Public health officer jobs in Watford, hertfordshire

Are you a brilliant communicator and collaborator who loves getting into the nitty-gritty of logistics and organisation? Join a passionate team working to end inequality in education through the power of Classics.

We’re looking for a Fundraising and Events Officer to help devise, organise and deliver a variety of events, seek sponsorship opportunities and grow our membership base. From managing systems and data to coordinating logistics and analysing results, every day can be a little bit different. You will be the first point of contact for many of our event attendees, donors and supporters and will enjoy building relationships and improving and maintaining systems to ensure that people have a positive interaction with Classics for All.

Diversity and inclusion

As a social mobility charity, being inclusive is a fundamental value of Classics for All. We welcome applications from all eligible people and are particularly keen to receive applications from those who are from communities that are less represented within the Classics community, such as those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities.

It does not matter if Classics was offered at your own school, and you do not need to be a classicist to join our team – there are no Latin tests!

Endometriosis UK is the leading UK charity supporting those living with endometriosis. Formed in 1981, we offer information and support, for example through our website, information leaflets and webinars, and via our local support groups, Helplines and online forum.  As well as directly supporting those with endometriosis, we work to raise awareness of endometriosis amongst healthcare professionals, the public and the media; lobby for improved diagnosis, treatment and management; and support research. We have a big job to do and ambitious plans.

We are looking for an experienced Policy and Campaigns Manager to manage our policy and campaigning work. You will have a strong understanding of the UK political system and how to influence it, and will be confident in drafting reports, consultation responses and working with and disseminating data. You will have worked on health policy before, and will have strong knowledge of how to influence health policy at local and national level.
You must be pro-active in your approach to monitoring the external environment and seeking out opportunities for Endometriosis UK to have the most influence. You’ll be able to work in a small team and understand how we can make the most impact with our limited capacity.

You will be passionate about menstrual health and ensuring patient voices are at the heart of all we deliver, and will be able to turn policy asks into strong campaigns.

 About the role:

This is a pivotal role in our Campaigns and Communications Team, reporting to the Head of Campaigns and Communications. You will be managing the drafting of evidenced-based policy positions (for example analysing research, data and lived experience insight) and work with the Head of Campaigns and Communications to ensure these are translated into effective campaigning activity that drives real change.

You will oversee the integration of policy and campaigns activity, working closely with the Campaigns and Policy Officer, and enabling the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to engage with parliamentary and high-level stakeholder engagement.

This role offers a great opportunity for an experienced Policy and Campaigns Manager to shape how Endometriosis UK uses evidence, policy and campaigning together to improve diagnosis times, access to treatment, and support for those affected by menstrual health conditions across the UK.

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is a Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and is the representative body for Directors of Public Health (DPH) in the UK.

It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice.

The Association has a rich heritage, its origins dating back more than 160 years. It is a collaborative organisation working in partnership with others to maximise the voice for public health.

We are now looking to appoint to the role of Public Affairs Manager who, supporting the Head of External Affairs, will help to deliver the Associations External Affairs strategy, influencing through strong relationships with key external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have experience of developing successful strategies to influence legislation or government policy, be politically astute and have a proven ability to tailor their briefings etc to influence different audiences.

They will have a knowledge of the UK political system and the mechanisms and tactics that can be used to secure change, have excellent organisational and prioritisation skills and be an enthusiastic and pro-active self-starter, with a flexible in approach that can adapt to changing circumstances.

The Association has offices in central London, but is currently operating a hybrid working model so welcomes candidates from across the UK, though attendance at ‘in person’ ADPH team meetings will be expected. Further details can be requested ahead of your application by contacting the Association

Your application must be accompanied by a covering letter that outlining why you would be suitable for the role, and the successful candidate will be required to provide evidence that they are entitled to work on a permanent basis in the UK.

Please note we will be interviewing throughout the term of the recruitment process and so reserve the right to close this opportunity ahead of its stated closing date should a suitable candidate be selected. 

Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Shape the Future of Science and Policy

Join the Society as a Policy and Public Affairs Officer and play a pivotal role in placing physiology at the heart of evidence-based policy. This is a unique opportunity to influence public policy on key issues such as health, healthy ageing, and climate change, while supporting physiologists to lead in shaping the research and funding landscape.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and influence policy: Research, design, and advocate for evidence-based policies that advance physiology and its impact on society.

• Engage stakeholders: Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, civil servants, and partner organisations.

• Communicate and advocate: Produce policy briefings, statements, and publications, leveraging digital platforms and member networks to share your work widely.

