Policy and public affairs officer jobs

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and analytical policy professional to join our dynamic External Affairs team in The Royal College of Radiologists’ (RCR).

Our policy aims are simple: to enhance NHS systems, pathways and working conditions for RCR members so that they can provide optimum care to their patients. While the aims are simple, making it happen is less so. This is where the policy team come in. Good working relationships with the doctors and senior manager are key to the success of this role, establishing credibility and understanding how their needs from the frontline can be best met.

In this role the Policy Advisor will work with the wider team by actively monitoring and responding to the external environment to influence change. The Policy Advisor will lead the development of evidence-led policy development in priority influencing areas. The postholder will be confident collaborating with key decision makers, and responding to consultations from governments and regulators. Working closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager and other members of the external affairs team to provide advice and counsel to the College. 

This is a great time to join the RCR team – with the exciting opportunity to build exposure and experience in public affairs, media and evidence. 

What you’ll do:

• Gather, interpret and analyse information on policy areas relevant to RCR specialties, clinical oncology and clinical radiology
• Work with Officers, committee chairs, special interest groups and other doctors to ensure that our consultation responses reflect the expert views of the RCR’s membership
• Support the planning, development, delivery and review of policy projects, consultation responses and lines to take
• Support the building of relationships with external stakeholders, including opinion formers and decision-makers
• Crafting external policy content as requested including reports, briefings, web content and presentations
• Monitoring and responding to policy queries from members and stakeholders

What you’ll need:

• Good working knowledge of public policy, government and parliament across the four nations
• Experience of writing policy papers and positions 
• Experience of responding to consultations 
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to explain complex issues clearly in writing and orally, able to adapt style
• Ability to build good working relationships with different teams, working in a collaborative way

If you are looking for an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and grow your skills in a charitable organisation with a great cause and ambitious goals then please find out more about the Policy Advisor role, the RCR and instructions on how to apply in our candidate pack. 

Why join us:

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and medical specialties
• Hybrid working – up to 60% remote
• Modern working environment with home‑working equipment provided
• Generous annual leave, plus the option to buy up to 5 extra days
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave (maternity, paternity and adoption) for those with 2+ years continuous service 
• Excellent pension scheme
• Sabbaticals (5+ years’ service) and secondment opportunities
• Interest‑free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Long service recognition awards

We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.

You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.

You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.

About us

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role, and your main responsibilities

Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.

Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:

• clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
• are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
• ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.

As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.

Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.

Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.

Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.

Skills, competencies and qualities

1. Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
3. Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
4. Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
5. A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
6. A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
7. Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
8. An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
9. Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.

Other information

The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.

There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months. 

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

The Head of Strategic Communications will lead strategic communications at ECU, building on our track record of shaping media narratives around the economy and working across multiple campaigns and programmes.

As our Head of Strategic Communications, you will devise and deliver impactful communications strategies to shape the way the UK media covers economic policy. You’ll help ensure that UK media debates are grounded in robust and innovative economic thinking and rise to the scale and urgency of current societal challenges.

If you believe that media and public debate on economics could be improved - and if you have the strategic communications track record to make that happen - then we would like to hear from you.

Head of Public Affairs

Over the past 2 years, GuildHE has been transforming into the voice for distinctive higher education providers, building our brand on the principle that diversity is necessary for a healthy and vibrant higher education sector.  We have a new look, a renewed energy, and a bold vision for the future of distinctive institutions. Now, we need the final piece of the puzzle: our first-ever Head of Public Affairs. 

This is a landmark appointment for us. As a newly-created role following our recent rebranding, you’ll be building our external presence, taking our fresh identity and the work we’ve undertaken so far to the next level as we seek to double-down on our high-impact advocacy and engagement work.

As our inaugural Head of Public Affairs, you will have a unique mandate to shape the way GuildHE interacts with the world, where you can:

• Own the Narrative: Take our new brand and shape the 'GuildHE voice' across Westminster, the media, and the wider HE sector.

• Build the Blueprint: You will have the autonomy to design our engagement frameworks from scratch—working with the Director of Policy and Strategy to decide how we influence policy and how we best champion the value of specialist education.

• Create a Legacy: Because this is a brand-new headcount, every success will be yours to claim. You are here to build a function that will help define our influence for the next decade.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who will champion diversity in higher education. From world-leading arts and agricultural institutions to large and distinctive HE providers who serve their students, industries and communities in innovative ways, you will find the common threads that bind our members and weave them into a compelling national story. You aren’t just representing institutions; you’re representing a vision of a more varied, vibrant educational landscape.

