Public affairs officer jobs

About The Role

The Royal British Legion is looking for a confident and politically aware Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer to lead impactful campaigning activity across the South of England. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of issues affecting the Armed Forces community, turning insight into action and ensuring the voices of veterans, serving personnel and their families are heard where it matters most. From influencing local decision-makers to shaping meaningful conversations across communities, you’ll play a visible role in driving positive change on behalf of those who have served.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

We’re looking for someone who understands how local government and public affairs really work; someone who can build credibility quickly, spot opportunities to influence and create campaigns that connect with people on a local level. You’ll be equally comfortable briefing MPs and councillors, working alongside community stakeholders, organising events and translating national priorities into campaigns that feel relevant and tangible within local communities. This role would suit someone who thrives on relationship-building, enjoys working across a varied political landscape and has the confidence to represent a nationally respected organisation in high-profile settings.

In return, you’ll join a passionate and collaborative team working on issues that genuinely matter. No two days will look the same, and the impact of your work will be visible across the region. Whether you’re developing local campaign networks, supporting Armed Forces Covenant activity or helping influence policy conversations at a grassroots level, you’ll have the freedom to bring fresh thinking, new ideas and your own approach to engagement. If you’re motivated by purpose, skilled at influencing others and want to be part of an organisation committed to making a lasting difference to the Armed Forces community, we’d love to hear from you.

You will be contracted to your home address. You will be expected to work both there and on a mobile basis at other locations in the South with occasional travel (incl. for monthly team meetings) beyond this area. 

Employee benefits include -

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the Armed Forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

Interview Dates: 11th & 12th June via teams

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.

We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.

Last year alone, nearly 13,500 professionals received our training. Over 70,000 adults at risk of serious harm or murder and more than 85,000 children received support through dedicated multi-agency support designed by us and delivered with partners. In the last four years, over 2,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change by interventions we created with partners, and that’s just the start.

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

This is a broad and varied role across Policy, Public Affairs and Communications, with a specific focus on the Drive Project:

The Drive Project is the Drive Partnership’s flagship intervention for high-risk, high-harm and serial perpetrators of domestic abuse. The core mission of the Drive Project is to stop the cycle of domestic abuse and increase the immediate and long-term safety of adult and child victim-survivors. The Drive Project does this by partnering with agencies and local perpetrator services to disrupt, challenge, and change the behaviour of high-risk, high-harm and serial perpetrators, and working closely with IDVAs and victim-survivor services to always centre the safety and needs of victim-survivors, in line with the Respect Standard.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

• Support the Drive Partnership’s communications and stakeholder engagement regarding the Drive Project.
• Lead central support on communications for Drive Project partners and build strong working relationships across network, ensuring both policy and communications expertise and input flows both ways.
• Work closely with internal and external partner colleagues to support the safe and effective roll-out of the Drive Project across England and Wales.
• Support the delivery of the Drive Partnership’s communications plan, including website content, social media, newsletters, and events.
• Develop and maintain communications and branding guidelines and support the Drive Partnership team and network of partners to use correctly.
• Support the Policy, Public Affairs and Communications Manager in developing media relations, including media enquiries, drafting press releases and responses.
• Ensure the website is fit for purpose and up to date with relevant information and news.
• Ensure victim-survivor voice guides our communications thinking and output - engaging in a compassionate, considerate and effective way with victim-survivors through Pioneer interaction, colleagues and any other interaction we have in our daily work.
• Ensure service user (perpetrator) input is collated and utilised in a responsible and safe way – always centring victim-survivors and considering their safety within this work.
• Project and promote our values – through considered language, inclusivity and equality in Drive Partnership communications.