• Support the community: Work closely with committees, internal teams, and members to gather insights and ensure policies reflect the needs of the physiology community.

• Deliver impact: Organise events, track policy developments, and coordinate proactive projects that drive the Society’s objectives forward.

About You
You are a proactive, strategic thinker with a passion for policy and public affairs, ideally within science, health, or climate sectors. You have excellent communication and analytical skills, experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Essential Requirements – Summary

• 1–3 years’ experience in policy, public affairs, government, agency, or related roles.

• Degree in life sciences, public policy, political science, or equivalent.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to translate complex information for different audiences.

• Experience developing and advocating policy positions, ideally in science, health, or climate sectors.

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong organisational skills; able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Experience engaging with government, parliamentarians, and other stakeholders to influence policy.

• Able to work collaboratively across teams and independently when required

Why Join Us?

• Influence public policy at a national and international level.

• Collaborate with a passionate, expert team committed to advancing physiology.

• Be part of an inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking organisation that values your perspective.

What we offer

• Excellent benefits including Private Medical Insurance and a generous pension scheme.
• Hybrid working - 2 anchor days in the office.
• A friendly team and bright offices based in the heart of Farringdon.

Applications
To apply, please ensure you download and review the attached job description. Applications are by way of an up to date CV and cover letter detailing why you are suitable for the role. 

We reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date and to hire if we are ready to before the closing date.

Please note: DO NOT APPLY if you do not have the legal right to work in the UK. We do not offer sponsorships.

Healthwatch Richmond are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of health and social care services and to help people to find the information they need.

Our purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf to ensure that they meet the needs of our community.

You’ll see work through from start to finish; designing and undertaking projects, analysing results, writing reports and promoting the outcomes and impact.

You will undertake projects using surveys, interviews, focus groups and visits to gather the views and experiences of people who use NHS and social care. With this data you will produce evidenced reports with recommendations for how services could or should improve. Our work is challenging and constantly evolving so the ability to pick-up new skills and approaches, adapt ones and find pragmatic solutions is essential.

Our work is dynamic and constantly evolving so the ability to pick-up new skills and approaches, adapt and find pragmatic solutions is essential. As part of a small team you will be involved in many aspects of the organisation.

Induction, support and training will be provided in line with the candidate’s needs.

Good health is essential for people and communities to thrive; it is the foundation of a happy and prosperous society. For more than 150 years it has been our mission to improve and protect the health of the public by addressing the factors that determine it. We are recruiting to this exciting and challenging External Affairs role which brings together policy and communications to strengthen our national voice, increase our impact and support delivery of our mission.

We are looking for a strategic, outward‑facing leader to establish and lead this new role. You will bring political insight, strong judgement and the ability to turn evidence and policy into compelling public‑facing narrative. You will oversee parliamentary engagement, policy adoption, campaigns, media relations and organisational narrative, ensuring RSPH’s voice is clear, confident and influential.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a new function and lead teams working across policy, influencing and communications. You will play a central role in raising RSPH’s profile, supporting adoption of our programmes and positioning us as a leading voice on public health, inequalities and the wider public health workforce.

About you

We welcome candidates from policy, public affairs, communications or corporate affairs backgrounds. You will be able to demonstrate:

• Strong political awareness and experience engaging with Parliamentary and national stakeholders
• Confident communications leadership including media, narrative and external messaging
• The ability to build coalitions and secure influence and adoption
• Clear strategic judgement in complex or fast‑moving contexts
• Experience leading and developing teams

In return we offer:

• 25 days annual leave
• Agile hybrid working structure – 9-day fortnight available
• Pension contributions
• BUPA Cash plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Membership of the Royal Society for Public Health
• Access to public health knowledge and skills training courses and qualifications
• Organisational commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our employees
• Welcoming and friendly team of colleagues, and an active Health Champions programme

RSPH values and actively strives to have a diverse and inclusive workforce in a working environment free from discrimination.

Please do let us know if you require any adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process.

RSPH operates an agile working policy with some attendance at our London office according to business need.

Interviews will be held at our offices in Whitechapel on Monday 20 April.  If you are unable to attend, please indicate this on your application.

Senior Research Officer

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.
 

Job Summary - Senior Research Officer

We are seeking a confident and organised Senior Research Officer to join our small but ambitious Research Team. This is a hands-on role with real scope to contribute to how we fund and manage research, and to make a genuine difference to a programme that's helping to save lives.
 

