Public affairs manager jobs

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (England)

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Line Management: 1 Policy and Public Affairs Officer England

Location of work: Remote but role holder will ideally be London-based to be able to frequently commute for meetings/ events at Westminster. The role may involve also some infrequent travel across the UK.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, although flexible/ compressed hours will be considered. The role will require occasional evening and weekend work.

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £42,000

BACKGROUND

Magic Breakfast is the UK’s leading school breakfast charity and makes a difference to over 350,000 children and young people every day by offering breakfasts and expert advice to tackle child morning hunger in schools across England and Scotland.

This is an exciting time for Magic Breakfast as the benefits of school breakfast provision are increasingly recognised by policymakers, educators and the public. The Policy and Public Affairs (PPA) Team is central to this work. And through our new organisational strategy, Nourishing Futures, the work of the PPA Team is growing to meet our advocacy ambition to expand school breakfast provision and deliver our vision which would see every child in the UK nourished, empowered and thriving.

JOB PURPOSE

The role of the Policy and Public Affairs Manager is a high-impact role, central to designing and delivering Magic Breakfast’s national policy and public affairs strategy in England. The role holder will lead the development of evidence-based policy positions and work collaboratively to drive forward strategic, integrated and impactful advocacy campaigns to successfully influence decision-makers, policy change, and funding frameworks aligned with our key objectives. Specifically, you will also lead the design and implementation of our new workstream to expand school breakfast provision to secondary schools and early years settings, alongside our work to ensure the effective implementation of the Free Breakfast Club Programme.

More broadly, you will keep abreast of political developments relevant to Magic Breakfast - proactively identifying opportunities to respond, influence and shape the debate across the school food system and provide strategic, analytical and timely advice to the Senior Leadership Team.

Using your excellent communication skills, you will be able to translate complex policy into tailored and effective communications, policy briefings, positions and submissions, and will play a lead role in confidently engaging external stakeholders including UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, special advisers, officials and sector partners.

We are looking for someone who enjoys collaboration, who shares our passion for driving systematic change, and who can use their experience to navigate, respond to, and influence the fast-moving political environment to deliver lasting and meaningful change. You’ll be part of a collaborative and ambitious organisation, working at the intersection of policy, practice and impact – putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do and helping to ensure every child starts their day nourished, empowered and ready to thrive.

KEY RESPONSOBILITIES

• Lead the policy development process in consultation with cross-organisational teams and external organisations to develop clear, evidence-based policy recommendations and positions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, Special Advisers, officials and sector organisations, including conducting stakeholder mapping and power analysis to identify key routes to influence.

• Design, lead and implement integrated advocacy campaigns to deliver maximum impact in collaboration with cross-organisational teams.

• Work closely with colleagues to share expertise and intelligence, inform and shape research areas, support campaign activities aligned with advocacy objectives, and respond proactively to live developments across the organisation.

• Line manage and support the development of the Public Affairs Officer.

• Strong ability to translate complex policy into clear, persuasive communications tailored to specific audiences to deliver maximum impact.

Please read the full job description attached below. 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to thrive.

Please see our job pack below

Please see our website

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, HR @ magicbreakfast .com

Shortlisting: w/c 25th and 26th May

Interview 1: w/c 1st and 2nd June

Interview 2: w/c 8th and 11th June

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.

We want to create a nation where walking is the natural choice for everyday, local journeys; free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illnesses and social isolation. We want to achieve a better walking environment and to inspire people of all generations to walk and wheel more.

As we approach our centenary in 2029, this is a pivotal moment for Living Streets. We’re expanding our influence and shaping the future of transport, health, and planning policy across the UK—and we’re looking for a Public Affairs and Policy Manager to help lead that work.

This is a new and high-impact role. You’ll design and deliver an ambitious advocacy strategy aligned to our organisational goals, strengthen our stakeholder relationships and play a central role in influencing government policy. From devolution to public health and urban planning, your work will help drive meaningful, lasting change.

In this role, you will:

·Develop and deliver a compelling public affairs and advocacy strategy.

·Build and manage relationships with key political and sector stakeholders.

·Lead influencing activity across Westminster, devolved governments, and local decision-makers.

·Oversee the development of policy on transport, health and planning.

·Align policy and campaigns to maximise impact.

We’re looking for someone with strong public affairs experience, sound political judgement, and a track record of influencing change. You’ll be proactive, strategic, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.

If you’re ready to use your skills to shape policy and create healthier, more walkable communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Living Streets is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants may be subject to background and criminal record checks as relevant to the job role.

Location: UK Homebased and located in nations or regions outside London

Closing date: 31 May 2026 midnight

Interview date: w/c 8 June 2026

PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who currently have the right to work in the UK. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to submit their application as early as possible.

Living Streets is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Be part of something extraordinary at Epilepsy Society. We are seeking a values driven Policy & Public Affairs Manager to join a charity that provides world leading support for people with epilepsy through Care, Research and Advocacy.

