Policy lead jobs in assistant

We are looking for a Public Affairs Manager to help drive forward our political engagement. In this pivotal role, you will contribute to the development of our Public Affairs strategy, lead on key areas of political engagement, and ensure our position is clearly represented to policymakers. You will also line manage a talented team, deputise for the Head of Public Affairs when required, and represent Dogs Trust in high level meetings and events and represent the charity in high level media interviews, helping to ensure Dogs Trust continues to be the leading voice for dogs.

Please note that this is a 13 month family cover fixed term contract. 

About us

Our vision is to save everyone. It may take us a long time to get there, but drowning is preventable, and we believe that even one drowning is one too many. We are all lifesavers. We are all fundraisers. This is our watch.

The successful candidate will be the go-to person for corporate partnerships in the North & East region and will be responsible for the delivery of fundraising activity which will achieve agreed targets. Working with the Regional Engagement Lead, the post holder will support strategic planning, and identify and lead development opportunities to grow partnership income. Working as one crew, this person will share their skills and knowledge with staff and volunteers on the ground.

Some of the benefits

• Flexible working
• 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Outstanding pension scheme (contributions of up to 16% of basic salary)
• Life assurance

Your role

As a Fundraising and Partnerships Lead, you will:

• Manage and grow the regions partnership pipelines, identifying and capitalising on new opportunities
• Provide excellent stewardship to our regional corporate partners
• Monitor and manage corporate partnership and fundraising budgets
• Troubleshoot and mitigate risks and issues in order to ensure the delivery of results
• Monitor and manage operational risk, including compliance with internal and external standards, policies and procedures for corporate partnership and fundraising activity
• Support the delivery of income targets and diversification of income streams, with a focus on delivering on your monthly partnership objectives
• Manage delivery of all partnership goals and KPIs with the support of the Community Managers and volunteers
• Work with the communications, events, face-to-face, legacy, media, philanthropy and trusts contacts within your region to help you achieve your goals
• Support volunteer recruitment and levels of support for fundraising and partnership activities across your region
• Support the delivery of the national partnership strategy at a regional level and facilitate content delivery and stakeholder management regionally and locally
• Work closely with the national partnership team to collaboratively deliver our yearly objectives

About you

You’ll be passionate about making a real difference for our supporters, volunteers and customers. You will be highly motivated and enjoy tackling challenging goals and targets whilst being creative in finding solutions to problems. You will be a natural leader and be able to inspire and influence at all levels to drive and embed changes and improvements, keeping the supporter, volunteer and customer experience front of mind.

To be considered as the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead, you will need:

• Significant experience of engaging businesses, supporters, volunteers and the public in order to generate funds
• A proven track record of results delivery in the areas of fundraising and corporate partnerships
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and engagement skills and the ability to clearly articulate messages to a variety of audiences
• People leadership experience, ideally in leading field-based teams in a collaborative environment
• Experience of leading and embedding change and improvements
• This role, whilst 37 hours per week, will require flexible working across all 7 days of the week
• Whilst core days will be defined, it is expected that there will be a degree of weekend and evening working required. Extensive travel will be required. This role will be based at an RNLI site wherever possible
• This post requires a valid driving licence

If you want to see how this role can support our organisation’s aim to reduce drowning, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.

Closing date: 12 October 2025.

First stage interviews: 24 October 2025 (held online).

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

 Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.

Main purpose of post
This role is to lead and be responsible for the development, management and
delivery of WPCC’s high quality, professional counselling and complementary
therapy services for adults, and for children and young people, at the Cavendish
Centre and in outreach locations. This role supports the holistic well-being of
service users, ensuring the services are safe, effective, accessible, and aligned
with the charity’s values and objectives

