Public policy jobs

The Programme Director, Media and Communications leads on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. The role creates, implements and measures the success of a comprehensive communications programme that will aim to significantly enhance the organisation’s image and position within the UK animal protection space.

If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have strong proven experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.

Key areas of responsibility

1. Develop and execute communications strategies for Humane World for Animals UK’s key campaigns and fundraising requirements.

2. Measure and track communications impact, reach and effectiveness, reporting against agreed targets.

3. Manage, maintain and grow productive relationships with a range of journalists with a goal of securing prominent national media coverage.

4. Oversee the organisation’s social media channels to promote campaigns, support fundraising and engage meaningfully with UK supporters and political stakeholders.

5. Serve as chief content reviewer to ensure communications materials adhere to policy, factual accuracy and visual brand guidelines.

6. Lead on designing reputational risk management mitigation strategies.

7. Implement UK specific brand strategies with the aim of increasing and measuring brand awareness in the UK market.

8. Lead on celebrity recruitment and stewardship.

9. Manage sourcing and contracting relationships with communications / PR agencies and databases to ensure consistently high-quality and value for money communications outputs.

10. Manage the communications and media budget, including regular reporting.

About you

Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles at a senior level. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of managing and developing strong, focused and ambitious teams, and a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of building high quality media and communication strategies and plans and delivering these in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.

We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our successful and friendly team. If that’s you, please get in touch!

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector dedicated to eliminating the global vision crisis. A global network spread across 100+ countries, of the most brilliant and committed non-profits, philanthropists, public and private organisations.

As part of our growth and with exciting plans for 2026 and beyond, we are looking to fill 3 entry level / graduate / administration focussed roles on a 12 month basis – we are seeking individuals who want to be a part of our journey and help us achieve our goals. We are a small charity with a supportive can-do attitude. We are informal but professional and work flexibly. These roles offer a real opportunity to contribute to our development and progress towards our goals.

The Communications & Campaigns Assistant provides essential administrative and project coordination support to IAPB’s Communications, Campaigns and Events team. The role contributes to the delivery of communications and campaigns materials, coordinates meetings and activities across priority projects, and helps ensure that department activities are communicated across the organisation and externally. The Communications & Campaigns Assistant plays a key role in supporting the department through strong organisational skills, accurate follow-up, creative problem solving, attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills and timely, high-quality outputs across activities.

The Advocacy Assistant provides essential coordination, drafting, and administrative support to IAPB’s Policy and Advocacy team, contributing directly to the delivery of IAPB’s global advocacy and policy agenda. The role supports the preparation of advocacy and policy materials, coordinates meetings and activities across priority workstreams, and helps ensure that policy and advocacy priorities are communicated clearly and consistently to members, partners, and external audiences. The Advocacy Assistant plays a key role in supporting advocacy campaigns, events, and global initiatives through strong organisation, accurate follow-up, and timely, high-quality written outputs aligned with IAPB’s strategic priorities.

The Regions Assistant provides essential coordination, drafting, and administrative support to IAPB’s Regional Directorate, contributing directly to the delivery of IAPB’s regional/national agenda. This includes policy engagement related activities, support for membership activation and contributions to conditions-specific strategies. The role supports the preparation of advocacy and policy materials, coordinates meetings and activities across priority workstreams, and helps ensure that priorities are communicated clearly and consistently to members, partners, and external audiences. The Regions Assistant plays a key role in supporting regional/national engagement campaigns and events, and delivery of global initiatives at local level - through strong organisation, accurate follow-up, and timely, high-quality written outputs aligned with IAPB’s strategic priorities.

Role outline and purpose

The Senior Policy & Public Affairs Manager will be accountable for overseeing public affairs activities, policy development and supporting influencing activity to advance the goals of the Supportive Communities programme.  The role will plan and lead public affairs activities, policy development and support influencing strategy and activities, providing in-depth expertise across the programme with a specific focus on our emerging community design priorities and our work with a range of stakeholders, local/regional decision-makers and national policy-makers in the communities space.

This role is part of Trussell’s Supportive Communities programme, the goal of which is to enable local communities to become places where people at risk of needing to use a food bank are supported and are using their agency to bring about meaningful changes that prevent anybody from needing emergency food.  This role is focused on the successful delivery of the overall programme outcomes, contributing to the fulfilment of our long term vision of a UK without the need for food banks.

Role responsibilities

· Lead public affairs activities linked to the Community Design portfolio within the Supportive Communities programme, including developing and delivering an effective public affairs strategy reaching key decision-makers including parliamentarians, mayors and local authority leaders.

