Public policy jobs

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (England)

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Line Management: 1 Policy and Public Affairs Officer England

Location of work: Remote but role holder will ideally be London-based to be able to frequently commute for meetings/ events at Westminster. The role may involve also some infrequent travel across the UK.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, although flexible/ compressed hours will be considered. The role will require occasional evening and weekend work.

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £42,000

BACKGROUND

Magic Breakfast is the UK’s leading school breakfast charity and makes a difference to over 350,000 children and young people every day by offering breakfasts and expert advice to tackle child morning hunger in schools across England and Scotland.

This is an exciting time for Magic Breakfast as the benefits of school breakfast provision are increasingly recognised by policymakers, educators and the public. The Policy and Public Affairs (PPA) Team is central to this work. And through our new organisational strategy, Nourishing Futures, the work of the PPA Team is growing to meet our advocacy ambition to expand school breakfast provision and deliver our vision which would see every child in the UK nourished, empowered and thriving.

JOB PURPOSE

The role of the Policy and Public Affairs Manager is a high-impact role, central to designing and delivering Magic Breakfast’s national policy and public affairs strategy in England. The role holder will lead the development of evidence-based policy positions and work collaboratively to drive forward strategic, integrated and impactful advocacy campaigns to successfully influence decision-makers, policy change, and funding frameworks aligned with our key objectives. Specifically, you will also lead the design and implementation of our new workstream to expand school breakfast provision to secondary schools and early years settings, alongside our work to ensure the effective implementation of the Free Breakfast Club Programme.

More broadly, you will keep abreast of political developments relevant to Magic Breakfast - proactively identifying opportunities to respond, influence and shape the debate across the school food system and provide strategic, analytical and timely advice to the Senior Leadership Team.

Using your excellent communication skills, you will be able to translate complex policy into tailored and effective communications, policy briefings, positions and submissions, and will play a lead role in confidently engaging external stakeholders including UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, special advisers, officials and sector partners.

We are looking for someone who enjoys collaboration, who shares our passion for driving systematic change, and who can use their experience to navigate, respond to, and influence the fast-moving political environment to deliver lasting and meaningful change. You’ll be part of a collaborative and ambitious organisation, working at the intersection of policy, practice and impact – putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do and helping to ensure every child starts their day nourished, empowered and ready to thrive.

KEY RESPONSOBILITIES

• Lead the policy development process in consultation with cross-organisational teams and external organisations to develop clear, evidence-based policy recommendations and positions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, Special Advisers, officials and sector organisations, including conducting stakeholder mapping and power analysis to identify key routes to influence.

• Design, lead and implement integrated advocacy campaigns to deliver maximum impact in collaboration with cross-organisational teams.

• Work closely with colleagues to share expertise and intelligence, inform and shape research areas, support campaign activities aligned with advocacy objectives, and respond proactively to live developments across the organisation.

• Line manage and support the development of the Public Affairs Officer.

• Strong ability to translate complex policy into clear, persuasive communications tailored to specific audiences to deliver maximum impact.

Please read the full job description attached below. 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to thrive.

Please see our job pack below

Please see our website

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, HR @ magicbreakfast .com

Shortlisting: w/c 25th and 26th May

Interview 1: w/c 1st and 2nd June

Interview 2: w/c 8th and 11th June

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

We are looking for an experienced and connected Policy and Public Affairs Adviser to lead the development of this function within the organisation. Reporting Directly to the CEO you will engage with teams and partners to design both an on-going influencing strategy and the future shape of this work in coming years.

Key Responsibilities:

· Undertake internal opportunities review to identify key work strands.

· Undertake external opportunities review to identify both short term and long-term areas for influence.

· Develop long term policy and influencing strategy in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

· Review and recommend future staffing structure and reporting lines as part of the above.

· Act as lead for existing activity in this area including attending meetings with MPs, Peers and civil servant, working with internal teams to provide accurate briefing information and supporting other appropriate spokespeople across the organisation.

· Identify and Lead on the formulation of appropriate evidence-based policy positions and responses.

· Work with staff and our growing Public and Patient Network (PPN) to ensure those with lived experience have a meaningful voice in the above activity.

Key requirements:

Required:

• Experience of developing and delivering campaigns that include influencing and engaging with policy makers, MPs, Peers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process in England (Scotland and Wales desirable).
• Ability to quickly develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable ability of analysis of information that can be communicated to a variety of audiences.
• Experience of developing policy positions and briefings, along with responding to consultations.
• Ability to effectively manage competing interests and views to achieve the aims of the organisation.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Depending on location, this role will require regular travel to the Leeds Office and Westminster.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a charity.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker
• Passionate about our cause and mission.
• Organised and reliable with a collaborative mindset.
• Open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to contribute to a respected national charity.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Flexible or hybrid working options (where applicable).
• Generous holiday allowance and staff benefits package.

Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast 

Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Monday 19 May 2026 at midnight 

Interview date: week commencing 25 May 2026 over video with possible second stage in person week commencing 1 June 2026 

This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding). 

Who we are looking for  

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum. 

The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.  

You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.  

Experience required 

• Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs audiences to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse  

• Experience of leading public affairs delivery in one of more of the devolved nations  

• Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings   

• Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions   

• Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels  

• Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment  

• Experience of organising stakeholder events  

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

About The Aziz Foundation        

We at The Aziz Foundation are a family charitable foundation established to support British Muslim communities to flourish and give back to our country. Through our flagship Masters Scholarships programme, the Foundation has invested over £8 million into more than 700 scholarships for British Muslims pursuing postgraduate degrees as well as working with employers to facilitate work experience and internships for young British Muslims.We have also supported a wide range of charitable initiatives, including funding of historic buildings, community sports, research into discrimination, interfaith activities and the engagement of British Muslims in the democratic process of our country. 

Job Purpose 

This is a new and vital role for the Foundation, involving developing our work around employment, which will support British Muslims to access employment and develop their careers in fields in which we are currently under-represented.You will be part of a matrix-working team that will collectively develop this piece of work, so you will not be simply implementing an existing plan; you’ll be there from the start with key input into how this should be designed and implemented. 

Your key role will be to engage with employers in target industries of journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI.This will involve direct engagement with employers with whom we have no existing engagement, building on relationships we already have and working with third-party ‘intermediary bodies’ and organisations representing employers across entire sectors.The role seeks to achieve a clear impact by getting people into good quality roles with leading employers. 

Internal relationships 

You will report to the Director of the Foundation, who will work closely with you in the development of this new programme.The Foundation currently has five staff, now growing to eight.We are a tight-knit team that goes over and above to support one another.

This role will work closely with the role we are advertising in parallel, the Head of Careers & Talent Development.That role is more at the “supply” end – identifying and engaging graduates and other potential candidates to engage with employers. 

Key Responsibilities 

Broadly, the main duties and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Build and manage employer partnerships across all target sectors: journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI 

• Ensure our CRM system is maintained to track all external and internal communication for your area of work 

• Convene roundtables and sector networks. 

• Deliver employer engagement on employment practices that will support the recruitment and retention of 

the best British Muslim young people 

• Collaborate with internal colleagues to align employer needs with graduate pathways. 

• Collaborate with the Communications function to ensure internal and external promotion 

Person Specification 

When completing the cover letter in the process of applying for the role, ensure that you address how you meet each of the “essential” criteria in the person specification and, where relevant, how you meet the “desirable” criteria. 

1. Experience 

Essential 

• Minimum five years’ professional experience in a related role 
• Experience in employer engagement or partnership management 
• Understanding of recruitment practices and workplace culture within British employers 
• Commitment to equity and supporting underrepresented communities.

Desirable

• Specific experience working in one of the target fields: journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI 

2. Skills and Abilities

Essential 

• Strong communication and facilitation skills 
• Solutions-focused – the ability to find ways to make things work rather than to find problems 
• An understanding of the challenges facing the British Muslim community 

About the Aziz Foundation        

We at The Aziz Foundation are a family charitable foundation established to support British Muslim communities to flourish and give back to our country. Through our flagship Master's Scholarships programme, the Foundation has invested over £8 million into more than 700 scholarships for British Muslims pursuing postgraduate degrees, as well as working with employers to facilitate work experience and internships for young British Muslims. We have also supported a wide range of charitable initiatives, including funding of historic buildings, community sports, research into discrimination, interfaith activities and the engagement of British Muslims in the democratic process of our country. 

Job Purpose 

This is a new and vital role for the Foundation, involving developing our work around employment, which will support British Muslims to access employment and develop their careers in fields in which we are currently under-represented. You will be part of a matrix-working team that will collectively develop this piece of work, so you will not be simply implementing an existing plan; you’ll be there from the start with key input into how this should be designed and implemented. 

Your key role will be to engage with graduates and those with advanced vocational skills, to support them to develop the necessary skills to access employment and to support them once they are in employment in partnership with employers. Our target industries are journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI. This will involve direct engagement with employers, with graduates and other job seekers, with Aziz Scholarship/Internship alumni and with intermediary bodies that provide links between job seekers and employers. 

