64 Public affairs jobs

About the role 

The Motability Foundation is recruiting two Policy Managers to join its newly established policy team, which sits within the Communications department. These roles will lead discrete policy areas, develop robust policy positions, and support the Motability Foundation in improving transport accessibility for disabled people. 

The Motability Foundation is building a future where all disabled people have access to accessible transport options so that they can make the journeys they choose. To achieve our ambitions, the Motability Foundation works closely with a wide range of stakeholders to develop, and then advocate for, policy and legislative solutions which result in tangible, real-world change. These roles are exciting opportunities for applicants who wish to play a crucial role at one of the UK’s foremost charities in doing this. 

The successful applicants will work closely with the Government Relations and Public Affairs team, as well as colleagues within the Motability Foundation and at Motability Operations, to advance our policy priorities, support the integrated communications strategy, and help raise the profile of issues affecting disabled people in their everyday lives. You will also engage regularly with policymakers and external organisations. 

These roles will suit experienced, proactive and collaborative policy professionals who want to strengthen their advocacy experience and help make transport more accessible and inclusive for disabled people. 

What you’ll be doing 

As a Policy Manager, you will lead policy work across agreed priority areas. This will include: 

• Developing robust policy positions, from defining the problem and intended outcomes, to assessing evidence and options, testing discoverability, and making clear recommendations – working closely with colleagues within the Motability Foundation and at Motability Operations, and external stakeholders. 

• Drafting high-quality policy outputs, including policy briefings, consultation responses, calls for evidence, and external correspondence. 

• Collaborating closely with Communications teams colleagues to promote policy positions to government, public and professional audiences, including contributing to campaign development. 

• Tracking political, legislative and policy developments, horizon-scanning for risks and opportunities and adapting policy positions and plans as needed. 

• Building trusted external relationships with policymakers, industry stakeholders and others who shape or influence policy – namely, disabled people and Disabled People’s Organisations. You must be comfortable with effectively communicating complex policy positions to a wide range of stakeholders.

• Working collaboratively across the organisation to ensure policy work is aligned and informed by wider insight. 

• Contributing to the development of the policy function, including its priorities, ways of working, and culture of collaboration, openness, and continuous improvement. 

Your experience 

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: disability and welfare, transport, tax and fiscal policy, or growth policy. Where candidates do not have direct experience, they should be able to demonstrate strong policy skills and the ability to apply them quickly to complex issues. 

Must haves:  

• Strong experience in policy analysis and developing evidence-led and creative policy positions - ideally on high profile and pivotal policy. 

• Demonstrable experience of communicating policy to senior officials, Ministers, advisers, Parliamentarians and wider industry stakeholders, both verbally and through high-quality written outputs.

• Strong understanding of UK and devolved policy-making and legislative processes, and strong political acumen and awareness of UK and devolved governments’ priorities.

• Understanding of, or commitment to developing expertise in, disability, accessibility, and inclusive transport policy.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a larger team and a complex matrix organisation, and build effective internal and external relationships. 

Nice to haves: 

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline. 

• Policy experience in the public, charity or not-for-profit sectors and/or in government (particularly HMT, DWP, No 10, BIST or DfT), Parliament, devolved administrations, or local government. 

• Experience helping to establish, improve or professionalise policy processes in an organisation. 

• Experience informing organisation-wide campaigns with policy expertise, insights and advice. 

Salary: £34,000 FTE (£20,400 actual salary) 
Contract: Permanent, part-time, 0.6 FTE 
Hours: 21 hours per week with flexibility as to how these are worked subject to business need and prior agreement 
Location: Hybrid, with regular attendance at our central London office (40%) 
Reporting to: Head of Policy and Advocacy 

Help shape public understanding of data and evidence 

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Press and Communications Officer to help raise the profile of the RSS, secure media coverage for our work, and ensure our expertise reaches policymakers, journalists and the wider public.

This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who enjoys translating complex topics into compelling stories and wants to contribute to evidence-informed public debate. 

About the role 

As Press and Communications Officer, you will lead and coordinate media and communications activity across the Society's policy, advocacy and public engagement work. You will build relationships with journalists, identify opportunities to showcase RSS expertise, support media-facing spokespeople, and deliver communications campaigns that enhance our influence and reputation.

You'll work across a wide range of issues, helping to explain the role of data, statistics and evidence in public life while ensuring the RSS is recognised as a trusted and authoritative voice. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Developing and delivering communications campaigns and media plans.
• Generating positive media coverage and building strong relationships with journalists. 
• Drafting press releases, statements, briefings and opinion pieces. 
• Managing media enquiries and supporting RSS spokespeople.
• Creating and scheduling social media content.
• Identifying opportunities to contribute RSS expertise to current public debates.
• Monitoring and evaluating media coverage and communications impact.
• Supporting the development of a diverse network of expert ambassadors and spokespeople.

About you 

We're looking for someone who combines excellent communications skills with a strong news sense and a passion for making complex information accessible. 

You will have: 

• At least two years' experience in communications, press, public affairs or media relations.
• A strong track record of securing media coverage and building media relationships.
• Experience creating high-quality communications content, including press releases and social media content. 
• Experience planning and delivering communications campaigns.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• The ability to explain complex issues clearly to non-specialist audiences.

Experience in a membership organisation, charity, professional body, learned society, or policy-focused organisation would be advantageous, as would an interest in research, evidence, data or public policy.

Why join us? 

At the RSS, you'll be part of a friendly and collaborative team committed to improving the use of data and evidence across society. We offer: 

• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 10%.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (pro rata).
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Apply now 

If you're an enthusiastic communications professional looking to make a meaningful impact through evidence, data and public engagement, we'd love to hear from you. 

