Public policy jobs

This is an exciting opportunity to engage in parliamentary, policy and civil society engagement work. We are looking for a Public Affairs Officer to support the implementation of the Trust's Public Affair's strategy. Working closely with the Public Affairs Manager, the role helps to build understanding and commitment among policy-makers ensuring that the Holocaust remains a central part of the UK's national consciousness. The successful candidate will provide meaningful support to activity that influences decision and policy makers; develop strong relationships with stakeholders; and provide ongoing political support for Holocaust education and antisemitism education across the UK. 

Over the course of our history, the Trust has created and delivered innovative and meaningful learning experiences and educational programmes which reach over 100,000 young people each year, teaching them about what the Holocaust was, and its relevance today. The school programmes we deliver include our Outreach Programme, our Lessons from Auschwitz Project; The Youth Advocacy Programme; Testimony 360: People and Places of the Holocaust; and Teacher Training.

The successful candidate will provide meaningful support to activity that influences decsion and policy makers; develop strong relationships with stakeholders; and provide ongoing political support for Holocaust education and antisemitism education across the UK. 

The Officer contributes essential research, coordination, written and logistical support to the Public Affairs Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Parliamentary and Public Affairs Support
• Political and Policy Monitoring
• Events and Engagement
• Team and Organisational Support

To find out more, and for details on how to apply, interested candidates should read the full application pack and head to our website to apply. 

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

We’re looking for a motivated and committed public affairs manager to join the policy, evidence and influencing team. In this role, you’ll help deliver change for people affected by breast cancer by leading our public affairs work in the UK Parliament and across England. 

You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering a public affairs strategy to raise awareness of the critical issues for people affected by breast cancer. You’ll work with colleagues across the team and organisation to design influencing activities and events that deliver change. You’ll build strong relationships with parliamentarians and other public affairs stakeholders.

This role manages a public affairs officer. You’ll work closely with them to provide the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer.

About you

With experience of working in relevant public affairs roles to deliver significant change, you’ll be an excellent communicator, well-organised and able to work under pressure to tight deadlines. You’ll be confident working with a wide range of people and have experience of supervising or managing people. You’ll also have an excellent understanding of the policy and influencing landscape that Breast Cancer Now works in.

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role and hybrid working

This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement online. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria.
 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

Closing date Monday 16 March 2026 9am

Interview date week commencing 23 March 2026

We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.

Join us as a Public Affairs Officer to support the growth of our influencing and campaigning profile, helping to deliver high-impact content and campaigns that mobilise supporters, influence policy and raise awareness of issues that impact equine welfare in the UK and around the world.

About the role
As part of our Public Affairs team, you’ll lead on supporter content and digital communications, tailoring messages for different audiences to maximise reach and engagement. You’ll support research and report writing, monitor UK and EU policy developments, and track campaign performance to help shape future work. You’ll also play a key role in growing and engaging our supporter network—mobilising people to take action and strengthening our influence with decisionmakers.

This is a part-time role, working remotely for three days a week between 09:00 to 16:00. There is flexibility to discuss which days would suit you best, except for Wednesdays, which are required. You will be required to attend the charity’s head office located in Norfolk a minimum of 6 times per year and this will be at your own expense for travel and accommodation.

About you:

You’re a clear, confident communicator with experience writing for digital channels, using campaign technology and working collaboratively across teams. You build positive relationships with supporters and stakeholders and understand how campaigning can influence decision makers, supported by knowledge of UK and/or EU legislative frameworks. You’re organised and pro-active, able to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment. Analytical and research skills, an understanding of equines and the ability to speak another language are desirable.

What we offer:

• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions up to 8%, rising to 12% with length of service.
• Employee health cash plan to cover expenses such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, etc.
• Annual Leave entitlement of 20 days (increasing to 25 days with service), plus bank holidays, plus a Christmas allowance for mandatory shutdown.
• Paid employee sickness absence scheme and compassionate leave.
• Life assurance scheme of 4x annual salary.

World Horse Welfare is committed to championing equality and diversity in all aspects of employment and the services we provide. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities.

World Horse Welfare takes great pride in being realistic, compassionate and forward-thinking and the successful applicant for any of our vacancies will be expected to share these values.

Senior Policy Adviser (Public Policy) | Full-time, Permanent
Location: St James’s Park, London SW1 | Hybrid
Salary: £40,926 per annum

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser to join our Public Policy Team. The role is crucial for the development and delivery of evidence-driven British Academy policy programmes on communities and social policy, using SHAPE research to impact policy outcomes that support the Academy’s and the Policy Directorate’s strategy.

