Public policy jobs

Future Commissioning Policy and Public Affairs Lead

Contract: Permanent
Salary: £60,000 per annum plus pension
Location: Hybrid – home-based, with regular travel to meetings and team days in London and Sheffield

About the Role

Funded by ten prime providers, this is a senior policy and public affairs role leading a high-profile campaign on behalf of the employment support sector. The postholder will ensure that decision makers, policy makers, and commissioners clearly understand:

• The value and contribution of large employment support organisations as prime contract holders
• The strengths and impact of the prime provider model
• What is required to deliver effective future employment support programmes

The role will be managed by the CEO of ERSA, with the CEO reporting into a dedicated campaign working group.

This workstream will strengthen and add capacity to existing work being led by the ERSA CEO on future commissioning. It will enable ERSA to further and more effectively represent the interests of the employment support sector and the prime provider model across future national and devolved commissioning activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a coordinated policy and public affairs campaign
• Research, analyse, and interpret policy and commissioning developments relevant to employment support
• Produce high-quality reports, briefings, consultation responses, and policy submissions
• Build and maintain credibility with senior stakeholders, including policy makers, commissioners, and sector leaders
• Represent ERSA externally with confidence, authority, and credibility
• Work collaboratively with the ERSA CEO, campaign working group, and wider sector stakeholders

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be:

• An experienced policy professional
• Knowledgeable about the employment support sector and commissioning landscape
• Highly skilled in policy research and analysis
• An excellent writer, able to produce clear, persuasive, and evidence-based policy documents
• A confident and authoritative communicator, able to represent ERSA with gravitas

Reporting Line

The postholder will be part of the ERSA team and will report directly to the ERSA CEO.

This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.

You will lead BIHR’s external communications -  including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.

Please note this is not an entry‑level role.

Key Responsibilities

Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.

 Communications

• Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
• Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
• Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
• Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
• Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
• Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
• Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.

 Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning

• Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
• Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
• Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
• Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
• Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.

 Government & Parliamentary Engagement

• Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
• Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
• Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
• Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
• Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.

 Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
• Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
• Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.

 Other organisational requirements

• Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
• Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Who the Role Is Suitable For

This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.

You’ll thrive if you:

• Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
• Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
• Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
• Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
• Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
• Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.

Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.

Applying for the role

Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:

• Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and interview process/timing.
• Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).

Please also note that:

• Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
• You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.

Are you a policy research professional looking for your next career opportunity? 

Great Ormond Street Charity is building its policy and advocacy function and are hiring for a Senior Policy & Research Manager. This newly created role will play a key role in supporting the development of this new function..

If you have experience indeveloping evidence-based policy positions and you’re looking for a role where you can help shape the future needs for seriously ill children and their families – get in touch with us.

Salary 

The salary for this position is £50,534 per annum and we operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of two days per week in the office.

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate. 

Key responsibilities  

Policy development 

• Developing evidence-based policy positions, focused on advancing the needs to serious ill children and their families.

• Developing impactful policy content including position papers, policy briefings and responses to government consultations.

Policy research, data and insight 

• Lead research and analysis activities that underpin our policy work – ensuring we develop credible policy recommendations.

• Compile and maintain key data insights to support policy development.

• Track developments in external policy. 

Build relationships 

• Represent GOSH Charity at meetings and events to support policy development.

• Build relationships with other organisations and policy makers.

• Build internal relationships.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise 

• Previous experience working in a policy position within either a charity, think tank or public sector organisation. 

• Extensive experience managing the development of evidence-based policy positions.

• Experience successfully influencing public policy.

• Experience representing an organisation at external meetings and events.

• Ability to translate data and complex issues into actionable recommendations.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Previous experience in the health and/or research sector is beneficial for this role. A keen interest in shaping the future for seriously ill children and their families is a must. 

Salary: £45000-£49000 p.a DOE

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Reports to: Senior Insight Manager

Direct reports: There is potential for line management responsibility for an Insight Officer to support their development, oversee elements of their work, and help to ensure high standards of research quality and delivery.