Join us in helping ensure that statistics and evidence are at the heart of understanding and decision-making.

Change how the UK understands and supports bereaved children and families.

This is an exciting time to join Child Bereavement UK.

We are establishing a brand-new Research & Policy function and are looking for an ambitious Public Affairs Lead to help ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents shape policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and sector leaders to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, lived experience and influence, translating evidence into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and policy recommendations that make a difference.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new function, shape our national influence, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and families are heard where it matters most.

While based remotely, this role has a strong external focus and requires regular travel to London to represent Child Bereavement UK, build key relationships and engage with policymakers, partners and sector networks.

Role Purpose

As Public Affairs Lead you will play a central role in ensuring the voices and experiences of bereaved children, young people, parents and families influence policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, sector partners and influencers to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, policy and communications, helping to translate evidence and lived experience into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and influencing activity.

Main Responsibilities

 Public Affairs & Policy Influence

· Develop and deliver public affairs plans that support Child Bereavement UK's strategic priorities and policy objectives.

· Use research, evaluation findings and lived experience evidence to identify policy gaps, develop influencing priorities and shape recommendations for decision-makers.

· Translate organisational evidence into clear policy asks and reform proposals for government, parliamentarians, public bodies and sector leaders.

· Identify opportunities to embed evidence and learning within national, regional and local policy frameworks, guidance and professional practice.

· Support the development of long-term influencing strategies that drive systemic change for bereaved children, young people and families.

· Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, government officials, policymakers and key sector stakeholders.

· Coordinate engagement with relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups, consultations, inquiries and policy forums.

· Support the development of policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions.

· Organise parliamentary events, stakeholder roundtables and engagement opportunities that raise awareness of bereavement issues.

· Work with the Head of Voice & Participation to ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are represented at all stages of policy development.

Advocacy & Campaigns

· Lead the delivery of advocacy and influencing campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.

· Ensure advocacy campaigns are grounded in robust evidence, insight and lived experience, with clear objectives for policy and practice change.

· Work with the Head of Policy & Research to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.

· Develop stakeholder engagement plans that support campaign objectives.

· Build relationships with partner organisations, coalitions and networks to strengthen collective influence.

· Develop compelling narratives that connect research findings with real-world outcomes and policy solutions.

· Work with colleagues to identify tangible actions that policymakers, practitioners, employers, schools and communities can take in response to emerging evidence.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement plans.

· Build productive relationships with sector leaders, professional bodies, charities, academics and decision-makers.

· Coordinate engagement with strategic partners and external networks.

· Support senior leaders in stakeholder engagement activity through briefings, meeting preparation and follow-up actions.

Research Translation & Communications

· Develop evidence-informed policy asks, implementation recommendations and calls to action that support measurable change.

· Identify opportunities to move research and insight beyond publication and into policy development, service improvement and public discourse.

· Translate research, evidence and lived experience into compelling stakeholder communications.

· Produce parliamentary briefings, policy summaries, position statements and advocacy materials.

· Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure policy and research activity is effectively communicated to external audiences.

· Collaborate with the PR & Press Lead to identify opportunities to amplify policy and research messages through media and public engagement activity.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Insight

· Monitor and evaluate public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity.

· Track policy developments, stakeholder engagement outcomes and influencing opportunities.

· Produce reports demonstrating impact, engagement and progress against objectives.

· Maintain stakeholder databases and records to support organisational relationship management.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

· Significant experience in public affairs, policy, advocacy, campaigns or stakeholder engagement.

· Experience building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, public sector organisations or influential stakeholders.

· Understanding of UK political systems, parliamentary processes and policy development.

· Experience developing and delivering influencing or advocacy campaigns.

· Experience producing briefings, consultation responses or policy-focused communications.

· Understanding of how evidence and lived experience can be used to influence decision-making.

Skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong relationship-building and influencing abilities.

· Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.

· Excellent organisational and project management skills.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Personal Attributes

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child.

· Collaborative and relationship-focused.

· Compassionate and emotionally intelligent.

· Proactive, resilient and self-motivated.

· Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents

· Experience within the charity, health, social care or education sectors.

· Knowledge of bereavement, grief, loss or trauma-informed services.

· Experience working with All-Party Parliamentary Groups or parliamentary engagement activity.

· Experience working with research and evidence-based policy development.

· Experience working with lived-experience contributors and ambassadors.

· Understanding of campaigning, coalition building and systems change approach

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 17th September 2026 at midnight

Interview dates: 29th and 30th September on MS Teams

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

Suicide can be prevented but urgent action is needed. We are looking for an experienced Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager to lead our work to mobilise our campaigners and maximise our political relationships to push for action to prevent suicide.

Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change through our policy, advocacy campaigning and relationships with political stakeholders.

The Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team of five works alongside people with lived experience, our campaigners, supporters and volunteers to push for the public policy and legal changes that will help us achieve our vision. We work to achieve system change through our work with the Westminster parliament, UK Government departments, policy makers and service leads, alongside our offices in the nations. We're looking for a Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager to lead this area of work.

We know that to make a real difference to those who are affected by suicide, we need to drive meaningful change in UK legislation and policy, funding and research.

If you're a strategic thinker with a track record of successfully influencing for change, we'd love to hear from you.

