Public affair officer jobs in Cardiff, wales
Job Title: Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Wales)
Directorate: Strategy and Knowledge
Team/Department: Policy and Public Affairs
Salary range: £ 28,337 - £33,301 (recruitment is typically at the bottom of the range)
Location: Cardiff (hybrid working, with at least one day per week in the Cardiff office). The post holder maybe expected to travel to locations across the UK to support business needs, as and when required.
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Context and Background
The NSPCC’s vision is that together, we can stop child abuse and neglect. Through the collective power of our staff, volunteers, supporters, partners, and over 100 years of experience we will move closer to achieving that vision.
We launched our ten-year strategy in 2021, which is centred around three impact goals. This is the difference we want to make by 2031:
- Everyone plays their part to prevent child abuse: we’ll work together to make it easier for everyone to play their part and create a social safety net that prevents child abuse and neglect.
- Every child is safe online: together, we’ll transform the online world, so it’s safe for every child to go online.
- Children feel safe, listened to and supported: more children will be able to speak out, so they feel safe, listened to and understood – and abuse doesn’t shape their future.
The Policy and Public Affairs team works to ensure that national laws, policies and guidance across the UK are fit-for-purpose in preventing cruelty to children. We work across the four nations of the UK. We develop and maintain the NSPCC’s positions on key public policy issues, drawing on research and policy analysis and feed in organisational insight and expertise gained through our services. We use our evidence-based positions to shape and influence national policy discussions on issues affecting child protection and manage the NSPCC’s political relations and work with governments, legislatures and stakeholders across the UK.
We focus on five key policy priorities: the child protection system and children’s social care; early years and health; child sexual abuse; online safety; and young victims and witnesses.
Job purpose
We are recruiting a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to contribute to the work of the Wales Policy and Public Affairs team in delivering real change and reform in the best interests of children.
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will be responsible for undertaking policy work to achieve the NSPCC’s strategic goals, using their skills and experience to strengthen the NSPCC’s impact on public policy, and in doing so make a significant contribution to keeping children safe. The post holder will support the delivery of a range of policy-focused projects both within the Wales policy team, and across the wider UK policy team:
- Within the Wales team, the Officer will research and help build persuasive, evidence-based policy positions, support the NSPCC’s influencing activity as appropriate, and write consultations and impactful briefings. They will play a key role in supporting policy analysis, policy research and public affairs activity with a range of external stakeholders, including relevant elected members and government officials. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this role.
- Across the wider UK team, the Officer will also support policy colleagues working on one or more of our policy priority areas (which are focussed on: child protection; child sexual abuse; early years; online safety; young victims and witnesses). The post holder will help to coordinate collaboration across the teams, facilitate information-sharing and support the delivery of relevant cross-nation projects
Key relationships - Internal
- Reports to the Policy and Public Affairs Manager Wales)
- Colleagues in the wider Policy and Public Affairs and Campaigns teams across the UK
- Colleagues in the Strategy and Knowledge directorate
- Colleagues in the Media team
- Colleagues in the Services directorate (to ensure policy development is informed by experiences and learning from our frontline professionals/ volunteers)
- Colleagues working with children and young people (to ensure the experiences and voices of young people are embedded in policy and influencing work)
Key relationships - External
- Key civil servants and policy advisers in Welsh Government
- Elected representatives in the Senedd and local government structures
- Colleagues in relevant voluntary and statutory agencies
- Practitioner bodies
- Key academics, researchers and research networks
Main duties and responsibilities
- Develop and maintain expertise on key policy areas, enabling the NSPCC to predict and react to changes in the external environment.
- Scope, develop and refine key policies on priority issues, in line with the NSPCC’s strategic goals and outcomes.
- Support the smooth running of one of more NSPCC policy workstreams, supporting effective four-nations collaboration
- Prepare high-quality briefings, summaries and papers for internal and external audiences.
- Draft responses to government consultations and other public policy initiatives.
- Use project management skills to plan effectively the delivery of policy development activity and aligned public affairs activities.
- Undertake policy research and analysis, using a wide range of primary and secondary sources of evidence (such as policy documents, academic literature, survey data and qualitative data from interviews and focus groups), to develop high impact, credible policy positions
- Be a point of contact for internal and external requests for information and advice on NSPCC’s positions public positions
- Coordinate the delivery of NSPCC policy events and conferences (working with colleagues from across the organisation) and represent the NSPCC at external events.
Responsibilities for all Staff within the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate
There is a set of responsibilities for all staff within each directorate.
- A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
- To carry out the responsibilities of the post in a manner consistent with promoting equality and diversity, and which demonstrates respect for children’s rights
- To participate actively in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy, discussions and decisions
- To maintain an awareness of own and other’s health and safety and comply with the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures
- A willingness to take a flexible approach to work.
Person specification
- A good understanding of public policy relating to the NSPCC’s work, child protection issues and knowledge of the wider legal and political context in Wales.