About the role

Epilepsy Society is a dynamic charity with ambitious plans to revolutionise the lives of people through advocacy, research and care.

We are looking for someone to join our award-winning campaigns team and help us to progress change through political engagement at both national and local level. We have an impressive track record of working with government, locally elected politicians, professional organisations, patient stakeholder groups and other charities in the sector on a range of issues which affect people with epilepsy.

Our recent work includes our successful Zach’s Law campaign. This role is an exciting opportunity to help bring about further change that will make a real difference to the lives of people with epilepsy. 

The postholder will develop an effective programme of policy and public affairs work across the UK to have maximum impact for people with epilepsy and to raise the public profile of epilepsy. 

We seek someone with a degree or relevant experience in political or public affairs, extensive experience of influencing, organising campaigns and major events and negotiating at a senior level. You will be required to have a detailed level of understanding of government politics and the charity sector and an empathy to the cause.

Please download the recruitment pack attached to view the full job description and essential criteria. 

The post holders should demonstrate our people values of CAIRO (Caring, Accountable, Improving, Respectful and Open.

Some information about us

The Epilepsy Society’s Vision is a full life for everyone affected by epilepsy. We want everyone affected by epilepsy to have the best opportunity for a full life - as free from seizures as possible. We set out to make a difference to every person affected by epilepsy whatever their background, however seriously it impacts on their life, and whether they have the condition themselves or are close to someone with epilepsy.

What we can offer

•    27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the ability to buy and sell annual leave 
•    A generous Employee Referral Scheme (refer a friend and earn up to £150) 
•    Length of service awards
•    Access to shopping discounts and cashback with thousands of retailers through Purple Rewards
•    Staff recognition scheme 
•    Excellent training and development opportunities
•    Group Pension
•    Life Assurance (2x your annual salary)
•    Confidential, supportive Employee Assistance Programme, accessible 24/7
•    Salary Finance, offering you products linked to your salary and tailored to your individual circumstances. Providing services such as loans, advances, savings and financial education

If you have the right skills and experience and are inspired to apply, please do so by uploading your CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the specifications of this role. 

A DBS (Disclosure & Barring) check will be required before appointment is confirmed. 

We reserve the right to close the post early once we have received a sufficient number of applicants: please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

About Us 

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer. 

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships. 

 
The Benefits 

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more. 

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen. 

 
The Role 

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Policy and Public Affairs Manager to join our Research, Policy and Impact team. 

Supporting the Head of Cancer Insight, you will deliver, and keep under review the policy and public affairs strategy, including influencing at a local, regional, and national level, with the aim of helping the charity achieve its strategy and bringing benefit to the people of Yorkshire. You will have responsibility for the development of evidence-based policy reports and recommendations that can be used to influence a variety of audiences and project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns and events. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will also act as a source of expertise across the organisation and externally on key policy areas and the wider policy environment.

Specifically, you will: 

Influencing 

• Support the further development, refinement and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairsstrategy and impact evaluation process, to support the wider delivert of the charity’s strategic aims. 

• Oversee the development of insightful written materials and reports to aid influencing. 

• Lead the charity’s response to regional and national consultations relevant to cancer in Yorkshire, making a robust and evidence-based case for the charity’s position.

• Oversee the continued growth of the charity’s political monitoring work and ensure the effective pursuit of every opportunity offered. 

• Engage with regional and national decision makers to influence policy-making for the benefit of people in Yorkshire and beyond. 

• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders across Yorkshire and beyond (such as DHSC, NHSE, Integrated Care Boards, Cancer Alliances, national policy groups, and other charities, to influence change based on policy recommendations.

• Evaluate the impact of policy and public affairs activity, with delivery of clear examples of external influencing.

Policy development 

• Ensure the continued development of the policy production and dissemination process, including the policy development pathway, internal/external dissemination and impact evaluation. 

• Lead the research, production and dissemination of high quality, evidence-based cancer-related policies and the strategic development of key policy recommendations. 

• Oversee regular updates of existing policies and position statements, ensuring they are in line with the latest evidence. 

• Ensure external insight is built into policies and policy development, such as gaining views from the Patient and Public Involvement Community, the inclusion of external patient and public contributors and endorsements from clinical and academic experts. 

• Oversee work with relevant internal teams to create key messages for a range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring these are in line with the latest evidence and are used correctly, and provide expert commentary on media stories. 

• Act as a source of expertise on the charity’s cancer-related policies and position statements, both internally and externally. Undertake media interviews as required to communicate key messages with the public.

Campaigns and Events 

• Project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns, in collaboration with the Brand and Relationships team where relevant, manage relationships with third parties to support campaign delivery where required. 

• Lead the outreach and delivery of influencing events, including visits to charity-funded projects and party conference activity. 

• Further develop and deliver a strategy for growing and maintaining a handraiser supporter base, to enhance campaigns activity. 