We’re looking for pioneers, who are energised by the phrase, “we haven’t done that before.” We’ve done the work on our look and feel—now we need you to provide the megaphone. If you’re a strategist who loves the 'start-up' energy of building and expanding functions within a respected, established body, we want to hear from you.

This this is the right job for you?  Please send a cover letter explaining that to us (max 2 pgs) and a CV by the deadline.

Application closing date: May 22

Interviews: June 3-4

As Grants and Outreach Officer, you will play a key role in driving Electrical Safety First’s mission to reduce deaths, injuries, and accidents caused by electricity, particularly for the most vulnerable in society.

You will help manage the Charity’s grant scheme programme, which distributes £1,000,000 annually to fund community-based initiatives that raise awareness of electrical safety and reduce risks for those who face the most danger. Through this, you will help empower local organisations to create tangible change in their communities.

In addition to helping administer the grant scheme, you’ll support the Charity’s outreach initiatives, working closely with the Senior Grants and Outreach Officer to identify opportunities to expand the charity’s reach and partnerships. 

The charity’s outreach work goes beyond working with grant partners to maximise impact. It also involves identifying and developing partnerships with organisations that enable us to reach the most at-risk and hard-to-reach groups, working with them as trusted intermediaries, and supporting the development of longer-term, sustainable projects that deliver lasting impact.

This includes proactively engaging with grant recipients and partners, visiting funded projects to see first-hand the difference our work is making in educating people and saving lives, raising the profile of the charity, and ensuring outreach activity supports wider organisational objectives, including policy and public affairs priorities.

As this role sits within the Public Affairs and Policy team, there will be opportunities to connect grant and outreach work to the charity’s wider UK public affairs activity. This may include supporting work on key issues such as product safety, housing, and net zero, and occasional opportunities to support the team’s engagement with political stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to combine grant management and outreach, while gaining experience in public affairs, all with the goal of helping protect lives and making a real difference at a national and local level. 

Working With Us

This is a hybrid role, with the office located in Borough, a short walk from London Bridge. There are expectations for travel around the UK as part of supporting grant recipients and outreach work.

Additional Information

Applications will close on 17th May, though please note that we may close the application sooner depending on the number of applications received, so we would encourage you to apply as soon as you are able. 

Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview, which will involve a task to be specified closer to the time. Unfortunately due to capacity, we will be unable to contact unsuccessful candidates.

Our Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday a year (plus bank and public holidays)
• Festive Break (Discretionary): Up to three extra paid days off between Christmas and New Year 
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee discount platform
• Hybrid working
• Learning opportunities
• Life assurance
• Loyalty awards
• Workplace pension scheme
• Private medical insurance (Optional)

Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates

We recognise that many candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Please therefore do not solely rely on AI for your application.

Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Regional Public Affairs Manager 

Starting Salary: £50,582 (if based outside London); £53,777 (if based in London) 

Contract: Full-time, permanent contract (we are open to conversations about different ways of working - so please ask) 

Location: Remote role - can be based anywhere in England or Wales with an expectation of frequent travel across England and Wales 

About Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable foundation, backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the people within it. We want everyone to be in a good place - personally, in a home that’s a good place to live, and in a community that’s a good place to belong. 

We play our role by connecting and catalysing community-led change, providing the money, time, tools and connections that build organisations’ capacity and capability, to make people’s lives better and their communities stronger. 

We back people and communities across England and Wales, to make that happen, because when you back brilliant people, brilliant things happen. Our communities are full of ambitious, energetic and determined people stepping up to make their neighbours’ lives better and their communities grow stronger. Day in, day out. 

About the Role 

This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of impactful public affairs and influencing activity, strengthening regional voice and national impact. 

As Regional Public Affairs Manager, you will work closely with colleagues to support influencing activity across England and Wales, helping to build confidence, capability, and effectiveness. You will support engagement with decision-makers, campaigns, and partnerships, ensuring activity is aligned and impactful. 

You will play a key role in connecting local insight to national influencing, identifying emerging themes and helping to shape wider organisational priorities. You will also build relationships with external stakeholders, supporting activity that raises the Foundation’s profile and impact. 

About You

We’re looking for someone with experience in public affairs, policy, or influencing, particularly at local or regional level. You will have experience of supporting or delivering influencing activity and working with a range of stakeholders. 