 To lead and be responsible for the delivery of effective service provision,
including outreach services, and to maintain the ethos and high
standard of the supportive care offered.
 To lead a service that provides one-to-one and small group
complementary therapy services and one-to-one counselling for around
1,000 beneficiaries per annum, including outreach provision in hospitals.
 To be responsible for the management of a complementary therapy and
counselling services budget of around £500,000 per annum.
Leadership & Service Development
 Lead and develop complementary therapy and counselling services to
meet the needs of clients, families, and carers.
 Plan and schedule timetables and freelance staffing rotas to maximise
the availability of counselling and complementary therapies within
available budgets, maximising freelancer availability and efficient
appointment scheduling.
 Evaluate and enhance service delivery in line with best practices, clinical
guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
 Identify and implement service improvements, based on user feedback,
evidence-based practice, and sector developments.
 Work effectively with the Head of Cancer Services and other service leads
to ensure counselling and complementary therapies are an integral part
of the wider WPCC service offer to people affected by cancer.
 To be part of a service lead team which can provide leadership cover
across all services to address day-to-day operational issues, including
safeguarding cover (for adult and children’s services) and maintenance
of service availability.
Freelance therapist management
 Recruit, support, and manage a multidisciplinary team of freelance
counsellors, therapists, and volunteers.
 Ensure therapists delivering these services are of a suitable quality, and
have up-to-date and relevant accreditation/professional registration to practice, including clinical supervision arrangements, insurance, CPD
and DBS checks.
 Provide professional oversight of freelance therapists ensuring all
professional standards are met
 Ensure all team members adhere to safeguarding, clinical governance,
and confidentiality standards.
 To ensure therapists delivering these services are of a suitable quality
and have up-to-date and relevant accreditation/professional registration
to practice, including clinical supervision arrangements, insurance, CPD
and DBS checks.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
 Maintain up-to-date knowledge of ethical standards and legal
requirements in counselling and complementary therapy (e.g. BACP,
CNHC, HCPC).
 Oversee risk assessments, safeguarding processes, and incident
reporting procedures.
 Monitor and report on service performance using agreed metrics and
impact evaluation tools.
Client Care & Support
 Ensure services are inclusive, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and
tailored to individual needs.
 Act as a senior point of contact for complex cases, ensuring appropriate
pathways and referrals.
 Maintain a client-centred approach, fostering dignity, respect, and
empowerment.
Partnerships & Engagement
 Build and maintain relationships with health professionals, community
organisations, and funders.
 Liaise as required with external stakeholders, such as healthcare
professionals, safeguarding teams, education providers, social services,
and third sector partners.
 Promote the service through outreach, events, and stakeholder
engagement.
 Contribute to grant applications, reports, and impact assessments to
support sustainability and growth.
Governance, Administration & Reporting
 Manage budgets for therapy and counselling services, ensuring costeffectiveness.
 Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR and data
protection policies.
 Ensure suitable collection of activity data and produce service activity
and evaluation reports for internal and external stakeholders.

What you do
We are seeking a highly motivated individual who shares our values to join Weston
Park Cancer Charity’s busy charity team. Our Counselling and Complementary
Therapy Lead will play a vital role in leading counselling and complementary
therapies service, and will help us to deliver our vision: a better life for those living
with, and beyond, cancer in our region. If you are interested in progressing your
career within an organisation which makes a real difference to the lives of thousands
of people, we’d love to hear from you.

About you:
 You will be highly committed to ensuring the delivery of WPCC’s high-quality
counselling and complementary therapy services for adults and for children
and young people.
 You will be highly-organised. You will be able to plan a regular schedule to
maximise the beneficiary impact we are able to provide, whilst also able to
respond to short-term challenges such as practitioner absence.
 You will have a deep understanding of both counselling and complimentary
therapies and how they contribute to integrative cancer care.
 You will work effectively with colleagues, integrating one-to-one counselling
and complementary therapies as part of a wide-ranging service delivery team
which offers advice, transport, peer-to-peer support, and group support.
 You will be committed to delivering safe and confidential services, with a high
level of awareness of the legal and regulatory environment.
 You will be able to manage budgets and resources within the available budget.

Location (UK): Office Hybrid* - Cardiff  
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week 
Benefits: Read more about the excellent benefits we offer on our profile page
Travel: Travel in and around Wales, with a willingness to travel to Versus Arthritis offices on occasions (London, Belfast, Glasgow.)
 

Join us and use your skills, knowledge, passion and energy to help us achieve a future free from arthritis.

We are the leading influencer for change in Wales and are seeking an experienced Senior Policy Officer to join our dynamic Partnerships and Influencing team in Wales. You will be part of a passionate team dedicated to bringing about lasting change for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, identifying creative policy solutions, influencing decision-makers and campaigning alongside people with arthritis. 

