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Caritas Social Action Network
Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave)
Location: office in London, with mostly working from home, regular travel in England and Wales, and rare travel overseas.
Contract: full-time, to cover a team member’s maternity leave
Salary: £30,00
Closing date: Monday 13 July at 12 noon
Interview date: Thursday 16 July in person, in London
CSAN is the official agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice affecting people who live in England and Wales. We’re facing a steep rise in poverty and significant pressures on social, economic and church resources. Currently, the Church is called to raise a prophetic voice against poverty and the rhetoric of division and work for the building of a more just society.
Over the last 20 years, CSAN has built up a network of 50 diocesan and direct service charities with a combined annual spend on social mission estimated at £400m, excluding the work of schools and religious congregations. Our members build up local community life in diverse ways, and many of them support individuals in difficulty, including with housing, prison and detention, social isolation, ill-health, violence, disability, employment, care, therapeutic and welfare support.
The key responsibilities of the post are:
1. To scan the social policy environment to capture developments in legislation, consultation papers and Bills relevant to the Caritas network for the purpose of comprehensive tracking and briefing.
2. To deliver an effective programme of Catholic advocacy and political campaigns that contributes to the common good, with particular attention to the priorities of the dignity of workers, child poverty, social care and end of life; supporting and connecting well with the team’s other activities, and where possible with the CSAN membership’s priorities,
3. To draft campaign and advocacy materials for the range of media channels used by CSAN and support the CEO in engaging with the press and approaches from campaigning organisations including contributing to CSAN’s social media networks.
4. To provide admin support and contribute to CSAN’s Alliances as required, especially the Advocacy Alliance and the Criminal Justice Alliance with information and education on policy and legislation.
5. To ensure that our advocacy is consistent with the Bishops’ understanding of the Church’s role in society and supports the priorities of the Bishops’ Conference, especially the Department for Social Justice.
6. To act as a conduit of information and communication between the Bishops’ Conference and the CSAN members, under the guidance of the CEO, assisting CBCEW where possible in gathering information and the lived experience of poverty.
7. To develop and contribute to practice materials for the network, especially in the areas of campaigning, advocacy, social policy and formation for mission.
8. To oversee monitoring of the Catholic press and relevant wider networks for relevant articles, developments and campaigns.
9. To support the general work of CSAN as required by the CEO, including leading in the development and organisation of the charity in specific areas subject to skills and experience.
The work of the small national team requires a high level of integrity and teamwork, respect for and capacity to navigate complex civil and church contexts at pace, and a stable commitment to personal formation and training. Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave) will bring a professional track record of relevant research and analysis, production of compelling communications, and diligent administration. A satisfactory basic DBS check and references are required.
CSAN is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with national agencies in over 160 countries, and among the most successful examples of organised Catholic social action in modern times.
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated and capable individual to join our dynamic Policy and Public Affairs Team, supporting the development of credible, evidence‑based policy proposals and helping to influence UK governments and NHS organisations to adopt them.
Key tasks and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
· Monitoring the political and policy environment to keep track of things like Government / NHS initiatives and influencing opportunities.
· Collating and helping to analyse existing quantitative and qualitative research to produce briefings, help generate policy proposals and facilitate their implementation.
· Assisting the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and Policy and Public Affairs Officer to devise and implement influencing plans directed towards politicians, the NHS or relevant stakeholders.
· Preparing and drafting responses to consultations and reports relevant to the work of CPOC and the College, ensuring responses are evidence-based and in line with on-going policy work and strategy.
· Assisting with designing and conducting new research, such as survey work or interviews, in support of policy and influencing work.
· Becoming the team’s main expert on policy work in one of the UK devolved nations – likely Northern Ireland – and represent the Policy and Public Affairs Team on RCoA’s board for that nation.
· Providing general administrative support to the Team, including producing agendas for meetings and keeping track of our contacts with stakeholders.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will need to deliver high‑quality work at pace, be well organised, eager to learn and able to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You should have a sound understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, what makes impactful policy proposals and how research can be used to influence policymakers. Insight into the UK health policy landscape, including government and NHS priorities, is also important.
This role is well‑suited to someone starting their policy career, and while previous policy experience is beneficial, it is not essential as full support and development will be provided.
What We Want to Achieve
We want to see an NHS that delivers good outcomes for patients and makes the best use of available resources. Our role in this relates to the anaesthetic workforce, and we have two specific priorities:
1) Boosting the anaesthetic workforce. Most operations require an anaesthetist in order to take place, but each of the four UK nations faces a chronic shortage of anaesthetists. Unfortunately, at present, no UK government is funding enough anaesthetic training places. We are determined to see this changed.
2) Optimising the surgical pathway. Anaesthetists don’t just work in the operating theatres they are often involved with the care patients receive before and after their operations – known as ‘perioperative care’. Good perioperative care can prevent surgical cancellations, complications, and unnecessarily long hospital stays. To this end, we host the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC). CPOC advocates policies such as ‘prehabilitation’ to ensure that patients arrive in hospital on the day of their surgery in the healthiest state possible – so their operation can go ahead without problems, and they can recover quickly. We are doggedly pushing for such polices to be adopted.