Location: Harlow, Essex. Easily commutable from London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale Station. We offer a free minibus service to/from Harlow Town Train Station as well as free parking and EV charging on site.

Extra Information: Open to conversation on hybrid, flexible and compressed working arrangements. The team works a minimum of two days a week from the office.

About the role:

At the Motability Foundation we fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

This role will support the Senior Insight Manager in delivering policy research and insight as part of the new insight function. This role sits at the intersection of research and policy, ensuring that evidence is not only generated, but interpreted and mobilised effectively to inform forward-looking organisational positioning.

What you will be doing:

As Policy Research Manager, you’ll play a central role in building and mobilising the evidence needed to influence policy and public debate on mobility, disability and welfare reform. Working closely with colleagues across Insight, Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll help to ensure that the Foundation has a robust, timely and compelling evidence base to support advocacy, engagement with decision-makers, and external partnerships.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing clear and persuasive evidence narratives that demonstrate the social value and impact of the Foundation’s work, drawing on research, evaluation findings and wider policy evidence
• Scoping, developing and oversight of rapid evidence reviews and insight summaries to inform policy positions, responses to consultations and support external engagement
• Delivering forward-looking policy analyses using futures and foresight approaches (including horizon scanning and trend synthesis), assessing potential implications for disabled people and organisational positioning.
• Acting as the lead for policy-relevant research on welfare reform and related priority areas, synthesising internal and external evidence to inform organisational responses
• Supporting coordination with Motability Operations on shared policy and research priorities
• Supporting relationships with external partners including Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), think tanks and public research bodies, including representing the Foundation to contribute an evidence-informed perspective
• Supporting dissemination and engagement activity, including roundtables, briefings, thought pieces and events that help shape debate and explore innovative policy solutions
• Working collaboratively across the organisation to move our evidence and insight from reactive to proactive, strengthening our influence over time

Your experience:

You’re curious, motivated and motivated by public impact. You enjoy turning complex evidence into clear messages that resonate with different audiences, and you’re keen to see research used to influence real-world decisions. You understand what makes for good enough evidence to influence policy making.

You’re comfortable working across organisational boundaries and with external partners, and you bring energy, judgement and confidence to conversations about policy, evidence and social value.

You’re likely to thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy synthesising research and data into compelling, accessible insight
• Are motivated by social purpose and improving outcomes for disabled people
• Have a strong interest in public policy
• Have a strong understanding of how evidence can be used to influence decision-making
• Are proactive, organised and able to respond quickly to emerging issues
• Are confident representing an organisation externally and contributing to policy discussions
• Like working collaboratively and building trusted relationships across teams and sectors

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Requirements

We recognise that candidates may come from a range of backgrounds. We’re particularly interested in people with strong potential who are keen to develop their skills in a purpose-driven environment.

Must haves:

• Experience conducting or coordinating research, evidence reviews or analysis in a policy, public affairs, research or related setting
• Familiarity with government policy-making processes, consultations and/or parliamentary engagement
• Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise written outputs
• Understanding of how research and evidence can be packaged and used effectively to inform or influence public policy
• Experience working with or alongside external organisations such as think tanks, charities, DPOs, academic or public research bodies
• Strong written communication skills and confidence contributing to external briefings, reports or events
• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in a social science, public policy or related discipline, or equivalent work experience

Nice to haves:

• Experience working on disability, welfare, transport or social policy issues
• Experience supporting advocacy or public affairs activity using evidence
• Experience designing or managing rapid evidence reviews or insight products
• A recognised professional research qualification such as the MRS Advanced Certificate, or equivalent professional research training.

Benefits

Who are we?

We are building a future where all disabled people have the transport options to make the journeys they choose.

We fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

Why choose us?

We want working for the Motability Foundation to be the best career move you’ve ever made. When you join the Motability Foundation you will join a group of people who are supportive, innovative and motivated to improve the lives of our beneficiaries.

We value everyone’s unique qualities and celebrate having a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. This is embedded into our values, Collaborative, Respectful and Evolving.