The Senior Research Officer will lead the delivery of our grant funding processes from end to end - managing application rounds, overseeing the active portfolio, coordinating our scientific committees, supporting our research events and leading our approach to patient and public involvement in research. Working in a small, specialist team means you'll also have real scope to contribute ideas, help improve how we do things, and play a meaningful part in the development of the research programme beyond the day-to-day.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 16 April.

If you have a track record in grants administration, bring experience, confidence and good judgement, and are genuinely committed to making research funding work well, we want to hear from you.

 

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Shape public policy. Safeguard professional standards. Lead a profession towards the statutory recognition it deserves.

Not every Chief Executive role involves influencing government, protecting professional standards and occasionally resolving a registrant query before the end of the day.

After seven years, Mike Orlov is retiring as Chief Executive and Registrar of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters. The Board is now seeking a successor who can continue strengthening the organisation and raising the profile and importance of professional interpreters working across public services.

NRPSI is the independent voluntary regulator and national register for public service interpreters in the United Kingdom. It sets professional standards, upholds accountability and provides assurance to public sector organisations, including the Ministry of Justice, the Metropolitan Police and NHS bodies, in settings where interpreters are relied upon in critical situations.

In these environments, clear communication is essential. When it fails, the consequences can affect legal outcomes, safeguarding decisions and, in some situations, lives.

The organisation is entering an important moment in its development. The House of Lords Public Services Committee’s 2025 report on interpreting services in the courts has brought renewed national attention to the role that professional interpreters play across justice, policing and healthcare. At the same time, NRPSI continues to advance the longer-term ambition of statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters.

As Victor Olowe, Chair of NRPSI, puts it: “This is an important moment for NRPSI and for the wider profession, particularly following the House of Lords 2025 report and the government’s commitment to address some of its key recommendations.”

As Chief Executive and Registrar, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and public services while leading a specialist, long-standing team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register and the standards that underpin it.

Drawing on your experience, you’ll help shape the organisation’s next stage of development and strengthen the role NRPSI plays in safeguarding the public through professional interpreting standards.

The Role

Stepping into this role, you’ll be accountable to the Board for the governance, strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Chair and Board to shape the organisation’s strategy and priorities, while ensuring the Register continues to operate with credibility, integrity and independence.

You’ll have direct responsibility for the integrity of the Register itself. This includes oversight of registration, renewals, complaints and disciplinary processes, as well as responsibility for ensuring the organisation’s Code of Professional Conduct and regulatory framework remain robust and fit for purpose.

With your experience, moving between strategic and operational ground will come naturally to you. One week you may be engaging with senior civil servants or government departments about the importance of professional interpreting standards. The next you may be reviewing operational processes, supporting your team in the delivery of the Register’s core functions or ensuring the organisation’s financial position remains sustainable.

Your team works mainly remotely and are all long-standing, dedicated and experienced, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register. Working in a remote-first environment, continuing a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development while ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high standards of service is high on the list of priorities.

Externally, you’ll act as the senior voice of NRPSI. What does this mean in reality? Engaging with stakeholders across justice, policing, healthcare and central government, representing the organisation’s perspective clearly and authoritatively. This could include contributing to sector discussions, building relationships with policymakers and making the case for why professional interpreting standards matter to public safety and effective public services, or posting on LinkedIn and social channels, giving updates or hosting town halls for registrants.

The role also sees you supporting the organisation’s longer-term ambition of achieving statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters, a goal that will genuinely benefit from the right leader’s credibility and persistence.

Financial sustainability also sits within your remit. NRPSI is funded through registration fees paid by interpreters, and you’ll oversee the organisation’s finances while ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver its strategic priorities. Alongside this, you’ll maintain oversight of operational systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve resilience, efficiency and the effective use of digital tools.

The Person

This is a role that calls for someone who has operated at senior or director level within a charity, not-for-profit organisation, professional body, regulatory organisation, membership association or comparable public service environment.

Someone who understands the responsibilities that come with leading an organisation whose work centres on professional standards, governance and public protection, and who brings the credibility, judgement and experience required to engage effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including government departments, public sector organisations, registrants and sector partners.

A collaborative, trust-based leadership style will be just as important: someone equally comfortable exercising independent judgement as they are balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery in a specialist organisation where both are needed in equal measure.