You will be a strong relationship builder who combines practical delivery with the ability to use insight and evidence to inform work. A good understanding of the UK political landscape and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is essential. 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partner, Atkinson HR via the information in the candidate pack.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

We hold Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2) and are working towards full status by 2027. This means that if you're a disabled applicant and your CV and application answers clearly demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria for the role, we will invite you to interview. 

More broadly, we are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities and people we work with. We believe that diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger and helps us make better decisions. We actively welcome applications from people who are under-represented in the charity sector, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, and those with experience of the issues our funded charities work to address. 

Key Dates 

Closing Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026 

Optional Q&A Session: Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 09:00-10:00 

First Interview: Friday 22nd May 2026 

Second Interview: Wednesday 3rd June 2026 

Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Head of Public Affairs (Maternity Cover) 

Starting Salary: £64,936 per annum (London-based) 

Contract: Full-time, fixed-term contract (we are open to conversations about different ways of working - so please ask) 

Location: London-based role with expectation of hybrid working from our London office 

About Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable foundation, backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the people within it. We want everyone to be in a good place - personally, in a home that’s a good place to live, and in a community that’s a good place to belong. 

We play our role by connecting and catalysing community-led change, providing the money, time, tools and connections that build organisations’ capacity and capability, to make people’s lives better and their communities stronger. 

We back people and communities across England and Wales, to make that happen, because when you back brilliant people, brilliant things happen. Our communities are full of ambitious, energetic and determined people stepping up to make their neighbours’ lives better and their communities grow stronger. Day in, day out. 

About the Role 

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape and lead the Foundation’s national public affairs and influencing work during a period of maternity cover, maintaining momentum and driving meaningful change in policy and practice. 

As Head of Public Affairs, you will set direction for influencing activity across England and Wales, ensuring it is aligned to organisational priorities and continues to deliver impact. You will lead engagement with senior policymakers and political processes, acting as a credible and visible representative of the Foundation. 

Working closely with colleagues, you will ensure that influencing activity remains informed by local insight and translated into clear national priorities. You will also contribute to organisational leadership, supporting strategic direction while leading a high-performing public affairs team through this period. 

About You 

We’re looking for an experienced and credible leader with a strong background in public affairs, policy, or influencing. You will bring a track record of delivering impact at national or regional level, alongside a strong understanding of the UK political landscape. 

You will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, with excellent relationship-building skills and experience of engaging senior stakeholders. You will be confident providing leadership and continuity in a fixed-term role. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is essential. 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partner, Atkinson HR via the information in the candidate pack.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

We hold Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2) and are working towards full status by 2027. This means that if you're a disabled applicant and your CV and application answers clearly demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria for the role, we will invite you to interview. 

More broadly, we are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities and people we work with. We believe that diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger and helps us make better decisions. We actively welcome applications from people who are under-represented in the charity sector, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, and those with experience of the issues our funded charities work to address. 

Key Dates 

Closing Date: Thursday 7th May 2026 

Optional Q&A Session: Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 09:00-10:00 

First Interview: Monday 18th May 2026 

Second Interview: Monday 1st June 2026 

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis. We're working towards a brighter future for everyone with cystic fibrosis (CF) by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.

If you are passionate about driving change through policy and influencing and you want to play a pivotal role in improving the lives of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) join us as our next Policy and Public Affairs Manager and help shape a future where everyone with CF can access the treatments and care they need.

In this impactful role, you will lead the delivery of our policy and public affairs work across a defined portfolio, with a strong focus on ensuring people with CF have access to life-changing treatments and improving standards of care across the UK for people with CF – both now and in the future.

Working closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will turn strategic priorities into compelling influencing plans and high-quality policy outputs. You’ll ensure our voice is heard where it matters most – across government, healthcare systems, and key stakeholders – to drive meaningful improvements in outcomes for people living with CF.

In this role, you will take ownership of:
 

• Leading the development of robust, evidence-based policy positions
• Designing and delivering effective public affairs and influencing strategies
• Building and managing relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers
• Ensuring our work is grounded in the lived experiences of people with cystic fibrosis

You will also line manage one Policy and Public Affairs Officer.

This is an opportunity to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, using your expertise to influence real change in a highly respected health charity.

If you are an experienced policy and public affairs professional with a passion for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

We offer a range of benefits including flexible working, 30 days annual leave plus recognised bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, shopping discounts club, enhanced maternity/adoption pay, free tea and coffee in the office, employee assistance programme and opportunities for learning and development.