 
About You 

To be considered for this role, you will need: 

• To have a degree, preferably in a relevant subject area, for example public policy, public health, scientific, medical etc. 

• To have significantl experience of writing influencing materials such as briefings, letters, blogs, campaign materials.

• To have substantial experience supporting the implementation of high impact public affairs strategies that are designed to influence.

• To have experience of evaluating campaigns and assessing the impact of policy and public affairs activities. 

• To have excellent public affairs experience including understanding of local, regional and national government, the current health policy landscape as well as knowledge of UK parliamentary processes along with a proven track-record of engaging politically to make change happen.

• To have substantial experience of developing evidence-based policies for a health focused organisation.

• To have substantial experience of communicating health policy positions to a variety of audiences including for influencing purposes.

• To have a good understanding of the health care system in England. 

• To be a strategic thinker with strong analytical, judgement and decision-making skills.

• To be able to sift out the essential elements from a mass of complex information, integrate and synthesise ideas, and present information to others in an accessible way.

• To have a pro-active and creative approach to policy work with an ability to identify and use external opportunities and a desire to succeed.

• To have excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills with the ability to interpret complex information and communicate this to a range of audiences so it is clear and accessible.

• To have excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines with exceptional levels of accuracy maintained.

• To have strong management and leadership skills, with the ability to coach team members to encourage continued development and learning. 

• To have strong networking, influencing and relationship management skills, with the ability to inspire and influence others, as well as the confidence and personal authority to work with external organisations. 

Application 

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 14 May 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying. 

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity. 

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact us. 

Role outline and purpose

To manage policy and public affairs influencing in Wales to ensure effective delivery of Trussell’s strategy to achieve policy and secure policy change that ends the need for food banks.

To contribute to the delivery of the wider goals of the Making Social Security Work programme across the UK and to the Prioritising Hunger & Hardship, Supportive Communities and Holistic Advice programmes in Wales.

Key responsibilities

Support the development and delivery of Trussell’s strategy to end the need for food banks in Wales.

· Supports the development and delivery of Trussell’s strategy to end the need for food banks in Wales. This includes planning influencing opportunities, developing relationships, and shaping asks to advance Trussell’s mission in Wales, contributing to the successful delivery of our overall strategy.

Deliver policy, public affairs, and advocacy in Wales.

· Deliver policy development, public affairs, and advocacy activity to contribute towards the goals of the organisation’s Wales strategy and achieve policy change. This includes working closely with Wales based colleagues to represent Trussell in the media and at external events, managing social media, direct engagement with MS’s. MP’s, ministers, advisers and officials, preparing briefings and co-ordinating events and advocacy activity across Wales that secures impactful engagement. This ensures a coherent, effective influencing programme is delivered that drives policy change and strengthens organisational credibility.

Build strong evidence base for Wales.

· Work with programme teams across Trussell and with external partners to ensure strong evidence base for Wales and ensure our evidence is shared externally and has impact. This includes sharing research findings with a range of audiences and external stakeholders through written and verbal briefings and working collaboratively with programmes across Trussell to build robust evidence base for the organisation’s policy and public affairs influencing and profile in Wales.

Develop effective partnerships and networks.

· Build collaborative external partnerships and develop networks to strengthen policy and public affairs activity in Wales, represent Trussell and promote the organisation’s policy positions to external stakeholders and audiences. This includes working with Wales based colleagues to represent the organisation in key Welsh sector coalitions and promoting the organisations policy positions and evidence to external stakeholders, to build awareness of the issues driving people to use food banks in Wales and our policy solutions.  

Support effective campaigning.

· Work with campaign colleagues, food bank-facing colleagues in Wales and the food bank network to shape and deliver effective campaign activity that advances the organisation’s goals and strategy in Wales and across the UK.  This includes working with Wales based colleagues to shape campaign activity, advise on the political context, and support mobilisation. This ensures campaigns are well informed, relevant to Wales and contribute meaningfully to UK wide programme objectives.

Person Specification

Core knowledge:

· Good knowledge of policy issues relevant to Trussell’s vision and expertise on the policies that drive hunger and hardship in Wales.

· Significant knowledge of the political landscape in Wales and of effective techniques for influencing change.

· Good understanding of research methods and of how to ensure high quality and credible evidence is deployed effectively.

Essential skills:

· Strong skills in effectively influencing political and public debates and working with politicians and policymakers across the political spectrum.

· Good ability to think strategically, demonstrate effective decision-making and ensure practical delivery of impactful activities.

· Excellent communication skills, including written, presentations and speaking, ability to adapt to influence different audiences.

· Collaborative interpersonal skills, ability to build relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders.

· Effective project management and ability to balance competing priorities and meet tight internal and external deadlines.

Key Experience:

· Track record of delivering effective policy and public affairs activity and achieving impact, ideally in Wales.

Special Requirements

None