Internal relationships 

You will report to the Director of the Foundation, who will work closely with you in the development of this new programme. The Foundation currently has five staff, now growing to eight.We are a tight-knit team that goes over and above to support one another.

This role will work closely with the Head of Employer Engagement, who we are advertising in parallel.That role is more at the “demand” end – identifying and engaging employers to ensure that there are clear pathways for graduates and others seeking to develop their careers. 

Key Responsibilities 

Broadly, the main duties and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Build and manage engagement with British Muslim graduates/vocationally skilled job seekers in target sectors; journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI 

• Ensure our CRM system is maintained to track all external and internal communication for your area of work with graduates/job seekers 

• Convene and support development sessions for job seekers 

• Engage with the existing alumni network of Aziz Scholars and Interns 

• Collaborate with internal colleagues to support alignment of graduate skills with employer needs 

• Collaborate with the Communications function to ensure internal and external promotion of opportunities 

Person Specification 

When completing the cover letter as part of the application process, ensure that you address how you meet each of the “essential” criteria in the person specification and, where relevant, how you meet the “desirable” criteria. 

1. Experience

Essential 

• Minimum five years’ professional experience in a related role 
• Experience in recruitment, career development, or graduate programme management 
• Demonstrable commitment to equity and supporting underrepresented communities

Desirable

• Specific experience working in one of the target fields: journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI 
• Experience of managing networks of graduates or employees

2. Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and facilitation skills 
• Solutions-focused – the ability to find ways to make things work rather than to find problems 
• An understanding of the challenges facing the British Muslim community 

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. 

The Senior Media and PR Officer will undertake communication projects to support all areas of the charity to raise awareness and understanding of Independent Age, to secure policy change to tackle poverty in later life, and to drive potential supporters to our activities. 

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK.

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. 

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification: 

This role supports the charity’s media and PR programme, helping to secure positive coverage and strengthen its reputation through proactive and reactive communications. It will contribute to the organisation’s ambition by increasing awareness, influence, and engagement with key audiences across traditional and digital media channels. 

Working within the media communications team, the post-holder will lead on media planning and PR projects, identifying opportunities for both short-term campaigns (such as report launches) and longer-term storytelling by spotting future hooks and moments to promote key messages and calls to action. The role will also support wider team strategy development and contribute to a busy and responsive press office. 

You should have experience in media relations and press office activity, including drafting high-quality media materials such as press releases, statements, op-eds and thought leadership content. You will also need strong judgement to respond to enquiries, manage reputational issues in real time, build relationships with journalists and outlets across the UK nations, and monitor, evaluate and report on media coverage. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age: 

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. 

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. 

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website. 

Application Process: 

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format). 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role. 

Closing Date: Monday 11 May 2026, 11:59pm 

Interview Dates: Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th May via Microsoft Teams

About us

With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK-based women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.

About the Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager role

In this varied and exciting position, you will manage high profile WI campaigns and play a key role in achieving change on key issues affecting women and their community.

The Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager provides essential management of the Public Affairs team and its activities- including campaigning, lobbying, research and policy work- whilst working closely with the Director of Campaigns and Membership to maintain a strategic overview of the department’s work.

You will be responsible for devising appropriate lobbying strategies to achieve our key objectives, responding to governmental policy and consultation papers and supporting the NFWI’s media work in relation to all campaigning and Public Affairs activity.

This role also plays a vital part in managing departmental projects, from the development and implementation of campaign project plans, to identifying funding opportunities and administering budgets.  

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

Location: Hybrid working, with at least one day per week at our London office.

About you

Experienced in all aspects of campaigning and lobbying, with a strong understanding of current affairs and issues across the policy spectrum, you will be adept at taking a campaign from start to finish, whilst developing impactful influencing strategies in a political context. You will be a confident line manager, with experience of supporting and overseeing your team’s performance, development and wellbeing.

The ability to represent the NFWI externally- to civil servants, government departments and external organisations- as well as working closely with volunteers and members at a grassroots level is also key.

An understanding of key policy issues relating to areas such as women’s health or the environment would also be desirable, however your passion for helping the WI achieve its mission by making a difference every day will be the key to your success in the role.

Benefits

In return, we will offer you a hybrid working arrangement, which means a minimum of one day a week in your primary office and the rest worked from home, although you can work up to three days in the office if preferred; 28 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days on completion of 5 years’ service with the flexibility to take your annual leave in hours; membership of our healthcare scheme; enhanced family-friendly policies; a commitment to employee wellbeing; and more.

How to apply

For further information about the Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.

To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.

Closing date: 13 May 2026.

First and second-round interview dates: w/c 18 May 2026, with the first round conducted virtually and the second in-person at our London office.

No other media or agencies, please.