The Package
This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive employee benefits package, which includes (but is not limited to):
· 26 days of annual leave, plus bank holiday
· 1 additional paid day of leave for the purpose of celebrating your birthday
· Healthcare support through Benenden Health
· Up to 12% pension contribution
· Hybrid and flexible working
· Wellbeing hour once a week
· Cycle to work and employee discounts schemes
· Training and development opportunities
· Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programmes
About the College
The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) is the professional body responsible for the specialty throughout the UK. We are the third largest medical royal college in the UK by membership. With a combined membership of more than 24,000 Fellows and Members, we ensure the quality of patient care by safeguarding standards in the three specialties of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.
At RCoA equality, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our culture so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status, or parental responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.
How to Apply
If you believe that you are the right person for this role, please submit your CV and cover letter by Tuesday 30th June. In your cover please address clearly how your experience meets the essential criteria in the job description in no more than 750 words.
Please note that the closing date is subject to change, depending on the success of the recruitment process.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates on their application. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted after the closing date. Please note that the closing date is subject to change.
Applicants must reside and have the right to work in the UK. No agencies please.
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!
We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.
We’re looking for an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Lead to drive Blood Cancer UK’s UK-wide policy and influencing work. In this pivotal role, you will lead and oversee a pipeline of policy and influencing content, and ambitious influencing strategies that put the experiences of people affected by blood cancer at the heart of decision-making. Working across Westminster and the devolved nations, you will build and maintain strong relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and key stakeholders, ensuring our voice is heard where it matters most and translating evidence and insight into meaningful policy change.
You will lead, support and develop a small team (two Policy and Public Affairs Officers: one focused on Scotland and Northern Ireland; the other focused on England and Wales). You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver integrated, insight-led influencing campaigns that shape national policy and improve outcomes for people with blood cancer. This is a highly collaborative and externally facing role, requiring confident engagement with senior stakeholders, clear and persuasive communication, and a strong commitment to involving people with lived experience in all aspects of our work. You will play a central role in ensuring Blood Cancer UK is a trusted and influential voice in health policy across the UK.
We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.
Expected travel for this role includes attendance at the London office approximately 2–4 days per month plus regular attendance at external meetings
Expected interview dates:
First round (online): w/c 6th July
Second round (in person): w/c 13th July
We research, we support, we care. Because it’s time to beat leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and all types of blood cancer.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Purpose of the Role
As the Policy and Campaigns Officer for Scotland, you will be the driving force behind our policy development, political monitoring, and strategic advocacy in Scotland. Your work will champion the strategic interests of dietitians as both a professional membership body and a registered trade union. Alongside core policy work, you will take direct ownership of designing and delivering a high-profile national campaign which is delivered across the UK. This allocated campaign will focus on a critical theme impacting both public health and our workforce.
The role sits within the BDA’s policy and public affairs function, and you will be part of a small team of policy officers and a public affairs officer who work across the other home countries and the UK. You will have access to an established Scotland board, a colleague who covers trade union representation in Scotland and a supportive professional practice, communications and leadership team based at our Birmingham head office.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The post holder will deliver on the following key responsibilities:
Policy development and advocacy (55%)
- Monitoring the political environment in Scotland in our key areas of interest, providing briefs and advice to the Scotland board and BDA senior leadership team on developments within Holyrood, NHS Scotland, STUC and local government.
- Policy development including work with relevant committees and BDA staff in the development of key policy documents and position statements with particular responsibility for policy positions in Scotland which balance clinical standards with social impact, workforce and employment rights.
- Co-ordinate and draft robust, evidence-based responses to consultations from Scottish government, public bodies and parliamentary committees. May also respond to UK consultations where appropriate for a campaign theme.
- In conjunction with the BDA public affairs officer, advocacy for the dietetic profession and the BDA in Scotland by maintaining a network of contacts across the Scottish political spectrum including MSPs, government officials, health board executives, and policy influencers.
- Translate political updates and complex policy changes into clear accessible updates and guidance for BDA members via newsletters, webinars and the website.
- Represent the BDA with internal and external stakeholders including BDA Specialist Groups, AHP policy officer and working groups/networks and other alliances.
- Represent the BDA at Allied Health Professions Federation Scotland (AHPFS) working groups and events, building relationships, contributing dietetic priorities and ensuring the profession’s interests are reflected in shared policy discussions and collaborative activity.
Campaign co-ordination (30%)
- Completion of campaign workplan/s template with the campaign working group/s.
- Co-ordinate campaigns in conjunction with working group/s.
- Monitoring the landscape with regards to allocated campaigns. Provide advice when relevant issues are trending or becoming topical.
- Build appropriate alliances with third-sector organisations, networks and charities, food policy alliances and other health unions to amplify the campaign’s impact.
- Working with colleagues in communications, design and public affairs to create compelling campaigning materials, digital content, and toolkits to mobilise members, the public, and parliamentarians to lobby for legislative and budgetary changes that support dietetic services and interests.
- Establish clear KPIs for the campaign/s, monitoring progress, media coverage, member engagement, and policy shifts, and reporting these to senior leadership.
Cross BDA engagement and communications (15%)
- Help and deliver the BDA’s participation in profile raising events in Scotland, such as NHS Confederation.
