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This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.
You will lead BIHR’s external communications - including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.
Please note this is not an entry‑level role.
Key Responsibilities
Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.
Communications
- Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
- Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
- Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
- Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
- Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
- Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
- Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.
Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning
- Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
- Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
- Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
- Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
- Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.
Government & Parliamentary Engagement
- Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
- Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
- Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
- Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
- Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
- Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
- Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.
Other organisational requirements
- Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
- Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
- Undertake other duties as required.
Who the Role Is Suitable For
This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.
You’ll thrive if you:
- Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
- Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
- Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
- Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
- Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
- Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.
Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.
Applying for the role
Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:
- Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and interview process/timing.
- Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).
Please also note that:
- Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
- You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
BIHR's mission is to champion the Human Rights Act as a practical tool for everyday justice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About CoppaFeel!
CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.
We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.
Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.
The Role
CoppaFeel! is looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help grow our influence in the policy and public affairs space, and ultimately improve outcomes for younger people with breast cancer.
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will sit within the CoppaFeel! Policy and Influencing team within the Education department and will work closely with the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager. They will support the implementation of our policy and influencing strategy that aims to build our policy expertise, influence the debate, grow our networks and drive system change.
This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that you will attend the London office 2 days per week (though we are open to flexible arrangements). You will be required to attend the office for quarterly team meetings, department meetings and in person training, we will provide plenty of notice for when you are required to be in for these purposes.
This is a fixed term contract for 18 months.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advance our policy expertise
- Research policy areas to support CoppaFeel!’s evidence-based policy work
- Monitor key policy developments in breast cancer and younger people
- Stay on top of new external research and data releases
Influence the debate
- Draft policy briefings on key policy issues for younger people with breast cancer
- Contribute to policy debates, e.g. by drafting consultation responses, briefings and statements
- Support the smooth running of policy events, including event organisation, stakeholder mapping and engagement
Reach the right people
- Engage a variety of stakeholders with CoppaFeel!’s work - from policymakers to journalists and other charities
- Support the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders, and maintain CoppaFeel!’s stakeholder database
Drive impact
- Support the implementation of CoppaFeel!’s policy and influencing strategy
- Support and coordinate policy and influencing campaigns
- Measure and report impact of policy and influencing work
Work across the organisation
- Work with colleagues across CoppaFeel! to ensure policy messages are aligned and embedded across the charity’s work and audiences
- Undertake any other reasonable duties or responsibilities as required by the Charity, in line with the needs of the organisation.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- A good understanding of the UK political system and processes
- Experience working on an aspect of social policy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A passion for creating change
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work across teams
- Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders, from policymakers to the media and third sector organisations
Desirable
- Experience working on cancer or other health policy issues
- Event organisation or comms experience
Application information
Applications will close on Monday, 9 March with the aim to commence interviews in the W/C 16 March 2026.
CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.
Main benefits, Terms & Conditions
Annual leave entitlement: 22 days, plus office closure at Christmas, a day off on our Founders birthday, and a day off for your birthday.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health Cash Plan; cash back on everyday health expenses, as well as a GP advice line and access to PerkBox.
- Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
- Core working hours of 10am to 4pm
- Flex Friday; every other Friday off, offering the time to recharge and ensuring work life balance, while remaining available in case of emergencies
All annual leave and benefits are pro-rata'd for part time employees.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
At CoppaFeel! we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.
We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.
While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.
Thank you!
Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Are you ready to influence national policy and improve foster care for children and young people across Scotland?
Position: Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Salary: £27,953 to £33,130 per annum
Location: Hybrid, with travel to Glasgow office at least one day per week
Hours: 35 hours per week, full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 15th March
Interview Date: 24th March TBC
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to shape policy and influence decision makers at a pivotal time for children’s social care in Scotland.
Working within a UK wide Policy and Campaigns team, you will lead work in Scotland to influence legislation, policy and practice. You will ensure policy positions and campaigns are evidence based, drawing on research, stakeholder engagement and lived experience.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing evidence based policy positions and solutions to influence national and local decision making
- Drafting high quality briefings, consultation responses and reports
- Leading research projects and analysing data to inform policy and campaigning prioritie
- Building and maintaining relationships with MSPs, government officials, regulators and sector partners
- Planning and delivering events such as roundtables, focus groups and parliamentary engagement activity
- Producing written content for websites, social media and member communications
- Supporting participation activity, including engagement with young people to inform influencing work
You will also play a central role in major research initiatives, including large scale surveys, ensuring outputs are robust, credible and impactful.
About You
You will bring strong experience in policy development, research and influencing, ideally within children’s social care or a related field.
You will have:
- Experience of developing policy and drafting reports and consultation responses
- Experience of campaigning, lobbying or working with parliamentary processes
- Strong research and analytical skills, including working with quantitative and qualitative data
- An understanding of Scottish Government and parliamentary structures
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex issues clearly
- Experience of building effective stakeholder relationships at senior levels
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Knowledge of foster care or children’s social care issues would be highly beneficial.