Contract terms:

• £42,000 - £44,000 per annum, plus benefits
• Permanent
• 35 hours per week (full-time)
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
• We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 2 days or more per month. This role will also involve regular travel to Westminster.
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

What you'll be doing:

You'll lead our public affairs and advocacy campaigns work focused on influencing decision-makers and driving advocacy campaigns.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing our advocacy campaigning activity across England and line managing the Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer, ensuring that our advocacy campaigns are rooted in lived experience, and that our supporters have a positive ongoing experience. 
• Leading the implementation of our public affairs and campaign strategies to achieve change on Samaritan’s key influencing priorities
• Identifying, creating, and evaluating opportunities and mechanisms to increase political engagement and persuade decision makers to take positive action on suicide prevention 
• Identifying, cultivating and maintaining excellent relationships across the UK parliament and key political decision makers. 
• Working across the charity to connect all of our relevant work to Parliamentary audiences, including support for Samaritans branches and volunteers on public affairs activities
• You’ll play a pivotal role in leading our efforts to drive meaningful change to help prevent suicide. 

What you’ll bring:

• Great people skills with the ability to turn contacts into action
• Proven experience in successfully influencing within the UK Parliament
• Experience of leading effective advocacy campaigns and trialling new and exciting campaign tactics
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively
• A passion for involving people with lived experience in your campaigns and public affairs work

For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Applications close: 20th September 2026

Interviews: w/c 28th September

At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.   

Policy has the power to change lives – do you have the engine to drive meaningful change forward?

Bring your policy expertise, political insight and energy to help MCR Pathways transform opportunities for young people across the UK.

We’re looking for a highly driven Senior UK Policy & Public Affairs Officer to help advance our mission to bridge the education, skills and opportunity gap through the transformative power of mentoring. You’ll monitor the political landscape, turn evidence and impact into compelling policy arguments, build influential relationships and identify opportunities to put mentoring at the heart of national and regional agendas.

From Westminster and Holyrood to local and combined authorities, you’ll help build the case for change, champion the Trusted Adult Guarantee and support MCR Pathways’ continued expansion across the UK.

The Role Experience

This is a hands-on policy and public affairs role that goes well beyond monitoring what’s happening in government. You’ll be immersed in the UK political and policy landscape, identifying opportunities to influence, developing policy briefings and submissions, mapping stakeholders and cultivating relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, civil servants and strategic partners.

You’ll also be the operational engine behind senior leadership engagement. You’ll identify and progress opportunities, coordinate preparation, develop briefings, arrange meetings and drive follow-up – enabling our CEO, Development Director and other senior leaders to lead high-level engagement and representation with key policymakers and stakeholders.

Turn insight and lived experience into influence. Help make the power of mentoring a national priority.

What You’ll Bring:

• Policy & Public Affairs: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or parliamentary work, with a strong understanding of UK political systems and policy-making.

• Influencing & Relationships: The ability to map political landscapes, build strategic relationships and identify opportunities to influence policymakers and decision-makers.

• Evidence & Advocacy: Exceptional written and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex evidence, impact data and operational experience into compelling policy arguments.

• Strategic & Operational Drive: A proactive approach, able to spot opportunities, coordinate activity and ensure high-quality preparation and follow-through for senior engagement.

• Collaboration & Purpose: A highly collaborative approach and genuine commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for young people facing barriers to reaching their potential.

Safeguarding

MCR Pathways is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect you to share this commitment. This post is subject to appropriate vetting, including a criminal record check and PVG / DBS Scheme membership.

About MCR Pathways

MCR Pathways is an award-winning mentoring programme delivered in schools, further education settings and communities. We connect young people with trusted adult volunteer mentors, providing consistent guidance to help build confidence, self-belief and ambition. Through this support, young people can overcome barriers and progress towards positive destinations such as further education, apprenticeships and employment.

An Exciting Time to Join the Royal Commonwealth Society 

This is an exciting time to join the Royal Commonwealth Society. As the Society approaches its 160th anniversary in 2028, we are developing an ambitious programme of communications and digital engagement to bring the RCS and the Commonwealth to new audiences around the world.

A key opportunity will be the development of Digital Commonwealth Day — a digital programme designed to complement the RCS’s annual Commonwealth Day Celebration at Westminster Abbey and extend its reach globally. Through creative content, video, social media and digital storytelling, it will help amplify the work of the RCS and showcase the achievements and diversity of the Commonwealth.

The successful candidate will play a central role in bringing this vision to life, while helping to strengthen the RCS’s wider digital presence and communications.

 
Role Summary 

The Digital Communications and Public Affairs Officer will lead the day-to-day delivery of the RCS’s communications and digital content, alongside supporting public affairs and stakeholder engagement.

This is a creative, hands-on role for someone who enjoys creating content, telling stories and finding innovative ways to engage audiences. The postholder will manage the RCS website and social media channels, produce written, visual and video content, support flagship campaigns and events, and help develop new digital initiatives.

Key programmes include the RCS Celebration at Westminster Abbey, Digital Commonwealth Day, The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition, the Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition and the RCS’s 160th anniversary programme in 2028.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

Communications, Digital & Content 

• Develop and deliver engaging communications and digital content across the RCS website, social media, email and other platforms.
• Manage and maintain the RCS website, including news, blogs, events and campaign content.
• Create, schedule and manage content across X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Create and edit engaging short-form video, photography, graphics and other visual content for digital campaigns and social media.
• Develop creative campaigns and content around key RCS programmes, events and Commonwealth moments.
• Produce the monthly RCS newsletter, including writing, sourcing content and managing mailing lists.
• Use Canva and other digital tools to create high-quality communications materials.
• Capture and repurpose content from RCS events, including interviews, photography, video and social media content.
• Develop stories that highlight the work of the RCS, its partners and young people across the Commonwealth.
• Monitor digital and social media performance and use insights to improve engagement.
• Identify new digital platforms, trends and opportunities to expand the RCS’s reach.
  