This is a UK based role and offers a flexible location; however, if London office-based, a minimum of 40% working hours per week in the office is required. If home-based, travel to London office will be required in line with business needs.

Please note you will need to have the right to work in the UK before starting work with us and we will check this. We do not hold a Home Office Sponsorship Licence and therefore cannot offer visa sponsorship for our roles.

Closing date and interview date

Closing date for completed applications: 11:59pm Monday 4th May 2026

Interviews expected week commencing w/c 11 May 2026​​​​​​​ 

We reserve the right to bring forward or extend the closing date if necessary.  Therefore, if you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.

How to apply

Before applying, please ensure you read the job description attached, for more information about the role. 

Applications should be made through our recruitment portal Hireful and to apply, please select ‘Apply Now’.

No media or agencies please.

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace

Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, can be themselves and achieve their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain staff with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; particularly people who have cystic fibrosis, people who identify as being from an ethnic minority group, as LGBTQ and people with disabilities. 

It is our policy not to discriminate against any person because of their age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability (physical and mental), race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation or union membership.

REF-227 918

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience working in a policy role focused on food or related issues (climate, nutrition, health or education). You will have knowledge of the political landscape in the UK and experience working with or in government departments, academia and NGOs on a range of policy issues.

It is an exciting time in food policy, and in this role you’ll have opportunities to work across our national policy portfolio, whether its exploring the link between climate change and food prices, developing our proposition for a Good Food Bill, improving the Healthy Start scheme, or strengthening public sector procurement.

The postholder will manage a variety of high impact activities and outputs that are used to drive forward change across our national policy areas and will work will colleagues across the organisation working in national policy, local policy, communications, events and food business transformation to do this.

Due to the evolving policy landscape, there will be a chance to tailor the role to the interests and experience of the successful candidate.

Across these workstreams, you’ll get a chance to:

• contribute to the refinement of policy asks and comms messaging,
• undertake desk research to inform policy,
• coordinate activities with different stakeholders and partners working across different policy areas
• support Ambassadors on advocacy related to dietary inequalities
• support communications and campaign work related to this work

Job Description:

Management and Strategy

• Support the policy portfolio of campaigns and projects across our national policy areas, including on food prices and food inflation, our Good Food Bill campaign, Healthy Start and early years.
• Work closely with the Policy and Advocacy Manager to develop and implement project plans and deliverables across these areas
• Maintain a careful record of our policy impact according to our agreed metrics within our Monitoring Evaluation and Learning framework.
• Policy and research
• Synthesize evidence for and play a significant part in the development of position statements/briefings/reports, working closely with the wider policy team and our designer.
• Support the Public Affairs lead to develop policy products for use in parliamentary engagement.
• Working closely with our Research Lead, identify evidence gaps and policy research questions which are relevant to our policy work to support new positions and generate new ideas for research or evidence collection which help achieve our policy goals.
• Work where needed with external contractors in the delivery of specific pieces of work, setting clear expectations and holding them accountable for delivery.
• Stakeholder engagement
• Develop and maintain a strong civil society network of stakeholders, working to broaden the support base for specific policies.
• Participate in coalitions of organisations who are campaigning together on specific areas of policy change.
• Develop and maintain relationships with junior civil servants in key departments across all policy areas.
• Work with the Citizens Engagement Manager to identify opportunities to bring Adult and Young Food Ambassadors into policy activities and research.
• Represent the Food Foundation and present our work in external events and meetings with relevant audiences and the media.
• Budgets and fundraising
• Administer grants which support our projects and ensure that funders are kept well informed, receive timely reports and that budgets are kept on track.
• Maintain good relationships with funders according to their requirements and provide input to proposals and funding bids.

Communications and campaigns

• Develop a comprehensive approach to dissemination of our policy outputs so they reach our intended audiences.
• Act as a local/regional media spokesperson, brief journalists, and respond to media queries.
• Contribute policy and evidence expertise to support campaign delivery.
• Contribute policy expertise to press releases, newsletters, web copy, podcasts and blogs.
• Support the maintenance of website pages related to project areas.
• Draft social media posts and newsletters.