The role

The British Academy’s public policy programmes explore domestic policy challenges that SHAPE research (Social sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy/Environment), which can help policymakers to understand, reframe and find solutions. We work closely with our Fellows, alongside a diverse community of academics, experts, practitioners and importantly, policymakers. Our approach is focused on drawing together insights from SHAPE research and convening key figures to understand how these can be applied to policymaking. This gives us opportunities to bring fresh thinking to the most challenging issues, reframe debates, and develop new evidence-based solutions.

The Senior Policy Adviser will lead the delivery of evidence-driven policy programmes focused on communities and social infrastructure, with an opportunity at the outset to define the scope and strategy of these programmes. You will need understanding and knowledge of social policy, particularly areas of social policy relating to communities and civil society. You also need to be comfortable with bringing insights and analysis together and making new connections across policy themes to approach problems from a fresh perspective.

This is a varied role that requires ambition and confidence to engage with a wide variety of contributors to bring together the insights from our evidence base. You will have the ability to plan and deliver different types of activities: convening stakeholders, managing researchers, and collaborating with counterparts in academia and government.

You will be proactive and always looking for opportunities, using effective communication and developing or strengthening crucial relationships to extend the reach of our programme. You will often work independently, but won’t be on your own – we are a collaborative, supportive and friendly team of 12, working on the basis of mutual trust and responsibility, all working on different but connected areas, striving together to achieve our goals.

 About the Academy

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

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

Working at the Academy

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

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 – a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.

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

To find out more and apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Midday on 23 March 2026.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to a diverse and inclusive working environment, equal opportunity and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria

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.

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.

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. 

The British Dyslexia Association is a national charity representing the voice of people with dyslexia. We work to influence government, shift public understanding and drive change in education, employment, health and wider society.

We’re looking for a part‑time Public Affairs & Policy Manager to lead our policy and parliamentary engagement work. This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll help shape our influencing strategy, strengthen our relationships across Westminster and Whitehall, and ensure lived experience sits at the heart of our policy positions.

Although the role is broad and varied, you won’t be expected to manage everything all at the same time. A clear set of priorities will be agreed with the senior leadership team.

 Key responsibilities:

• Lead our parliamentary engagement strategy and political influencing.
• Build relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers and key civil servants.
• Monitor parliamentary activity, policy developments and emerging issues.
• Prepare policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence‑based reports.
• Support our presence at political events, conferences and roundtables.
• Represent the BDA in meetings and sector forums.
• Work with colleagues, researchers and people with lived experience to shape strong, accessible policy positions.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement or policy influencing.
• Good understanding of UK Parliamentary and government processes.
• Proven ability to shape policy or achieve change within public bodies.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence building relationships at senior levels.
• Strong organisation, political awareness and a collaborative approach.
• Passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.

Flexible & family‑friendly working

We are a family‑friendly employer and welcome different working patterns, including the option to spread hours across the week. We encourage candidates to tell us what works for them.

Why join us? 

This is your chance to make a real difference by shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change. 

Please view the job description for full details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying. 

Closing date: 23 March 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early. 

Use of AI in applications 
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you. 

To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice. 

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

This is an exciting role in our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The government has just published a UK wide cross-government child poverty strategy, and made some historic commitments to reduce child poverty including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding free school meals in England. However, there is more to do, and this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to monitor the impact of these changes and influence policy makers and parliamentarians to ensure child poverty is high up the agenda.

We are looking for someone with a track record of communicating complex policy areas in an accessible manner to a range of non-specialist audiences. You will have knowledge of parliamentary processes and the different advocacy levers that can be used to influence change. You will enjoy working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions, working closely with colleagues across the organisation as well as externally.

In addition, in a senior policy officer we are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing CPAG’s policy and research programme, including leading the delivery of research projects, helping to shape our press and campaigns work, and contributing to the development of future projects including fundraising.

You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, sharing analysis and expertise as part of the DWP’s review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of the green paper on the changes to disability benefits. 

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements, including considering part time hours. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

Please note we are recruiting for one person with the right fit at either the policy officer or senior policy officer level.

For more information about this post and to apply download the (Senior) Policy Officer job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Monday 16 March (midnight)

Interviews will be held in London w/c 23 March.

