Policy intern jobs
ROLE OVERVIEW
You will be an exceptional Policy and Public Affairs Manager who will lead your team to achieve the goals detailed in the RLSS UK Strategic Framework 2025-2030. This is a unique opportunity to work on the front line of policy change, collaborating with ministers, government officials and key partners.
This is a strategic, hands-on role suited to someone with a deep commitment to our water safety and drowning prevention priorities together with significant experience of achieving outcomes and impact.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, implement and deliver the RLSS Policy and Public Affairs Strategy
- Influence UK and Ireland ministers and government officials by engaging them directly to raise awareness of RLSS UK’s vision, mission and purpose and seeking their support in achieving our goals
- Work collaboratively to influence specific legislation, including campaigning around bills, writing amendments, and working with MPs and Peers to promote them within the legislative process.
- Lead the management of the APPG
- Manage stakeholder engagement strategies and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and partners.
- Stakeholder engagement (Parliament): Build and maintain relationships with key policy makers and parliamentarians through face-to-face meetings, providing briefings to MPs and Lords for Parliamentary debates, preparing written/oral questions, and attending Select Committees, APPGs, Parliamentary receptions and other relevant roundtables and events.
- Attendance and representation at meetings which support RLSS UK’s policy and public affairs priorities
- Deliver evidence-based campaigns, including the production of speeches, blogs, reports, and social media content in collaboration with the communications and marketing team.
- Support the Communications and Marketing Team to develop content for the website and other internal and external communications, such as blogs and articles.
- Work with the Communications and marketing team to respond to media and other communication opportunities to promote the RLSS UK work and to contribute to national debate on relevant issues.
- Organise external events and represent RLSS UK at conferences, coalitions, and media opportunities.
- Write clear, compelling consultation responses and policy materials rooted in research, lived experience and case studies.
- Monitor political developments and identify opportunities to influence emerging debates.
- Work to ensure policy positions are aligned across the UK and Ireland.
- Monitor policy and political debates and developments on water safety and drowning issues, horizon-scanning emerging policy issues, and where appropriate, disseminate and brief colleagues and RLSS UK members.
- Identify proactive and reactive opportunities to promote and embed RLSS UK and members recommendations and research.
- Produce high quality and influential policy briefs, reports, position papers, and responses to consultations, to advocate for changes in policy and practice.
- Lead on the monitoring of policy engagement and impact by using necessary evaluation tools and work with external evaluators as required to capture impact and utilise learning.
- Work with RLSS UK members, people directly impacted by the drowning and other key stakeholders to harness and amplify their expertise and insights.
- Where needed, lead the co-ordination and establishment of member expert groups to inform our policy work.
- Develop opportunities for joint working with researchers / research organisations and manage that partnership work, including the development and co-ordinating the RLSS UK research symposium.
- Work with the RLSS UK team to recommend and secure relevant speakers and presenters for RLSS UK meetings and events.
- Contribute to the general administration and delivery of RLSS UK programmes, events and overall objectives.
- Work with the Director of Income Generation and Engagement to support the development of potential fundraising bids and reporting progress to funders.
- Maintain good working relations with trustees, staff and other stakeholders
- Attendance at Board and committees as required
- Maintain up to date and accurate records of contacts, engagement and stakeholder areas of expertise.
- Production of RLSS UK evidence-based internal and external reports
OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead on and support ad hoc projects as required
- Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required including all other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
- Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
- To demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
- To help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
- 5+ years’ experience working in policy and public affairs, preferably in the charity sector.
- Proven ability to build influence with politicians, advisors, and senior stakeholders.
- A proven record of influencing public affairs and policy change
- Evidence of building strategic relationships to further a cause and/or systems change
- Evidence of strong collaborative working and proven ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders to effect change
- Evidence of excellent analytical (primary and secondary sources of evidence) and writing skills, including experience of drafting briefings for high level meetings, writing research and/or policy reports for external audiences
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including the ability to draft briefings and present at public events.
- Experience of involving people with lived experience in policy and/or parliamentary affairs
- Comfortable representing an organisation externally and building relationships with partners, policy makers and influencers
- Understanding of methods to interact with political entities.