Commonwealth Day & Digital Commonwealth Day

• Lead communications and digital content supporting the annual Commonwealth Day Celebration at Westminster Abbey.
• Help develop and deliver Digital Commonwealth Day, creating an engaging online programme that complements the Westminster Abbey service and enables audiences around the Commonwealth and beyond to participate digitally.
• Develop pre-, during- and post-event content, including video, interviews, photography, graphics and social media.
• Work with Commonwealth partners, youth networks and other stakeholders to develop and amplify digital contributions and stories.
  

160th Anniversary – 2028

• Support the development and delivery of communications for the RCS’s 160th anniversary in 2028.
• Create digital stories and content celebrating the Society’s history, impact and future.
• Help use the anniversary as an opportunity to reach new audiences and strengthen the RCS’s profile across the Commonwealth.
  

Events & Public Affairs

• Support communications and logistics for key RCS events and campaigns, including The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition, Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition and High Commissioners’ Banquet.
• Assist with public affairs events, stakeholder engagement, briefings, speeches and correspondence.
• Build relationships with Commonwealth stakeholders, youth networks, partners and external organisations.
• Represent the RCS at relevant events and networking opportunities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Experience in communications, marketing, digital communications or public affairs.
• Strong experience creating digital and social media content, including short-form video.
• Experience managing websites and producing content for public audiences.
• Confident using social media platforms professionally and creatively.
• Experience using content/design tools such as Canva or equivalent.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Creative, proactive and able to identify and develop new communications opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.
• Interest in international affairs, youth engagement, the Commonwealth and/or advocacy.
• Right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

 Desirable

• Experience with a web content management system, particularly Wix.
• Experience with video editing software and digital analytics.
• Experience developing digital campaigns or online communities.
• Experience promoting youth-led initiatives.
• Experience supporting high-profile events with external partners.
• Understanding of the Commonwealth and the RCS’s mission.

Please note that due to the nature of this role, some out-of-hours work is required.

Job Title: Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager

Reporting to: Director of Campaigns

Line reports: None

Salary: £44,350 per annum pro-rata (£ 35,480 per annum for 4 days per week)

Hours: 4 days (30 hours) or 5 days (37.5 hours) per week, with flexibility over working hours (core hours are 10.00-16.00).

Duration: 1-year contract renewable subject to funding

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: London/Hybrid – minimum 2 days in the office (core days in the office are Tues & Weds) further office attendance is encouraged

Anti-oppressive statement

Foodrise is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Read our full Equity, Justice and Anti-oppression statement.

Inclusive Recruitment

We have an opt-in Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme for candidates who declare a disability and/or are a person of colour and meet the essential criteria of the role profile. The scheme aims to provide a first-stage interview for candidates who meet the essential criteria of the role and opt in to the scheme.

If you would like to be considered under this scheme you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. You should take time to provide examples that you meet each of the essential criteria in your cover letter. Please ensure you select the relevant tick box on the application page ‘Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme’.

We are always happy to speak to candidates informally about the role before applying and encourage you to do so by contacting us.

About Us

Foodrise is a charity transforming the food system for climate, nature and justice. 

We take bold action to uncover the root causes of injustice in our food system and expose how corporate power exploits people and the planet, while building truly just and resilient alternatives from the ground-up.

We speak truth to power. We take risks. We act where and when others won’t.

From launching legal action and producing hard-hitting research to working directly with local communities, we drive systemic change across food and farming, powered by grassroots energy and backed by the facts.

We exist to say what others won’t, do what others don’t, and never settle for “it can’t be done”. Change is possible, and we are rising to make it happen.

We are based in the UK and the Netherlands. See more about us on our website.

About the Role

The Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager is a brand-new role for Foodrise. The successful candidate will lead on developing our first public and parliamentary affairs strategy to engage with political representatives and policymakers to advance our campaigning objectives and ensure progress towards our new strategic goals:

• Dismantling the animal industrial complex and supporting the transition to plant-rich food
• Eroding the social licence of large supermarkets and building alternative food economies

Ultimately, this role is about securing wins to meet our vision of a greener, fairer food system, where food is a commons, not a commodity.

This role is key to shaping public policy and legislative outcomes by building relationships, influencing decision-makers, and positioning Foodrise as an ambitious yet trusted voice in Westminster, Holyrood and amongst civil society across the UK. This role will work collaboratively with colleagues across campaigns, so would suit an adaptive candidate with strong communication skills, keen to advocate for Foodrise.

Job Description

Parliamentary and Public Affairs Strategy

• Develop and deliver a public affairs strategy aligned with organisational priorities and campaigns
• Identify and maximise opportunities to influence legislation, policy development, and public debate
• Monitor the UK political landscape, including Parliament, Government departments, and devolved administrations

Political Engagement & Influencing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants, special advisers, and political stakeholders
• Lead engagement with All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), select committees, and public consultations
• Draft and coordinate parliamentary briefings, speeches, amendments, parliamentary questions and responses
• Work with lawyers to draft proposed legislation and legislative changes in support of our objectives
• Register for the UK lobbying register and keep our account up to date
• Lead high-impact advocacy moments such as parliamentary events, receptions, and policy launches