You’ll bring most of the following:

• Senior leadership experience at director level or above within a charity, professional body, membership organisation, regulatory body or public service environment
• Experience influencing government policy or engaging with commissioners of public spending
• Experience developing or improving regulatory, registration or accreditation processes
• The ability to represent an organisation clearly and confidently in public, including engaging with senior civil servants, sector stakeholders and the media
• Financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational budgets and sustainability
• Experience developing and delivering strategy and operational plans
• Confidence using digital systems, data and communication platforms to support organisational priorities
• Understanding of, or experience in, a registrar or equivalent function within a professional, regulatory or standards body, including accountability for the integrity of registration processes and criteria

Desirable

• Familiarity with public affairs, policy engagement or advocacy work would be advantageous, as would exposure to justice, policing, healthcare or public service environments.
• Experience navigating politically sensitive or contested professional environments, including managing public criticism, would also be beneficial.
• A second language would be welcomed.
• Above all, you’ll share a commitment to the public interest and the role professional interpreting plays in ensuring fair access to justice and public services.

A full candidate pack providing further information about the organisation accompanies this ad.

Key Information

NRPSI is working with Michelle Paoloni, Director at House Recruitment, on this appointment.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages outlining your relevant experience, where you saw the role advertised and what has prompted you to apply.

• Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
• Discovery conversations with House Recruitment will take place on a rolling basis.
• Final interviews will be held in person in London on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

NRPSI is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

About The Maya Centre

The Maya Centre is a specialist women‑only organisation providing culturally responsive counselling and mental health support for women in North London. With over forty years’ experience responding to the impact of trauma and inequality, we’re now deepening our commitment to lived experience leadership—ensuring that women’s voices drive the design of services, partnerships and systems.

About the Role

We are looking for an inspiring and grounded Co‑Production and Lived Experience Lead to help shape the future direction of our work. This two‑year pilot programme will embed co‑production and lived experience leadership across our services and partnerships, generating vital learning to influence mental health and VAWG practice.

Working closely with the CEO, you’ll lead co‑design processes, build networks of Experts by Experience, and develop collaborative approaches that strengthen women’s influence in shaping local and sector systems. The post offers a rare opportunity to combine hands‑on facilitation and partnership work with strategic development—laying the groundwork for a longer‑term systemic change initiative to evolve beyond the pilot phase.

If you’re passionate about co‑production, participation and social change—and want to grow into a future leadership role shaping practice and policy across the sector—this role offers an exciting platform for professional and strategic development.

We Offer

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata).
• Access to an Employee Support Programme.
• 3% employer pension contribution.

Female applicants only : This role is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as it is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be female due to the nature of the services provided

For full details of Key Responsblties and Person Specifications, please download the Job Pack below and read it carefuly before submitting your CV and Personal Statement. 

As our new HR Officer, you’ll join a dedicated, ambitious and friendly team soon to be five strong. We may be small, but our aspirations are anything but and we challenge ourselves to deliver excellence in everything we do.

In this role, you’ll work closely with managers across the organisation, building trusted relationships and helping us manage our most important asset: our people. You’ll take on a broad portfolio from employee relations and policy development to payroll, recruitment support, and organisational development projects. And importantly, you’ll have real scope to innovate, influence improvements and challenge the status quo.

The RCR is a unique organisation: part membership body, part charity, and deeply connected to our community of members doctors across the UK who volunteer their time as Contributors. We’ve grown rapidly over the past five years, and with bold plans ahead, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of our journey.

What you’ll be doing:

Operational HR Delivery

• Providing professional advice on HR policies, performance, grievance and disciplinary matters
• Keeping our HR systems and employee records accurate and up to date
• Designing and delivering key HR processes, including objective setting, pay letters and contract changes
• Managing the monthly payroll process accurately and confidently
• Supporting diversity & inclusion, wellbeing, learning and development initiatives

Partnering & Employee Relations

• Coaching and supporting managers across the business
• Supporting employee relations cases professionally and sensitively
• Building trusted relationships with teams to stay close to people priorities

Projects & Reporting

• Producing HR metrics and reports to help shape decision making
• Managing elements of our culture, change and organisational development projects
• Coordinating staff surveys and our Manager 360 Feedback programme

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Supporting the full recruitment cycle — adverts, screening, interviews and offers
• Ensuring new starters receive a warm, well-planned induction

What you’ll need:

• A confident HR practitioner with Level 3 CIPD (or equivalent experience)
• Skilled at advising managers and building strong professional relationships
• Analytical, detail-focused and comfortable working with both qualitative and quantitative data
• Ability to balance competing priorities and use your initiative
• A collaborative team player who takes pride in doing things well
• Passionate about great employee experience and committed to confidentiality, equality and continuous learning

With around 140 talented staff and an ever-evolving organisational landscape, we’re passionate about creating an exceptional place to work. Everything we do supports a clear purpose we’re proud of: to improve imaging and cancer care for all.