With the establishment of the MSK Strategic Clinical Network in Wales, along with a policy framework setting MSK as a government priority, this is an exciting time to join Cymru Versus Arthritis. We are optimistic about the future but there is still more to do. 

About the role

As part of our influencing team, you will play a critical role in shaping and influence policy thinking, managing time-sensitive projects across our policy priority areas, and building relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers across Wales. 

You will gather, analyse, and share information about external policy developments and their implications for people with arthritis, developing policy positions, producing evidence-based briefings and reports and contributing to consultation responses. 

As well as working closely with nation influencing colleagues and teams across the Services & Devolved Nations Directorate, you will work closely with the UK Advocacy & Health Intelligence team, Research Directorate and strategic communications teams, including representing us on cross-sector policy groups and participating in events and conferences. 

We’ll give you autonomy, variety and challenge with opportunities to lead projects, to work together with inspirational campaigners and people with arthritis, as well as collaborate with senior Welsh Government and NHS Wales stakeholders. We’re a supportive team who will value your well-being and professional development. 

About you

If your knowledge, skills and experience include the following then we’d love to hear from you: 

You will have ready-made resourcefulness, be a creative thinker, with strong analytical, written and verbal communications skills. An enthusiastic, adaptive and flexible approach is important, together with an ability to work with autonomy and across teams as well as: 

• Experience of influencing and external policy and decision making within Wales. 
• Understanding of current healthcare policy issues relevant to people with long-term conditions or disability. 
• Experience of drafting policy papers and briefings, and the ability to understand and articulate academic research and policy papers. 
• We value the importance of the Welsh language in our work and the ability to speak Welsh or the commitment to learn Welsh is encouraged. 

*As a hybrid worker the expectation is that you will spend around 40% of your working time in our office spaces or working in community settings. As an inclusive employer we will consider home-based working for anyone where office-based hybrid working would be a barrier to being able to work for us, for example for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability.

You must be based, and hold the right to work, in the UK to apply for this position.

We do not wish to receive contact from agencies or media sales. 

Please note that we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) during our recruitment and selection processes, and we would respectfully ask that you also refrain from using AI during the selection process. Whilst we do recognise that AI may be a beneficial tool for some when aiding research and preparation for an application or interview, we want to maintain a fair, inclusive and positive recruitment experience at Versus Arthritis where candidates can feel supported to demonstrate their experience, knowledge, and skills without the use of AI generated answers. 

Interview

Interviews expected: Thursday 23 October 2025 at Cymru Versus Arthritis Office, Cardiff. 

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee you will be offered an interview if you disclose a disability and demonstrate sufficient evidence within your application that you meet the essential criteria for this role. We will also make any reasonable adjustments you may require for your interview.

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.

This role will play a key part in supporting MMHA’s successful campaigning, including supporting our maternal mental health councils project, and helping drive change so that women, birthing people, babies and families affected by maternal mental health problems can access the right care, at the right time, without discrimination.

Job purpose

Support planning, implementation, and evaluation of MMHA campaign and policy work to improve perinatal mental health care systems, policy and practice in the UK.

Main responsibilities

• Support policy activities relating to MMHA’s Maternal Mental Health Councils project.
• Assist with the production of campaign resources, including desk research, drafting copy, and proof reading.
• Read and summarise policy information, such as reports and carry out data analysis, to support MMHA’s evidence base.
• Lead political monitoring, keeping abreast of tracking relevant policy and political developments to identify opportunities and risks for MMHA’s campaigns and policy priorities.
• Support MMHA’s campaigning across the devolved nations, working with local stakeholders in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to inform, amplify and facilitate campaign activities.
• Hold knowledge of parliamentary procedure and systems to ensure strategic and targeted influencing work, supporting relationships with parliamentarians, including providing clear communications.
• Ensure MMHA’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion runs throughout MMHA’s campaigning and policy work.
• Maintain relationships with range of stakeholders to support MMHA’s campaigning and influencing, including MMHA members, parliamentarians, champions and academics.
• Support campaigning communications activities, including media and social media support, website editing and writing copy for articles or newsletters.
• Keep a library of policy resources and an up-to-date bank of statistics and evidence to support internal and external use.
• Assist the Head of Campaigns and Policy and wider team with administrative and other tasks, including the organisation and facilitation of meetings and events and responding to routine enquiries.
• Help support MMHA projects as required. 
• Work with the team on campaign evaluation.
• Maintain a diary of key campaign dates and events.
• Represent the MMHA at events as required.