- Proficient in utilising social media for engagement purposes.
- Understanding of Ireland's political institutions and policy processes.
- Organisational and strategic thinking skills to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to emerging issues.
- A commitment to involving people with lived experience in policymaking.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and excellent time management skills to deliver on competing priorities
- Flexible and positive can-do work attitude
- Able to work independently and show initiative
- High level of diplomacy, personal integrity and empathy for others
- Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role including occasional evenings and weekends
Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
- Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK
- Policy and Public affairs qualification
- Experience of reporting to funders and/or supporting the development of potential fundraising bids
- Experience of project management, and/or line management
- Experience of using a CRM or similar monitoring/evaluation tools
WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU
RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -
- Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
- Private Medical Scheme*
- Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
- Eye Care*
- Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
- Free RLSS UK Membership
- Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
- Free on-site parking when working from HQ
- Company Events and more!
*Subject to eligibility criteria
YOUR APPLICATION
Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should be our next Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Closing Date – 11.59pm, Wednesday 8th October 2025
Interview Date – TBC, at our Worcester Head Office
Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.
RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
It is our vision to have nations without drowning where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About the Role: Are you a passionate and experienced policy professional with a commitment to social justice? The Alliance for Youth Justice are seeking an Interim Policy Manager to lead our policy and public affairs work until 30th April 2026. As we develop our next strategic plan and give full and proper consideration to the staffing required to deliver it, the Interim Policy Manager will support us to deliver our current strategic and funded commitments. This is a critical role focused on influencing policy and systemic change for children in contact with the youth justice system, including a clear focus on developing a racial justice approach.
Flexible Working Arrangements: We understand that talent comes in many forms, and we're committed to finding the right person for this role. We are open to a range of working arrangements:
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Salaried Contract: A standard employment contract until 30th April 2026.
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Secondment: We strongly encourage applications from individuals currently working within an AYJ member organisation who are interested in a secondment. Please discuss this with your current employer before applying.
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Freelance contract: Individuals or firms interested in undertaking the role on a freelance consultancy basis are welcome to apply. Please outline your proposed day rate and availability in your application.
What You’ll Be Doing:
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Driving our influencing strategy to achieve policy change.
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Working with our members to develop compelling, evidence-based policy positions.
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Building and managing relationships with politicians, civil servants, and key stakeholders.
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Ensuring the voices of children and young people with lived experience are central to our work.
Who We're Looking For: You will have a strong background in policy and influencing work, with a proven ability to bring about change. You're a skilled communicator, a strategic thinker, and have a deep understanding of the political landscape and the issues affecting children in the youth justice system.
What We Offer:
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Impactful work: The opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of young people.
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Collaborative and values driven team: A supportive and passionate team dedicated to our mission and values.
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Competitive Salary: £33516 per annum for a 28 hour week (£41895 per annum pro rata).
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Flexible Working: Home working and flexible hours to balance your work and personal life.
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Annual Leave: 25 days pro rata plus bank holidays and an additional 3 days to be taken between Christmas and New Year.
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Pension: We currently make a 5% employer contribution in addition to any employee contribution.
To Apply:
If you're passionate about youth justice and have the skills and experience to make a difference in this role, we encourage you to apply.
We recognise that historically marginalised groups may choose not to apply for a role they could be brilliant for because they don’t see themselves in every single element of the person specification. If you are interested in applying but aren’t sure that you have all of the skills and experience listed, please do still apply.
Application Deadline: 9.00 am, 8th October 2025.
Interviews: 21st and 22nd October.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Executive and Finance Officer
We’re looking for a proactive and highly organised Executive and Finance Officer to play a vital role in the operations of Centre for Mental Health.
This varied and interesting role supports our CEO and Board, managing day-to-day operations and taking on key finance and HR responsibilities. This will include financial support: reconciling accounts, processing invoices, supporting our Board by organising meetings and helping with many aspects of recruitment, onboarding and assisting our staff team. In this role, you will be at the heart of our team’s success.
You will need to bring outstanding organisational skills, strong IT ability, and experience in financial processes (with knowledge of Sage 50). Experience of working in a charity is desirable.