Personal Profile

Technical skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of the food system, food and nutrition and/or health policy and policy levers for change.
• Strong knowledge of the mechanics of the UK policy-making landscape, including the workings of Westminster and Whitehall.
• Proven experience in synthesising evidence and using evidence to make a case for change.
• Proven experience in writing reports and briefings for different audiences, with the ability to explain complex and highly nuanced subject matter in plain English.
• Previous experience working in a policy role, refining policy asks and communicating these with different stakeholders
• Excellent analytic skills and close attention to detail.

Personal skills:

• Proven experience in budget management, project management and reporting to funders.
• Proven experience in managing multiple projects concurrently to tight deadlines and prioritising workload.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence in speaking to external audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to problem-solve and manage risk.
• Ability to work independently and manage own time effectively.
• Ability to build strong relationships with all members of the team.
• Open to giving and receiving challenging viewpoints.
• Resilience and tenacity whilst recognising the need for self-awareness and the impact of actions on others and the organisation.
• Willingness to travel for project meetings and dissemination events.
• A confident networker who enjoys building connections and relationships with new people.

This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity only. The Food Foundation is a small charity and as such all staff are expected to vary their duties as necessary to meet the needs of the organisation.

Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager 

London 

£50,956 to £53,000

Working hours – full time (35 hours a week) - you’ll agree your working pattern with your manager (core working hours are 10:00 - 16:00).

Location – London and homeworking (minimum 6 days a month in the London office, anchor day in the office every Wednesday)

Purpose and scope

Are you looking for a policy role where you can make a difference? Our client is looking for a Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager to grow their influence with government and in UK parliament to ensure the voice of physicians effectively influences the national policy agenda.

You’ll be part of the policy and campaigns team, responsible for ensuring they maintain its position as a credible, influential stakeholder in the eyes of government, NHS systems and their physician members.  

You’ll join the organisation just as it publishes a new strategy and decides new areas of policy focus. You’ll play a critical role in developing and delivering the public affairs strategy to ensure that the organisation is an effective advocate for its members.

You will lead and manage our public affairs work, designing and delivering influencing strategies and contributing your expertise to policy development and campaign planning for a range of policy issues. You’ll maintain a proactive awareness of issues within the UK health sector, politics and the media and identify opportunities for influencing and policy development. You will have demonstrable experience of developing and delivering successful influencing strategies, using a range of parliamentary influencing tactics to achieve policy change.

You will lead and manage the organisation’s stakeholder engagement. You will ensure we have the right relationships at the right level to achieve our influencing aims and maintain a network of contacts across the sector, in parliament, including political advisers, and the civil service.

You will be as comfortable speaking to parliamentarians and briefing senior leaders for meetings as you are writing consultation responses and policy briefings. You will be able to engage with the policy detail, while appreciating the bigger political picture and the organisation's place in it.

You’ll need a sharp eye for detail and be able to quickly and accurately interpret and communicate complex information. You will provide the president, senior officers and senior staff with public affairs advice, brief them for meetings and play an active role in engaging external stakeholders in NHS systems and the wider sector yourself.

The policy and campaigns team – which is part of the wider communications, policy and research directorate – is a fast paced, collaborative and innovative environment. You will help us shape our objectives and continuously improve how we work.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a proactive awareness of issues within the UK health sector, politics and the media and identifying opportunities for influencing and policy development
• Working proactively to identify opportunities for parliamentary engagement to grow the profile of the organisation.
• Building and owning relationships with Ministers Parliamentarians, their staff and civil servants, arms-length bodies and other sector stakeholders organisations relevant to their policy and campaigns aims.
• Providing public affairs advice to senior officers and staff, as well as their boards, committees and other activities as appropriate
• Managing a robust horizon scanning and political intelligence monitoring service to the senior officers, senior staff and the organisation as a whole.
• Owning a policy portfolio and developing proactive and reactive policy positions, working in partnership with senior officers, their members, communications colleagues and other staff and organisations. 
• Working flexibly and proactively without close supervision, undertaking a range of work such as writing briefings, letters, policy positions and consultation responses.
• Working with the media team to develop our client's voice with communications approaches that ensure high impact for their influencing and campaigns work.
• Preparing senior officers and staff for stakeholder meetings, supporting them in those meetings and yourself representing the organisation at meetings and events.
• Managing an adviser and developing them to the best of their ability.
• Any other duties commensurate with your post, including deputising for the head of policy and campaigns and executive/deputy directors of communications, policy and research, and managing budgets.