Please see the attached job pack for further details. 

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit:

1. A CV (maximum 2 sides of A4)
2. A cover letter (maximum 2 sides of A4)

Please note: We are expecting a large number of applications for this role. Applications exceeding the page limits (2 sides of A4 per document) will not be considered. In addition, to help with anonymising applications, please only include your initials in your CV and cover letter – please do not include your full name or a photograph.

What to include in your cover letter

Please start your cover letter with:

• Please address how you meet the first six points of the essential skills and experience of the person specification.
• A brief summary of your experience working with civil servants, MPs and decision-makers.
• An example demonstrating your interpersonal skills and ability to engage with wide and diverse groups.

Feel free to then share your broader interest in the role and what additional qualities you would bring.

Where to send your application

• Please submit your CV and covering letter to the email address provided in the attached job pack.
• The deadline for applications is 10am on Thursday 16 October 2025.
• Applications submitted after this time or not following the outlined process will not be considered.

Interview details

First interviews are expected to take place online Thursday 6 November 2025.

Ref: PAL-251
Thursday, 9th October 2025 at 9.00am

Are you a proactive, motivated and influential individual with a deep understanding of UK policy-making and influencing processes, ideally in areas related to social justice?  Do you have proven experience of developing and delivering successful influencing strategies that led to policy change?

If so, join St Giles as our Policy and Advocacy Lead, where will lead the development and execution of our policy agenda and advocacy strategy.  As an integral part of our Communications team, you will see you play a central role in how St Giles shapes and participates in public debate, influences government policy, and ensures the voices of those with lived experience are at the heart of decision-making.

About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role
As Policy and Advocacy Lead, you will deliver a bold and evidence-based policy and advocacy plan aligned with St Giles’ three pillars of work: Poverty, Violence & Exploitation and Criminal Justice.  You will also provide strategic advice and support to leadership and executive teams on political and policy developments and ensure our influencing work is inclusive, grounded in lived experience and reflects the values and priorities of St Giles.

We will also count on you to lead the development of policy positions, briefings, consultation responses, and reports, oversee research projects and ensure robust evidence underpins all policy recommendations and to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, government departments, think tanks, and stakeholders.  Leading, managing and inspiring the Policy and Influencing team to deliver high-impact work is also a major aspect of this role, as is collaborating across departments, such as Programmes and Fundraising, to integrate policy work into wider organisational objectives.
 
What we are looking for

• Strong political acumen and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
• Proven experience managing and motivating high-performing teams
• A commitment to anti-racism, equity, and working in solidarity with marginalised communities
• The ability to demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by our client group, in particular barriers faced by people with lived in experience
• The ability to think creatively to secure funding
• A collaborative, approachable and professional approach to your work
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment.

Closing date:  09 October 2025 at 9 a.m. Interview date: 17 October 2025

Head of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition
(Hosted by Centre for Mental Health)

We are seeking an outstanding senior leader to become Head of our small staff team which drives the growth and influence of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition. This is an exciting opportunity to influence positive change at a time of significant policy and political developments.

As Head of the Coalition, you will lead its policy and influencing activity. You will work closely with coalition members to develop policy positions informed by the latest and most robust evidence, ensuring a strong and credible voice. You will campaign to influence government policy on children and young people’s mental health, build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and ensure the Coalition’s voice is heard across Westminster, Whitehall and in the media.

With over 400 members nationwide, the Coalition has significant potential to expand its impact. Many members already influence locally through NHS Integrated Care Boards, councils and MPs, but need support and coordination to amplify their voices. You will help them do so.