· Work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders from the sector and among policymakers to shape and deliver the programme’s policy strategy.

· Lead policy development to achieve the goals of the Supportive Communities programme.

· Establish and maintain momentum in policy development across the programme, ensuring the creation of credible proposals and building a strong case for policymakers to implement asks.

• Support with wider strategic development as part of Trussell’s policy and influencing strategy, including working with colleagues to align policy development and asks within the programme across the UK, nations and regions.

· Provide advice and line management, including regular 1:1s and assessment against objectives, and identify development needs.

Person Specification

Technical skills and minimum knowledge:

· Significant experience of developing and delivering effective public affairs strategies and interventions with evidence of securing local or national policy-change

· Significant track record of successfully developing policy solutions and influencing politicians and/or key decision-makers to achieve policy change

· Strong communication skills (written and oral) with impact and for a range of audiences

· Experience of providing strategic input to support senior leadership

· Experience of line managing, including dealing with performance issues and supporting team development

· Self-sufficient use of IT, including proficiency in Work, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience in project management processes and software

Behaviours and competencies:

· Works collaboratively, managing challenges in a constructive manner

· Balances competing priorities and work to tight deadlines

· Demonstrates a dedication to the values of Trussell

· Demonstrates empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds

· Role models inclusive behaviour, values and leadership

Prospectus is pleased to be collaborating with a UK charity founded by families who lost loved ones to gambling-related suicide to recruit for a Head of Public Affairs, Policy and Advocacy to join them on permanent contract to start in 2026. The charity operates as a fully remote working organisation however there will be significant London and UK travel required as part of this role.

The Head of Public Affairs, Policy and Advocacy is responsible for the delivery of the charity’s public affairs and lived experience advocacy strategy. This role is the most senior operational position within a small advocacy function and is accountable for ensuring that agreed strategy is converted into effective, timely and impactful advocacy action by and in support of bereaved families.

The post holder will feed in to overall organisational strategy and will play a critical role in shaping delivery plans, prioritising activity, and personally undertaking significant advocacy work — including drafting letters, briefings, parliamentary questions and amendments, co-ordinating political engagement, and ensuring policy asks are actively advanced within Parliament, government and regulatory processes. The post holder will support and enable bereaved family members to engage in meeting with MPs and Peers and in provision of evidence to committees

The successful candidate will have significant experience in political advocacy or public affairs influencing, with a proven track record of responsibility for delivering policy and political outcomes. You will bring drive and passion to the role, with an empathy for people with lived experience. You will bring experience of hands-on policy delivery and a strong understanding of the UK political system, parliamentary processes and policy-making cycles. You will also have excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive and politically astute documents.

To apply please submit your CV and a two page supporting statement, preferably in Microsoft Word/PDF format. The statement should outline your motivation for joining the charity and why you feel you would be a good fit for this role. You should also demonstrate your experience and skillset with examples relating to the Person Specification section in the Job Pack. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about this opportunity please contact Steven Fraser from Prospectus.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

The Woodland Trust is looking for a PR Officer to help us develop our PR campaigns to help raise awareness of our brand and inspire people with our work.

The Role: 
•    You’ll be responsible for all our regional PR and sector press activity.
•    You’ll manage media relationships and collaborate with comms leads across the UK to deliver this work.
•    You’ll deliver PR campaigns and be responsible for press delivery.
•    You’ll support senior PR officers with filming and national news opportunities.
•    You’ll brief and support internal spokespeople with media opportunities when required.
•    You’ll manage and respond to media inbox enquiries.
•    You’ll create comprehensive reporting and learnings on PR activity.
•    You’ll conduct daily horizon scanning and alert the PR Manager and wider team to relevant news.
•    This role is a part time role working 30 hours per week.
•    This role includes a mix of working from home and at our main office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Visits to Grantham would be required no more than once a month on average.

The Candidate: 
•    You have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.
We are looking for candidates who have the following:
•    Experience leading and delivering PR activity.
•    Good understanding of brand image and the importance of consistency in PR campaigns.
•    Experience writing press releases and developing PR assets.
•    Strong communication skills with the ability to build and manage key media relationships.
•    Experience working in a busy press office environment and responding to incoming enquiries.
•     Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work with internal stakeholders to deliver PR activity.
•    Qualified in PR, Communications or relevant degree or equivalent on the job experience.