 Integration of Parliamentary/Advocacy Asks into Foodrise’s Wider Work

• Work closely with campaigns and communications teams to integrate parliamentary and public affairs into campaigns
• Work closely with fundraisers and senior leadership to integrate parliamentary and policy asks in our fundraising and business development
• Ensure consistent and compelling advocacy messaging across all channels
• Provide regular updates and analysis on political developments relevant to the organisation’s work
• Track and evaluate the impact of public affairs activities
• Maintain accurate stakeholder records and engagement logs
• Work closely with our colleagues at Foodrise in the EU to support EU level advocacy where relevant to our campaigns
• Any other relevant tasks as requested by senior colleagues to support the organisation and further our objectives

Ways of Working

• Collaborative by default; independent work is balanced with regular coordination.
• Contribute to the development and embedding of anti-oppressive work across the organisation
• Flexible and adaptable in response to changing priorities.
• Present and available for colleagues, including regular in‑office presence.
• Proactive in communication, planning, and follow‑through.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Network

• Extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, or political advocacy (at least 7 years’ working experience)
• Strong understanding of the UK political system, legislative processes, and policy-making
• Networks within the UK political and policy systems
• Knowledge of the key issues in food systems, environment and/or climate in the UK

Essential Skills

• Demonstrable experience of influencing political representatives, policymakers and delivering policy or campaign wins
• Excellent writing, analytical and research skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively; build, maintain and develop flexible working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring to Foodrise

• A can-do attitude, flexibility and adaptability, alongside a willingness to pitch in on delivery and help colleagues across the team, recognising that Foodrise is a small, nimble organisation with fast-changing priorities.
• An understanding of anti-oppressive practice and how it applies to Foodrise’s work and the role, and the ability to represent diverse perspectives through the work of the organisation.
• Sharing Foodrise’s values: audacity, collaboration, impact, celebration, solidarity.
• Willingness to undertake some limited travel domestically and abroad.

What We Offer

• Personal training and wellbeing funds
• Regular team socials
• Workplace pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• Enhanced sick leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech scheme
• Flexible working hours (core hours 10am-4pm)

How to Apply

Please apply via Charity Jobs with:

• Your CV (no longer than 2 A4 pages total) 
• A cover letter (no longer than 1 A4 page) explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification with examples, and why you would like to work at Foodrise. 

Deadline to apply: 10am, Tuesday 22nd September

Successful candidates for interview will be notified by Thursday 24th September.

Shortlisted candidates will be sent our new strategy ahead of the interview, along with details of an hour-long written task to be completed at home – this will be sent prior to the interview at a time convenient for you.

First round interviews will be held on Thursday 1st October.

Second round interviews will be held on Thursday 8th October.

Sign up to join our Recruitment Q&A Zoom session on Wednesday 2nd September, 12-1pm. Our HR & Operations Manager will talk through the recruitment process and answer any questions you may have. Please note that this session is focussed on the recruitment process. If you have any questions specific to the role, please contact us.

For any questions, access requirements, or if you require the job description in a different format, please contact us.

AI policy – We understand that you may use AI to help with your application, however we want to hear your authentic voice throughout your application.

The British Psychological Society is the membership and representative body for psychologists and the wider psychological professions in the UK.

We are seeking a Senior Policy & Public Affairs Adviser to join our friendly Policy & Public Affairs team. This is a great opportunity to support the BPS’ advocacy and policy objectives, helping ensure that the views and expertise of psychologists are heard by key decision makers.

The Senior Policy & Public Affairs Adviser works across member networks, political and government stakeholders, analysing policy developments and seeking opportunities to influence national policy on behalf of our members. Our members work across a range of sectors, including health, education, justice, sports and exercise, so the post-holder will be required to collaborate with a wide range of members, teams and external partners to deliver impactful outcomes and shared goals.

Why join us?

• Influence policy on nationally significant issues across the UK
• Work directly with politicians, government officials and senior stakeholders
• Collaborate with leading psychologists and subject matter experts
• Represent a respected professional body with a trusted voice
• Play a visible role in delivering policy change.

What you'll be doing

• Drive policy development and produce briefing materials
• Monitor Westminster, Whitehall and other administrations
• Manage consultations and consultation responses
• Represent BPS at policy forums and stakeholder groups
• Build strong relationships with members and policymakers.

Who will thrive in this role?

We are looking for someone with significant experience of working in a policy, public affairs or political capacity with a strong understanding of Westminster and political decision-making.

Oral and written communication must be your strength, with the ability to influence, engage and build relationships with different audiences and stakeholders. The post-holder will be required to collaborate across teams and with external partners to deliver impactful policy outcomes.

We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Agile & flexible working·     
• Generous leave entitlement
• Occupational pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme / free eye care vouchers / Winter flu vaccinations
• Tailored learning & development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Discounts scheme with national organisations

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria in the job profile by 6th September at 23:30. Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be progressed. Interviews will be on-line 23rd-25th September.

The British Psychological Society is committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of your background or circumstances. We are only able to accept applications that can demonstrate a right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible to update you on the progress of the application until after the closing date.  If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Would you like to help create a brighter future for nature? 

Wildlife and Countryside Link is a coalition of 97 environmental charities. We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help develop, advocate and win policy improvements for nature, with a particular focus on the marine environment. 

The Government has promised to halt the decline of wildlife and protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The marine environment is on the frontline of action – how can we restore habitats at the same time as huge investment in renewable energy? How can we restore fish stocks in a way that supports the future of coastal communities? How can we lead the way on reducing the pollution that is blighting our seas?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help environmental organisations agree bold answers to key questions like these. This role will manage our marine, bycatch and marine mammal working groups to secure ambitious progress of protection and recovery of the marine environment. This is an exciting opportunity to be to work alongside some of the leading experts in marine policy to deliver joint policy that will transform nature at sea.