We are looking for someone with exceptional project management skills to help shape and deliver our influencing goals, while clearly demonstrating our impact. Most importantly, you will bring passion and commitment to improving the mental health of babies, children and young people.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Coalition, which is hosted by Centre for Mental Health, delivering its objectives and vision.
• Set priorities in consultation with the Chair, the Centre’s Associate Director for Policy, and Coalition members.
• Design and deliver policy-influencing and campaigning projects with staff, members, children and young people and partners.
• Lead income generation for the Coalition with the Centre’s Associate Director for Business Development, managing relationships with funders, undertaking necessary reporting, and building connections for future prospects.
• Manage and develop the Coalition’s staff team.
• Grow the Coalition’s online presence, ensuring social media and web content is high quality, up to date, engaging and strategically aligned with influencing goals.
• Support and coordinate the Steering Group, ensuring it is active, representative of the Coalition’s breadth and effective in guiding the Coalition’s strategic direction.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 5 October, 23:59

Job Title: Policy and Impact Officer

Location: Home working with some travel 

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £24,000pa 

DBS/PVG: Not required

Job Family: 3

Line Manager: Head of Policy and Impact

Closing Date:  30th September 2025 We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications

Start Date: asap

Interview Dates: 23 October 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications

Who we are

At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

What we do

We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. 

How we do this

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.

• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.

• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.

• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.

• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.

Our promise to volunteers

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.

Role Purpose

The Policy and Impact Team sits at the heart of Volunteering Matters. We play a vital role in demonstrating the impact of our work connecting data, qualitative insight, and lived experience to the policy agendas shaping communities across the UK. Through storytelling, analysis, and evidence, we make sure volunteering is recognised as a driving force for social change.

We are a small, hands-on team. You will be involved in every aspect of our work from desk-based research and writing briefings to organising external meetings and working directly in communities alongside our volunteers. This variety allows you to connect national policy with local realities and help volunteers share their voices where it matters most.

 You will help bring our five-year strategy to life by linking project outcomes to broader societal developments and showcasing the impact of volunteers and communities.

Key Duties Responsibilities

· Support the Head of Policy and Impact to coordinate Volunteering Matters’ policy and public affairs work.

· Support people involved with our volunteering projects to engage with local politicians, e.g. by organising visits to projects or meetings with volunteers. 

· Monitor and respond to opportunities (e.g. relevant government consultations, All-Party Parliamentary Group inquiries or Select Committee inquiries) that are relevant to Volunteering Matters’ priorities.

· Support mapping and research exercises to inform our policy positioning. Writing summary reports as needed.

· Collaborate with the National Volunteer Engagement Manager to support the inclusion of volunteer and community voices in our policy and public affairs work.

· Assist with collecting impact and activity data from across the charity and work with the Data Analyst to undertake analysis.

· Support with routine collection of quarterly data from projects - ensuring responses are timely and accurate, providing guidance to project managers as needed.

· Work with project staff to help create impactful and engaging reports.

· Represent Volunteering Matters at charity and volunteering policy-related groups. 

 Essential Skills

· Understanding of UK political systems and policy-making processes across national, devolved, and local levels.

· Understanding of policy, public affairs, or influencing, ideally within the voluntary or community sector.

· Confident communicator, able to engage with policymakers, sector partners, and community representatives.

· Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative data analysis to inform narrative reporting and strategic insight.

· Excellent writing skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive documents based on data and lived experience.

· Alignment with Volunteering Matters’ values and a commitment to amplifying community voice.

· Must adhere to the organisation’s Code of Conduct and uphold its values at all times.

· Proficient in Microsoft 365, particularly Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel, with the ability to manage email communications and collaborate digitally.

· Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, managing time and priorities in a busy environment.

· For remote roles, candidates must be self-starters who can work with minimal supervision, stay organised, and remain motivated to meet deadlines and deliver quality outcomes.

· Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving and information sharing.

Experience Required

No specific experience is required.

Qualifications

Relevant skills and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications.

Our Values & Way of Working

In all that we do we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.

GDPR Statement

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications 

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

Please note that all applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to progress applications that don’t meet this requirement. 

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. Whether you're a candidate looking for more information or with an HR query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Senior Policy and Campaigns Adviser

London

£37,734 – £41,000

Minimum 6 days a month in the London office, anchor day in the office every Wednesday

Working hours – Full Time (35 hours a week) - 

Start date – January 2026

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is recruiting a Senior Policy and Campaigns Adviser to join its policy and campaigns team in the new year.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the RCP as the organisation seeks to finalise and implement its new strategy.