About the Organisation
This leading UK charity and membership body works to empower, enrich and support relationships at the heart of fostering. Through research, campaigning and collaboration, it seeks to improve foster care policy and practice so that children and young people can thrive.
The organisation offers flexible and hybrid working, generous annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies and a strong commitment to inclusive recruitment and support for care experienced applicants.
Other roles you may have experience of could include; Policy Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Campaigns Officer, Research Officer, Parliamentary Officer, Policy and Research Officer, External Affairs Officer, Advocacy Officer, Children’s Policy Adviser.
If you are driven by evidence, confident in influencing decision makers and passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people, we would welcome your application.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.
Thank you!
About the team
The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.
The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
About this role
The Public Affairs Officer is a new and exciting role in a rapidly expanding organisation at the forefront of youth policy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the strengthening of Impetus’ public affairs profile, as well as support colleagues to strengthen and maintain relationships with parliamentarians, decision-makers, sector stakeholders and wider civil society.
We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to getting the support young people from disadvantaged background need in education and employment. You’ll have a passion for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across government and the third sector. You will have a good understanding of the UK’s policy environment with an interest in increasing your knowledge and relationships in this area and developing and expanding links with a range of parliamentary, government and other key stakeholders.
The Public Affairs Officer will be part of the wider Public Affairs Team. Though you will report to the Head of Youth Employment Policy, you will work across both our education and employment policy work, and will be expected to regularly collaborate with the Communications Team, and will understand the role of communications in shaping the political agenda and the public debate. You will have experience of writing for a wide range of audiences, ranging from policy briefings to social media content.
This role supports the delivery of high-quality public affairs work, following agreed plans, templates and processes, and escalating risks or issues promptly.
We’re interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong organisational skills, with experience of either leading or supporting the coordination and delivery of events. We’d particularly like to hear from candidates who have managed a CRM database such as Salesforce. You will be a strong team player, with a collaborative working style.
We are also keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.
We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find more information listed in the Public Affairs Officer Recruitment Pack.
Key responsibilities
• Work with the Heads of Policy and Communications teams to contribute to public affairs plans by providing research, coordination and administrative support from the outset of each project
• Monitor and analyse political, policy developments and parliamentary activity, keeping your knowledge up to data and accurate, ensuring information is recorded using agreed templates and systems, and flagging relevant updates promptly
• Support the coordination of stakeholder engagement, including preparing briefings, organising meetings and maintaining accurate CRM records
• Coordinate and deliver public affairs events, including logistics, invitations, materials, briefing packs, on-the-day support and post-event follow-up for meetings, party conference activities, evidence sessions, roundtables, report launches and all other relevant events
• Manage our CRM database (Salesforce), ensuring data quality, completeness and accuracy, and flagging issues when needed
• Support the Communications Team to maintain and grow the profile of our policy work with priority audiences, following agreed brand guidelines, templates and approval processes
• Undertake some desk-based research to support policy projects when required, ensuring accuracy and clarity in all research outputs
• Assist in developing campaign tools and published materials
• Draft policy briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and social media content
• Brief and support senior staff within the relevant policy areas, such as to prepare for a speaking event, roundtable, or high-level stakeholder meeting
• Monitor political and parliamentary developments and flag relevant updates and opportunities for influencing public policy to senior team members
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for the internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing pack, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Attend relevant external events on behalf of the team and support colleagues by taking notes, preparing summaries and sharing relevant insights
Person specification
Essential
• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to operate effectively in a busy office environment, including the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously.
• Able to follow agreed processes, templates and guidance, maintaining accurate records and escalating issues early
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to write copy for a range of audiences and formats based on complex content e.g. policy briefings, blogs, articles, website content and more, and willingness to seek feedback to improve clarity and impact
• Demonstrable record of building and maintaining effective working relationships across an organisation, working co-operatively as part of a team, welcomes feedback, and seeks clarification when tasks or priorities are unclear
• Strong IT Skills (Microsoft Office skills essential)
• Comfortable handling data, ensuring accuracy, and following data quality and confidentiality standards
• Interest in politics and UK public policy and enthusiasm for developing professional knowledge in this area
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
• Experience supporting engagement with external stakeholders such as parliamentarians, civil servants, academics, researchers, and/or charity partners who influence and shape policy and its implementation (e.g. scheduling meetings, preparing briefings, drafting correspondence)
• Experience managing a CRM database or similar, ensuring information management systems are up to date
• Experience of leading and supporting event delivery and management including logistics, preparation, and coordinating inputs from colleagues
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.
Thank you!
Terms and Conditions:
Working hours: 28 hours
- Support Women in Prison to influence policy makers to reduce the unnecessary criminalisation of women and improving the rights of women in the criminal justice system
- Ensuring women with Lived Experience are at the heart Women in Prison’s policy and public affairs work
- Political analysis and monitoring
- Supporting the wider work of the Policy and Public Affairs Team
We are happy to invest in developing the right person, so you are welcome to apply even if your professional experience does not fully meet the job description or person specification.
- Is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement
- Requires the right to work in the UK
- Is subject to a basic DBS check
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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.