The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.

Do you want to change the world?So do we. Join us… 

Salams, peace and hello… I’m Joe, the Director at The Aziz Foundation. We at The Aziz Foundation are a family charitable foundation established to support British Muslim communities to flourish and give back to our country and the wider world. Through our flagship university Scholarships programme, the Foundation has invested over £8 million into more than 700 scholarships for British Muslims pursuing postgraduate degrees as well as working with employers to facilitate work experience and internships for young British Muslims.We have also supported a wide range of charitable initiatives including funding of historic buildings, community sports, research into discrimination, inter faith activities and the engagement of British Muslims in the democratic process of our country. 

Do you want an exciting comms & public affairs role that’s important for our country… keep reading… if you want an easy job… stop reading 

At a time of great polarisation in our country, we need more than ever to be able to communicate well. That doesn’t mean preaching to the converted.We are non-partisan politically – we recognise that as a country we need to come together.In order to do that, the first thing we need to do is to communicate.We need to be able to engage with everyone in the country regardless of faith or ancestry. 

This is a new and vital role for the Foundation, involving development and implementation of a new strategy for comms and public affairs.The aim is to ensure the Foundation can achieve its charitable objects by promoting awareness of all our activities to a range of stakeholders including Aziz Scholarship Alumni, university partners, employer partners, secular and Muslim charity partner organisations, partner organisations of other faiths, journalists, influencers, policy makers and politicians. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a new strategy from scratch and to then lead on implementation.The Senior Comms and Public Affairs will manage external communications across all mediums and platforms for the Foundation ensuring our messages are clear, consistent and reflective of the Foundation’s charitable objects and values. 

And who will you be working alongside?Only the best people… 

Our website lists all the team and you’re welcome to LinkedIn stalk us.Having worked in the charity sector for almost 30 years, I can honestly say this is the most hard-working team I’ve ever been a part of.You can expect a really supportive, hard-working team alongside you that pitch in when you need any help or support.We look for solutions, not barriers. We will expect the same of you.It’s a collegiate team with high mutual expectations. Our board is also very hands on so you will certainly engage with the Aziz family as part of your role. 

As Grants and Outreach Officer, you will play a key role in driving Electrical Safety First’s mission to reduce deaths, injuries, and accidents caused by electricity, particularly for the most vulnerable in society.

You will help manage the Charity’s grant scheme programme, which distributes £1,000,000 annually to fund community-based initiatives that raise awareness of electrical safety and reduce risks for those who face the most danger. Through this, you will help empower local organisations to create tangible change in their communities.

In addition to helping administer the grant scheme, you’ll support the Charity’s outreach initiatives, working closely with the Senior Grants and Outreach Officer to identify opportunities to expand the charity’s reach and partnerships. 

The charity’s outreach work goes beyond working with grant partners to maximise impact. It also involves identifying and developing partnerships with organisations that enable us to reach the most at-risk and hard-to-reach groups, working with them as trusted intermediaries, and supporting the development of longer-term, sustainable projects that deliver lasting impact.

This includes proactively engaging with grant recipients and partners, visiting funded projects to see first-hand the difference our work is making in educating people and saving lives, raising the profile of the charity, and ensuring outreach activity supports wider organisational objectives, including policy and public affairs priorities.

As this role sits within the Public Affairs and Policy team, there will be opportunities to connect grant and outreach work to the charity’s wider UK public affairs activity. This may include supporting work on key issues such as product safety, housing, and net zero, and occasional opportunities to support the team’s engagement with political stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to combine grant management and outreach, while gaining experience in public affairs, all with the goal of helping protect lives and making a real difference at a national and local level. 

Working With Us

This is a hybrid role, with the office located in Borough, a short walk from London Bridge. There are expectations for travel around the UK as part of supporting grant recipients and outreach work.

Additional Information

Applications will close on 17th May, though please note that we may close the application sooner depending on the number of applications received, so we would encourage you to apply as soon as you are able. 

Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview, which will involve a task to be specified closer to the time. Unfortunately due to capacity, we will be unable to contact unsuccessful candidates.

Our Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday a year (plus bank and public holidays)
• Festive Break (Discretionary): Up to three extra paid days off between Christmas and New Year 
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee discount platform
• Hybrid working
• Learning opportunities
• Life assurance
• Loyalty awards
• Workplace pension scheme
• Private medical insurance (Optional)

Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates

We recognise that many candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Please therefore do not solely rely on AI for your application.

About Us 

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer. 

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships. 

 
The Benefits 

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more. 

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen. 

 
The Role 

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Policy and Public Affairs Manager to join our Research, Policy and Impact team. 