We bring our people together through our People Forum, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Social Squad and our Wellbeing Champions and our employee Spotlight Awards help us recognise the excellence and dedication of our staff.

We are proud to be recognised as Disability Confident Leader, have attained Platinum Level Award for Investors in People and are members of the Business Disability Forum.

A career with Motability Foundation can offer you so much more than earning potential, we pride ourselves in offering some fantastic benefits. Some of these include:

• 26 days annual leave, plus the option to buy/ sell up to five days.
• One wellbeing day for extra flexibility.
• Pension scheme - Up to 20%, including a 10% non-contributory contribution and matched contributions up to 5%.
• Life Assurance of four times your salary.
• Private healthcare through BUPA for you and your family, along with a Medicash Health Plan.
• Employee assistance programme: GP appointments, eye tests, flu vaccinations, sick pay and free gym and yoga sessions.
• Enhanced Parental Leave, including Adoption Pay.
• Free parking, EV charge points and a minibus service to/from the town centre and train station.
• Fresh fruit, breakfast snacks, and a Dress for Your Day dress code.
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, and we aim to be an employer of choice for candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we have committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to perform their best when interviewing and when working with us, so if you require any reasonable adjustments that would make you more comfortable, please let us know so that we can do our best to support you.

To help us create an inclusive workplace we are committed to offering to interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances, we may need to limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. re

About CoppaFeel!

CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.

We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.

Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.

The Role

CoppaFeel! is looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help grow our influence in the policy and public affairs space, and ultimately improve outcomes for younger people with breast cancer. 

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will sit within the CoppaFeel! Policy and Influencing team within the Education department and will work closely with the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager. They will support the implementation of our policy and influencing strategy that aims to build our policy expertise, influence the debate, grow our networks and drive system change. 

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that you will attend the London office 2 days per week (though we are open to flexible arrangements). You will be required to attend the office for quarterly team meetings, department meetings and in person training, we will provide plenty of notice for when you are required to be in for these purposes. 

This is a fixed term contract for 18 months.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advance our policy expertise

• Research policy areas to support CoppaFeel!’s evidence-based policy work
• Monitor key policy developments in breast cancer and younger people
• Stay on top of new external research and data releases

Influence the debate

• Draft policy briefings on key policy issues for younger people with breast cancer
• Contribute to policy debates, e.g. by drafting consultation responses, briefings and statements
• Support the smooth running of policy events, including event organisation, stakeholder mapping and engagement

Reach the right people

• Engage a variety of stakeholders with CoppaFeel!’s work - from policymakers to journalists and other charities
• Support the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders, and maintain CoppaFeel!’s stakeholder database

Drive impact

• Support the implementation of CoppaFeel!’s policy and influencing strategy
• Support and coordinate policy and influencing campaigns
• Measure and report impact of policy and influencing work 

Work across the organisation

• Work with colleagues across CoppaFeel! to ensure policy messages are aligned and embedded across the charity’s work and audiences
• Undertake any other reasonable duties or responsibilities as required by the Charity, in line with the needs of the organisation.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• A good understanding of the UK political system and processes
• Experience working on an aspect of social policy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A passion for creating change
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work across teams
• Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders, from policymakers to the media and third sector organisations

Desirable

• Experience working on cancer or other health policy issues
• Event organisation or comms experience

Application information

Applications will close on Monday, 9 March with the aim to commence interviews in the W/C 16 March 2026.

CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.

Main benefits, Terms & Conditions

Annual leave entitlement: 22 days, plus office closure at Christmas, a day off on our Founders birthday, and a day off for your birthday.

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan; cash back on everyday health expenses, as well as a GP advice line and access to PerkBox.
• Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
• Core working hours of 10am to 4pm
• Flex Friday; every other Friday off, offering the time to recharge and ensuring work life balance, while remaining available in case of emergencies

All annual leave and benefits are pro-rata'd for part time employees.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At CoppaFeel! we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.

While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.

Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?

Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.

You will:

• Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work

• Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals

• Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders

• Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

• Contribute as a full member of our leadership team

We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.

