions, support the NSPCC’s influencing activity as appropriate, and write consultations and impactful briefings. They will play a key role in supporting policy analysis, policy research and public affairs activity with a range of external stakeholders, including relevant elected members and government officials. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this role.
- Across the wider UK team, the Officer will also support policy colleagues working on one or more of our policy priority areas (which are focussed on: child protection; child sexual abuse; early years; online safety; young victims and witnesses). The post holder will help to coordinate collaboration across the teams, facilitate information-sharing and support the delivery of relevant cross-nation projects
Key relationships - Internal
- Reports to the Policy and Public Affairs Manager Wales)
- Colleagues in the wider Policy and Public Affairs and Campaigns teams across the UK
- Colleagues in the Strategy and Knowledge directorate
- Colleagues in the Media team
- Colleagues in the Services directorate (to ensure policy development is informed by experiences and learning from our frontline professionals/ volunteers)
- Colleagues working with children and young people (to ensure the experiences and voices of young people are embedded in policy and influencing work)
Key relationships - External
- Key civil servants and policy advisers in Welsh Government
- Elected representatives in the Senedd and local government structures
- Colleagues in relevant voluntary and statutory agencies
- Practitioner bodies
- Key academics, researchers and research networks
Main duties and responsibilities
- Develop and maintain expertise on key policy areas, enabling the NSPCC to predict and react to changes in the external environment.
- Scope, develop and refine key policies on priority issues, in line with the NSPCC’s strategic goals and outcomes.
- Support the smooth running of one of more NSPCC policy workstreams, supporting effective four-nations collaboration
- Prepare high-quality briefings, summaries and papers for internal and external audiences.
- Draft responses to government consultations and other public policy initiatives.
- Use project management skills to plan effectively the delivery of policy development activity and aligned public affairs activities.
- Undertake policy research and analysis, using a wide range of primary and secondary sources of evidence (such as policy documents, academic literature, survey data and qualitative data from interviews and focus groups), to develop high impact, credible policy positions
- Be a point of contact for internal and external requests for information and advice on NSPCC’s positions public positions
- Coordinate the delivery of NSPCC policy events and conferences (working with colleagues from across the organisation) and represent the NSPCC at external events.
Responsibilities for all Staff within the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate
There is a set of responsibilities for all staff within each directorate.
- A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
- To carry out the responsibilities of the post in a manner consistent with promoting equality and diversity, and which demonstrates respect for children’s rights
- To participate actively in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy, discussions and decisions
- To maintain an awareness of own and other’s health and safety and comply with the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures
- A willingness to take a flexible approach to work.
Person specification
- A good understanding of public policy relating to the NSPCC’s work, child protection issues and knowledge of the wider legal and political context in Wales.
- Demonstrable public affairs skills, with good knowledge of policymaking and parliamentary processes in Wales and experience of successfully influencing government or other policymakers.
- Proven policy development and policy research skills, with experience of collecting and analysing data, forming robust, evidence-based policy positions, and clearly presenting findings to make a clear and compelling case for policy and legislative change.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences and deal effectively, efficiently and appropriately with internal and external stakeholders.
- Good organisational and project management skills, with demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a time-pressured environment.
- Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
- Experience of organising and successfully delivering external influencing events
- Support for the NSPCC’s mission and values
Safer Recruitment
As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.
Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.
The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Our principles:
- Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.
- Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.
- We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.
- Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.
- As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.
- All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.
Job Title: Head of Policy
Reporting to: Director of Impact
Contract: 12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)
Closing date: 23:59pm, Sunday 1st February 2026
Interview date: 12th/13th of February 2026
At the heart of B Lab UK’s strategy is the goal of ‘changing the rules’ of our economic system so that our economy works for all people and the planet. As our Head of Policy this is an opportunity to help us achieve this goal in the next 10 years.
Certified B Corps give us real-world models of ‘business for good’ and data to prove companies can be run in a better way and credibility for our advocacy. Building on these foundations – and your own, unique understanding, vision and judgement with respect to the UK’s sustainability and ‘business for good’ landscape – you’ll work to create legislative and regulatory change so that ‘business for good’ becomes the new normal.
B Lab UK is part of the global B Corp movement, with the mission to inspire and enable people to use business as a force for good. Certified B Corps seek to redefine success in business by putting social and environmental impact on a par with profit. There are now over 10,000 B Corps spanning 102 countries and 160+ sectors, with many well-known brands including Patagonia, The Guardian, Giff Gaff and Divine Chocolate. 2,700 of those businesses are in the UK. Find out more on our website.
In the crucial new role of Head of Policy, sitting within our Impact & Community directorate and working closely with our B Corp Community team, you’ll be expected to take our policy work to a new level: building our policy and advocacy capability and capacity, as well as working alongside our established media, campaigns and communications teams in order to transform our economic system.
- Contribute to B Lab UK's impact strategy and drive this into action.
- Shape B Lab UK's stance on a range of key policy issues.
- Participate in the development of new policies and align existing policies
- Build strong relationships with influential stakeholders in public policy and regulation, including government bodies, regulators and think tanks.
- Track proposed and upcoming policy changes in areas of interest, plus broader policy trends.
Please refer to the job description linked to this advert for full requirements for this role.
The kind of things we’re looking for…
- In depth understanding of the UK’s evolving sustainability and ‘business for good’ policy and regulatory landscape, including key institutional actors, in order to be a force for good.
- The vision and judgement to identify risks and opportunities in the political, policy and regulatory space, to choose courage over comfort, and so enable strategic decision making.