Supporting the Head of Cancer Insight, you will deliver, and keep under review the policy and public affairs strategy, including influencing at a local, regional, and national level, with the aim of helping the charity achieve its strategy and bringing benefit to the people of Yorkshire. You will have responsibility for the development of evidence-based policy reports and recommendations that can be used to influence a variety of audiences and project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns and events. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will also act as a source of expertise across the organisation and externally on key policy areas and the wider policy environment.

Specifically, you will: 

Influencing 

• Support the further development, refinement and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairsstrategy and impact evaluation process, to support the wider delivert of the charity’s strategic aims. 

• Oversee the development of insightful written materials and reports to aid influencing. 

• Lead the charity’s response to regional and national consultations relevant to cancer in Yorkshire, making a robust and evidence-based case for the charity’s position.

• Oversee the continued growth of the charity’s political monitoring work and ensure the effective pursuit of every opportunity offered. 

• Engage with regional and national decision makers to influence policy-making for the benefit of people in Yorkshire and beyond. 

• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders across Yorkshire and beyond (such as DHSC, NHSE, Integrated Care Boards, Cancer Alliances, national policy groups, and other charities, to influence change based on policy recommendations.

• Evaluate the impact of policy and public affairs activity, with delivery of clear examples of external influencing.

Policy development 

• Ensure the continued development of the policy production and dissemination process, including the policy development pathway, internal/external dissemination and impact evaluation. 

• Lead the research, production and dissemination of high quality, evidence-based cancer-related policies and the strategic development of key policy recommendations. 

• Oversee regular updates of existing policies and position statements, ensuring they are in line with the latest evidence. 

• Ensure external insight is built into policies and policy development, such as gaining views from the Patient and Public Involvement Community, the inclusion of external patient and public contributors and endorsements from clinical and academic experts. 

• Oversee work with relevant internal teams to create key messages for a range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring these are in line with the latest evidence and are used correctly, and provide expert commentary on media stories. 

• Act as a source of expertise on the charity’s cancer-related policies and position statements, both internally and externally. Undertake media interviews as required to communicate key messages with the public.

Campaigns and Events 

• Project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns, in collaboration with the Brand and Relationships team where relevant, manage relationships with third parties to support campaign delivery where required. 

• Lead the outreach and delivery of influencing events, including visits to charity-funded projects and party conference activity. 

• Further develop and deliver a strategy for growing and maintaining a handraiser supporter base, to enhance campaigns activity. 

 
About You 

To be considered for this role, you will need: 

• To have a degree, preferably in a relevant subject area, for example public policy, public health, scientific, medical etc. 

• To have significantl experience of writing influencing materials such as briefings, letters, blogs, campaign materials.

• To have substantial experience supporting the implementation of high impact public affairs strategies that are designed to influence.

• To have experience of evaluating campaigns and assessing the impact of policy and public affairs activities. 

• To have excellent public affairs experience including understanding of local, regional and national government, the current health policy landscape as well as knowledge of UK parliamentary processes along with a proven track-record of engaging politically to make change happen.

• To have substantial experience of developing evidence-based policies for a health focused organisation.

• To have substantial experience of communicating health policy positions to a variety of audiences including for influencing purposes.

• To have a good understanding of the health care system in England. 

• To be a strategic thinker with strong analytical, judgement and decision-making skills.

• To be able to sift out the essential elements from a mass of complex information, integrate and synthesise ideas, and present information to others in an accessible way.

• To have a pro-active and creative approach to policy work with an ability to identify and use external opportunities and a desire to succeed.

• To have excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills with the ability to interpret complex information and communicate this to a range of audiences so it is clear and accessible.

• To have excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines with exceptional levels of accuracy maintained.

• To have strong management and leadership skills, with the ability to coach team members to encourage continued development and learning. 

• To have strong networking, influencing and relationship management skills, with the ability to inspire and influence others, as well as the confidence and personal authority to work with external organisations. 

Application 

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 14 May 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying. 

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity. 

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact us. 

Are you a strategic, purpose-driven leader? Ready to shape policy, influence public discourse, and make a real impact? If this sounds exciting, then this could be the role and organisation for you! Day One is on an exciting journey of growth and expansion as we increase our impact and reach more people affected by serious and life changing injury. We are looking to recruit an experienced Head of Policy and Public Affairs to join our team who can shape and help lead the charity’s external positioning, policy engagement and thought leadership activity across the UK. You will work closely with the CEO, other Directors and Heads of Service to develop and execute a three-year plan to develop our voice, influence and reach. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to supporting the charity in its next phase of growth. Day One has always punched above its weight as a start-up charity, and now, into its fifth year of operation as a national charity, our voice is becoming more important than ever. 

