Policy and public affairs officer jobs in edinburgh
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!
Job TitleCommunications Manager
LocationHome based (Home working with regular meetings in London)
Salary£35,000 - £45,000
HoursFull Time, permanent
Reports to Chief Policy Officer
NOTE:
- Please include notice period and salary expectations in application letter.
- First round interviews will be held on Friday 7 November, final round interviews will be held on Friday 14 November
About Parentkind
As one of the largest federated charities in the UK, with arguably greater reach into the lives of families and educational settings than any other non-Government organisation, Parentkind is on a bold and urgent mission: to support, champion, and empower parents to be partners in their children’s education and wellbeing.
Although best known for our support of almost 24,000 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Councils, and Schools, helping them build strong school communities whilst they raise approaching £140 million each year to enhance children’s education, our work stretches far beyond the school gates. Parentkind is building a powerful movement that recognises parental engagement not as a nicety, but a necessity.
Supporting parents beyond the school gate
In recent years, families have faced a series of compounding challenges: the cost-of-living crisis, rising child poverty, and deepening educational inequality. These pressures have left many parents struggling to meet basic needs—let alone feel confident engaging in their child’s learning journey. Parentkind has responded to this moment with compassion, agility and purpose, through a series of transformative campaigns, resources, and partnerships.
Our No Cold Child initiative with FatFace stepped in to address a stark statistic: over 150,000 children in the UK do not own a winter coat due to poverty. Through our trusted relationships with schools we distributed 10,000 warm, high-quality coats worth £600,000 to the children who needed them most. Winning the Business Charity Awards ‘Fashion & Retail’ Award, and shortlisted for two further awards, the campaign has been praised not just for providing warmth, but for restoring dignity, inclusion, and school readiness to thousands of children.
The All Dressed Up campaign—developed with World Book Day and Rubies Masquerade—confronted the often-overlooked issue of financial exclusion on key celebration days. More than 100,000 free dressing up costumes worth £1.34 million were delivered to children from low-income families. By enabling participation in events like World Book Day, we helped spark imagination, joy, and belonging for children who might otherwise feel left out—boosting self-esteem and supporting a positive connection to learning.Furthermore, helping attract children into school on a day which often sees struggling parents keep their children at home.
Alongside these national campaigns, Parentkind supports families year-round through a growing suite of programmes designed to inform, prepare and empower parents. Our Be School Ready programme offers crucial guidance and confidence to parents preparing their children for the leap into primary education. With a mix of practical advice, developmental tips, and reassurance, through the distribution of 150,000 copies of Be School Ready and an online campaign, it supports families at one of the most formative moments in their child’s life.
We also deliver a wide-ranging series of live expert webinars and parent-friendly resources, covering topics such as managing anxiety, supporting special educational needs, navigating school transitions, and building home-school partnerships. These resources, developed in consultation with experts and rooted in lived parent experience, equip families to feel informed and empowered, no matter what challenges arise.
Our direct support of schools
Our collaboration with Asda on Cashpot for Schools is another example of unlocking support at scale. This innovative community-led funding model allowed shoppers to nominate and fund their local schools simply through everyday spending. This campaign has generated £5.78 million for schools during the past twelve months, supporting everything from basic classroom supplies to vital extracurricular programmes and pupil wellbeing initiatives. Also shortlisted for a Business Charity Award, it is already a model for community-driven philanthropy.
In April, we launched our Parent-Friendly Schools Accreditation Programme, designed to formally recognise schools that go above and beyond in fostering positive, inclusive relationships with parents. The accreditation celebrates schools that actively listen to parent voices, make engagement easy and accessible, and embed family partnership in their culture. It is a practical and inspiring tool to drive long-term change in the sector and offers a roadmap for schools wanting to strengthen their community.
Our focus on Policy & Research
Our work is grounded in evidence. Since 2023, we have conducted the UK’s largest annual parent survey: the National Parent Survey. With approaching 6,000 participants providing 130,000 bits of data to provide invaluable insights into the struggles, concerns, hopes and fears of parents. The findings are fed directly into government consultations and have already informed national debates on school funding, attendance, mental health support, SEND provision, and curriculum reform.
In each of the past two years the number of policymakers, educators, parents and researchers accessing the National Parent Survey exceeded seven thousand, and the survey featured in more than two hundred media outlets each year. In addition to the National Parent Survey, Parentkind undertakes representative polling of parents throughout the year on a variety of important topics, which increasingly find exposure in the media and policy discussion.
Parentkind provides the secretariat for the Westminster APPG for Parents and the Stormont APG for Parental Participation in Education. Two very successful parliamentary groups bringing together policymakers and a variety of stakeholders to consider the challenges faced by parents and act as a voice for them through a variety of policymakers.