The RCP represents around 40,000 members and fellows in the UK and internationally. Our members and fellows work across over 30 medical specialties such as cardiology, neurology, infectious diseases, geriatric and respiratory and acute internal medicine -working in hospital and community settings.

With the 10 Year Health Plan outlining three shifts for health policy in England, the senior policy and campaigns adviser will play a critical role in developing policy positions rooted in physician experience so we can effectively influence the national agenda. You will develop and deliver policy work on a range of high-profile topics such as the NHS workforce – including issues facing early career doctors – health inequalities, digital and AI and clinical research.

You’ll need a sharp eye for detail and be able to quickly and accurately interpret and communicate complex information. You will have experience of analysing policy developments in the external landscape and making recommendations for how to evolve and progress policy positioning in response. You will be as comfortable speaking to officials and other stakeholders as you are writing policy reports, consultation submissions and briefings.

You will brief the president, senior officers and senior staff and play an active role in engaging external stakeholders in NHS systems and the wider sector. You will provide lead support to an RCP advisory group, working closely with the chair to set and deliver a workplan.

The policy and campaigns team – and 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

• Developing and delivering policy work across a range of topics within the RCP’s policy portfolio.
• Delivering robust horizon scanning and policy monitoring to proactively identify key issues and opportunities to evolve our policy positioning and further our aims.
• Developing proactive and reactive policy positions on high-profile issues relating to the RCP’s work, working in partnership with senior officers, RCP members, communications colleagues and other staff and organisations as appropriate.
• Working flexibly and proactively, undertaking a range of work such as writing briefings, policy positions, reports, committee papers, consultation responses.
• Supporting senior officers and staff in stakeholder meetings, including researching and drafting briefings and yourself representing the RCP at meetings and events.
• Building and owning relationships with sector stakeholders, NHS systems and other organisations relevant to the RCP’s policy and campaigns aims.
• Contributing policy advice to the media team to underpin media releases, comments, statements and opinion pieces.
• Supporting RCP committees and advisory groups to develop and deliver policy work.
• Any other duties commensurate with your post, including deputising for the Head of policy and campaigns and other staff as required.

Experience

You will

• have a strong background in policy development and effective influencing, with a demonstrable understanding of the policy development process and how to influence national and/or arms-length body policy processes.
• be able to quickly and accurately analyse and interpret complex information to aid understanding and decision making.
• have excellent writing skills and strong experience of producing briefings, consultation responses and other communications on behalf of an organisation.
• have 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 in senior positions.
• be able to act 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 influencing work.

Closing date: 05 October 2025

Interviewing date: 21 October 2025

The RCP 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. 

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

Programmes and Policy Assistant
Location: Kings Cross, London - Hybrid
Salary: £27,040 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent

Who are we?

Art Fund is the national fundraising charity for art. With over 142,000 members, we are leading the way in pioneering support for an inclusive and welcoming museum and gallery sector across the UK.

We work closely with a network of 900 museums and respond to their needs and aspirations. We're excited to see how they want to develop: to expand and diversify their collections and workforce, develop curatorial skills, make ambitious acquisitions, and create a welcoming, inclusive space for communities. With the support of over 140,000 members who buy a National Art Pass, patrons, and donors we can provide grants, encourage visiting and advocate for museums' essential role and value.

We have diversity, inclusion, and sustainability central to our thinking and the opportunity to be a force for good, galvanise support and help change things for the better inspires our team.

The role

As Programme and Policy Assistant, you'll support the Programme and Policy team with the delivery of Art Fund's grant-making programmes by providing administrative assistance and fostering good relationships with our network of museums and art professionals.

Your key responsibilities will include responding to and redirecting enquiries from museums and galleries, processing grant applications and invoices, maintaining department contacts in our Customer Relation Management (CRM) system and supporting with research to inform policy briefings, letters and external research commissions.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is motivated to apply their administrative skills and interest in art or museums, to support with grant making and advocacy for the museum and gallery sector.

Key Employee Benefits

• Generous Annual leave – 25 days annual leave and bank holidays, with additional non-contractual office closure dates at Christmas.
• Free National Art Pass (NAP) – for yourself and another person of your choice.
• Free Entry to Exhibitions
• Life Assurance – cover for up to three times your basic salary.
• Season Ticket Loan
• Pensions – Eligible employees are enrolled into the scheme with the exception of those who have contracts of three months or less. Art Fund contributes 8% of the basic annual salary during the first six months of employment or until probation is successfully completed, whichever is the later. At that point the contribution is increased to 10%.