This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.

If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.

About the team​

The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.

The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
​
About this role

The Public Affairs Officer is a new and exciting role in a rapidly expanding organisation at the forefront of youth policy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the strengthening of Impetus’ public affairs profile, as well as support colleagues to strengthen and maintain relationships with parliamentarians, decision-makers, sector stakeholders and wider civil society.

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to getting the support young people from disadvantaged background need in education and employment. You’ll have a passion for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across government and the third sector. You will have a good understanding of the UK’s policy environment with an interest in increasing your knowledge and relationships in this area and developing and expanding links with a range of parliamentary, government and other key stakeholders.

The Public Affairs Officer will be part of the wider Public Affairs Team. Though you will report to the Head of Youth Employment Policy, you will work across both our education and employment policy work, and will be expected to regularly collaborate with the Communications Team, and will understand the role of communications in shaping the political agenda and the public debate. You will have experience of writing for a wide range of audiences, ranging from policy briefings to social media content.

This role supports the delivery of high-quality public affairs work, following agreed plans, templates and processes, and escalating risks or issues promptly.

We’re interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong organisational skills, with experience of either leading or supporting the coordination and delivery of events. We’d particularly like to hear from candidates who have managed a CRM database such as Salesforce. You will be a strong team player, with a collaborative working style.

We are also keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.

We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find more information listed in the Public Affairs Officer Recruitment Pack. 
​

Key responsibilities

• Work with the Heads of Policy and Communications teams to contribute to public affairs plans by providing research, coordination and administrative support from the outset of each project
• Monitor and analyse political, policy developments and parliamentary activity, keeping your knowledge up to data and accurate, ensuring information is recorded using agreed templates and systems, and flagging relevant updates promptly
• Support the coordination of stakeholder engagement, including preparing briefings, organising meetings and maintaining accurate CRM records
• Coordinate and deliver public affairs events, including logistics, invitations, materials, briefing packs, on-the-day support and post-event follow-up for meetings, party conference activities, evidence sessions, roundtables, report launches and all other relevant events
• Manage our CRM database (Salesforce), ensuring data quality, completeness and accuracy, and flagging issues when needed
• Support the Communications Team to maintain and grow the profile of our policy work with priority audiences, following agreed brand guidelines, templates and approval processes
• Undertake some desk-based research to support policy projects when required, ensuring accuracy and clarity in all research outputs
• Assist in developing campaign tools and published materials
• Draft policy briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and social media content
• Brief and support senior staff within the relevant policy areas, such as to prepare for a speaking event, roundtable, or high-level stakeholder meeting
• Monitor political and parliamentary developments and flag relevant updates and opportunities for influencing public policy to senior team members
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for the internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing pack, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Attend relevant external events on behalf of the team and support colleagues by taking notes, preparing summaries and sharing relevant insights

Person specification

​Essential​

• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to operate effectively in a busy office environment, including the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously.
• Able to follow agreed processes, templates and guidance, maintaining accurate records and escalating issues early
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to write copy for a range of audiences and formats based on complex content e.g. policy briefings, blogs, articles, website content and more, and willingness to seek feedback to improve clarity and impact
• Demonstrable record of building and maintaining effective working relationships across an organisation, working co-operatively as part of a team, welcomes feedback, and seeks clarification when tasks or priorities are unclear
• Strong IT Skills (Microsoft Office skills essential)
• Comfortable handling data, ensuring accuracy, and following data quality and confidentiality standards
• Interest in politics and UK public policy and enthusiasm for developing professional knowledge in this area
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Desirable​

• Experience supporting engagement with external stakeholders such as parliamentarians, civil servants, academics, researchers, and/or charity partners who influence and shape policy and its implementation (e.g. scheduling meetings, preparing briefings, drafting correspondence)
• Experience managing a CRM database or similar, ensuring information management systems are up to date
• Experience of leading and supporting event delivery and management including logistics, preparation, and coordinating inputs from colleagues

​About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today: ​

- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.​

You will need to:​

- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

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.