- Ability to develop strategies that take into account this context – and to configure processes, relationships and resources around those strategies.
- Ability to work with UK politicians, civil servants, regulators and other key actors in order to raise the bar of what normal business behaviour is, through legislative and regulatory change.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including developing collaborative diverse networks and building relationships at all levels.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
- Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively, coordinate complex projects and delegate when appropriate.
- Ability to take a research-informed and principles-led approach to supporting colleagues in realising and maximising their potential, and so bring out the best in everyone.
- Potential to thrive in a small team within a growing organisation – to go further together with colleagues and stakeholders alike, always advocating for a growth mindset and continuous improvement.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK (we are not able to provide visa sponsorship).
Visit our career site to learn about the application journey you can expect and for full guidance and support on making your application. You can also read about the great colleague benefits available if you join our team.
B Lab believes an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re not looking for candidates who are “culture fits.” We’re looking for candidates who can expand our culture and challenge business as usual. We strive to foster an environment where all staff can bring themselves to work by their own definition, and we strive to provide all candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process.
B Lab is the non-profit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.
By providing finance and support, at SIB we enable charities and social enterprises to exist, grow and thrive. We have disbursed £0.8bn to thousands of organisations since 2002. Our team believes in the power of the social economy, champions the charities and social enterprises we support - and we are all working together to build stronger communities and a fairer society.
It is a hugely exciting time to join the organisation. We are growing, investing in our expert team, and building on the successes of the last few years.
Find out more about our values and what we do by visiting our website.
Our values are: People First, Curious, Bold, Collaborative, Accountable
About this role:
Reporting to the Head of Policy and Communications, the Policy and Communications Coordinator will support SIB’s track record of sector, government and media engagement, notably the high standard of publication set through its media partnerships with Tortoise and the Financial Times, its contributions to the policy landscape in the social sector, and its in-house data analysis and insight generation. This new post will contribute to SIB’s ongoing communications and public policy work and its reach and influence, building on a growing base of expertise across SIB’s three strategic priority areas: Green Transition, Infrastructure and Services.
Key responsibilities
1. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to deliver the Policy and Communications strategy for SIB.
2. Making use of media and parliamentary tracking software keep abreast of SIB’s strategic policy areas, sharing accessible updates and digests of relevant legislation and central and local government programming and media coverage.
3. Attend / watch online relevant parliamentary committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and Commons and Lords sessions, capturing relevant outcomes and identifying MPs and Lords that SIB should seek to work with / influence.
4. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to identify a key parliamentary contacts list. Create tailored communications for these key contacts which share relevant statistics and case studies from SIB’s portfolio, alongside policy influencing lines. This will include drafting questions and briefings where relevant, and ensuring that regular contact is maintained.
5. Support the drafting of consultation responses and press releases using SIB’s core messaging, reporting, research and data.
6. Support SIB’s annual party conference attendance with coordination and administration in advance and in person.
7. Support the Head of Policy and Communications with attendance at influencing meetings and webinars with, for example, the Association of Decentralised Energy, Community Energy England, Locality, Better Society Capital, the Access Foundation and others.
8. Draft internal and external copy for newsletters and the SIB intranet and website.
9. Monitor the press email address and support correspondence with journalists on reactive and proactive stories.
10. Attend and provide oversight to the Social Investment Forum, as part of SIB’s secretariat and hosting.
11. Write, edit and produce engaging and relevant content at pace for web, social media and e-newsletters, as well as earned and paid channels.
12. Management of external suppliers of communications and policy activities, including agencies, designers, consultants and think tanks.
13. Work with the Marketing Manager, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Business Development Manager and wider team to deliver successful external events with customers, stakeholders and partners including attendance at Party Conferences.
14. Work in line with the organisation's values, principles and processes to achieve operational excellence.
15. Adopt our continuous improvement and learning ethos
16. Support and embed equality, diversity and inclusion into day-to-day behaviours and activities within your role as well as contributing more widely across SIB’s commitment to E, D & I
17. Support and contribute to the implementation and delivery of SIB’s strategy
18. In agreement with manager to undertake other tasks and work on cross team projects that support the objectives of SIB as required
Core competencies
- Previous experience of working in a public policy, PR, marketing, external affairs or communications role
- Excellent writing skills
- Good research skills, with an ability to absorb large amounts of information at pace, including in unfamiliar policy areas and produce cogent syntheses
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively teams across functions in an integrated way
- Good established networks through experience in a similar role, and a commitment to expanding those networks to support SIB’s strategic aims
- Experience of building effective media partnerships
- Good working knowledge of data-driven storytelling in a variety of outlets from organisation websites to mainstream media and confidence in interpreting data and understanding the key points to be drawn from it to gain traction in media and campaigning environments
- Experience of developing and delivering effective communications campaigns, including through a range of digital channels
- Strong planning skills and an ability to multi-task, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong understanding of UK political context, especially as it concerns the social economy, and parliamentary process
- An understanding of how to promote research, policy papers, data analysis and other activities of a think tank and consultancy
- Excellent IT skills and the ability to learn new programmes quickly
Desirable competencies
- Data visualisation skills
- Data storytelling
- A good aesthetic eye and ability to shape images, visuals and formatting, and to liaise confidently with designers
- Understanding of the UK charity and social enterprise sectors
Education / Professional experience
- Experience in policy, research and media
- Experience of collaborative working across teams
- In-depth digital communications expertise
We believe in the power of the social economy to build a more equal society.