- Regular engagement with the Chair of the Scotland Board on policy, political and government matters, resulting in input to Board agendas and support for political engagement.
- Provide expert advice and briefings to senior leadership ahead of high-level meetings or media appearances in Scotland.
- Be a valuable member of the BDA policy and public affairs function, contributing to the evolution of the policy function and contributing to the wider work and objectives of the Trade Union team
Person Specification
Knowledge
- Degree educated.
- Campaign/project management.
- Health policy development.
- Equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Public policy making process, particularly within Scotland.
- Knowledge of the Health and Social Care policy landscape in Scotland and the devolved nature of public services.
- It is also desirable if you have an understanding of the trade union movement in Scotland.
Experience
- Experience of working in a policy, public affairs or research role in healthcare, membership, charity, public sector, or trade union.
- Experience of lone working and being part of a small field-based team.
- Working within a health professional body or trust/board.
- Working in a political environment.
It is also desirable if you have worked as a dietitian or dietetic support worker.
Ideally you should be confident working independently in a small field-based team, able to build relationships and translate complex policy into clear advice, with desirable experience in a professional body, trade union, or dietetic setting.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Devolved Nations)
£34,839 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based
35 hours per week, full-time
Permanent
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking a talented and motivated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our Devolved Nations team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy development, advocacy and communications activity that helps improve child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Working as part of the Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations) team, you will play an important role in supporting the College’s policy and public affairs priorities. You will help build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, support advocacy campaigns, develop policy positions and create engaging communications content that raises the profile of child health issues across the devolved nations.
This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including paediatricians, senior College Officers, politicians, government officials, charities and healthcare organisations.
Key responsibilities include:
• Supporting the development of policy positions specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring they reflect the needs of RCPCH members and have influence across the wider UK policy landscape
• Drafting consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and stakeholder communications on child health and paediatric issues
• Providing expertise and advice on the political, governmental and health service landscape within the devolved nations
• Supporting the delivery of public affairs and stakeholder engagement activity, helping to build productive relationships with governments, policymakers and health sector organisations
• Producing content for websites, social media, newsletters and other digital communications channels to support advocacy and engagement objectives
• Drafting media content, including quotes, press releases and briefing materials, in collaboration with colleagues across the College
• Supporting senior College Officers and staff during meetings and engagement with policymakers and external stakeholders
• Coordinating and supporting the work of Executive Committees across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Assisting with administrative and financial processes, including invoice processing and supplier registration
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the College to maximise the impact of policy, communications and public affairs activity
Essential skills and experience include:
• Demonstrable experience in policy, public affairs, communications or a related field
• Strong knowledge and understanding of policy and legislative processes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
• Experience producing high-quality policy and communications outputs, including consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and media content
• Experience creating engaging content for digital channels, including websites, social media and email communications
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment
Desirable:
• Experience working within healthcare, government, a membership organisation or the third sector
• Knowledge of public health, health inequalities or wider health service issues
• Experience working on issues relating to children and young people
The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.
Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.
We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.
Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Devolved Nations)
£34,839 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based
35 hours per week, full-time
Permanent
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking a talented and motivated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our Devolved Nations team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy development, advocacy and communications activity that helps improve child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Working as part of the Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations) team, you will play an important role in supporting the College’s policy and public affairs priorities. You will help build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, support advocacy campaigns, develop policy positions and create engaging communications content that raises the profile of child health issues across the devolved nations.
This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including paediatricians, senior College Officers, politicians, government officials, charities and healthcare organisations.
Key responsibilities include:
• Supporting the development of policy positions specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring they reflect the needs of RCPCH members and have influence across the wider UK policy landscape
• Drafting consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and stakeholder communications on child health and paediatric issues
• Providing expertise and advice on the political, governmental and health service landscape within the devolved nations
• Supporting the delivery of public affairs and stakeholder engagement activity, helping to build productive relationships with governments, policymakers and health sector organisations
• Producing content for websites, social media, newsletters and other digital communications channels to support advocacy and engagement objectives
• Drafting media content, including quotes, press releases and briefing materials, in collaboration with colleagues across the College
• Supporting senior College Officers and staff during meetings and engagement with policymakers and external stakeholders
• Coordinating and supporting the work of Executive Committees across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Assisting with administrative and financial processes, including invoice processing and supplier registration
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the College to maximise the impact of policy, communications and public affairs activity
Essential skills and experience include:
• Demonstrable experience in policy, public affairs, communications or a related field
• Strong knowledge and understanding of policy and legislative processes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
• Experience producing high-quality policy and communications outputs, including consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and media content
• Experience creating engaging content for digital channels, including websites, social media and email communications
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment
Desirable:
• Experience working within healthcare, government, a membership organisation or the third sector
• Knowledge of public health, health inequalities or wider health service issues
• Experience working on issues relating to children and young people
The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.
Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.
We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.
Closing date: 6 July 2026
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advocates on child health issues at home and internationally.


Are you an ambitious self-starter with a passion for politics? Do you want to work for a purpose driven organisation that makes a difference? We are looking for a talented Public Affairs Officer to join our high performing Policy and Public Affairs Team at the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
What you will do
At CAF, every one of us contributes to our impact, and as our Public Affairs Officer you too will play an integral part in what we do.