Policy and Public Affairs

• Support the Policy, Public Affairs and Communications Manager to develop and promote policy positions, drawing on the expertise of the partnership.
• Lead and coordinate policy input into the Government’s strategic approach to perpetrators, particularly through influencing on the Drive Partnership’s key recommendations within its Call for Further Action.
• Identify and act on policy opportunities to promote best practice in perpetrator interventions – including both risk management and behaviour change, such as select committee enquiries, consultations, Bills, news developments.
• Build relationships with politicians, voluntary sector, civil servants and professional bodies, deputising for the Policy, Public Affairs and Communications Manager in key meetings where required.
• Support the coordination of sector and stakeholder forums to enhance collaboration towards a more strategic approach to perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Internal

• Play a role in the development of the team, nurturing and drawing on the talents of others.
• Maintain an accurate and secure audit trail of all relevant communication and ensure that all work is compliant with data protection law.
• Engage in a compassionate, considerate and effective way with all victim-survivors through Pioneer interaction, colleagues and any other interaction we have in our daily work.
• Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of communications planning and delivery:

• Digital communication and website management (E)
• Using data and evidence in communications (E)
• Experience in reactive and crisis communications (D)
• Experience of working with the media and journalists (D)
• Experience of developing a communications plan (D)
• Creative and innovative approach to presenting information across different formats and channels, for a range of audiences (D)

Experience of working with a range of internal and external stakeholders to influence policy:

• Experience of working in coalitions or partnerships (E)
• Experience of building and maintaining good relationships with a range of stakeholders (E)
• Experience working with policymakers/parliamentarians to influence policy (D)
• Experience of working with people with lived experience of the issue at hand (D)

Skills

• Creativity and fluency
• Organisational skills

Competencies

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication and relationship management
• Delivering quality
• Goal orientation
• Influence

Air Ambulances UK

Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) is the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities, enabling them to save even more lives every day.

Purpose of Post

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will play a key role in supporting the development and delivery of AAUK’s policy and public affairs strategy, aligned with its manifesto.

The role will support engagement with Government, Parliament, and key stakeholders, contribute to policy development and analysis, and help coordinate AAUK’s public affairs activity, including APPG engagement, parliamentary events, and sector-wide influencing work.

The postholder will ensure that AAUK’s policy positions are evidence-based, clear, and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development and Analysis

• Support the development of AAUK policy positions across health, emergency services transport, aviation, infrastructure, and other related policy areas supporting AAUK’s manifesto.
• Monitor Government consultations, legislation, and policy developments, producing clear briefings and summaries.
• Contribute to policy papers, consultation responses, briefings, reports, and parliamentary materials.
• Gather insights from stakeholders to inform policy development.
• Support horizon scanning and identification of policy risks and opportunities.

Public Affairs and Parliamentary Engagement

• Support engagement with MPs, Peers, Special Advisers, Civil Servants, and regulatory bodies.
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Air Ambulances, including meetings and secretariat support.
• Support planning and delivery of parliamentary events, receptions, roundtables, and stakeholder meetings.
• Track parliamentary activity relevant to AAUK priorities (debates, questions, committees, inquiries).
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across Westminster and devolved governments. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Communications

• Work closely with the UK's air ambulance charities to align messaging and policy priorities.
• Prepare briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with communications and fundraising colleagues to ensure consistent and accessible policy messaging.
• Support campaigns and influencing activity across priority policy areas.
• Maintain accurate stakeholder engagement records and tracking systems.

Research and Intelligence

• Conduct research into relevant policy, legislative, and sector developments.
• Monitor political and media developments, providing timely updates and insights.
• Contribute to evidence gathering and analysis to support policy positions.
• Support evaluation of policy and public affairs activity.

Other Responsibilities

• Represent AAUK professionally in internal and external meetings where required.
• Support AAUK’s vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the organisation.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of work.
• Comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR and Charity Commission guidance. 
   

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience in policy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, communications, or a related field.
• Experience producing policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, campaigns, or stakeholder materials.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders such as MPs, civil servants, regulators, sector bodies, or partner organisations.
• Strong written communication, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of the UK political system, Parliament, and Government processes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and maintaining accurate stakeholder records.
   