Day One’s development has been fast-paced, roles broad, and the culture has fostered autonomy and flexibility in senior roles. As the needs of the organisation evolve, this remains important but it is also now essential that we build a team with the capability and capacity to carry out robust, longer term scoping and planning in order to implement our new strategy and to create further opportunity for influence around the impact, care and support needs of people affected by serious and life-changing injury. 

More About You 

You’ll be an ambitious, dynamic, politically astute changemaker with: 

Senior experience in public affairs, policy, or government relations. A strong record of delivering successful, outcome-driven campaigns. Excellent communication skills with a flair for impactful messaging. A collaborative, tenacious attitude and drive to make a difference. An established network and the credibility to influence. Willingness to travel as part of your role. 

What You Will Bring 

You might come from a charity, public sector or values-led organisation, or from a commercial role where people and purpose have been at the heart of your work. You may already have experience marketing services, campaigns or causes, or be ready for a step up with more ownership and responsibility. What matters most is your ability to work with empathy, bring ideas to life, and help people find, trust and access support when they need it most.

In your first six months, you will develop key relationships, scope the workplan and, in conjunction with colleagues, begin to build the evidence base needed for delivery of the ‘Voice’ element of our new strategy. 

You will use our flagship annual campaign - Major Trauma Awareness week (MTAW) as a platform for expansion of our voice and influence work. You will work closely with the Head of Lived Experienced and Social Research to ensure that we are able to develop a sound evidence base from which to grow our influence and reach. 

Beyond the first 6 months you will: 

• Design and begin to implement an impactful influencing plan, identifying horizon scanning opportunities to influence and raise our profile. 

• Utilise own assets and organisational assets, including the CEO, SLT and Heads of Service, to deliver this element of the new strategy. 

• You will build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders. This will include policy makers in national and local government officials, politicians, the health and social care sector, clinicians specifically the trauma care and rehabilitation space, as well as other third sector organisations, think tanks and commercial organisations connected to recovery after serious and life-changing injury.

• Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational brand.

• Work closely with others in the SLT and ELT on developing our thought leadership and translating this into published blogs and comment pieces yourself and for others - disseminating our shared ideas, evidence base and compelling stories of impact and recovery.

• Working closely with the Director of Income and Engagement, you will support their team’s expertise and credibility, helping them to generate income though speaking engagements, campaigns and key storytelling pieces. 

How to apply 

Please upload your CV and supporting cover letter to Charity Jobs outlining why you’re interested in the role. Please take your time to explain how your experience is relevant to this post.

For more information, please refer to the attached recruitment pack.

Closing date: 15th May 2026 

Interviews:  

First stage virtual: w/c 25th May 2026 

Second stage in-person (Leeds): w/c 1st June 2026 

Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Salary: £37,207–£42,070

Location: Hybrid, Cambridge

Application deadline: Friday 15 May (9:00AM)

We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to lead and deliver the Foundation’s policy and influencing work to support evidence-based system change.

As part of our influencing team, you will drive the delivery of an influencing strategy and create strategic partnerships that have the potential to deliver regional and national impact.

You will work closely with senior colleagues, programme teams, and external partners to ensure that learning from the Foundation’s work informs national and regional policy debates. The role combines policy development and public affairs engagement, with the role holder representing the Foundation in external policy forums, as well as building partnerships across the sector, and positioning the Foundation’s research, evidence, and learning to inform public policy. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement for system change, who is motivated by our charitable mission.

Person Specification

Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

• Experience of influencing Government and public policy in a comparable role.

• Demonstrable significant experience in parliamentary affairs and an excellent knowledge of the UK political landscape including the workings of Westminster, Whitehall, and regional Government.

• Demonstrable experience in developing and maintaining collaborations with a wide range of partners.

• Experience of developing policy positions and articulating these convincingly to decision makers and stakeholders.

• Experience of efficiently and accurately analysing complex information in a clear and concise manner for written materials and for different audiences.

• Experience of working productively across multi-disciplinary teams.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of methods used in public policy development and influencing.

• Knowledge of the structures of Government in the mayoral strategic authorities.

• An understanding of how structural inequalities impact on policy and political outcomes.

• Knowledge of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles and how to apply them in real world settings.

Personal skills/qualities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively at all levels with partners and senior stakeholders including brokering new partnerships.

• Ability to drive the delivery of the influencing strategy and able to think laterally and creatively about opportunities.

• Outstanding written communication skills including the ability to write for different internal and external audiences.

• Excellent verbal communication skills, in order to be able to effectively communicate complex positions to policy makers and other stakeholders.