In this role you will be joining an experienced team which engages politicians across the political spectrum and at the highest levels, alongside successfully driving policy change to increase charitable giving. You’ll assist the team in building relationships with MPs and Peers, monitor political developments in the UK, develop creative ways to engage parliamentarians and organise events.
The Policy and Public Affairs team sits within CAF’s Brand and Marketing division and you will work closely with colleagues in our Media and Communications, International, and Research teams in this role. Together, these teams, and individuals across CAF, work to further our mission to accelerate progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all.
Who we are looking for
This role is for you if you have experience of working in public affairs or have relevant transferable skills and are keen to make a difference to society. We are looking for:
- A passion for and strong understanding of UK politics
- An interest in the charity sector
- Experience of parliamentary monitoring and writing briefings
- Experience of organising events
- Experience of building relationships with external stakeholders
- Ability to work at fast pace to tight deadlines
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- A good attention to detail
What CAF offers as an employer
At CAF you will receive:
- Permanent hybrid ways of working where roles allow
- Six weeks holiday plus bank holidays
- A wide range of development opportunities to support personal and professional growth
- Pension scheme with better-than-market employer contribution options
- Social impact benefit scheme
What CAF offers as an employer
At CAF you will receive:
- Permanent hybrid ways of working where roles allow
- Six weeks holiday plus bank holidays
- A wide range of development opportunities to support personal and professional growth
- Pension scheme with better-than-market employer contribution options
- Social impact benefit schemes
About CAF
At Charities Aid Foundation we accelerate social progress by providing essential connections between donors, charities and communities.
We safeguard and deliver vital donations, offer expert advisory services and financial products to donors and charities, and provide tailored charity banking through our award-winning bank CAF Bank.
Our purpose is to enable a better landscape for giving and a fair and sustainable future for all.
If you are interested in joining us as our Public Affairs Officer and being part of an organisation who are people focused and are “Together Building Opportunity” please click on the apply button and you will be redirected to CAF jobs portal where you can find out more about the position and apply.
We would love to hear from you!
Job Reference: VB186
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Purpose of the job
UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning.
As we enter an exciting new phase of our five-year strategic period, we are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help us build on political momentum around young people and youth work to inspire lasting change.
You will support the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, within the Impact department (covering research, evaluation, service design, policy and public affairs, and communications), working closely with colleagues across the organisation to build and develop UK Youth’s relationships with a broad range of external stakeholders, including: Westminster government (e.g. ministers, officials and special advisers), parliamentarians, the devolved administrations, NGOs and third-party organisations, while shaping and responding to a wide range of public policy issues.
The role will require a strong understanding of complex policy issues and an interest in the political landscape and how it interacts with third sector organisations. You will have a can-do attitude, excellent written and oral communication skills, strong time management and organisational skills and an ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues internally and externally to support our goals.
Why work at UK Youth?
Every young person deserves a youth worker. UK Youth exists to make that a reality. Our vision is a society that backs every young person - through each spark, struggle and success.
As the UK’s national infrastructure body for youth work, we strengthen and champion a diverse network of youth organisations, unlock investment, shape policy and build the evidence base for what works. At a time of growing need and inequality of access, our work has never been more important.
We are entering an exciting new phase of our strategy - focused on long-term resilience, income diversification and a transformational Capital Appeal to develop Avon Tyrrell as a national centre of excellence for outdoor learning. Joining UK Youth means being part of an ambitious, impact-driven organisation committed to strengthening youth work for generations to come.
Key responsibilities
Public Affairs support
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Produce briefings and speaking notes for UK Youth leadership and trustees relating to important policy issues and external events.
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Manage relationships with politicians, civil servants, and staff in local authorities and regulatory bodies to brief them on matters relating to UK Youth’s policy objectives.
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Identify opportunities for UK Youth to publicly intervene on key policy priorities – including responses to government consultations, speaking at events, meeting with key influencers, etc.
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Develop written content, including blogs, and support colleagues in our Communications team to respond to breaking news relating to UK Youth’s policy priorities.
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Work closely with the Communications team to support the development of influencing plans that promote our policy messages on public channels.
Political monitoring and policy development support
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Coordinate with monitoring services to ensure proactive monitoring of relevant announcements and developments in Parliament and the devolved nations that relate to youth work and young people.
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Work with colleagues across the Impact Function to understand trends and innovations in the youth and outdoor learning sectors that have implications for policy.
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Ensure that there is a clear record of UK Youth’s policy positions on key issues, along with rationale and suggested messaging.
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Contribute to external-facing policy reports and briefings on topics relating to UK Youth’s work.
Stakeholder engagement and event management
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Build strong working relationships with policy professionals across the youth sector and identify opportunities to work in partnership, where appropriate.
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Develop relationships with key external stakeholders including other policy and public affairs teams in the youth sector and civil servants.
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Work closely with young people and youth workers to help refine UK Youth’s policy positions and influencing plans.
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Lead on day-to-day management of UK Youth’s secretariat role for the Back Youth Alliance, with oversight and support from the Head of Policy and Public Affairs.