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience supporting parliamentary engagement activity or an APPG.
• Experience delivering events, receptions, or stakeholder roundtables.
• Experience within health, emergency services, aviation, transport, or infrastructure policy.
• Experience using CRM or stakeholder management systems.
• Knowledge of the third sector or the wider emergency healthcare environment.
• Awareness of how influencing, campaigning, and lobbying activity is delivered in practice. 

Key Attributes

• Politically aware with sound judgement and discretion.
• Proactive, resilient, and self-motivated.
• Collaborative and flexible approach to work.
• High professional standards and attention to detail.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Interest in policy development and system change.
   

Other Requirements

• Ability to work remotely while maintaining confidentiality.
• Willingness to travel across the UK, including London/Westminster.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable).
   

Benefits

• 36 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays FTE).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to Blue Light Card and Blue Light Events.
• Pension contributions.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Life Assurance policy cover.
• Development opportunities.
   

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

AAUK is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.

 
Application Process

Applications should be submitted via CV and covering letter. Your covering letter should clearly demonstrate how your experience meets the requirements of the role.

Deadline for applications: 12 June 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview w/c 22 June 2026.

This is a fixed-term role, reviewed during the contract period. Future decisions on medium- and longer-term resourcing will form part of our organisational strategy and financial planning.

Media and Public Affairs Officer

We are seeking a media and public affairs officer to help shape external profile, reputation and influence through impactful communications and stakeholder engagement.

Position: Media and Public Affairs Officer
Salary: £35,224 per annum (pro-rated for part-time)
Location: Hybrid and flexible working with once per month in office
Hours: Full-time (part-time requests considered)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 8 June at 12pm
Interview Dates: Provisionally week commencing 15 June

About the Role

This is a varied and impactful role where you will manage day-to-day media relations, support public affairs activity, and help deliver integrated campaigns that raise awareness of psychotherapy and the work of members.

You will act as a trusted internal adviser on messaging and reputational risk, translating complex or sensitive issues into clear, balanced and engaging communications. Working closely with colleagues across policy and communications, you will contribute to campaign narratives, stakeholder engagement and media strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing media enquiries and drafting press materials, briefings and statements
• Monitoring media coverage and identifying emerging risks and opportunities
• Building relationships with journalists and promoting the organisation and its members
• Supporting external communications on sensitive or regulatory issues
• Contributing to campaign development, messaging and public positioning
• Supporting stakeholder engagement, including parliamentary activity and events
• Providing guidance to colleagues on tone, messaging and reputational considerations

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape public understanding of psychotherapy and contribute to meaningful, mission-led work.

About You

You will bring experience in media relations, public affairs or communications, along with a strong understanding of the UK political and media landscape.

You will also demonstrate:

• Experience supporting communications on reputational or complex issues
• Strong relationship-building skills with media and stakeholders
• The ability to identify emerging issues and respond effectively in fast-moving situations
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• An understanding of how communications support influencing and public engagement
• A collaborative, flexible approach to working across teams

You will share a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and be motivated by contributing to a purpose-driven organisation that supports mental health and wellbeing.

There will be scope for professional development and growth whilst working closely within a small team. In short, it is an opportunity to make a real difference.

About the Organisation

The organisation is a leading professional body representing psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors across a wide range of therapeutic approaches and modalities.

Its charitable objectives include promoting the art and science of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for the benefit of the public, supporting research and education, maintaining high standards of training and practice, and improving access to psychotherapy services for all sections of the public.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional leave during December office closure
• Generous pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
• Occupational sick pay and enhanced maternity leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Learning and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Flu vaccination and eyecare vouchers
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme

Other roles you may have experience of could include:

Media Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Communications Officer, PR Officer, External Affairs Officer, Campaigns Officer, Policy and Communications Officer, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Press Officer, Corporate Communications Officer.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.