Closing deadline: 23.59 on 8 October 2025

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to building our team and trustees from the broad range of backgrounds and experiences across the UK, valuing difference and diversity, and building a workplace based on shared values of equality and mutual respect.

We have ambitious plans for the future and will be holding ourselves to account and putting our principles into action, as we all work together to help bring about positive change and a fairer future for everyone. We therefore want to encourage applications from all races, ages, religions and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with any kind of disabilities and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our organisation.

Non-UK nationals will require current and valid permission to work in the UK.

Please note that any suspected use of AI in relation to answering sift questions will be marked down.

No agencies please.

Making The Leap is an innovative societal change charity that aims to make a big difference. From direct delivery, to advocacy and leadership, we refuse to stay in our lane and believe passionately that those we exist to serve have the right to be anything they want to be. To say that this is an exciting time for the organisation would be an understatement, as our incredible funders, donors, partners and supporters have given us the chance to move to the next level, and have further influence and delivery nationally.

The shared soul of the organisation is to be passionate about helping young people from less-advantaged backgrounds; build up other charities and community groups and want to partner with them or support them; want to work with businesses and organisations to get things done; and care deeply about addressing racial inequity.

The organisation has a number of strands: core Making The Leap; the UK Social Mobility Awards; the Social Mobility Podcast and The Social Mobility List.

Salary: Up to £67,752 per annum plus excellent benefits

Contract: Fixed term – 24 months

Hours Per week:37.5 hours per week, you will be required to work in - person a minimum of two days per week. In line with our hybrid working model

Our Foundation

We are an independent charitable organisation working to build a healthier UK. Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity, and helps build a stronger society.

Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK and services are struggling to provide access to timely, high-quality care. It doesn't have to be like this. Our mission is to help build a healthier UK by:

1. Improving people's health and reducing inequalities
2. Supporting radical innovation and improvement in health and care services
3. Providing evidence and analysis to improve health and care policy.

We aim for excellence across our work and will achieve this by producing research and analysis, shaping policy and practice, building skills, knowledge, and capacity, and acting as a catalyst for change. Everyone has a stake and a part to play in improving our health. By working together, we can build a healthier UK.

About the role

The Analysis Directorate is a team of around 50 analysts and data professionals at the heart of the Foundation’s mission. We use innovative analytical approaches to understand the health of the UK population and the performance of the health and care system. Our work informs policy, evaluates interventions, and supports improvement across the sector. We also empower analysts across the Foundation with access to high-quality data, tools, and platforms.

We are seeking a Data Delivery Lead to drive the implementation of our data strategy and lead the delivery of our data platforms and infrastructure. This is a pivotal role within the Analysis Directorate, focused on enabling the work of our Data Team — a group of data engineering and data management specialists.

You will oversee the rollout and improvement of key platforms including our Secure Data Environment (SDE), Open Data Environment (ODE), and Trends platform. You’ll manage supplier relationships, coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams, and ensure our data systems are secure, user-focused, and strategically aligned.

This role is ideal for someone with strong programme management experience, a solid understanding of data systems and governance, and the ability to lead across a technically complex environment. You’ll be central to shaping how data flows through the organisation and how it supports high-quality analysis.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of data delivery in a mission-driven organisation. You’ll work with talented professionals, cutting-edge platforms, and have a direct impact on how data supports better health outcomes across the UK.We are seeking a Data Delivery Lead to drive the implementation of our data strategy and lead the delivery of our data platforms and infrastructure. This is a pivotal role within the Analysis Directorate, focused on enabling the work of our Data Team — a group of data engineering and data management specialists.

How to apply

Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and invite you to find out more. If you would like to apply, please submit your CV, and using no more than 1000 words answer the following application questions:

1. Describe a time when you led the delivery of a complex data or technology programme. How did you translate strategic goals into actionable plans, and what steps did you take to ensure successful implementation?
2. This role requires working across technical and non-technical teams. Can you provide an example of how you’ve successfully communicated complex issues to a non-technical audience and secured buy-in from key stakeholders?
3. Tell us about your experience managing external suppliers or vendors relevant to this role. How did you ensure performance, value for money, and alignment with organisational priorities?