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Project manage UK Youth’s involvement in key influencing events, such as party conferences, with oversight and support from the Head of Policy and Public Affairs.
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Represent UK Youth at meetings and events – helping to disseminate insights from our work, tell the story of youth work’s impact to inspire lasting change.
Experience we're after
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Experience working in the area of policy and public affairs or equivalent experience in other areas (such as through an apprenticeship, volunteering role, or university)
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Experience of project management
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Experience of understanding and communicating with different audiences
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Strong relational and stakeholder engagement skills
What we can offer you
We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:
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Flexible/Agile Working
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27 days annual leave (24 days + 3 days winter closure) plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)
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Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity
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Other training available in support of your personal and professional development
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Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)
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Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary
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Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally
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20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.
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IT equipment provided for the duration of contract
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CycleScheme and TechScheme
How to apply
If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.
Closing date: 29th June 2026 at 23:59 (midnight)
Provisional Interview Dates: w/c 6th July 2026
As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.
UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Prospectus are working with a purpose led organisation operating at the intersection of financial services, public policy, and social impact. With a strong focus on data, transparency, and financial inclusion, the organisation plays an important role in informing policy, supporting responsible decision making, and contributing to wider societal outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high impact environment and help shape conversations that influence both policy and practice.
Reporting directly to the CEO, with close engagement with the Chair and wider Executive Team, the Public Affairs Officer will lead the organisation’s public affairs and policy activity. You will monitor and analyse legislative and political developments, helping to shape timely and informed responses, while designing and delivering advocacy and campaign strategies aligned to organisational priorities.
The role involves building and maintaining senior relationships across government, regulators, industry, and advocacy groups, as well as producing high quality briefings, consultation responses, and policy papers. You will also play a key role in translating complex data and research into compelling insights, supporting external communications, stakeholder engagement, and the organisation’s overall policy positioning.
The successful candidate will bring proven experience in public affairs, policy, or government relations, alongside a strong understanding of the UK political and legislative landscape. You will be an excellent communicator, with the ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders, and demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills. A proactive, resilient, and adaptable approach is essential, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.
Experience in financial services, credit, or related policy areas, and confidence in campaigns, media engagement, or public speaking would be advantageous but is not essential.
If you are looking for a role with visibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to directly influence policy and stakeholder engagement at a senior level, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply in the first instance and we will contact suitable candidates for further conversations.
At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process, then please contact Catherine Bunting at Prospectus.
We are recruiting for a Temporary Public Affairs Officer for a professional member body, you will need sound knowledge of the workings of government and parliamentary procedure, you will support the public affairs team in providing a timely, high-quality and professional public affairs service to deliver the organisations aim & objectives.
Hybrid working min 1 day in their London office
The Role
Support the public affairs team to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in Westminster and Whitehall, particularly MPs and peers with an interest in health, and other national, regional, local and EU stakeholders
Research and develop briefings for stakeholder meetings at request of head of public affairs and senior public affairs officers
Produce parliamentary briefings and submissions
Supervise the public affairs monitoring service, providing daily monitoring support and research material, including monitoring Westminster, European institutions, and other relevant external stakeholders
Cascade monitoring information throughout the organisation
Collate information from a range of public affairs sources for circulation to senior members, relevant colleagues in the Engagement & Communications directorate, policy directorate and the wider teams - including summaries of relevant bills, reports, debates etc.
Provide analytical support to the public affairs team, including collating data on parliamentary/public affairs activity/performance
The Candidate
Previous experience in a parliamentary, political or public policy environment
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Excellent political awareness and keen interest in politics
Strong research and analytical skills
Ability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively but also to be flexible and adapt/respond to emerging issues, short deadlines and other demands or challenges
Knowledge of legislative procedures and policy making processes - across national, regional, local and devolved government and European institutions
An understanding of health policy issues and the challenges and opportunities facing the health and other public sectors
IMPORTANT NOTE
Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.
We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.
Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.
The Woodland Trust is looking for a Senior Press Officer to work as part of the national PR team for the Woodland Trust to shape and create stories, quotes and press releases.
The Role:
• This role will focus particularly on policy and political influencing work, and public facing campaigns, creating media exposure for the Trust’s expertise on woods and trees.
• This role will work closely with internal teams such as our campaigns, policy and external affairs teams to strategically plan and secure media coverage to influence decision makers and mobilise the public.
• Develop, plan, implement and evaluate PR campaigns and activities.
• Be the briefing spokesperson for interviews and delivering media training.
• Influence and provide expert opinions and advice to internals stakeholders.
• Respond to and write communications for issues that carry reputational risk.
• This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional site visits across the UK will also be required.
The Candidate:
• Experience working in media relations and PR supporting PR related campaigns and policy change by influencing government or decision makers.
• Knowledge of how to report in media coverage with confidence using PR software and platforms.
• Experience developing successful stories with the ability to be an expert spokesperson to the media.
• Strong relationship building skills with the ability to liaise with different stakeholders such as colleagues, journalists and broadcaster.
• Knowledge of how to manage your workload and prioritise effectively.
• Experience writing articles, press releases, blogs with the ability to adapt your writing style to different audiences.
• Knowledge of basic Microsoft Office with the ability to use Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.
Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application. Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.
Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.
Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.
Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams on 15th July 2026.
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.
Leukaemia UK – Our Charity
We are a ‘small but mighty’ charity with one big ambition: to stop leukaemia devastating lives. Over the next 10 years we want to help save and improve the lives of more people with leukaemia through funding life-changing research and campaigning for change. Despite decades of incredible progress, only half of leukaemia patients live longer than five years after their diagnosis. We won't stop until we change this.
We are looking for a Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager to join the Policy and Advocacy team. At a pivotal moment for Leukaemia UK, they will lead and manage our political influencing work, ensuring our profile and reputation remains high and we are able to influence political decisions.
With our new strategy period beginning in 2027, over the next 5 years we plan to increase our investment into ground-breaking research and campaigning to improve diagnosis, treatment and care. We are in a period of significant growth, investing to grow our income, profile, influence, engagement and impact.
Having developed our policy, public affairs and campaigns function over the current strategy period, this role will help take this to the next level and play a key role in strengthening our ability to influence change across the UK.
Team
We are a close-knit team, who are all passionate about Leukaemia UK and putting those affected by the disease at the heart of everything we do. We are all focused on pragmatic, practical solutions, as well as ensuring that our charity gets the funding it needs to continue to help those diagnosed with leukaemia and related conditions.
As a small organisation with just over 30 employees, every role counts. We have ambitious plans and we rely on individuals being self-starters, resilient and used to working at pace to maximise our collective impact. We are all about delivering exceptional expertise and making a real change to people’s lives.
Leukaemia UK and You
We are looking for a self-motivated Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager to join our team, taking a leading role in shaping and delivering Leukaemia UK’s influencing and campaigning activity to drive policy change. The successful candidate will be an innovative, driven and forward-thinking individual with a proven track record of delivering impactful public affairs and campaigning work within the health charity sector. You will work closely with the Head of Policy and Advocacy and the Policy Officer to ensure a coordinated, insight‑led and strategically aligned approach to policy development, public affairs and campaigning activity across the organisation.
The Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager will be instrumental in strengthening and growing the charity’s profile, influence and impact among political stakeholders and senior civil servants across all four UK administrations. This role will ensure that the ‘patient voice’ is heard and acted upon by key decision-makers, while also ensuring that the needs and priorities of individuals affected by leukaemia are understood, represented, valued and embedded within our influencing and campaigning strategies.
Alongside this, you will lead the development of creative and innovative campaigning approaches, using a range of tactics to effectively engage supporters, partners and policy makers in our work. You will create compelling opportunities for stakeholders to join our efforts to drive policy change, and ensure that our campaigns are visible, impactful and aligned to our policy priorities.
You will work closely with the Communications team to ensure that campaigning to drive policy change is clearly understood, amplified and embedded across digital channels and content strategies, maximising reach, engagement and impact. You will also support with identifying and developing new opportunities for PR, media engagement and thought leadership to strengthen Leukaemia UK’s position as a credible and influential voice in the sector. You will be representing Leukaemia UK in multiple charity coalitions and forums to ensure that leukaemia is represented on the political agenda.
The successful candidate will be adept at articulating evidence-based policy positions to policy makers, healthcare professionals, researchers, effectively representing the perspectives of those affected by leukaemia. They will have the ability to influence a wide range of senior stakeholders to drive progress and bring about meaningful change. A strong understanding of the external political landscape, coupled with exceptional communication skills and attention to detail, is essential.
This role does not currently include direct line management responsibility but will play a key role in coordinating activity across the Policy and Advocacy function, with potential to take on management responsibilities as the team grows.
Experience and skills
Essential
- Experience of working within public affairs and/or campaigning, with demonstrable impact in influencing policy or driving change (candidates should have strong experience in at least one of these areas, with an understanding of how they work together)
- Experience of influencing government, policy makers and/or decision makers, preferably within the health, research or charity sector
- Experience of developing and delivering public affairs and/or campaigning strategies, including planning, delivery and evaluation
- Experience of engaging and managing a range of stakeholders, including policy makers, partners, and supporters
- Experience of producing high-quality written outputs such as briefings, consultation responses, or campaign materials to influence decision makers
- Experience of working collaboratively across teams, particularly with communications functions
- Experience of monitoring and evaluating activity to assess impact and inform future approaches
- Experience of delivering multiple projects and programmes in a fast-paced environment
Desirable
- Experience of integrating campaigning with digital, PR or communications strategies
- Experience of identifying PR, media or thought leadership opportunities
- Experience of working in the cancer or wider health policy environment
- Experience of line management or supporting others’ development
Knowledge and personal traits
Essential
- Strong understanding of the UK political and policy landscape, including how decisions are made and influenced
- Understanding of how public affairs and campaigning can work together to drive change, including supporter engagement and mobilisation
- Ability to think strategically and identify opportunities to influence policy and public debate
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to different audiences
- Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders with differing perspectives
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and an understanding of the importance of engaging with patients and underrepresented groups
- A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to work at pace
Desirable
- Knowledge of the cancer, research or NHS policy landscape
- Experience of working with patients or in an advocacy capacity
Role Specifics
- Full time: 37.5 hours per week, worked Monday to Friday.