Why join us

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
• Hybrid working (60% working week can be done remotely)
• Modern working environment
• Equipment provided to work from home
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

Internship opportunities for 2026-27

Are you a young *Christian who is passionate about issues of justice and peace? Do you want to explore the intersection of faith, policy, and politics, and potentially pursue a career in one of these fields? The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) is recruiting to two full time paid internship positions to start in September 2026.

Interns work as part of a small ecumenical team on a diverse range of tasks and initiatives including communications, policy, campaigning and supporter engagement, contributing to the public advocacy and political engagement work of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches.

JPIT is a partnership between the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church, and the Church of Scotland is an associate partner. Its purpose is to help the Churches to work together for peace and justice through listening, learning, praying, speaking and acting on public policy issues. It is a team which brings together around ten staff working across the denominations. In recent years it has focused on issues around poverty, the economy, refugees and migration, the environment, peace and conflict, and politics.

These internships provide opportunities to develop skills in campaigning, communications, research, and policy within a dynamic team environment. There will be opportunities for professional and personal learning and development to equip the intern for further employment after their time on the internship. Whilst we are looking for some evidence of certain skills and experience, candidates will have the opportunity to develop relevant skills during their time in the role.

They are full time paid roles with fixed-term contracts to the end of August 2027, and a salary of £26,936.00 per year (we are committed to paying at least the London Living Wage). The roles are based in the Methodist Connexional Team which offers hybrid working arrangements, with an expectation of spending at least two days a week at an office base in central London.

We welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people. You should be aged 21-30, have excellent communication skills, be enthusiastic and willing to take on new challenges, be interested in political engagement and be a practicing Christian. An Enhanced DBS Check will be required.

Our Culture, Values and Benefits

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), TOIL, flexi-leave and an on-site Well-being Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups.

We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from people living with disabilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please contact the HR team (details on our website). 

Application Details

• Visit the JPIT site for further details of the role. 
• The closing date for completed application forms is Friday, 10 April 2026
• Interviews will be held in London on Wednesday 6th May 2026. Candidates called to interview will be notified at least a week in advance.

*This post is restricted to Christians due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement section under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

This role is essential in supporting the delivery of Battersea’s commitment to robust compliance with all legal and best practice regulations governing fundraising, animal welfare and grant-making. The post holder will do this by providing support to the Compliance Monitoring Manager, helping to deliver advice, guidance, training, monitoring and reporting to the various internal teams and external agencies.

What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. If you would like to talk more about this, please contact us. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:
At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 1st April 2026
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Interview date(s): 9-10th April 2026

For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack from our Careers website.

Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Bring your energy, creativity and expertise - and help us impact young people positively.

Location: Sherborne House, London (hybrid)

Salary: £52,535 per annum

Closing Date: 29 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Step into a role where your policy expertise drives real change. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll lead an ambitious strategy to influence national decision‑makers, shape legislation and ensure the voices of people affected by homelessness are impossible to ignore. You’ll turn insight into impact, championing our values while strengthening our political presence and public profile

You’ll build powerful relationships across Westminster, Whitehall and the wider sector, producing sharp briefings, commissioning research and delivering high‑profile events that elevate Depaul’s influence. Confident in the media and skilled at simplifying complex issues, you’ll work across teams to anticipate policy change, spark innovation and help drive forward our mission to end homelessness. If you’re driven, strategic and ready to make national change happen, this is your platform.

Key deliverables:

• Develop organisational policy positions on key strategic issues for Depaul UK, focusing on policy areas that matter for our client group including homelessness, housing, welfare, health and care leavers.

• Working with the Director of Development and External Affairs to deliver a multi-year policy and public affairs strategy, you will own its delivery, having demonstrable impact on policy through influencing legislation, as well as securing funding and commitments from the government .

• Work with the Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications and their team to improve Depaul’s public profile by giving us a louder political voice.

• Work with the Executive Director of Operations and their team to ensure Depaul is well positioned to respond to changes in policy and regulation.

• Work in partnership with Depaul UK’s Head of Data and Insights on research projects designed to influence policy.

• Monitor, analyse and report on policy developments which may impact on the work of Depaul UK.

• Provide high quality written and verbal briefings, reports and submissions to consultations.