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for your CV at application stage. Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on the 12th and 13th of February 2026

5Rights is seeking to recruit an outstanding​ professional​ Senior Public Relations Adviser to support our world-leading NGO at a time of exceptional visibility and opportunity to scale our impact. This is a remote role​ and can be based either in the UK or Belgium.​

​
About 5Rights​

5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations. We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No.25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).​​

Role Purpose​​​

The Senior Public Relations Advisor leads 5Rights' external public relations and media strategy, positioning 5Rights as a global authority on children’s rights in the digital environment. The role shapes the public narrative around our mission, ensuring 5Rights’ work achieves maximum visibility, credibility and impact with policymakers, the media, industry and the public.​

This is a senior, strategic role requiring exceptional judgement, political awareness and strong relationships across media and stakeholder landscapes.​

Key Responsibilities​​

• ​Develop and deliver a comprehensive public relations strategy aligned with 5Rights’ mission and policy objectives.
• ​Position 5Rights as a leading voice on children’s rights​ in the digital environment in UK, EU and international media.
• ​Anticipate emerging issues and shape proactive public relations strategies around key policy moments, research releases and advocacy campaigns.
• Protect and enhance the organisation’s reputation, including crisis communications and risk management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior journalists, editors and broadcasters across national and international media.
• ​Secure high-profile coverage in print, broadcast and digital media.
• Act as principal media advisor to the Executive Director and senior leadership team.
• Support and coach senior spokespeople and youth representatives for media engagements.
• ​Lead public relation planning for major campaigns, policy launches and advocacy initiatives.
• ​Advise on strategic partnerships and external engagement from a public relations perspective.
• Represent 5Rights at events, conferences and high-level meetings as required.​
• Contribute to strengthening 5Rights’ overall public relations impact by bringing senior PR expertise, networks, and strategic media insight to the team.​

Person specification​

This is a highly challenging and rewarding position for a professional with the following attributes:​​

Essential skills and attributes: ​

• ​Extensive senior-level experience in public relations, communications, journalism or public affairs, ideally within policy, advocacy, human rights, technology, or social impact sectors.
• Proven track record of shaping national and international media coverage and securing high-profile placements across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
• ​Demonstrated experience leading public relations and media strategy, including reputation management, at organisational or campaign level.
• Experience advising senior leaders and acting as a trusted public relation expert in high-stakes and politically sensitive environments.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex policy, technical and research content into compelling public narratives.
• Deep understanding of media landscapes, political processes and public policy dynamics, particularly in the UK, the EU and internationally.
• Experience of crisis communications and issue management.
• Outstanding judgement and political awareness.
• ​Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at senior level.
• ​Confident, authoritative and credible spokesperson when required.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-profile priorities simultaneously.
• ​Ability to work under pressure and respond rapidly to fast-moving external developments.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• High standards of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of 5Rights Foundation.
• Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.​
• Proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy.​​

Desirable skills and attributes:​

• ​Experience working on children’s rights, digital rights, technology policy or online safety.​
• Experience of international advocacy and global communications.​

Practical details​

• ​Location: Remote position in either the UK or Brussels. Some international travel required.​
• Salary: €80,000 / £70,000 per annum including all benefits.​The final offer will depend on skills and experience.​
• ​One-year contract, renewable dependent on impact.​
• Working hours: Full time (38h week), with occasional accommodation necessary for work across time-zones. ​
• Statutory pension contribution.​
• 25 days annual leave per annum.​
• Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.​
• ​Starting data: ASAP, depending on notice period.​
• Reporting line: Leadership team

5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard. 

How to apply​

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter by 31st January 2026 via our website.​

Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of 10% of women and those assigned female at birth, from puberty to menopause - although the impact may be felt for life. Yet it’s a disease most people have never heard of, do not understand and currently has no cure. It takes on average, almost nine years to receive a diagnosis in the UK, leaving many living in pain and without answers.

As the UK’s leading charity for all those affected by endometriosis, we’re determined to change this and ensure that everyone gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support. We have big ambitions in new our strategy, focused on driving down diagnosis times, supporting those with endometriosis to live well, campaigning for improved treatments and access to services, raising awareness, and leveraging more money into research, all made possible thanks to the incredible efforts and generosity of our supporters. We are a growing charity, and our income has increased by 200% over the last 5 years enabling us to launch new services such as a Specialist Nurse Helpline and an online Symptom Checker tool. Last year, almost 70% of our income was from public donations and fundraising, which is incredible. Our goal is to make every supporter feel valued while growing diverse and sustainable income streams. It’s a big challenge for a small team, and that’s where you come in!