You will also play a key role in delivering environmental priorities to key influencers in Government and in Parliament. 

So, we are looking for someone with a keen eye for detail, a good networker with the ability to listen and negotiate, and a reasoned and convincing style of written and verbal communication, with a passion for nature conservation.

About Woman's Trust

The charity was established in 1996 to meet the gap in specialist mental health services. Woman’s Trust is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awareness-raising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

About the role

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will establish and lead Woman’s Trust’s policy and public affairs function. She will grow the organisation’s influence with UK and London government, Parliament, NHS systems, commissioners and sector partners so that the voices and experiences of women and children affected by domestic abuse shape policy, commissioning and practice.

The postholder will develop and deliver an evidence-led influencing strategy; own a focused portfolio of policy priorities; build and manage senior stakeholder relationships; produce high-quality analysis, briefings and consultation responses; and provide timely political and public affairs advice to the CEO, Chair, trustees and senior colleagues.

Working across services, data, communications and fundraising, she will ensure Woman’s Trust’s external positions are grounded in frontline expertise, robust evidence and appropriately supported survivor involvement. She will identify opportunities for the organisation to influence debate and policy at the intersection of domestic abuse, women’s mental health, health inequalities and public services.

Hours: 35 hours per week. A four-day/0.8 FTE arrangement will be considered.

In return, we can offer:

• 25 days' holiday + 3 days at Christmas + Public holidays (pro rata for part-time working)
• Hybrid & flexible working - office based with minimum of 50% of working hours in Woman’s Trust London office, we also support mutually agreed flexible working arrangements
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mandatory job-related training
• Individual staff professional development budget
• A caring, committed and highly collaborative environment
• Several social events/lunches per year
• Friendly, all women team

To find out more and apply with your CV, please visit our website via the apply button.  

Please note, CVs and cover letters should be sent in Word format.

Closing date: Monday, 7th September 2026.

First stage interviews: Friday, 11th September 2026.

Second stage interviews: Wednesday, 16th September 2026.

Please note, this post is open to female applicants only – Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1 applies.

The Parliamentary and Public Affairs Adviser and Researcher to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York manages the public affairs of the Archbishops, including their parliamentary work in the House of Lords and other research needs. As a member of the Faith and Public Life Team, which serves both the Archbishops and the wider Church of England, the role is designed to be the personal connection within this team for the Archbishops, focused specifically on managing the events and interventions they make in the public sphere and Parliament, as well as providing relevant public policy research.

This post sits within Faith and Public Life (FPL), the team that supports the Church of England's work in the public sphere, and specifically supports the work of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York across a wide range of topics, from their role in Church and state relations, to their witness on issues of social justice. The work is set in the context of the priority areas of the Archbishop's ministry, the Quinquennium goals of the Church of England, and the five marks of mission of the Anglican Communion. Policy and research on these areas are carried out within the Faith and Public Life team, and so the post will link across all the areas of work in FPL.

The Public Affairs Adviser/Researcher to the Archbishops fulfils this role under the supervision of the Director of the Faith and Public Life team, and the Head of Parliamentary Affairs for the Church of England, working closely with colleagues in the Office of the Archbishops at Lambeth and Bishopthorpe Palaces, the Public Policy Team and the Parliamentary Unit of FPL.

As a link between the Archbishops and the Faith and Public Life team, the post-holder will have frequent personal contact with the Archbishops and close working relationships across the team, ensuring, through the Director, that the Archbishops can avail themselves of all the skills and experience held within the team as required. The post-holder's research activities will contribute to, and be coordinated with, wide research activities of FPL's Public Policy team.

As the overall Parliamentary engagement of the Lords Spiritual and Second Church Estates Commissioner is coordinated through the Parliamentary Team within FPL, the post holder will be a full member of the Team and will be line managed, for that part of the work, by the Head of Parliamentary Affairs.

The role involves the briefing and management of events and meetings held by the Archbishops, and the management of their interventions in the House of Lords, including speechwriting. It also involves carrying out research both at the specific request of the Archbishops, and, where possible, assisting the Public Policy team in research that supports the wider Church of England.

Key duties include:

• Liaising with the other members of the Faith and Public Life team to ensure that the Archbishops are appropriately advised on key developments in government policy and legislation
• Assisting the Archbishops, through the Parliamentary Team, in their Parliamentary duties, including research for speeches, questions and meetings, monitoring and updating them on specific issues and events, and liaising with others in Parliament, civil society and the National Church Institutions on his behalf.
• Ensuring that the Archbishops are kept abreast of the wider activities of the Lords Spiritual.
• Organising and staffing meetings in Parliament with the Archbishops.
• Undertaking discrete and ongoing research projects, to assist in the ongoing public affairs work of the Archbishops and the Faith and Public Life team's wider work.
• Assisting in developing briefing material to support the Archbishops' contributions on social and public issues, including drafting speeches, notes and preparatory material for the Archbishops and members of their senior staff as required.
• Providing support for new work areas that enable the Archbishops to address their own priorities in their ministry. This will include work across both the Provinces of Canterbury and York.
• Assisting in the preparation of briefs for official engagements for which the Faith and Public Life team has lead responsibility, including basic research and collation of information.
• Assisting in the maintenance and development of relationships with major charities, NGOs, think tanks and social and public affairs (or equivalent) departments at a national level in other denominations and faiths.
• Assisting in the day-to-day activities of the Faith and Public Life team, such as drafting correspondence on behalf of the Archbishops on relevant matters and responding to the numerous invitations that the Archbishops receive.
• Where appropriate, attending meetings on behalf of the Archbishops and/or the Faith and Public Life team.