Our commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible, and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each job on merit.We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply to us.

We have identified three diverse groups, In particular, we want to achieve a better balance across our organisation between men and women, increase representation of people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds and recruit more people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we particularly welcome applications from these groups.Apply to join our team and let's work towards building a diverse and inclusive workplace together.

Help us work together to make the recruitment process and potential future employment more accessible and enjoyable for you.

Closing date: 05 October 2025, 23:59

Interview date: W/C 20 October 2025

The Young Carers Lead will take responsibility for coordinating and delivering our young carers programme. This includes running two weekly sessions – one for ages 5–10 and another for ages 11–18 – with the support of our skilled sessional staff and colleagues.

The role involves a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, designed to meet the needs of young carers and to help us deliver on our strategic objectives:

• Enhancing life outside of caring: organising engaging weekly activities where young people can connect, have fun, and build friendships - from creative workshops and games nights to social activities - alongside occasional special events like beach outings, and our annual Christmas party.

• Supporting potential: tackling the educational inequalities faced by young carers, including university visits and skills-based workshops.

• Promoting health and wellbeing: working with partners to provide sports, fitness and mindfulness activities.

• Recognising and celebrating young carers: coordinating awareness-raising initiatives in schools, GP surgeries and the wider community, while celebrating national young carers events.

Safeguarding responsibilities of the post holder include:

• Creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment in all sessions.

• Maintaining professional boundaries and appropriate relationships with young people.

• Recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns, following organisational policy and procedure.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver two high-quality weekly sessions for young carers (5–10s and 11–18s).

• Design engaging activities using creativity, organisational skills, and external partners where appropriate.

• Work with sessional staff and colleagues to ensure sessions are inclusive, safe, and responsive to young carers’ needs.

• Coordinate trips, special events, and awareness-raising activities.

• Support monitoring and evaluation of the service, ensuring activities meet agreed outcomes.

• Advocate for young carers’ voices to be heard in schools, health settings, and the wider community.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of delivering youth work sessions which have successfully engaged young people.

• Experience of designing rich and varied programmes of work that contribute towards the achievement of specific outcomes.

• Motivation to work with children and young people, and commitment to promoting their welfare.

• Ability to form and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.

• Emotional resilience when working with young people, including those who may display behaviours which challenge.

• A full driving licence, with the ability to travel locally to drop off resources to young carers.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage children, families, and professionals.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities.

• Commitment to equality, inclusion, and safeguarding.

Desirable

• Experience of managing sessional staff.

• Experience of working with young carers or in a youth/community work setting.

• Knowledge of local services for children, young people, and families.

• Ability to evidence impact through monitoring and evaluation.

What We Offer

At Together As One, we believe in looking after our staff as well as the young people we serve. From our most recent staff survey (2025):

• Strong connection to purpose – staff rated their connection to our mission and values at an average of 4.8 out of 5.

• Feeling valued – 80% of staff said they always feel their work is recognised and appreciated by managers.

• Supportive and inclusive culture – 90% of staff said they always feel respected and included.

• Wellbeing support – rated 4.4 out of 5 by staff.

• Growth and development – 80% of staff felt they had opportunities for professional growth at TAO.

You’ll join a team that is motivated, collaborative, and deeply committed to supporting young people — and where your own wellbeing and development are taken seriously.

 

About Us

Together As One is a Slough-based charity working to empower young people and create positive change in our communities. We are proud to support young carers – children and young people who balance school, friendships, and growing up with a caring role for a loved one.

We are now recruiting a Young Carers Lead to coordinate and grow our young carers service. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives, with the creativity and organisational skills to design engaging sessions and experiences.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Together As One is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The role is subject to a safer recruitment process, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and barred list check.

Identity checks, reference checks (including from the most recent employer where the role involved working with children, where possible), and employment history checks will also be carried out before appointment.

Safeguarding is a core responsibility of this role.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Together As One is committed to creating an organisation where everyone feels they belong. We celebrate diversity and actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from the global majority, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of being a young carer.

We believe that diversity strengthens our team and enriches the work we do with young people.