Endometriosis UK is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Public Fundraising Manager to join our busy fundraising team and support our continued growth. You will line manage the Fundraising Administrator and the Stewardship and Supporter Care Officer, playing a key role in leading a friendly, ambitious team and delivering exciting plans to grow vital income.
With a strong focus on public fundraising, you will be confident managing projects across community fundraising, individual giving and legacies. You will be an experienced CRM user, up to date with fundraising regulations, and ideally bring at least two years’ experience in a fundraising management role, including line management. Thriving in a fast-paced environment, you will be motivated by results and have a proven track record of meeting income targets, underpinned by a strong commitment to excellent supporter care and stewardship.

This is an exciting opportunity to help drive Endometriosis UK’s work forward and boost our impact- for the benefit of everyone affected by endometriosis.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 19th January.

Interview dates: Thursday 29th January and Friday 30th January at our office in London Bridge.

Job Title:                                                   Head of Policy & Campaigns

Grade and Salary:                                     Team lead - £56,000 to £60,000 (depending on experience)

Reporting To:                                             Director

Number of direct reports:                           Three (currently)

Location:                                                    Brighton/Hybrid (At least two days per week in Brighton Office)

Contract:                                                  Full time, permanent (35 hours a week)

Travel Requirements:                                The post involves some UK travel and may include occasional travel to Europe.

Background

Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) is the only charity in the UK focused solely on tackling the problems caused by pesticides and promoting safe and sustainable alternatives in agriculture, urban areas, homes and gardens. It is an independent, non-profit organisation, which works nationally and internationally to eliminate the use of the most hazardous pesticides, reduce dependence on pesticides overall, and to increase the adoption of sustainable alternatives to chemical pest control.

Our Head of Policy & Campaigns leads our work in the UK which aims to better protect both the environment and human health from pesticide harms. Through policy work, lobbying, research, media and strategic communications, we aim to influence a range of decision makers, from the UK government and devolved administrations to local councils and the country’s biggest supermarkets. The role also includes working alongside PAN UK’s Director to secure funding to cover the UK team’s salaries, overheads and activities. It is an incredibly varied role, involving everything from leading on strategy development for the UK team while also being intricately involved in writing and editing publications and executing other activities such as events and mobilising the public.

The Head of Policy & Campaigns is part of PAN UK’s Senior Management Team (along with our Director, Head of Finance and Governance and Head of International Programmes) which sets the direction of the organisation and ensures it is well-managed and delivering on our mission. 

Specific responsibilities

1.       Advocacy, policy and campaigning

• Lead the UK team in developing advocacy strategies, and fully utilising opportunities to make progress towards achieving PAN UK’s mission.

• Conduct high quality research and analysis aimed at influencing decision makers. Ensure it is presented in a way which is both technically accurate and compelling.

• Develop and/or maintain expertise in pesticide policy with the aim of being able to represent PAN UK credibly in a range of external fora.

• Build relationships with a wide range of decision makers including government ministers and civil servants, parliamentarians, devolved administrations, local councils and supermarkets.

• Ensure that the organisation’s policy positions on UK pesticide issues are clear, well thought out and will lead to positive change.

• Find creative ways to involve the UK public in PAN UK’s work, including enabling members of the public to contact decision makers directly.

2.       Communications

• Secure media coverage for PAN UK outputs, including writing press releases and liaising with journalists. Provide written quotes for media outlets and give interviews for radio and TV.

• Write materials including policy reports, political briefings and public-facing communications such as blogs and supporter emails. Edit and sign off all outputs from the UK team, ensuring they are both well-written and accurate.

• Conduct public speaking at a range of events, from high-profile events in parliament to community gatherings (and everything in between!).

• Work closely with PAN UK’s Communications Manager to provide content for the organisation’s website and social media channels. Support the Communications Manager in their broader work which includes raising PAN UK’s public profile and leading on individual giving.

3.       Fundraising and financial management

(Please note that PAN UK does not employ fundraisers).

• Raise sufficient funds to cover the UK team’s salaries, activity costs and contribution to organisational overheads.

• Contribute to efforts to raise core funds, which are led by PAN UK’s Director.

• Identify and build relationships with new funders, particularly trusts and foundations, with the aim of securing funding.

• Maintain excellent relationships with existing funders, making sure to meet reporting deadlines.

• Follow PAN UK protocols to ensure that the UK team’s finances are well-managed.

 4.     Leadership and strategy

• Manage a high-performing team, leading on strategy development and implementation and ensuring that the team runs effectively.