About us
We’re Centre for Mental Health. We take the lead in challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health. We do this by building research evidence to create fairer mental health policy.
By joining our small, friendly and dedicated team, you’ll help us create a fairer society and drive forward sustainable policy change, pursue equality, social justice and good mental health for all.
The closing date for applications is 7th October 23:59.
Interviews will be held in person at our office in Elephant and Castle, on Tuesday 21 October between 10am and 5pm.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Governance & Rights Lead
Permanent. Full Time. Hybrid working (You will be required to attend the office for a minimum of 2 days per week with the option to work remotely for the remaining 3 days).
Location: Bogota, Colombia
Salary: 189,930,623 Colombian Pesos per year
Applications and CV to be submitted in English only
About us
Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues and the option of being a homeworker for most of our roles too.
About the role
Reporting in to the Global Head of Programme Policy and Practice, the Governance & Rights Lead is a key role designated as the single point of accountability governance and rights leadership across the organisation, aligning with Christian Aid’s organisational values and goals.
The post-holder will be responsible for co-developing a thematic strategy, collaborating with the Strategy and Learning Manager in organisational effectiveness, and with the Policy and Advocacy Lead in the Policy and Influencing division within the Impact Department.
The role is ultimately accountable for the delivery of the Thematic Strategy on Governance & Rights and for reporting progress towards this at regular intervals to measure success and maximise impact.
Some of the key responsibilities of the Governance & Rights Lead include:
- Co-develop, create and deliver a thematic strategy for the whole of the Governance & Rights thematic priority, including clear measures of progress and impact/success which are then reported against at regular intervals aligning with organisational values and goals.
- Lead as the organisational technical expert on governance and rights programming and collaborate with staff across the Impact and Fundraising departments so they are able to draw on governance and rights expertise – ours and our partners’ – in order to design, fundraise for and facilitate the delivery of strong signature programme work on governance and rights, maximising impact and income.
- Foster a culture of learning and improvement by identifying best practice among our partners and facilitating knowledge sharing across partners; by commissioning (or directly undertaking when appropriate) research and learning reviews to evidence good practice and course correct where needed.
- Build strong relationships with key policy and advocacy colleagues – particularly the Global Policy and Advocacy Lead for Governance and Rights –, focusing on ensuring insight and learning from programme practice feeds into, and influences public policy development, and provides evidence for advocacy materials.
- Collaborate with the Strategy and Learning Manager and the Impact and Evidence Manager to ensure appropriate evidence is being gathered and consolidated to measure and communicate the impact of our work on governance and rights and to adapt our signature programme approaches as necessary.
- Lead and build external networks so Christian Aid’s work on governance and rights is presented and promoted nationally and internationally, resulting in 1) an enhanced organisational profile within the sector to maximise our impact, 2) a portfolio of work that is innovative and in line with sector best-practice, 3) a pool of potential partners to engage and work with.
- Programme advisory and resource materials on governance and rights are developed on the basis of organisational values, goals, strategies, adaptive programming approaches, and informed by ongoing learning of Christian Aid
About you
Who we are looking for
Essential:
- Postgraduate or equivalent in International Development or relevant discipline.
- Must be fluent in English and Spanish (both written and spoken)
- Detailed understanding of current thinking/debates on governance and rights (all human rights, including social, economic, civil and political).
- Extensive experience of translating ‘rights’ concepts into practice within development programmes, across social, economic and civil/political issues.
- Detailed understanding and experience of governance programming, both on the ‘supply’ and ‘demand’ side (i.e. institutional strengthening/accountability, and empowerment and voice).
- Understanding the role of faith-based actors promoting good governance and defending human rights.
- Extensive experience of International Development, strategic planning and programme management.
- Detailed understanding of current thinking in sector specific M&E, including adaptive management.
- Developed ability to apply analysis of power/social exclusion to programme design and management.
- Highly developed negotiation, facilitation, influencing, stakeholder engagement skills, and ability to promote critical thinking and reflection.
- Significant experience of providing training, technical support and/or advice.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to discuss sensitive issues and inspire others to take up new challenges.
Further information
At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.
We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams.
We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity.
All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.