- Demonstrable public affairs skills, with good knowledge of policymaking and parliamentary processes in Wales and experience of successfully influencing government or other policymakers.
- Proven policy development and policy research skills, with experience of collecting and analysing data, forming robust, evidence-based policy positions, and clearly presenting findings to make a clear and compelling case for policy and legislative change.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences and deal effectively, efficiently and appropriately with internal and external stakeholders.
- Good organisational and project management skills, with demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a time-pressured environment.
- Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
- Experience of organising and successfully delivering external influencing events
- Support for the NSPCC’s mission and values
Safer Recruitment
As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.
Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.
The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Our principles:
- Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.
- Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.
- We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.
- Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.
- As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.
- All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.
Thank you!
5Rights is seeking to recruit an outstanding professional Senior Public Relations Adviser to support our world-leading NGO at a time of exceptional visibility and opportunity to scale our impact. This is a remote role and can be based either in the UK or Belgium.
About 5Rights
5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations. We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No.25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).
Role Purpose
The Senior Public Relations Advisor leads 5Rights' external public relations and media strategy, positioning 5Rights as a global authority on children’s rights in the digital environment. The role shapes the public narrative around our mission, ensuring 5Rights’ work achieves maximum visibility, credibility and impact with policymakers, the media, industry and the public.
This is a senior, strategic role requiring exceptional judgement, political awareness and strong relationships across media and stakeholder landscapes.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive public relations strategy aligned with 5Rights’ mission and policy objectives.
- Position 5Rights as a leading voice on children’s rights in the digital environment in UK, EU and international media.
- Anticipate emerging issues and shape proactive public relations strategies around key policy moments, research releases and advocacy campaigns.
- Protect and enhance the organisation’s reputation, including crisis communications and risk management.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior journalists, editors and broadcasters across national and international media.
- Secure high-profile coverage in print, broadcast and digital media.
- Act as principal media advisor to the Executive Director and senior leadership team.
- Support and coach senior spokespeople and youth representatives for media engagements.
- Lead public relation planning for major campaigns, policy launches and advocacy initiatives.
- Advise on strategic partnerships and external engagement from a public relations perspective.
- Represent 5Rights at events, conferences and high-level meetings as required.
- Contribute to strengthening 5Rights’ overall public relations impact by bringing senior PR expertise, networks, and strategic media insight to the team.
Person specification
This is a highly challenging and rewarding position for a professional with the following attributes:
Essential skills and attributes:
- Extensive senior-level experience in public relations, communications, journalism or public affairs, ideally within policy, advocacy, human rights, technology, or social impact sectors.
- Proven track record of shaping national and international media coverage and securing high-profile placements across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
- Demonstrated experience leading public relations and media strategy, including reputation management, at organisational or campaign level.
- Experience advising senior leaders and acting as a trusted public relation expert in high-stakes and politically sensitive environments.
- Exceptional writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex policy, technical and research content into compelling public narratives.
- Deep understanding of media landscapes, political processes and public policy dynamics, particularly in the UK, the EU and internationally.
- Experience of crisis communications and issue management.
- Outstanding judgement and political awareness.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at senior level.
- Confident, authoritative and credible spokesperson when required.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-profile priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to work under pressure and respond rapidly to fast-moving external developments.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- High standards of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
- Deep commitment to the mission and values of 5Rights Foundation.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.
- Proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy.
Desirable skills and attributes:
- Experience working on children’s rights, digital rights, technology policy or online safety.
- Experience of international advocacy and global communications.
Practical details
- Location: Remote position in either the UK or Brussels. Some international travel required.
- Salary: €80,000 / £70,000 per annum including all benefits.The final offer will depend on skills and experience.
- One-year contract, renewable dependent on impact.
- Working hours: Full time (38h week), with occasional accommodation necessary for work across time-zones.
- Statutory pension contribution.
- 25 days annual leave per annum.
- Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.
- Starting data: ASAP, depending on notice period.
- Reporting line: Leadership team
5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter by 31st January 2026 via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Organisation
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity supporting low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.
We help thousands of families every year with essential grants, services and practical support. But we do much more than that. We champion families’ voices, challenge inequality and help shape the conversation on disability, childhood illness and disadvantage.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Family Fund connects with people across the UK. As a newly created role, it offers real scope to define and develop the function, while playing a central role in strengthening the organisation’s voice and influence.
We are looking for a bold, creative Group Director of External Affairs to join our Senior Leadership Team. At a time when families need us more than ever, you will raise Family Fund’s national profile and influence, positioning the organisation as a trusted, evidence led voice on childhood disability, serious illness and the broader challenges facing low-income families. You will build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, funders, and the public ensuring the organisation secures the visibility, support, and resources needed to drive lasting change for the families we serve.