Experience

You will

• a strong background in public affairs, policy development and effective influencing in Westminster and UK government
• significant experience of developing and delivering successful influencing campaigns and having used a range of public affairs tactics, including the media, to achieve policy change
• significant experience of the policy development process and understanding of how to influence national and/or arms-length body policy processes. 
• excellent writing skills and experience of producing briefings, consultation responses and other communications on behalf of an organisation and senior people
• strong experience of giving advice to senior people, getting buy-in for your ideas and influencing opinion internally
• strong experience of successfully managing competing views, priorities and interests to achieve your aims. 
• be able to quickly develop positive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including those at senior level
• experience of successfully managing high profile issues, relationships and events
• acting on your own initiative to develop new work, proposing reasonable and realistic solutions
• understand the importance of and be committed to involving a diverse range of organisations and people in developing and delivering campaigns.

You may have experience of

• health and/or social care policy
• influencing the Senedd
• communications management
• working in a membership organisation and involving members in advocacy
• budget management

Closing date: 05 May 2026

Interviewing date: 18 May 2026

Our client positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. 

Our client is all about their people – their members, staff, volunteers and leaders. They educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know they can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into their community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients they serve is a priority for us.

Do you want to change the world for vulnerable children?

The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK (CVAA) aims to improve adoption policy and practice across the UK for the benefit of children, challenging the adoption system to deliver for children and work in their best interests. Alongside advocating for system change, CVAA works to support our member voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) across the four nations of the UK, stimulating innovation and ensuring they stay at the leading edge of practice. The active engagement of members and the building of collaborative alliances with others who seek positive change for children are essential to the effectiveness of our work.

The Head of Policy is a vital member of the small CVAA team, working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to champion the voluntary adoption sector and put children at the heart of everything we do. Due to maternity leave we have an exceptional and unique opportunity for someone who shares our passion to change the world for children, to gain valuable experience working at national level with senior stakeholders to contribute to system change, advocating for the power of adoption to change lives.

You will need strong people skills, experience of developing policy in consultation with stakeholders and using data to transform services and strengthen lobbying work. Most of all you need a cast iron commitment to change the world for vulnerable children.

CVAA works to challenge discrimination and disadvantage and welcomes applications from all communities, particularly those who are underrepresented in our sector, which includes but is not limited to people from Global Majority backgrounds, adoptees, men and those who identify as LGBTQ.

Key information

• Maternity Cover 1 year from July 2026
• Location - remote contract with occasional travel
• £40 – 45K depending on experience
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Applications

Please send a CV and letter of application, outlining your motivation for applying and the skills you offer, to Satwinder Sandhu (CEO) by 5pm on Friday 8th May 2026.

Both Satwinder (CEO) and Alice (Director of Strategy and Policy) are happy to have an informal chat about the role. Please email to arrange a convenient time to speak.

Initial online interviews via Microsoft Teams will be on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th May, with final in-person interviews scheduled for Thursday 28th May 2026 in London. Please let us know whether you cannot make any of these dates in your application.

Full time, 35 hours per week

Permanent

Grade DL, Salary £46,949.35 per annum

Location: Euston, London (hybrid working, minimum two days per week in the London office, including Thursdays)

Closing date: 9.00am, Monday 27 April

Interview date: Week commencing 04 May or 11 May TBC

The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest membership organisation solely for GPs in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1952, it has over 55,000 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline. General practice is the largest branch of the medicine and provides a majority of population’s contact with the health service.

We are looking for a senior policy professional with experience working on policy issues related to data, digital and AI to join our policy team, which is part of our Policy, Research and Campaigns department. If successful, you will help to make the case for resources in primary care to meet the health needs of our population, develop policy solutions to improve general practice, and influence decision making at senior levels of government. You will contribute to efforts in overcoming some of the biggest changes and challenges faced by the NHS in its history, with a particular focus on supporting general practice to engage with and respond to dynamic digital developments. You will work closely with our public affairs and campaigns team and our press team, as well as a range of others across the organisation, to ensure that the voice of general practice is heard at the most senior levels.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic policy professional who can hit the ground running and help drive forwards our influence in key areas within a fast-paced policy landscape. The successful individual will be responsible for data, digital and AI related policy areas affecting general practice, as well as engaging on a range of policy areas as required.

If you are a driven professional looking for a dynamic role where you will quickly be able to have an impact, we would like to hear from you. You should:

• have demonstrable experience working in policy. 
• be confident in taking a lead on policy development and able to quickly become an expert in complex policy areas of general practice.
• have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an eye for detail and an ability to explain complex problems to different audiences.
• be a strong self-starter who is confident in taking initiative.
• be confident in using evidence to help make a case for change.