Are you ready to shape public policy for lasting social change?

Do you want to influence decision-makers and champion the voice of those affected by problem debt?

Are you driven to turn insight into action that improves lives across Wales?

We’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advocate to join our External Affairs team. You’ll be at the forefront of our work in Wales—connecting StepChange with key stakeholders, driving policy change, and amplifying our mission to create a society free from problem debt. This is a high-impact role where your insight and influence will help shape the future of debt policy and support vulnerable communities.

Location: This is a remote role, with regular travel required to Cardiff and travel to London once a month for meetings/events.

What you’ll be doing

• You’ll lead targeted lobbying campaigns and produce compelling evidence-based reports, briefings, and articles to influence public policy and regulatory practices.
• You’ll build and manage relationships with the Welsh Government and Parliament, and other influential figures and organisations across Wales.
• You’ll monitor developments in legislation, policy, and research—providing strategic advice on emerging threats and opportunities.
• You’ll represent StepChange at high-profile meetings, conferences, and media engagements, acting as a trusted voice for the charity.
• You’ll organise thought leadership events and roundtables and support senior leaders with speeches and briefings that drive our advocacy forward.
• You’ll ensure our work remains politically impartial and compliant with all relevant regulations, including Charity Commission rules and the Lobbying Act. 

About you

• Significant experience in public affairs or public policy within Wales.
• Deep understanding of the Welsh Senedd, Welsh Government, and the broader policy-making landscape.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and deliver impactful policy change.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a flair for strategic thinking and political judgement.
• Skilled at building influential networks across government, charities, and civil society.
• Organised, proactive, and passionate about social justice and equality.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We’re always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It’s not just about the professional experience you bring – we’re interested in who you are and your potential. If there’s an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.

ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to FEA on this appointment.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence at the Fair Education Alliance

We are proud to be a coalition of 300 organisations united behind a simple but powerful belief: that no child’s success should be limited by their socioeconomic background. We exist to shift the conditions that hold inequity in place through collaboration across schools, colleges, higher education institutions, charities, youth organisations, researchers, funders, and young people themselves.

Our 2025-30 strategy, From Neighbourhood to National: A Strategy to ensure every child and young person thrives, is rooted in systems change—tackling not just policies and practices, but also the resources, relationships, power and mental models that hold inequity in place. Our work targets root causes, deepens collective impact, and embraces the complexity—and opportunity—of true transformation.

We are now recruiting a Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence to strengthen the FEA’s external leadership at a critical point in our development. As we implement our strategy, we are placing greater emphasis on how we represent the collective insight of our members, and how we use our convening role to shape agendas at local, regional and national levels.  

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and working closely with the Co-Chief Executive Officers, this role will lead FEA’s policy positioning and public affairs activity and play a central role in representing the Alliance externally. The Director will be trusted to shape where and how FEA engages in public debate and decision-making, ensuring that our collective voice is credible and influential, and grounded in the experience of our members and partners across the system. This includes working closely with young people, recognising them as critical contributors and often the most powerful spokespeople for our work, and creating meaningful opportunities for their voices to shape our policy and public affairs activity.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who is comfortable operating through influence rather than formal authority, and who brings confidence in navigating complex policy environments. It offers the opportunity to shape how a large, diverse coalition contributes to public debate and policy thinking at a moment when joined-up, system-level approaches to educational equity are increasingly needed.

We hope you will consider applying.

Key dates

• Applications close: Monday 16 March (10 am)

• First round interviews: 26th and 27th March (online)

• Final interviews: 1st-2nd, 7-9th April (in person at the FEA office in London)

• Start date: as soon as possible, to be agreed with the successful candidate

Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in suicide prevention policy? We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team at Samaritans.  Join our team and help influence public policy to achieve our vision: fewer lives lost to suicide.

This is a meaningful, high impact role where your work will directly contribute to safer, more compassionate public policy.

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Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change in legislation and policy.  