• Line manage the staff of the UK team, running regular 121s, annual appraisals and generally making sure they are happy and productive.

5.       Contributing to the organisation

• Contribute to the effective and smooth running of the organisation through membership of the Senior Management Team.

• Report to the PAN UK Board of Trustees as and when required.

• Other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Director and commensurate with the post.

Person specification

Essential

• At least eight years’ advocacy experience, including experience of designing, developing and implementing both policy work and public campaigns.

• Experience of developing, implementing and reviewing strategies designed to create change. 

• Excellent writing and editing skills and experience of producing both technical and public-facing materials. Exceptional attention to detail and a personal commitment to accuracy.

• An understanding of the political context, actors, and processes relating to key policy areas that intersect with pesticides such as food, farming, environment and/or health.

• Experience lobbying decision makers and knowledge of how the UK political system works.

• Demonstrable experience of preparing successful funding applications and building relationships with funders.

• Experience of managing, leading and motivating staff.

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice.

• Proven ability to work on own initiative, meeting objectives and tight deadlines under pressure.

• The right to work in the UK.

 Desirable

• Knowledge of problems and solutions associated with pesticides and/or other chemicals. 

• Experience working in sectors related to pesticides including environment, health and/or social justice. 

• Relevant degree in a related discipline (science or social science).

• Experience of dealing with the media and acting as a spokesperson.

• Experience in managing project budgets.

• Knowledge of UK libel laws.

Public Affairs Officer
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Reporting to Head of Policy Campaigns and Impact
Permanent
London/Hybrid with 2 days in office in London (London Bridge/SE1 3GN)
Full time, 35 hours per week with flexible working hours
£35,708.40 + £6000 London Weighting
Benefits include: 25 days AL + Bank Holidays, a Salary Sacrifice Scheme for Pensions where JRF puts in 6% with a 3%+ minimum from the employee, cycle to work, employee assistance programme, gym discounts, eye-care vouchers, a health cash plan, and season ticket loans. You can also buy and sell a week of leave.

Charity People are proud to be partnering with Joseph Rowntree Foundation to recruit a Public Affairs Officer.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an independent social change organisation, working to support and speed up the transition to a more equitable and just future, free from poverty, where people and planet can flourish.

The Public Affairs Officer will work closely with the wider Campaigns and Public Affairs Team which is responsible for JRF's policy influencing and cross organisational influencing strategies. The role will also involve close work with JRF colleagues in Policy, Research, and Communications and Public engagement.

You will help to identify new relationships with key MPs, Peers, and Staffers, assisting with regular political monitoring and horizon scanning, and ensuring that planning and content management systems are regularly updated. It will also help to ensure that JRF are connecting the dots across all areas they influence on including social security, work, housing, family and care, housing, and energy.

This role requires experience within policy, public affairs, or politics, as well as a clear understanding of UK parliamentary and government procedure. The successful candidate will need to hit the ground running and therefore this is not seen as an entry-level role and does require experience.

The first six months would focus on relationship building, getting to grips with JRFs processes, laying the groundwork for regular reporting updates. This would include:

• Work across broader JRF teams to offer support to the different 'Stretch Policy Groups' on mapping potential MPs to influence.
• Taking ownership of the system for tracking impact and measuring progress against our organisational influencing objectives.
• Looking for potential opportunities in parliament to make use of JRF's policy proposals.
• Work closely with the Senior Public Affairs Officer to ensure we are co-ordinating political engagement effectively.

Key responsibilities

• Public affairs support: Assist in the delivery of policy and advocacy activities, including parliamentary events, building our presence at party or sectoral conferences, written briefings and MP engagement.
• Horizon scanning: With a focus on the Westminster parliament, UK government departments and the main city regions (England), keep a running watch for suitable opportunities for JRF to advance its arguments with key audiences and ensure that relevant colleagues are alerted well in advance to be able to respond.
• Stakeholder mapping: Identify parliamentarians who may be interested in working with us, build detailed profiles of the issues that matter to them, and maintain a core list of public affairs stakeholders.
• Stakeholder engagement: Support colleagues (by gathering information through desk top research or other methods) to prepare for their interactions with high value targets and record top level details of any contact between them and JRF.
• Network building: Build an effective network of contacts among the support staff in political offices and/or opposite numbers in other organisations with a view to identifying opportunities for collaboration between JRF and their employers.
• Representation and insight gathering: Observe speeches, conferences, and select committee hearings and report any noteworthy points.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working (either in a paid or voluntary capacity) in a public affairs/policy/political team and demonstrating initiative and flexibility to deal with a range of tasks.
• Experience of networking and using interpersonal skills to develop and promote excellent relationships.
• Experience of analysing information, conducting research and finding positive solutions to challenges.
• Confidence managing multiple projects to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience of tracking political engagement across a project / campaign (desirable)
• Experience working with people who have lived experience of poverty and hardship campaigning for change (desirable)
• A strong understanding of UK Government and Parliamentary procedure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including engaging with parliamentary audiences.
• A good understanding of the issues facing low-income households in the UK and how political developments may affect them.
• An understanding of JRF's mission and work, and the context behind our policy aims.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and how this can be best applied to the role.