Our Media Engagement
Since becoming recognised as the UK’s largest parent charity, with likely more groups and frontline volunteers than the Scouts or Girlguiding, Parentkind has gained increasing prominence in the media.Beyond the reach of the National Parent Survey and our regular polling, Parentkind receives frequent requests for quotes of reflection and input by media in relation to their journalism and from Government and non-Government entities in support of policy announcements.
Beyond this, the Parentkind community of volunteers and PTAs share local or regional media announcements of their own.Whether or not it celebrating the completion of large projects they have invested countless hours and thousands of pounds into realising, or the community event they have worked into the night to deliver for their school communities.
It will be your role to take this much further, gaining increasing exposure for the work of Parentkind, its community, and parents more broadly.
If you believe, like we do, that when parents matter, children succeed, we’d love to hear from you.
What we are looking for…
- Someone with a “nose for news” and an understanding what makes a newsworthy opinion poll that will hit the headline and go big on social media.
- We are a small, fast paced team, there are no line management responsibilities attached to the role. We’re looking for someone with a “roll up your sleeves up and get on with it” mentality.
- Being able to demonstrate you can sell our parent voice research and amazing existing data to media across broadcast, social media and print media
- Being able to lead and deliver a plan to raise our profile on social media, broadcast and in print media
- A good understanding of the challenges faced by children and families, education debates and education policy, we are the voice of parents.
- We are a cross party charity and we work with all parties, we want someone who understands that approach and brings it to their work.
- Someone who can to respond to social media debates at pace and make sure are part of the debate.
- Experience of writing compelling written documents when 100 words would make a stronger case than 1,000. You can bring evidence to life and make an argument to convince.
- Someone with experience of appearing on broadcast media and willing to be a ‘talking head’ for Parentkind as required. This is not essential, but it would be great to have someone willing to do this.
Your mission is to massively increase our online, in print and social media presence with a specific focus on policy, research and impact, to make us the highest profile parent charity in the UK. We have a huge amount of data on what parents think and we need you to get it seen. This is a great job for someone who wants to grab hold of a “comms” function and make it their own.
Parentkind is a UK wide charity, you will be expected to support our work in other parts of the UK where necessary.
UK-based applications only will be considered.
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!
Policy Officer-Wales
Based at home, situated across Wales including regular travel around the country and to the Senedd, Cardiff.
22.5 hrs per week
Fixed term post 2 years - with possible extension
Circa £35,000 p.a FTE depending on experience
Make a difference for kidney patients in Wales!
Are you passionate about influencing policy and driving change? Do you want to be part of a growing team making a real impact on the lives of people with kidney disease?
We’re looking for a Policy Officer – Wales to help shape policy, build relationships, and advocate for better support and care for kidney patients. In this brand-new role, you’ll work for Kidney Care UK and Kidney Wales, engaging with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and those affected by kidney disease.
You’ll spend time at the Senedd, building connections with local politicians and councillors, and ensuring the voices of kidney patients are heard loud and clear. With your knowledge of Welsh Government structures (or similar UK experience), you’ll help drive our campaigns and influence change.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible difference, working flexibly in a supportive team. If you’re ready to champion kidney patients and shape policy in Wales, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Develop or participate in work programs and undertake projects to explore policy issues under the guidance of the Policy Director of Kidney Care UK and the Managing Director of Kidney Wales.
- Support the research, development and dissemination of policy positions in Wales.
- Work with other team members to deliver events/reports or campaigns as needed
- Keep up to date with the policy department and charity work to avoid duplication and ensure good communications with our colleagues.
- Contribute to the newly created All Wales Cross Party Group.
- Undertake desk-based research involving data collection and the synthesis of information from relevant sources.
- Seek out opportunities for communications and influencing in the Welsh parliament, including the need for a kidney group.
About you
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience working with elected members
- Experience in conducting analysis and writing and editing reports for publication
- Can travel regularly to the Senedd Cymru Welsh Parliament in Cardiff and other parts of Wales, plus Alton Hampshire
Employee benefits
- Employee assistance programme | Generous annual leave | Pension | Cycle2Work scheme | Flexible working | Retail discounts | Family leave | Health cash plan
The advert may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.
We are the UK's leading kidney patient support charity





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At Working Options, we are keenly aware that talent exists in all parts of society, and yet opportunities are not available to all. We aim to help all young people in the UK to transform their career and life chances. In 2024 we delivered in-person activities for 73,000 young people and engaged 2.5 million with digital content. We are proud of the impact our small, dedicated team has, and we can only achieve this success with committed volunteers, schools and funding partners who value the services we offer.
We were founded in Luton in 2012, and in 2024 following a generous grant from the Moondance Foundation we launched our work in Wales. So far, we have supported 20,000 Welsh students in a quarter of Welsh secondary schools. By 2029 we aim to be working in all state secondary schools across the country.