The post holder will also assist with day-to-day duties, such as drafting briefings and correspondence, and assisting with the drafting of speeches and written material for use by the Archbishops.

The postholder will be required to have basic DBS clearance.

Essential

Education

• Degree level (or equivalent qualification that includes a significant independent research project).
• Excellent ICT skills.
• Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organisation skills, including time management, diary management etc.
• Research skills and the ability to gather information quickly and accurately.

Skills/Aptitudes

Knowledge / Experience

• Knowledge of Parliament, its function and structures.
• Appreciation of the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York and the Church of England in national life.
• Proven ability in presenting complex data in manageable and informative ways.
• Some experience of organising events (receptions, seminars, small and large meetings etc.)

Personal attributes

• An open and collaborative working style.
• Discretion and judgement in handling confidential or sensitive material.
• Willingness to work creatively within a team with people of differing political and/or theological persuasions.
• Ability to make considered decisions on complex matters, to seek support and advice when necessary and to take responsibility for one's work.

Circumstances

• Willingness and ability to work some unsocial hours when required.

Desirable

Education

• Degree or A Level (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as politics, theology etc.
• Database management.
• Ability to discern the impact of policies, legislation etc. on the Church of England, other churches, and other faith communities.

Skills/Aptitudes

Knowledge / Experience

• Ability to draft briefing papers, bulletins and other accessible modes of communication.
• Awareness of Parliamentary processes, political parties, think tanks, lobby groups etc.

• A grasp of the key issues facing the Church of England in its public role today.

Personal attributes

• Ability to manage his/her own work programme with minimal direct management.
• Ability to deliver outcomes to deadlines and to work under pressure.

This role is being offered on a fixed-term contract as maternity cover for a period of up to 12 months.

We are entering a period of unprecedented opportunity. Advances in treatment, increasing recognition of the condition, and growing awareness of healthcare inequalities provide a unique chance to strengthen our impact and expand our reach across the UK. Our ambition is bold: to engage and support at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community as members within the next five years, creating a movement that is representative, influential and impossible to ignore.

The successful candidate will lead the development of a thriving national community of people affected by myasthenia, ensuring that individuals and families feel connected, represented and empowered. They will transform community insight into meaningful campaigns, influence policy and healthcare decision-making, and position myaware as the authoritative voice for everyone affected by the condition.

Success in this role will be measured not only by influence and campaigning outcomes, but by the growth, engagement and mobilisation of our community. The Director will play a central role in delivering our ambition to reach, engage and retain 50% of the UK's myasthenia population as members and active supporters within five years, creating a change-maker movement that is representative of our goals.

Key Responsibilities

Community Growth and Engagement

• Contribute towards the development and delivery of a comprehensive membership growth strategy aimed at engaging at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community within five years.
• Build a deep understanding of the patient journey and identify opportunities to connect with people from diagnosis onwards.
• Lead the development of services, programmes and engagement approaches that increase membership recruitment, retention and participation.
• Ensure that people affected by myasthenia are at the heart of all organisational decisions, campaigns and strategic priorities.
• Create pathways for members, volunteers, supporters and ambassadors to actively contribute to myaware's work.
• Use data, insight and market intelligence to measure community reach, identify underserved groups and drive continuous improvement.

Campaigning, Policy and Influence

• Develop and implement a national campaigning and influencing strategy focused on awareness, equity of care, access to treatment and service improvement.
• Position myaware as a leading voice within healthcare, policy and rare disease discussions across the UK.
• Build strategic relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards, NICE, clinicians, researchers, industry partners and allied charities.
• Lead public affairs activity, including consultation responses, parliamentary engagement, policy briefings and stakeholder events.
• Ensure lived experience evidence informs policy development, healthcare decision-making and treatment access discussions.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organisational strategy and performance.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and measurable impact.
• Work closely with fundraising, communications, partnerships, and service delivery colleagues to maximise organisational reach and effectiveness.

Awareness and Public Engagement

• Increase awareness and understanding of myasthenia among healthcare professionals, policymakers, media and the public.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen myaware's visibility, reputation and influence.
• Support the development of compelling campaigns, media activity and storytelling that inspire engagement and drive action.
• To be the spokesperson for myaware.

What Success Looks Like

Within five years, the postholder will have:

• Led significant growth in membership, progressing towards engaging at least 50% of the UK's myasthenia community.
• Increased participation in surveys, campaigns, events, volunteering and lived-experience activities.
• Established myaware as the recognised national voice for people affected by myasthenia.
• Secured meaningful influence in policy, healthcare and treatment access discussions.
• Generated evidence of improvements in awareness, service delivery, treatment access and patient representation.
• Built a highly engaged and empowered community capable of driving change at local, national and system levels.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, healthcare, membership, public affairs or advocacy sectors.
• Proven success in growing and engaging communities, memberships, movements or supporter bases at scale.
• Experience developing and delivering campaigning, influencing or public affairs strategies that have achieved measurable outcomes.
• Strong track record of building relationships with senior external stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Experience using data, insight and lived experience to shape organisational priorities and influence strategy.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Outstanding strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of community mobilisation, supporter engagement and membership growth.
• Ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into compelling public narratives and calls to action.
• Strong analytical and performance management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, co-production and patient-centred approaches.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Ambitious about building one of the UK's most engaged rare disease communities.
• Passionate about amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.
• Collaborative and inspiring.
• Politically astute and credible with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, innovative and outcomes focused.
• Motivated by creating lasting change for people living with long-term health conditions.