• Ability to develop policy positions and articulate these convincingly to decision makers and stakeholders.

• Ability to process large amounts of detailed information and present them in a succinct and persuasive manner.

• Ability to maintain political impartiality and be discreet.

• Self-motivated, with drive and commitment.

• Exceptional organisational skills, ability to keep to a clear timetable, work to tight deadlines and under pressure and an ability to work independently.

• Excellent facilitation and relationship management skills.

• Well-developed ICT skills, including word-processing, Excel and CRMs.

• A team player, able to work both on own initiative and in a collegiate manner.

• Commitment to the Foundation’s vision and mission.

The Foundation is committed to ensuring all staff are empowered to contribute fully to our work and the Foundation strives to ensure equity and fairness throughout the organisation. We support equality of opportunity and promote an inclusive culture.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, across all protected characteristics and socio-economic status and particularly encourage submissions from those with lived experience of speaking another language.

We can only accept applications from those who have the right to work in the UK.

Keeping Young People Safe:

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout their employment and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

Are you passionate about helping young people build brighter futures?

Are you curious about policy and public affairs and motivated by creating real-world change? If so, we’ve got a brilliant opportunity for you to join our team as our Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Young Enterprise.

Who We Are

We’re Young Enterprise – a national charity with a bold mission: to give every young person the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in the changing world of work.

For over 60 years, we’ve empowered more than 7 million young people through hands-on enterprise and financial education programmes. Whether it’s launching a student business or learning how to manage money, we help young people develop key life skills—teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience.

We’re a passionate, down-to-earth team of 90+ staff and 2,000+ volunteers who believe that every young person, regardless of background, deserves a fair start in life.

Why Join Us?

We think Young Enterprise is a great place to work—and we’re proud of our people-first culture. Here’s what you can expect:

• A friendly and supportive team where your voice is heard
• A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion—we want everyone to feel they belong
• Generous holiday allowance and flexible working
• Cycle-to-work scheme, life assurance, and NHS top-up plan
• Ongoing learning and mentoring opportunities
• A chance to directly impact the lives of young people every single day

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Young Enterprise at a key moment of growth and ambition for our policy and public affairs work. As Policy and Public Affairs Officer, you’ll help shape how we champion the voices and experiences of young people, ensuring their needs are reflected in decisions about education, skills and financial capability. Working closely with the Policy Lead and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll support the development of evidence-informed policy positions and contribute to impactful influencing and engagement activity.

This role is ideal for someone who is curious about how policy is made, enjoys working with ideas and evidence, and is motivated by the chance to create real-world change for young people. You’ll gain hands-on experience across research, stakeholder engagement, campaigns and parliamentary activity, in a fast-paced and supportive environment that values learning and collaboration.

If you’re passionate about social impact, enjoy writing and organising, and want to build a career in policy, public affairs or the charity sector, this role offers a fantastic platform to develop your skills while making a meaningful difference.

You’ll love this job if you are…

• Passionate about improving opportunities and outcomes for young people.
• Curious about policy, politics and public affairs, and keen to learn how change happens.
• A clear and confident writer who enjoys turning research and evidence into compelling messages.
• Organised, proactive and comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Enjoy designing, organising and supporting engaging events for a range of audiences.
• Motivated by working collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor developments in education, skills and related policy areas, identifying what they mean for young people and Young Enterprise’s work.
• Support the development of Young Enterprise’s policy positions through research, analysis and evidence gathering.
• Help plan and deliver public affairs and stakeholder engagement activities, including events, parliamentary briefings and meetings.
• Contribute to campaigns that aim to influence policy and raise the profile of issues affecting young people.
• Draft high-quality written outputs such as consultation responses, meeting notes, articles and social media content.
• Support policy networks and relationships, including Secretariat support for the APPG for Financial Education for Young People.
• Work closely with colleagues across programmes, research, communications and fundraising to align policy priorities and messaging.
• Coordinate the practical organisation of policy events, meetings and stakeholder communications. 

A few practical things

• This is a hybrid role, with a minimum requirement to work from our London office in Brunswick Square at least 8 days per month.
• The role involves regular travel to Westminster for meetings and events, and occasional travel to other parts of the UK.
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required for events, with time off in lieu provided.
• There are no specific physical or manual handling requirements associated with this role.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to help shape the futures of young people, we want to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a cover letter answering the three questions below. Applications that do not directly address these questions will not be considered.  Applications must be submitted by 12:00 noon on 22 May 2026.

1.Interest in Young Enterprise (max 250 words)

What attracted you to Young Enterprise and the Policy and Public Affairs Officer role?