You will lead an energetic, specialist team spanning communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research, bringing these areas together through a joined up external engagement strategy that delivers real impact.
Some key responsibilities include:
- Lead our communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research teams
- Raise Family Fund’s profile as a trusted national voice
- Build strong relationships with policymakers, media, funders and partners
- Help drive real change for families through influence and insight
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced leader who loves the power of communication, influence and connection.
Key attributes will include:
- Senior experience in external affairs, communications or public affairs
- A strong track record of influencing policy and engaging senior stakeholders
- Experience leading teams and working at senior level
- A warm, confident communication style and great relationship skills
- A real passion for Family Fund’s mission and social justice
This is an exciting, high impact role with the chance to make a genuine difference to families across the UK.
Candidate Briefing Pack
For comprehensive information about Family Fund, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:
- An up-to-date CV
- A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.
All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.
If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities at Russam.
Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd February 2026
Initial interviews with Russam: 17th and 18th February 2026
Interviews with Family Fund: 4th, 5th and 6th March 2026
Flexibility will be provided if needed - do let us know as soon as possible if you are unavailable on these dates.
We commit to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Thank you!
The Head of Advocacy, Awareness and External Relations is a senior leadership role within AtaLoss, working closely with and reporting directly to the CEO. The post-holder will lead work across the public, bereavement and commercial sectors to deliver AtaLoss’ strategic outcomes by:
- providing national leadership in bereavement awareness, advocacy and policy influence, including through Parliament, the APPG and the media
- strengthening the website as the UK’s trusted gateway for bereavement support, ensuring accessible, high-quality content and effective signposting
- enabling holistic bereavement support in communities and workplaces through partnership development, training and the growth of Bereavement Friendly Communities
- contributing to organisational sustainability through income-generating training, cross-sector partnerships and effective external engagement.
The role sits at the heart of AtaLoss’ mission to ensure that every bereaved person can access the right support at the right time, and to position bereavement as a public health issue requiring timely, coordinated and understanding response.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Your outstanding delivery of communications for the Woodland Heritage Skills project means you are a core part of how Woodland Heritage is achieving its mission which should make for an incredibly rewarding and varied experience!
Your work with the charity will be as part of a small, dedicated team of staff and a wider group of passionate trustees. Everyone will want you to succeed and will support you along the way.
Woodland Heritage is creating a thriving UK wood culture that benefits our environment, all people and our economy. We do this by championing the good use of home-grown timber from sustainable, productive woodlands for the benefit of present and future generations. Through a combination of demonstration sites, research, education, membership and outreach, we build on the wisdom and skills of the past to weather the challenges of tomorrow.
About the role
- The role is 22.5 hours per week for a fixed term of two years with a salary of £15,000 PA
- We can offer flexible working and hybrid working. You may wish to work at Whitney Sawmills, Herefordshire, for example for a day per week, though this is not required.
- Planned evening and weekend working as required.
- 25 days plus Bank/Public holidays as paid leave pro rata
- Your line manager will be the Woodland Heritage Skills Project Manager
- Employer contribution from nest pensions
All other terms and conditions will be as per your contract. More details are available via our staff handbook which can be provided to shortlisted candidates.
This role is part of a £238,442 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to create ‘Woodland Heritage Skills’; two years of educational workshops, digital educational assets and collaboration with its members and partners to deliver the charity’s new Open Woods & Workshops initiative.
A tremendous £13,547 of this grant is matched funding from the outdoor furniture B-Corp Gaze Burvill, a corporate member of Woodland Heritage, alongside fellow personal and corporate members of the charity.
About you
You will have a committment to the vision and values of Woodland Heritage and a desire to bring about positive change in the relationship between people and woodlands. You will have demonstrable experience of communications delivery and a willingness to learn and to be flexible.
You will join a small, dedicated team of staff and a wider group of passionate trustees. Everyone will want you to succeed and will support you along the way.
Visit our website to download the job specification and learn how to apply. We'd love to hear from you!
Registered Charity
1 - 5
Woodland Heritage is creating a thriving UK wood culture that benefits our environment, all people and our economy.
Thank you!
Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.
You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.
With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.
Who are we looking for?
To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.
We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.
Person specification:
- Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
- Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
- A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
- Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.
See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK.
Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews: Wednesday 4th March
As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Our vision is a future where no child dies of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma or suffers due to the treatment they receive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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 are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!
This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals.
We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the Mid-North Wales and West Midlands region.
As the Community Fundraiser covering Mid-North Wales and West Midlands, you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.
Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1 million.
- Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
- Do you live in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire,Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire or Mid-North Wales?
- Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?Have you answered Yes to these questions?
- Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?
If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided with this advert.
If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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 are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!
This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the East Anglia region.
As the Community Fundraiser covering East Anglia you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK. Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.
- Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
- Do you live in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk?
- Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?
Have you answered Yes to these questions?
Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?
If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack which is attached in this advert.
If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.