- Location: We are very flexible! Our offices are based in Central London, and we operate hybrid working. In this role you are required to work from the office at least one day per fortnight and as appropriate, to undertake the proper performance of the role duties regarding internal and external meetings and activities.
- Annual Salary: £40,000 - £50,000
Benefits- We are proud of our benefits
- 36 days holiday per year, including bank holidays- pro rata for part time employees
- Pension – default is 4% employee and 4% employer and we match up to 6%
- Life Assurance – x 4 cover
- Critical Illness Cover
- Cash back healthcare scheme & Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Hybrid Working
- Company sick pay
- Individual training budgets
Applications and interview timings
If you feel you have the passion for our work and the right mix of experience, skills, energy, and flair, then we would love you to apply. Please also see the full job description attached to the advert. To minimise unconscious bias, we use anonymous recruitment and are unable to consider direct applications. Please apply via the CharityJob website with your CV and covering letter.
Closing Date: 9am Monday 22nd June 2026
- First interviews will be held via Teams on Thursday 2nd July 2026
- Second interviews will be face to face in our London Offices – at 26 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BL on Thursday 9th July 2026
I look forward to hearing from you!
Georgia
Georgia Papacleovoulou
Head of Policy & Advocacy
Leukaemia UK
Together we can find and fund the research that matters most to people living with blood cancer.
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!
Public Affairs and Water Policy Officer
This role is predominantly home-based with regular travel to locations across the UK specifically London. Office facilities are available at our Newark office (Tuesdays to Thursdays) for those within easy travelling distance.
up to £36,380 per annum
Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)
Closing date for applications: 12th July 2026
First interview: 21st & 22nd July (Online Interview)
Second interview: 29th July (Online Interview)
About Us
The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 945,000 members, over 33,000 volunteers, 4,100 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work.
Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.
The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities.
About You
The post will support the Head of Public Affairs in helping the Wildlife Trust movement make arguments and develop relationships with parliamentarians in order to influence policy in Westminster, to the benefit of nature recovery. You will work with policy, campaigning, and communications colleagues to build support for The Wildlife Trusts’ advocacy priorities, including work on water policy.
You will have an understanding of the legislative process and parliamentary procedures and will have the ability to communicate detailed policies in a compelling and persuasive way, especially in written form. Experience of and a proven track record of working with politicians is advantageous, as is experience of supporting successful advocacy campaigns and fronting policies and programmes. You should feel comfortable with policy work as well as parliamentary advocacy, any past experience of water policy will be particularly useful.
The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. We are passionate in promoting our aims, and we pride ourselves on being inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.
RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and, as a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming recruitment experience for all applicants. Applicants with disabilities and from ethnic minority backgrounds, will be considered for the next stage of the selection process should they meet all the minimum criteria for the role outlined in the person specification detailed as essential criteria in the recruitment pack.
As part of our Disability Confident Scheme, RSWT offers an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with disabilities and therefore not all applicants with disabilities would be entitled to an interview as they must still satisfy the minimum requirements for the job. This commitment is designed to help reduce barriers and promote equal opportunity. We actively work to remove barriers throughout the recruitment journey and are dedicated to creating an accessible and supportive recruitment experience by offering reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process, as well as within the workplace. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you during your application or interview process, please let us know and we will be pleased to put the appropriate support in place.
Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations)
£59,640 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
35 hours per week, full-time
Permanent
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and strategic policy and public affairs leader to head our devolved nations policy and public affairs function. This is a high-profile leadership role with a unique opportunity to influence policy, advocate for children and young people, and drive improvements in child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs and sitting on the Membership, Policy and External Affairs Divisional Management Team, you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity across the devolved nations. You will develop and deliver impactful advocacy strategies, build strong relationships with governments and policymakers, and ensure the College’s voice is heard on the issues that matter most to paediatricians, children and young people.
You will provide leadership to a team of Policy and Public Affairs Managers and work closely with College Officers, members, committees and colleagues across the organisation to maximise the College’s influence and impact.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the strategic planning and prioritisation of RCPCH policy and public affairs activities across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Developing and delivering influential public affairs and advocacy strategies to support the College’s policy priorities
- Providing expert advice on child health, healthcare delivery, workforce, public health and safeguarding policy across the devolved nations
- Managing and developing a team of three Policy and Public Affairs Managers
- Overseeing the production of high-quality policy reports, consultation responses, briefings and stakeholder communications
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with governments, policymakers, Royal Colleges, health bodies and external partners
- Working collaboratively with the Health Policy, Media and Public Affairs, Membership and Education teams to align priorities and maximise impact
- Supporting Devolved Nations Officers and committees to advocate effectively on behalf of members
- Leading the identification of opportunities to raise the College’s profile and influence policy development
- Managing a budget of approximately £60,000 and ensuring effective use of resources
Essential skills and experience include:
- Degree-level qualification, postgraduate qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience
- Strong understanding of the UK political and health policy landscape, particularly within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Significant experience leading policy development and public affairs activity
- Proven experience producing and overseeing policy reports, consultation responses and briefing materials
- Demonstrable success in delivering public affairs campaigns with measurable impact
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior political, policy and clinical audiences
- Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences and channels
- Strong leadership and people management experience
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes
- Experience of budget management, planning and forecasting
Desirable:
- Experience leading policy development relating to health services, children’s services or child health
- Experience working within healthcare, children's services or public sector organisations
- Experience working within a membership organisation or professional body
The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.
Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.
We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.
Closing date: 24 June 2026.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advocates on child health issues at home and internationally.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The postholder will play a vital role in advancing Southall Black Sisters’ (SBS) policy, communications and public affairs work. This includes shaping and delivering strategies that:
• Promote SBS’s mission to end violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly for Black, minoritised and migrant (BMM) women and girls.
• Influence public policy and legislation to secure justice, safety and rights for Black, minoritised and migrant women and girls.
• Strengthening the public voice and visibility of SBS through impactful communications and campaigning.
They will work closely with senior staff, partner organisations and stakeholders to ensure that SBS’s policy positions, campaigns and services are effectively communicated, and that the lived experiences of the women and girls SBS supports are at the forefront of public and political discourse.
Why work with Southall Black Sisters?
Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced pension contribution
- Enhanced sick pay
- Subsidised public transport season ticket
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists
- Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
- A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
- Organisation-wide away days
- Career development pathways and support
- The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
- Employer eye care scheme
To Apply
Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.
Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: London, UK (Hybrid – 50% office attendance)
Summary Purpose - what you will be achieving:
The Policy Directorate brings together the Academy’s policy, analysis and external affairs functions to address major science and health policy issues in the UK and internationally. The Directorate works as a single, coordinated team, focusing resources on priority areas, applying strategic approaches, generating high-quality evidence and insights, and engaging effectively with government, stakeholders and partners to inform decision-making and influence policy.
You will lead and integrate the Academy’s external affairs function—spanning policy influence, parliamentary and government engagement, and sector engagement through FORUM—to strengthen our reach, visibility and impact.
By drawing on the Academy’s Fellowship, networks and reputation, you will ensure coherence across all external-facing policy activities and play a senior leadership role in delivering the Academy’s transformation priorities. You will position the Academy as an authoritative voice on medical science and health, and ensure that our external engagement is strategic, aligns with the wider organisation’s approach to stakeholder management, and strengthens our influence.
About the Role
Strategic leadership across external affairs
- Lead and integrate policy engagement and relationships to deliver a coherent external affairs strategy.
- Ensure alignment between external affairs activities related to policy and wider Academy strategic priorities (through COO).
- Provide strategic advice on public affairs opportunities, political risk, reputational management and external positioning.
Team leadership, governance and performance
- Lead a unified external affairs team, embedding KPI-driven planning, performance management and evaluation.
- Build capability, progression pathways and consistent project management approaches within the team.
- Manage political risk on behalf of the Academy, ensuring effective governance, narrative discipline and coherent external messaging.
- Ensure cross-Academy planning and alignment between external affairs, policy development, policy analysis, communications and engagement functions.
Strategic programme and portfolio leadership
- Oversee priority influencing programmes, ensuring coherence, sequencing and impactful delivery.
- Provide external-facing leadership for high-profile programmes.
- Support cross-sector initiatives and commissions by providing strategic political insight and external influence.
Political, parliamentary and institutional influence
- Lead the Academy’s UK parliamentary and government engagement strategy, including select committee interactions, parliamentary briefings and relationship building with MPs, Peers and parliamentary staff.
- Position the Academy as an authoritative voice on medical science, policy priorities and the wider health system.
- Build and sustain high-level influencing relationships across parliament and political parties, national bodies, arm’s-length agencies, health systems and sector leaders.
FORUM and commercial
- Oversee and evolve the Academy’s FORUM to align with policy priorities and maximise its impact as a neutral, cross-sector convening space exploring scientific innovation, technological trends and strategic priorities shaping UK healthcare.
- Lead the transformation of FORUM into a leading UK convenor, including membership growth, securing contributions from organisations, and delivering at least six high-quality convenings per year.
- Contribute to income-generating initiatives within approved budgets and ensure external-facing activities support organisational sustainability.
Leadership within the organisation
- As a member of the Academy Leadership Team (Heads and Directors), contribute to organisational strategy, cultural development and the transformation programme.
- Provide senior leadership on organisational measurement, impact reporting and securing external funding.
Financial and governance responsibilities
- Oversee budgets associated with external affairs and related programmes.
- Ensure compliance with governance processes, financial controls and risk management.
Requirements
- Strong track record in public affairs, political strategy or policy influencing, with demonstrable success securing policy adoption and measurable outcomes.
- Experience leading communications, media or public-facing activity in a complex environment.
- Understanding of the UK science, research and public health landscape, including inequalities, national strategies and institutional dynamics.
- Proven experience managing teams, building capability and integrating multidisciplinary functions.
Benefits
We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:
Competitive rewards
- Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%).
- Life assurance at three times your salary.
Work-life Balance
- Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance.
- 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays.
- Buying and selling leave.
- Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).
Wellbeing and Development
- Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Support through tailored learning and development.
Additional Benefits
- A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.
For more information and to apply, please visit our careers portal.
Closing date: 9:00am on Monday 22 June 2026.
Interviews will likely be held w/c 6 July 2026.