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The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer to support the development and delivery of our policy and public affairs programme, based in our London office.
Deadline: 5pm on Monday 5th October 2026
Location: London
Salary: Starting salary £32,604 rising to £36,796, plus London weighting of £4,000
Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week)
Contract type: Permanent
This exciting role will support the Mental Health Foundation’s policy objectives through policy and public affairs work, while contributing to the development and delivery of the policy and influencing team’s strategy. The postholder will lead on specific policy priorities and maintain a strong understanding of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health. By building relationships with key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, they will help strengthen the Foundation’s influence and drive meaningful improvements in mental health policy.
What does the role involve?
- Work closely with the Head of Policy & Public Affairs and other team members as appropriate to develop and deliver the Foundation’s policy objectives through policy and public affairs work.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health and particular priority policy topics for the Foundation.
- Act as the main contact between the policy and influencing team and the campaigns team.
What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?
- In-depth knowledge of policy development systems and processes in the UK.
- Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write precisely and quickly for a range of audiences.
- Ability to critically analyse complex legislative, policy, and research developments.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check, renewed on a 3-yearly basis and two most recent references). We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.
How to apply
If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 5th October and we are unable to accept late applications. First round interviews are planned for 20th to 22nd October. Second round interviews are planned for 28th October.
We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.
If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We operate a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Our vision is good mental health for all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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:
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Policy & Public Affairs: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or parliamentary work, with a strong understanding of UK political systems and policy-making.
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Influencing & Relationships: The ability to map political landscapes, build strategic relationships and identify opportunities to influence policymakers and decision-makers.
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Evidence & Advocacy: Exceptional written and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex evidence, impact data and operational experience into compelling policy arguments.
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Strategic & Operational Drive: A proactive approach, able to spot opportunities, coordinate activity and ensure high-quality preparation and follow-through for senior engagement.
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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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.