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About the Role

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As Policy Officer, you will lead the development and influencing of policy positions on suicide prevention, using research and evidence to produce high-quality briefings, consultation responses and reports. You will build strong internal and external relationships, monitor the policy environment, and work collaboratively across the charity to communicate and advance our policy work.

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Contract

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• £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full Time (35hrs per week)
• Permanent
• Hybrid working with link to Ewell office
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

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What You’ll Do

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• Support the development of Samaritans’ policy positions on suicide prevention.
• Produce clear briefings, consultation responses and policy reports.
• Analyse complex evidence to inform policy development.
• Spot emerging policy issues and support research needs.
• Keep teams updated on policy changes across the UK and Ireland.
• Represent Samaritans at policy events and support external communications.
• Work closely with colleagues across nations to ensure cohesive policy approaches.

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What You’ll Bring

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• Experience in policy or public affairs and understanding of influencing national/local change.
• Strong ability to turn complex info into clear policy insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Understanding of mental health or suicide prevention issues.
• Knowledge of mental health/suicide prevention policy, charity sector experience, familiarity with Samaritans, or experience in research processes (desirable).

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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Apply now

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer short application questions (please keep your answers to max 300 words) and to upload your CV (please avoid special characters in the file name).

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We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

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​Applications close: Tuesday 3rd March

Interviews: w/c Monday 9th March

Terms and Conditions:

1. Support Women in Prison to influence policy makers to reduce the unnecessary criminalisation of women and improving the rights of women in the criminal justice system
2. Ensuring women with Lived Experience are at the heart Women in Prison’s policy and public affairs work
3. Political analysis and monitoring
4. Supporting the wider work of the Policy and Public Affairs Team

• Is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement
• Requires the right to work in the UK
• Is subject to a basic DBS check

Grade: 2

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working considered)

Position type: Permanent

Responsible to: Head of Global Communications & PR

Direct reports: Communications & PR Officer

Location: Truro, Cornwall (Hybrid) or Remote (UK based) with some travel to Truro

ROLE PURPOSE:

This role works to raise awareness of the issues faced by people around the world who have lost their homes to disaster. It generates positive media coverage for ShelterBox, positioning us as experts in emergency shelter, as well as supporting fundraising with media engagement and PR activities. The role also works to ensure colleagues across the organisation can talk about our work accurately and consistently by producing key messaging about our international programmes.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

ShelterBox is seeking an experienced, motivated and proactive communications professional with excellent attention to detail and line-management experience.

You will be skilled in writing a variety of materials - including press releases, statements, and Q&As, and in simplifying complex information. You will also understand the nuance of language, ensuring messaging reflects dignity, avoids harmful narratives and upholds humanitarian neutrality in sensitive contexts.

You will enjoy finding strong stories and ensuring they are told ethically. You will be experienced in creating news, working with the media and contributing to multiple projects at pace.

We are looking for someone with experience in crisis communications who can help protect and enhance our reputation by identifying potential issues early. You will also have experience delivering media interview training, building confidence in spokespeople, and supporting them through briefings and interviews.

You will have experience of line management. You will have experience of working with a direct report to develop their abilities and support them to be motivated and produce great work.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a dynamic fundraising and communications department, working together to achieve our mission of no one without shelter after disaster.

The role requires someone who can pivot priorities quickly when needed. When major disasters happen, our teams need to be able to flex very quickly to that focus.

MAIN ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role works as part of a small and dynamic Communications & Digital team and has direct line management of our Comms & PR Officer. You will focus on gaining media coverage for our international programmes, understanding the issues and opportunities of our work and securing impactful media interviews. You will support our fundraising campaigns and events with media engagement.

You will work closely with the Head of Global Communications & Digital and colleagues across the Fundraising & Communications department to develop and deliver communications and media engagement activities supporting campaigns and driving awareness.  

The role line-manages a Communications & PR Officer. You will work with them to extend the output and reach of our comms and media work and support them to feel motivated and produce high-quality work.

This role also supports wider departments by producing centralised messaging to ensure colleagues talk about our work consistently and are aligned with our brand.  