This role requires experience within policy, public affairs, or politics, as well as a clear understanding of UK parliamentary and government procedure. The successful candidate will need to hit the ground running and therefore this is not seen as an entry-level role and does require experience.

The successful candidate will be based at JRF's London office. Additionally, the Campaigns and Public Affairs Team find being in the office beneficial to their work and team building, therefore hybrid working at JRF means staff are encouraged to attend the office at least twice a week. The role is subject to satisfactory references.

How to apply:

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. For more information about the role, and for the full job pack, please share your CV via the link below. The closing date is 9am on Monday 19 January. Interviews will take place w/c 26 January. We will be hosting a webinar on Thursday 8 January at 1pm for candidates interested in the role (this will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend).

As part of our commitments under the Disability Confident Scheme, Joseph Rowntree Foundation/Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust operates a guaranteed interview scheme. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria set out in the job description and person specification will be offered an interview.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. 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 do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

About the role

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) works to improve healthcare for women and girls by setting clinical standards, supporting doctors through training and lifelong learning, and advocating for women’s health in the UK and globally.

Our Communications team runs a busy press office, ensuring the College’s clinical expertise informs the public narrative and media coverage on women’s health. We deliver proactive and reactive media and PR activity, campaigns and social media content to amplify our messages and support meaningful change, working closely with colleagues in marketing, policy and public affairs.

We are looking for a Media and PR Officer to join this fast-paced, collaborative team. Reporting to the Media and PR Manager, you will support the delivery of media and PR activity across a wide range of issues, helping to manage media enquiries, develop engaging content, and contribute to campaigns that raise the profile of women’s health.

This is a varied role in a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, inclusivity and innovation. Our work moves quickly as opportunities arise, and priorities can shift day to day. If you enjoy juggling multiple tasks, working with others and making a real impact through communications, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to do just that.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day to day oversight of an effective press office function, prioritising and ensuring timely and accurate responses to media enquiries and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships with journalists

• Deal with all aspects of media relations, including researching, drafting and issuing press releases, lines to take and key messages or quotes, organising and facilitating media interviews, assembling media packages, selling-in stories, owning relationships with journalists and acting as first port of call for media enquiries.

• Collaborate with wider RCOG teams on communications projects and activities, ensuring these align to, promote and engage members, stakeholders and the public

• Plan, create and schedule RCOG social media content and monitor channels to identify opportunities and risks

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys developing exciting and engaging communications content, working in a fast paced and busy press office environment and wants to make a meaningful impact on women’s health.

For the full list of key responsibilities, please check the recruitment pack.

About you

You are a confident and thoughtful communications professional with strong writing skills and a sharp eye for detail. You are comfortable drafting, editing and proofing a range of communications materials, and you understand the importance of accuracy, clarity and tone when working in a press office environment.

You have experience dealing with journalists and media enquiries in a professional and measured way, and you are able to exercise good judgement under pressure. You are confident translating complex medical, technical or policy information into clear, engaging content for a range of audiences, while ensuring messages remain accurate and appropriate.

You enjoy working collaboratively and are comfortable building positive working relationships across teams, including marketing, policy and public affairs. You are able to contribute effectively to communications activity on sensitive or high-profile issues, handling these with care, discretion and sound judgement to protect organisational reputation.

Requirements:

• Experience working in media relations, PR or journalism

• Experience of working in a busy press office or in-house PR department

• Experience in using communications planning tools

• Excellent press and media relations skills

• Ability to convey information clearly in both oral and written form

• Ability to deal with controversial/ethical issues in a sensitive manner

• Strong experience of social media channels and tools

Please note, that while we are looking for someone who has experience of working in a busy press office or in-house PR department and excellent press and media relations skills, we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are well organised, detail-orientated and collaborative. If you are excited about joining a communications team with ambitious goals and a supportive, inclusive culture, we’d love to hear from you.