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.

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.

About Starlight

No one enjoys medical procedures, least of all children. From facing everyday vaccinations to the most serious of surgeries and chronic conditions, all children experience varying degrees of apprehension and fear. Feeling scared, powerless, or anxious in healthcare settings doesn’t just trigger a child’s emotions; it can create traumas that impact treatment success and that can have a life-long impact. Starlight’s aim is to transform children’s health through better experiences, by putting play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.

Evidence shows that play in healthcare can reduce anxiety, fear and even pain; it helps children engage and prepare for their treatment and cope better with procedures; it minimises trauma and contributes to a better experience; and supports children to have some sense of agency and control in an environment where these opportunities are limited. Play can also reduce the number of attempts to deliver treatment, the need for sedation and the need for repeat appointments. Prioritising children’s right to play in healthcare results in healthier, happier children who are involved in their own healing and recovery as well as more efficient treatment and care.

We work in over 900 healthcare settings across the UK with an ultimate vision to ensure that no child endures trauma in healthcare.

Our Culture

We believe that our success depends upon focusing on our purpose and business results and taking individual responsibility for a culture where everyone can belong, feel safe and thrive. Our values are the agreed standards that govern our behaviour and are central to our decision-making and the choices that we make. Our development programme focuses on individual awareness of our own values, strengths, and preferences – what makes us who we are – to help all colleagues think for themselves, manage their environment, and make appropriate, balanced decisions for themselves, others and Starlight. We believe that our strength is in our differences and constantly strive towards an authentic workplace culture with equity, diversity, and inclusion as central principles.

Our Strategy and the role of Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator

As a result of the rapid progress and positive outcomes of us leading, managing and coordinating an increasingly cohesive alliance for systemic change in children’s healthcare, we are now in the position of moving some of our focus to the Government and Parliament. This will involve sensitive networking, stakeholder engagement and relationship management. To sustain the momentum and maximise these opportunities, we now want to appoint a permanent coordinator who is dynamic, empathic and curious; with the experience and ability to coordinate and administer the work of a small team working at pace in a fast-changing environment.

The postholder will need to maintain superb attention to detail while juggling multiple priorities (and a diverse range of relationships). There will be growing opportunities to be involved in policy research and preparation of briefings, as well as organising and project-managing events, publications and other activities. There will be a continued focus on meetings of various kinds; aiming to ensure these are seamless and problem free for everyone involved. This will require considerable administrative support in diary management, arranging meetings, preparation of papers, accurate minute taking and follow up actions.

About the role

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in protecting and championing civil society. In this role you will harness the collective voice of our members and use evidence-led advocacy to influence policy, helping create the best possible environment for organisations to deliver their missions.

This role will blend strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, shaping and executing impactful, meaningful change.

Key responsibilities

• Leading on projects and influencing policy change.
• Creative public affairs activity while building trusted relationships with decision makers.
• Developing a public affairs plan to achieve on strategic aims.
• Line Management of a Policy and Public Affairs Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, strategic thinker who thrives on making a tangible difference. You’ll shape NCVO’s influence, deliver creative advocacy campaigns, and strengthen the sector by ensuring civil society organisations can thrive.

Your background

• Significant experience in policy, public affairs or influencing roles, ideally within the voluntary, public or membership sector.
• A strong track record of leading projects that have successfully influenced policy or built political support.
• Experience developing and delivering strategic public affairs plans aligned to organisational objectives.
• Proven ability to translate evidence and insight into compelling policy positions and advocacy campaigns.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with experience engaging decision-makers and senior stakeholders.

Joining NCVO as Policy and Public Affairs Manager offers a unique opportunity to influence the environment in which civil society operates. You’ll work at the heart of a respected, mission-driven organisation, shaping policy conversations, amplifying the collective voice of our members and driving meaningful change.

About the Team

The Policy, Public Affairs and Research team works to ensure voluntary organisations have the wider conditions they need to achieve their missions. PPA analyses the political landscape, develops and communicates credible policy solutions to support the sector, and builds strong relationships across Westminster and Whitehall.

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest, so apply as soon as you can.

Why join us

With members at the heart of everything we do, we champion the charities and volunteers who make a daily difference to our communities across England. Join us and help us make communities stronger and support us making a bigger difference!

Some of NCVO’s great benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff), increasing based on years of service
• five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
• enhanced pay for maternity/adoption leave
• generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary.

Find out more about the benefits of working at NCVO.