2.Experience and Achievements (max 250 words)

Tell us about your personal or professional achievements that you’re proud of which demonstrate your ability to:  

a. organise an activity or event

b. manage competing priorities

c. support others

3.Skills for the Role (max 250 words)

What relevant or transferable skills and experience would you bring to this role?

Should your written application be successful, an optional informal call will be offered to discuss the role with and answer any questions you might have. Following this, an in-person interview will take place in Young Enterprise’s London Office week commencing 1 June 2026, which will include a short written task, and the potential for a follow up online interview with a few colleagues across the organisation. Please note, we are only able to respond to shortlisted candidates. 

Full details can be found in the Job Description.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us – and help us give every young person the chance to thrive. Apply today!

This is an exciting opportunity to work on the frontline of policy advocacy and development in child health. As Head of Policy and Research you'll be responsible for overseeing the development of our policy positions and all related outputs, as well as the research that underpins our campaigns and advocacy, across England, Scotland and abroad. You will be an integral thought partner to the Director of Strategy & Delivery and wider leadership team on the development of pioneering research concepts that will drive the child health agenda forward. You will be our internal technical expert on food policy, ensuring all of our work is evidence-based and impactful, as well as being our external representative, liaising with leading policy and research experts across academia, civil society, and government agencies. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

• Work with the Director of Strategy & Delivery and Research Manager to plan research projects and support their delivery, ensuring they support policy calls and reflect young peoples’ experiences.

• Lead the translation of  Bite Back’s research into high quality outputs including reports, briefings and submissions.

• Work with campaigns, communications and content teams to turn research findings into high impact creative communications for a range of audiences.

• Serve as a primary spokesperson for our research including in media placements, speaking slots and government evidence sessions. 

Policy development

• Lead on the development of Bite Back’s policy positions in key and emerging areas, ensuring young peoples’ views and experiences are fed in at every stage.

• Lead the development of all policy outputs including submissions, consultation responses and briefings, ensuring they are evidence-based and reflect young peoples’ voices. 

• Lead the technical policy liaison with stakeholders and experts in the field to gather evidence and critically assess the Bite Back’s positions. 

Evidence

• Keep abreast of new evidence on key areas relating to nutrition, climate and health and consider the implications for Bite Back’s policy and relevant activity.

• Collaborate internally to provide knowledge and advice on policy and evidence issues with colleagues and the youth board.

• Review and sign off key outputs to ensure they reflect the latest evidence and data.

Stakeholder engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with a range of external stakeholders to support Bite Back’s influencing agenda, including with senior government policymakers, academia, WHO and other charities in England, Scotland, and abroad.

• Represent Bite Back on a range of alliances, coalitions and partnerships.

• Deputise for the Director of Strategy & Delivery when needed.

Leadership

• Line management of Research Manager and Impact & Evaluation manager, with a dotted line to the Policy & Engagement Executive and Senior Programmes & Policy Manager for Scotland.

• Operate as a member of the extended leadership team, collaborating with other Heads and the Directors to ensure research and policy considerations are embedded seamlessly into campaigns, communications and programmes.

• Lead the policy and research strategy development for Bite Back in new geographies, providing visionary technical leadership in how we expand to new countries across the UK and abroad.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We will be looking for applications that demonstrate experience in at least some of these areas, and evidence of capacity to build skills in others. Please don’t be put off applying for one of our jobs because you can’t demonstrate every skill. If you're passionate and excited about working for us, and possess the main skills and experience we are looking for, go ahead and apply. You could be just what we are looking for!

Required: 

• Significant experience  of managing food policy work, which has informed and influenced national and local food policy in England. 

• In depth knowledge of the breadth of the food, nutrition and obesity public health landscape and the key challenges faced in the policy environment.

• Deep technical expertise in food policy research, development, and communication - with a strong focus on commercial determinants of health.

• Strong analytical skills, including a good understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including creative implementation research techniques. and experience with commissioning external research.

• Ability to synthesise and utilise evidence to support policy development and influencing. 

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate complex issues.

• Calmness under pressure, with ability to prioritise multiple projects to agreed objectives and deadlines. 

• Line management experience.

• A passion for our mission and a commitment to our values: Fresh, Resilient, Respectful, Energetic, Real.

Desired: 

• Strong policy and research networks in the UK across academic, civil society, and government agencies. A trusted technical voice.

• Post graduate experience in public health or nutrition and/or evidence of continuing professional development of relevant knowledge and skills in the field. 

• Experience in working with young people.

• Experience with designing creative, outside the box research with fresh ways of influencing food policy change.

• Understanding and some experiencing working on food policy across devolved nations (Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland), and within other global contexts.