Our culture and benefits

As a key member of the team, you will be located in our offices in London Bridge. We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Agile and flexible working environment and free lunch onsite

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and office closure from 25 December to 1 January

• 10% pension contribution after probation

• Enhanced wellbeing and family support

• Interest-free bike and season ticket loans after probation

• Tailored Learning and Development and study leave

• Affinity staff networks

• Life assurance and income protection schemes

• Lifestyle discounts

For a full list of the benefits we offer, please visit our careers site.

How to apply

• Click on Apply to be taken to our recruitment platform, Applied. Please visit our careers website to download the full Job pack.

• Applications close at 10.00 am on Monday 19 January 2026

• We encourage candidates to apply early and reserve the right to close the advert and appoint before the closing date.

• We will be interviewing candidates in the week commencing 26 January 2026/2 February 2026.

• If you have any additional questions about the role or how to apply, please contact the People Team.

We believe that diverse teams will deliver the best outcomes for women's healthcare and we strive to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups, including those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. To find out more, please see our Diversity Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy.

If you require any adjustments to apply for this role or need the job advert in an alternative format, please contact us. We are happy to support with reasonable adjustments to accommodate individual needs throughout the recruitment process.

Please note: We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

About us

The RCOG is a professional membership association dedicated to improving women’s health care across the world. We do this by setting standards for clinical practice, providing doctors with training and lifelong learning, and working with partners to advocate for women’s health and health care across their life course. We are a global leader in this specialist area, supporting 18,000 members in the UK and internationally.

We are a values-led organisation placing high standards, innovation, openness, inclusiveness and trust at the centre of all we do.

Are you passionate about driving change in government, promoting British Heart Foundation's (BHF) mission to fund life-saving science, and advocating for the millions of people living in the UK with a heart and circulatory disease?  
 
If so, you may be the Policy Officer we need! 
 
About the role 
 
BHF's Policy and Public Affairs team exists to build support amongst decision makers so we can address key issues relevant to cardiovascular research, health and care, public health, and the wider charity environment. 

As our Policy Officer for Health and Care you’ll research, develop and disseminate policy positions to support BHF’s strategic aim to achieve the best health outcomes for those living with cardiovascular disease.

Acquiring a solid understanding of topics relevant to our health policy portfolio in England, particularly those aspects most directly tied to improving the detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, you’ll be responsible for researching and drafting new policy positions, proactively identifying gaps and opportunities, and working closely with colleagues in Public Affairs and Communications to drive change based on policy positions.

Working arrangements

This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
 
About you

With experience working in policy development, health and care, or a related field, you’ll have knowledge of healthcare systems in England, health and care policy and/or experience of working in a research environment.

You’ll have the following skills and experience: 

• A proactive approach to planning your own workload, ensuring effective time management and meet deadlines
• Excellent research and analysis skills
• A desire to work as part of a team and contribute to team activities
• Able to take a flexible approach to work within a matrixed team 
• A willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Able to develop good working relationships with senior managers and colleagues

With an excellent technical grasp of policy portfolio, seeking to continually develop the portfolio further, you’ll have relevant stakeholder engagement experience and will be able to identify other partners within/outside the sector to engage with to drive policy change.

About us

Every single one of us is vulnerable to the heartbreak caused by heart and circulatory diseases – they are the world’s biggest killers. But the research we fund represents hope. And nothing matters more than finding cures and treatments that give us more time with the people we love.

We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day. 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.

What can we offer you

As an organisation we're open to flexible working arrangements. In return we offer a generous holiday allowance, an excellent working environment and a welcoming supportive group of colleagues.

Interview process 

The interview process will be held in person, at our London offices, w/c 26th January 2026 and will involve a pre-prepared task, details for which will be provided when interviews are arranged. 

How to apply 

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click through to our careers site to apply. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.

Public Affairs Officer
Location: WWT Slimbridge, GL2 - Hybrid + Travel
Salary: £31,680 per annum
Contract: Permanent

About The Role

Are you passionate about building a political consensus for nature restoration? Are you able to translate public support into parliamentary will? Do you want to shift the political dial for one of our most superpowered habitats? 

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a well-respected and evidence-led organisation with an ambitious new strategy to restore 100,000 hectares of wetlands across the country. From providing homes for wildlife to protecting communities from flooding, we want to unlock the superpowers of wetlands so everyone can benefit.

