Public affairs officer jobs

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking 2 x Public Affairs Officers to join our Media and Public Affairs team in the Communications and Engagement Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of our public affairs function.

The role

The post-holder(s) will play a central role in the work of the Public Affairs team, at an exciting time for the British Academy as we seek to extend and deepen our reach and influence with parliamentarians, Government, policymakers and other key stakeholders.

You will own and deliver influencing activities - independently and in collaboration with colleagues - that will build the Academy’s profile and increase awareness of the value and importance of the Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts (SHAPE) amongst our audience. You will work with Public Affairs colleagues to monitor external developments, horizon-scanning and pursuing opportunities for the Academy to be bold and proactive in engaging stakeholders.

An experienced public affairs professional, you will have a good level of UK political knowledge, including of the Devolved Nations and local and regional structures. You understand the range of tactics that can be used to influence Parliament and Government and will apply this knowledge to develop and deliver public affairs strategies that engage parliamentarians and key stakeholders with the Academy’s work.

You will be able to communicate and work effectively with colleagues across the Academy and a range of external stakeholders, including parliamentarians and their staff. You will help to build and strengthen stakeholder relationships and deliver an effective public affairs function for the Academy.

You will be highly organised and able to plan and manage a varied workload. You will use your editorial and political judgement to produce high-quality outputs - from communications materials to events - that will showcase the Academy’s evidence base and policy insights to stakeholders, helping to turn engagement into influence.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the apply link to visit our recruitment platform. 

Closing date: Midday on 24 July 2026.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 17/18 August 2026, but this may be subject to change.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. In such circumstances, we will provide 24 hours' notice of the revised closing date to those who have registered their interest.

Job purpose:

 The postholder will provide public affairs and policy support for the Association’s Advocacy and Campaigns programme as key elements in the Association’s strategic plan.

This role is based at our head office in 21 Portland Place, London. We offer a hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week.

Key responsibilities:

•  Assist the organisation with developing its external voice by responding to policy developments and parliamentary opportunities, bringing together members’ views, evidence and information.
• Monitor relevant parliamentary business and produce short summaries of events where appropriate.
• Track the progress of relevant legislation, committee inquiries and consultations.
• Develop briefings and position statements setting out the Association’s views on issues relevant to membership, that support the advocacy and campaigns work and topical issues.
• Prepare briefings in advance of, and attend, where appropriate, meetings with key stakeholders and organise meetings when required.
• Assist with the developing and updating of stakeholder maps and spreadsheets.
• Assist with the development of campaigns by carrying out research and producing supporting briefings.
• Support the Head of Public Affairs and Policy with producing responses to consultations and policy developments, following up on finalised responses and taking forward related actions.
• Produce statements, latest news updates and contributions to the Association’s publications that promote the policy, advocacy and campaigns work.
• Encourage member engagement on relevant policy issues and campaigns via the Association’s website and other online and offline communication tools.
• Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, to facilitate collaborative working on priority campaign areas.
• Work with the Digital Content Team to make sure the website and social media are kept up to date with current policy developments and announcements

Operational management

• To work on individual projects, reports, events and publications within the Association as directed by the Head of Public Affairs and Policy.
• Maintain and improve your own competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice as described in the Staff Handbook.
• Support and promote the Association’s commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.

This job description is intended to reflect the main duties and responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list of duties. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which are commensurate with the role.

Person specification

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

Educated to degree level or equivalent (e.g. relevant professional qualifications and/or vocational training).

Excellent oral communication skills and written communications skills, with particular emphasis on attention to detail (spelling and grammar).

Experience of writing policy statements and briefings and articulating these clearly to decision-makers and stakeholders.

Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of people including staff, Board, Council, members, stakeholders from other organisations.

Strong time management skills including an ability to manage competing requests and an ability to prioritise.

Well-developed IT skills, including the Microsoft Office suite of products.

Demonstrable experience in parliamentary affairs and an excellent knowledge of the UK political landscape.

Desirable

An understanding of current policy issues affecting the health sector.

Experience of working in a membership organisation.

Experience of working in a political environment.

Strategic thinking and interest in contributing to innovation and change.

Experience of engaging with political monitoring organisations and database management.

Digital copywriting skills and experience of writing for web or social media, and content management systems.

Applications close on 31 July and interviews will take place on 11 August.

Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast 

Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week 

Interview date will be scheduled as and when applications are received. Please apply promptly as the vacancy will close once we have appointed a successful candidate.  

This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding). 

Who we are looking for  

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum.

The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.  

You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.  

Experience required 

• Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs stakeholders to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse across the devolved nations

• Experience of leading public affairs delivery in at least one (preferably all) of the devolved nations 

• Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings  

• Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions   

• Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels   

• Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment 

• Experience of organising stakeholder events  

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

About The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is an independent membership organisation dedicated to the education, training and advancement of surgeons, dental surgeons, doctors, and various individuals throughout healthcare who are involved in the surgical care of patients. The College has a current membership approaching 32,000 and growing, with members spanning over 100 countries around the world.

From our founding in 1505, the College has been committed to the advancement of surgery and driving patient safety standards worldwide. In our 515-year history, there has never been a better time to join the College than now.

Working with us

At the College we aim to embrace views from across the organisation, sharing common goals and values for the betterment of healthcare through the advancement of surgical and dental professionals. We aim to develop teams that are reflective of the needs of our members and maximise the potential of every employee.

To reflect the varying needs across the organisation, we offer a range of policies and benefits for our workforce including a generous 42 days annual leave, flexible working practices, enhanced employer pensions contribution and various discounts throughout the College including the Ten Hill Place Hotel, 1505 Café and free entry to Surgeons’ Hall Museums.

About the Role

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer is a strategic role that offers an exciting opportunity to make an impact on healthcare policy on a national scale.

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, the post holder will develop and communicate the College’s core policy messages and engage with governments, NHS organisations and other healthcare bodies across all four nations. They will also oversee responses to policy consultations and prepare policy reports, statements and conduct research that helps the College understand and influence the shape of the surgical and dental workforce.

This role can be based in either our Edinburgh or Birmingham offices, with candidates expected to be on site two days per week. There may be requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal working hours and travel for work occasionally. 

Experience/Qualifications/Key Skills

This is a superb opportunity for an individual who is confident, methodical, organised and conscientious.

Educated to a minimum level of degree level you will have proven policy and analytical experience as well as excellent communication and strong team working skills. A self-starter, you will have the ability to manage your workload with minimum supervision and develop your own strategies and campaigns. 

A high level of professionalism and diplomacy is required for the role as is a willingness to take on new challenges and be receptive to change.

Please note that we do not accept CV’s and agencies need not apply.