We are looking for a strategic lead to take our work in Wales to the next level. With oversight of our Wales Accelerator, the postholder will develop relationships with funders, media, government, and other key players to open doors for our work across Wales. You will listen and respond to local needs to direct our operational work on the ground.
Success in this role will be measured by our increased profile, new partnerships and income secured to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our work in Wales.
We are flexible about whether this is a full-time or part-time position. The postholder will work closely with me and our Trustees, our key Advisors and Ambassadors (high-profile and well-connected individuals from a range of sectors), as well as our Head of Programme and delivery team for Wales. Your contribution to our work will be critical to our success, maximising the number of businesses, individuals and schools joining our movement to help all young people in Wales achieve career success.
Sue Maskrey
Chief Executive
_______
Yn Working Options, rydym yn ymwybodol iawn bod talent yn bodoli ym mhob rhan o'r gymdeithas, ac eto nid yw cyfleoedd ar gael i bawb. Ein nod yw helpu holl bobl ifanc y DU i drawsnewid eu cyfleoedd gyrfa a bywyd. Yn 2024, fe wnaethom gyflwyno gweithgareddau wyneb yn wyneb i 73,000 o bobl ifanc ac ymgysylltu â 2.5 miliwn gyda chynnwys digidol. Rydym yn falch o'r effaith y mae ein tîm bach, ymroddedig yn ei chael, a dim ond gyda gwirfoddolwyr ymroddedig, ysgolion a phartneriaid ariannu sy'n gwerthfawrogi'r gwasanaethau a gynigiwn y gallwn gyflawni'r llwyddiant hwn.
Fe'n sefydlwyd yn Luton yn 2012, ac yn 2024 yn dilyn grant hael gan Moondance Foundation fe wnaethom lansio ein gwaith yng Nghymru. Hyd yn hyn, rydym wedi cefnogi 20,000 o fyfyrwyr Cymreig mewn chwarter o ysgolion uwchradd Cymru. Erbyn 2029 ein nod yw bod yn gweithio ym mhob ysgol uwchradd y wladwriaeth ledled y wlad.
Rydym yn chwilio am arweinydd strategol i fynd â'n gwaith yng Nghymru i'r lefel nesaf. Gyda goruchwyliaeth ein Cyflymydd Cymru, bydd deiliad y swydd yn datblygu perthnasau gydag arianwyr, y cyfryngau, y llywodraeth, a chwaraewyr allweddol eraill i agor drysau ar gyfer ein gwaith ledled Cymru. Byddwch yn gwrando ar ac yn ymateb i anghenion lleol i gyfeirio ein gwaith gweithredol ar lawr gwlad.
Bydd llwyddiant yn y rôl hon yn cael ei fesur yn ôl ein proffil cynyddol, partneriaethau newydd ac incwm a sicrheir i sicrhau cynaliadwyedd ariannol hirdymor ein gwaith yng Nghymru.
Rydym yn hyblyg ynghylch a yw hon yn swydd amser llawn neu'n rhan-amser. Bydd deiliad y swydd yn gweithio'n agos gyda mi a'n Hymddiriedolwyr, ein Hymgynghorwyr a'n Llysgenhadon allweddol (unigolion proffil uchel â chysylltiadau da o ystod o sectorau), yn ogystal â'n Pennaeth Rhaglen a'n tîm cyflawni ar gyfer Cymru. Bydd eich cyfraniad at ein gwaith yn hanfodol i'n llwyddiant, gan gael y nifer uchaf o fusnesau, unigolion ac ysgolion i ymuno'n mudiad i helpu holl bobl ifanc Cymru i gyflawni llwyddiant gyrfa.
Sue Maskrey
Prif Weithredwr
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Director-level communications professional with a strong background in knowledge translation of technical information to different audiences internationally.
Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Director of Communications & Knowledge Translation will provide strategic leadership for all Health Care Without Harm Europe’s Communications and KT activities. The Director will lead exciting new digital KT initiatives in line with our new Strategy and as a key part of a small, high-performing team working at the timely intersection of health and the environment. S/he will lead and support all of the organisation’s engagement and communication with target audiences, so that they achieve maximum impact on European healthcare policy and practice in support of the organisation’s mission.
The post is for an initial 12-month period, at a critical time of development for the organisation’s communications and KT activities. We intend to make the post permanent thereafter, subject to receiving sufficient funding, and we have high hopes that this will be the case.
Transform the healthcare sector to reduce its environmental footprint, become more resilient, and establish itself as a sustainable development leader
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.
Are you a talented communicator who shares our passion for using scientific evidence to benefit the lives of animals? Can you help us to disseminate knowledge about animal welfare to a wide range of audiences?
We, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA), are two sister charities focused on the promotion of scientific, evidence-based approaches to animal welfare. We fund research, support the animal welfare science community, and advocate for evidence-based improvements to animal welfare worldwide. Communicating animal welfare science to both specialist audiences and the wider public is key to turning knowledge into real-world improvements in animal welfare. We are seeking a Scientific Communications and Content Assistant to join our talented Scientific Communications Team during an exciting period of growth and change for both charities.
The Scientific Communications and Content Assistant will support us to deliver our scientific communications strategy by helping to draft, design and publish engaging content for our print and digital platforms. This includes assisting with the creation of visual and written content that effectively convey complex scientific information to our diverse audiences.
The role will report to our Scientific Communications and Outreach Manager and work closely with the Public Affairs Lead and other internal teams to create engaging content for our audiences. We are seeking candidates with strong written, editing and visual skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.
The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of our small multi-disciplinary team and be confident to work unsupervised when necessary. You will be happy working across multiple projects, adapting to different communication styles and priorities, and keeping messaging clear and consistent across varied audiences.
This role will be home-based. Because we’re based in the UK, the appointee will need to be UK-based and legally entitled to work in the UK. You will be expected to occasionally attend our offices in Hertfordshire to carry out duties as required and attend meetings. Travel costs and subsidence will be covered for you in these situations. The role may also require occasional travel within the UK and possibly overseas for events and other relevant activities - some of which may occur at weekends or in the evening.
What you’ll be doing
- Drafting copy, designing graphics/visual materials (eg using Canva) and producing content for print, web, email, and social media
- Overseeing the Charities’ day-to-day social media activity, including scheduling posts, monitoring channels, and responding to engagement.
- Assisting with the creation and dissemination of the Charities’ content including but not limited to press releases, newsletters, and digital campaign materials.
- Liaising regularly with internal teams to stay up to date on the Charities’ activities and to plan and schedule content across channels.
- Monitoring social media analytics and Mailchimp performance metrics to support reporting and strategy development.
- Collaborating with internal teams, for example Fundraising, to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
- Occasionally creating, editing and publishing video content.
- Liaising with external agencies, partners and stakeholders.
- Ensuring all materials and communications are accessible and inclusive.
- Occasionally travelling within the UK and overseas for conferences, meetings and other events - some of which may take place during evenings or weekends.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience in digital communications, content creation and social media.
- Demonstrable writing and editing skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in using social media platforms (eg LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky and YouTube) and scheduling tools such as Hootsuite.
- Experience using graphic and content design tools such as Canva.
- Ability to monitor, analyse and interpret performance analytics from platforms including Mailchimp, social media, Hootsuite etc.
- Proven organisational and time management skills.
- Experience of working collaboratively with diverse teams, with well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of and commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
- Experience working within brand and tone of voice guidelines.
- Experience creating content tailored to a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
- An understanding of and comfort with the Charities’ approach to animal welfare which includes co-operation with the livestock and slaughter industry, as well as laboratory animal researchers. Whilst both charities promote the highest standards of animal welfare, they do not oppose the use of animals by humans for research or food.
It would be great if you have
- Experience working in a charity or non-profit environment.
- A background in science such as a BSc or relevant experience in a scientific charity or setting.
- Knowledge of animal welfare science and practices.
- Familiarity with website content management systems such as WordPress.
- Experience creating and editing video content.
- Understanding of policy communications or advocacy work.
- Understanding of SEO, engagement metrics, and digital advertising.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages of A4) that describes how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of our role. Applications close at 23:30 BST on Sunday 19 October.
First round interviews will be held online on 3 November 2025, and second round interviews held in London on 10 November 2025.
We use anonymous recruitment at the screening stage to enable an inclusive recruitment process.
What we can offer you
- 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after ten years of service*.
- Flexible working, including opportunities to work from home.
- Day one employer pension contributions of 8% of salary, into our pension scheme.
- Access to AonProtect Assistance which includes access to counselling services, legal, tax, medical and bereavement advice
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders with two wellbeing days* per year to rest, recharge, and focus on mental, emotional, or physical health - without using annual leave.
- Optional childcare salary sacrifice scheme.
- Pet bereavement leave.
- Generous sick pay policy.
- Training and development opportunities.
*Pro-rata for part-time employees.
Please submit your CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages of A4) that describes how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of our role. Applications close at 23:30 BST on Sunday 19 October.
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!
Community Fundraiser - Home Counties
Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?
Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex.
Key Responsibilities:
- Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects
- Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth
- Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders
- Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research
Requirements:
- At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation
- Strong experience in supporter stewardship
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike
- Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure
If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.
We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
Closing Date: 06th November 2025
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.