Based in the Communications Team, you’ll work closely with our Senior Campaigns Manager and colleagues across the organisation to build and deliver a public affairs strategy that fits the ambition of our 2030 aims. With a keen eye on UK politics and an ability to build relationships with key decision-makers, you’ll help us translate widespread public support for nature into the political will for action, and the policies to follow it up.

With support from our team of experts, you will lead stakeholder engagement across government, Parliament and policy organisations, ensuring WWT’s research and strategic priorities are communicated effectively. Your work will include developing policy positions, producing briefings and reports, managing public affairs events, and gathering intelligence on the external policy landscape.

This hands-on role demands a strategic thinker with strong political insights, capable of building relationships, monitoring political environments and crafting plans and strategies that deliver the political change we need to see.

About You

We are seeking an individual with:

• Relevant experience working within a public affairs, campaigns, parliamentary or government environment. 
• Proven experience of developing and delivering public affairs and advocacy plans and strategies designed to influence Government, politicians and other stakeholders. 
• Experience of working closely with senior colleagues, offering strategic advice and briefings ahead of political events.
• Strong working knowledge of the UK Parliament’s political processes and an understanding of the current political environment, including parliamentary tools and processes. 
• Confidence building a network of strong and positive relationships with government officials, including politicians and civil servants to affect policy change. 
• Confidence representing an organisation and its cause with high-profile and political audiences. 
• Familiarity with campaigning to build political and public support that leads to policy change. 
• Strong writing skills, confident communicating complex issues clearly and succinctly, and adapting style for different audiences. 

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

We are based in Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, but support hybrid working with an expectation for team members to be in Slimbridge at least once a week.  While this post is based at a WWT site with the opportunity for hybrid working, travel will be necessary for parliamentary purposes, including outside of normal business hours when required.

If you want to make a direct contribution to the conservation of wetlands and wetland wildlife at a critical moment for the natural world, then click apply.

Closing Date: 18th January 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

No agencies please.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn by doing and kick-start your career in policy and public affairs; we’d love to hear from you.

This is a 9-month paid internship opportunity. This role is largely home-based, with regular travel to Westminster and occasional UK travel. NASS represents and supports special schools across England and Wales. With 2025 set to be a pivotal year for SEND reform and the anticipated 2026 Schools White Paper, we are seeking a Policy and Research Intern to provide additional capacity to our small, ambitious team. This is a newly created role, offering a real opportunity to shape our work and help ensure NASS remains a strong voice for special schools. This is a hands-on role offering excellent experience in policy, research and public affairs. You will support media and policy monitoring, parliamentary tracking, research, briefings, communications and events.

We are seeking a Communications and Marketing Manager to shape how our work is seen, understood and engaged with across local government and public policy. This role will lead the day-to-day delivery of our communications and marketing activity at a moment of growing influence and impact for the organisation.

Working horizontally across New Local’s practice, membership, policy and events work, the postholder will help ensure our ideas, relationships and activity are brought together coherently and effectively for our audiences. You will play a central role in developing compelling stories from our research, practice and partnerships, including the work of member councils. To do this, an interest in and understanding of the changing relationship between citizens and the state at a local level will be an important asset. 

This is a hands-on role for an experienced communications professional who combines strong editorial and digital skills with a willingness to think strategically, sound judgement and creativity. Success will be measured not just by the quality of individual outputs, but by the extent to which New Local’s communications feel joined-up, collaborative and mutually reinforcing across teams, extending the reach, influence and impact of our work. 

Your job will include: 

• Leading and delivering New Local’s communications and marketing activity, aligning content, channels and campaigns with organisational priorities and positioning. 

• Planning and coordinating communications for key publications, events, campaigns and moments, managing an editorial calendar that brings together policy, practice, membership and external opportunities. 

• Overseeing New Local’s digital presence, including the website, newsletters and social media, ensuring content is timely, engaging and high quality. 

• Working horizontally across teams to align messaging and identify shared stories, shaping joined-up communications that support membership growth, events, partnerships and policy influence. 

• Creating and commissioning high-quality content and assets, including written content, design and digital materials, drawing out strong stories from members and partners. 

• Using media, insight and data to extend reach and impact, supporting press engagement, monitoring performance and continuously improving communications activity. 

And more… As part of a small, friendly organisation you’ll have the opportunity to participate in other activities and support the wider development and delivery of New Local’s vision and strategy. 

Please visit our website for the full job description and details on how to apply. 

Candidates will be contacted for interview by Monday 9 February 2026.

First round interviews will include a task and will take place online on 16 and 17 February 2026

Second round interviews will take place on Thursday 26 February and Monday 2 March 2026.