The successful candidate will share our corporate values. In return, the College offers excellent terms and conditions and great working environment.

Please find the full Job Description in the downloadable Candidate Pack.

To apply, please click 'Quick Apply' and complete the application form on the Vacancies page on the RCGP website.

The Royal College of General Practitioners is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

                                            ~ Building a sustainable future for general practice ~

“The go-to organisation for a public health perspective”.

(Senior UK Government official)

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is the representative body for Directors of Public Health in the UK. It has a rich heritage, with its origins dating back more than 160 years and is a collaborative organisation working in partnership with others to maximise the voice for public health.

We are now seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next phase of its evolution, maintaining and building upon its established reputation and influence. The role requires a wide-ranging set of skills, capabilities and experience, proven leadership and credibility at the highest level. The successful candidate will have strong negotiating and influencing skills, and the ability to work independently, with board-level accountability, and be expected to develop and sustain extensive national networks across local authorities, the NHS, the voluntary sector and central Government. Possessing an adaptability in working practice together with a self-motivated, proactive approach that performs well under pressure, the successful candidate will be educated to Masters level with ongoing study in public health. In addition, they should have senior management training or equivalent experience and a clear record of continuing professional development. Experience should include at least five years in the public health environment, including in policy development, plus a minimum of three years in operational, financial and resource management.

Accountable to our Board of Trustees and the wider membership, the new CEO will develop the strategic direction of the Association and lead the organisation to deliver a rolling medium-term Strategic Business Plan, balanced budgets and effective governance in compliance with company and charity law. An ability to prioritise planned and reactive work programmes to meet the needs of our membership is required, alongside the sourcing and delivery of timely bids for external funding together with the management of staff and resources to ensure value for money and staff wellbeing.

The post holder will support the President, Vice‑President, Board and ADPH Council by applying public health knowledge through teaching, coaching, publishing and presenting as appropriate, maintaining a personal programme of continuing professional development, and be expected to uphold the Association’s values of members first, excellence, collaboration, inclusion and professionalism. Occasional travel, throughout the UK, and flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work will also be necessary.

To apply, submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your leadership experience, strategic achievements and vision for supporting Directors of Public Health across the UK.

About us
The Microbiology Society is a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects, and their practical uses. It has a worldwide membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, research institutes, schools, and other organisations.

Our members have a unique depth and breadth of knowledge about the discipline. The Society’s role is to help unlock and harness the potential of that knowledge.

Our commitment to anyone who studies microbes is “whoever you are, wherever you are, we will amplify your voice”.

About you
The Head of Engagement and Storytelling will develop compelling content and channels for a wide range of audiences, to showcase the astonishing wonder of microbes, the transformative power of microbiology and the essential contribution of microbiologists.

This role reports to the Chief Communications Officer and will requires collaborative working with members of the Society's governance structure and the Heads of Scientific Programmes and Development Opportunities respectively, responsible for creating and delivering the society's overall communication strategy across all channels including social media and website, overseeing policy and membership engagement activities, promoting member expertise to policymakers in the UK and internationally and encourage member engagement through opportunities the Society's 'Get Involved' campaign.

The postholder will have experience working within science communication, displaying strong scientific knowledge while delivering high impact engagement campaigns. It is essential to have experience in People Management as this role oversees the different branches of the Engagement and Storytelling theme covering Communication, Policy and Membership.

Please note that the organisation operates a hybrid working policy.

For more information about the Society, please visit our website.

Our generous benefits package includes;
• Flexible working hours
• Highly competitive salaries with an annual cost of living increase
• 23 days holiday + eight bank holidays and three additional days over the Christmas break
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Life insurance including free (health and wellbeing) employee support services
• Enhanced maternity pay to include 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and 13 weeks of statutory maternity pay
• Enhanced Adoption pay to include 26 weeks of fully paid adoption leave and 13 weeks of statutory adoption pay
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• £50 contribution towards eye care

To Apply

Please attach your CV and Cover Letter.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Interviews will be held in-person at the Microbiology Society Office.

Closing date: 8th May 2026

It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter. This is because the Microbiology Society is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We value, promote, and seek diversity.

The Society also takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Please note that due to limited resources, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted therefore, if you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

“We are interested in every candidate who is eligible to work in the United Kingdom. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.”