You'll work with the wider communications and fundraising teams on integrated campaigns, ensuring key messaging is aligned and PR angles and risks are considered.

There may be occasional opportunities to travel to countries where ShelterBox works for media purposes. This travel is not mandatory. There will be regular travel to the Truro head office to support media interviews, deliver training, and participate in organisational collaboration days.

Flexibility with working hours sometimes required, especially during sudden-onset emergencies (TOIL available for additional hours).

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

PR & Comms Lead 

• Manage a variety of communications and PR activities to raise awareness of the needs of people who have lost their homes to disaster.

• Produce a range of high-quality written materials for different audiences. 

• Develop strong working relationships with people across the organisation, including in our international programmes and fundraising teams.

• Take a proactive approach to media engagement and communications as our PR and communications subject-matter expert.
• Line manage the Comms & PR Officer, supporting them to prioritise their workload, ensuring they have clear goals, and are performing well.

Media Engagement 

• Maximise media opportunities for ShelterBox across national and regional, print, digital, and broadcast media. 

• Maintain a strong understanding of the media landscape and keep across relevant stories and trends.

• Work with colleagues to identify strong stories and create news angles.

• Prepare and use a variety of effective PR tools, including press releases, quotes, features, blogs and photo opportunities.

• Sell-in stories, respond to media enquiries, and secure interviews.

• Deliver interview training for colleagues.

• Prepare messaging and briefings for spokespeople for interviews and events. 

• Ensure plans are ready to roll-out when major disasters happen - including comms plans, media lists, trained spokespeople, quotes and other resources. 

• Identify, develop and maintain great relationships with external stakeholders, including journalists, PR agencies, and freelancers.

Communications 

• Produce high-quality written materials, including messaging, Q&As, and reports, ensuring consistency with brand and tone of voice.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across social media, website, celebrity, brand, content, and fundraising) to deliver integrated campaigns.

• Support reputation management, lead crisis communications activities, and play an active role in the Crisis Management Team.

• Offer creative ideas and planning for communications campaigns. 

• Coordinate and, when required, manage external agencies and consultants.

• Evaluate PR and communications activity to measure success and improve future performance.
• Manage subscriptions and licences for communications tools, including media monitoring platforms, and liaise with procurement on tender processes when required.

Other Responsibilities

• Work as a member of our EDI team, ensuring EDI principles are included within our comms and media work.
• Undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the post.
• Carry out the duties of post in accordance with the ShelterBox's policies and procedures on Health and Safety and take responsibility for ensuring personal health and safety.

• Work flexibility, prioritise workload and work effectively as part of a team. 

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Help make borrowing the norm across Wales. Lead bold, bilingual communications that grow a national movement for sharing, sustainability and fairness.

Benthyg Cymru is building a national borrowing infrastructure for Wales — supporting 35+ Libraries of Things and sharing projects that help people save money, reduce waste and access what they need. We’re at a pivotal stage of growth, with expanding public-sector partnerships and rising national interest. Communications is central to what happens next.

We’re looking for a fluent Welsh-speaking Communications, PR & Marketing Lead who can turn strategy into compelling public storytelling and measurable borrowing growth. This is a hands-on, outward-facing role for someone confident producing high-quality content, leading national campaigns, building media relationships, and testing ideas in a fast-moving, mission-led environment.

You’ll lead our communications and marketing strategy, deliver behaviour-change campaigns, manage digital channels, shape PR narratives, and support national pilots and partnerships. You’ll balance creativity with accountability, ensuring borrowing is visible, trusted and culturally relevant across Wales.

Location: Remote (Wales-based) with travel
Hours: 28 per week (negotiable)
Salary: £34,271 actual + 3% pension
Contract: 1 year (with view to extend)
Benefits: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, Wellbeing Days, Employee Assistance Programme

If you’re proactive, attuned to Wales’ cultural landscape and confident communicating in Welsh and English — and excited by the challenge of growing a national movement — we’d love to hear from you.