Why Join Us?

myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

This is a rare opportunity to build a community movement capable of transforming lives. You will lead the growth of a national membership community, shape policy and healthcare conversations, and help ensure that every person affected by myasthenia feels informed, supported, represented and connected.

Together, we aim to ensure that within five years, at least half of everyone living with myasthenia in the UK knows, trusts and actively engages with myaware as their community, their advocate and their voice.

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Friday.4th September

Provisional interview dates will be week commencing: 28.9.26

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

About us

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. Our support, advice, information and campaigning work are needed now more than ever, with unpaid carers providing more hours of care than ever before, which is adversely impacting on their finances, health and wellbeing. We exist to make life better for carers and bring about lasting change.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, high performing team. This varied role sits at the heart of the policy and campaigns team, working in the policy detail to support key campaigns as well as media functions, including lots of interaction with supporters and carers. The role plays a vital part in delivering the charity’s core aims to make life better for carers. Working closely with our communications team, this role spans across media, policy, public affairs and campaigns.

About you

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? Do you have media or campaigns work experience? Do you want to make life better for unpaid carers? Then this could be the ideal role for you!

We’re looking for a diligent and organised individual, who has an eye for details and the ability to juggle a varied workload. Collaborative in approach, you’ll have exceptional written communication skills and an interest in media and policy.

Diversity and inclusion

Carers UK is committed to becoming a diverse and truly inclusive organisation; fostering an environment and working culture that celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusion.  We strive to create a workplace where our colleagues and volunteers can truly be themselves and feel like they belong and constantly seek to ensure all voices are heard.

To embrace this culture of diversity, our employee and volunteer recruitment should reflect our stakeholders and the society that we serve and support, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, disabilities or religious practices. We value individual diversity and are actively building diverse teams here at Carers UK and value our colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds.

As a membership charity for carers, we particularly seek employees and volunteers with a real understanding of the issues faced by carers. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the process and role, dependent on the needs of the applicant.

We are proud to be an Employers for Carers member. We have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge and achieved the Disability Confident Employer accreditation. We aim to offer interviews to those who have a disability covered under the definition outlined in the Equality Act 2010 and who meet the minimum criteria for the role. The minimum criteria can be found under the Essential section of the Person Specification of the recruitment pack. Please let us know if your application is being made under the Disability Confident Scheme. You are not required to share the nature of your disability or long term health condition. You will need to state in your email application that you are making your application under the Disability Confident Scheme as you consider yourself to be disabled, or as having a disability. If you meet the minimum criteria then you will be offered an interview.

At Carers UK we want our application process to be as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments to apply please contact us to discuss.  

The closing date for applications is 5pm, Tuesday 22 September.

Carers UK anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Carers UK reserves the right to appoint at any stage, should an outstanding candidate emerge.

There will be a two stage interview process

Carers UK may carry out online and social media checks before a formal offer is made.

Role: Head of External Relations
Salary Band: £40,000 - £65,945 gross per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire. We value in-person collaboration and this role is primarily office based, with flexibility available where appropriate and regular travel across the UK.

About Us

Plunkett UK is a national charity supporting people in rural areas to set up and run successful community-owned businesses. These businesses, from shops and pubs to woodlands and farms, provide vital services, create local jobs, strengthen rural economies and bring people together. We've championed community ownership for over 100 years because it delivers thriving, inclusive and resilient places.

About the Role

We're looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of External Relations to lead delivery of Plunkett UK's Stronger Movement strategic priority, helping to grow our visibility, influence, membership and external relationships.

This is a senior leadership role with a particular focus on strengthening our communications and marketing. You'll help ensure Plunkett's impact, expertise and role within the rural community business movement are better understood by community businesses, funders, policymakers, corporate partners and other key stakeholders. Working closely with the Chief Executive and leading a multidisciplinary team, you'll develop compelling communications, build our profile and ensure our voice is heard where it matters most.

You'll also lead the development of our membership strategy, helping us strengthen and grow the rural community business movement, while providing strategic oversight of our policy, public affairs and research work. The role offers an exciting opportunity to shape how Plunkett is perceived externally, build influential relationships and contribute directly to the organisation's long-term sustainability and impact.

The successful candidate should have the following skills and attributes:

• A strategic communicator – able to turn complex ideas into clear, persuasive and memorable messages.
• Marketing-minded – focused on audiences, positioning, reach and converting awareness into action.
• Creative and proactive – bringing ideas, energy and momentum rather than waiting for direction.
• A strong leader and coach – able to inspire colleagues, build confidence and create ownership.
• Collaborative – comfortable working across teams and through other managers to achieve shared goals.
• Commercially aware – able to connect external relations activity with membership growth, partnerships, fundraising and wider organisational sustainability.
• Politically astute – confident operating with senior stakeholders while maintaining Plunkett’s independence and apolitical stance.
• A relationship builder – able to develop trusted relationships with members, funders, policymakers, partners and suppliers.
• Accountable – committed to Plunkett’s principle of listening first and acting second, using evidence and insight to guide decisions.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 28 September
Interview date: In person w/c 5 October

Interested?

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

We are committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and our approach goes beyond ‘protected characteristics’ to thinking more broadly about inclusion. Every individual will think and feel differently and we believe that these differences should be embraced, and individual needs taken into account. Additionally, the makeup of the rural communities we work with leads to their own particular diversity and exclusion challenges and opportunities compared to urban areas. Our commitment to EDI, both internally and externally, has been tailored to Plunkett and the communities we serve.

No agencies please.

Registered Charity: 313743