• Work with senior colleagues to develop positive relationships for Depaul UK with ministers, senior officials, elected Mayors, Parliamentarians and with other policy influencers including our peers in the homeless sector.

• Ensure that the voices and experiences of clients are heard and understood to improve and change services delivered by Depaul, commissioners and policy makers.

• Give interviews to the media.

• Organise and coordinate events and meetings.

• Strengthen Depaul’s links with other voluntary sector organisations in the homelessness, youth and faith sectors.

• Contribute to Depaul International’s global influencing work.

What we are looking for from you (Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the areas below. Try to provide clear examples in your supporting statement that clarify how and when you gained the experience or knowledge as well as your level of capability.

To carry out this role we are looking for the following from you in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and competencies:

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of the homelessness sector and policy context is desirable but not essential, it is essential that you have developed strong, specialist knowledge of a UK policy area or areas.

Experience and skills

• Having had demonstrable impact on government policy.

• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with Parliamentarians and officials

• Organising or helping to organise events, it is desirable but not essential that you have organised events in Parliament

• Leading projects with colleagues from different internal or external teams

• Delivering high quality verbal and written policy briefings and presentations to senior stakeholders

• Working with colleagues to secure media coverage

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work on own initiative and with low levels of supervision

• Ability to prioritise key tasks and manage conflicting priorities

• Ability to deliver to deadlines, sometimes at short notice

• Desirable - drafting and delivering policy and/or public affairs plans/strategies

• Desirable - representing organisations in the media and at events

You will need to be able to travel throughout the UK and on occasions work out of hours.

You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

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

This role offers the chance to work with a global NGO, providing valuable experience in tackling key global development challenges, along with hands-on involvement with project and partnership management systems, grant tracking processes, and an opportunity to contribute to the development of impactful programmes. It provides deep exposure to the operations of an International NGO, invested in community-led holistic solutions to some of the most pressing problems of our times. You would enhance your knowledge and experience of the charity sector funding landscape in the UK and internationally. You would significantly expand your practical knowledge of project delivery and monitoring in diverse areas of international development such as water and sanitation, prevention of violence against women, food security and nutrition, rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, community disaster resilience, to name a few. You would have opportunity for creative writing about our projects for funding applications and project reports, and with scope to develop the role you might find yourself writing blog posts, newsletters and so on. You would have the chance to network with other NGOs and funders at events and international development conferences. You may have the opportunity to travel to south Asia or Africa for project evaluation or conferences / networking, subject to funding. As you gain experience, there may be scope for you to contribute to project design. 

You will be working in a friendly, professional environment in a building that acts as a hub for social justice organisations, with many opportunities to participate in activities offered by the building’s community. 

Role description / person specification:

You would undertake research to identify new potential funding partners, write grant applications, and manage successful partnerships. You would write project funding proposals primarily to trusts and foundations, corporate foundations, and statutory sources. Some charity-sector fundraising experience is desirable. Experience in fundraising from trusts / foundations in particular would be an advantage. The ability to draft inspiring narratives for different audiences is a crucial aspect of this role. You must also be comfortable using spreadsheets and have strong attention to detail, as you would be working with project budgets. You would research and attend relevant events and identify other such opportunities to promote Pragya’s work, to network, and to learn about the latest research and trends in international development. You would contribute to Pragya’s social media posts and campaigns. A basic level of knowledge about video editing and media tools like Canva would be an advantage.

The UK branch of Pragya is a small team, and so you must be capable of using your initiative and managing your own workload. You would need to prioritise your commitments and work to deadlines as needed. You would contribute to the charity’s administrative needs.

This is a role that demands commitment and offers strong career development in the international development sector. Those passionate about working in international development are encouraged to apply. We are looking for candidates who would anticipate being able to make at least a two-year commitment. 

Key specifications:

Essential

·A degree qualification with at least 2:1 or equivalent

·Fluent English with excellent writing skills

·Strong verbal communication and ability to represent Pragya at public events

·Basic knowledge of on-line communication platforms and media tools 

·Proactive approach, ability to manage own workload, happy to work alone

·Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail

·Competent in the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and good internet research skills

·Demonstrable interest in International Development

·Work experience of two years.

Desirable

·A degree in a relevant, essay-based discipline

·Fundraising experience from trusts / foundations / corporates

·Exposure to foundations and trusts based in the UK and in Europe, mainly Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland.

·Experience of using cloud-based donor management software (Salesforce, Oracle, CRM)

·Understanding of the issues Pragya works to address

·Prior travel to any of Pragya’s project-delivery countries