Senior media relation officer jobs in Edinburgh
This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.
You will lead BIHR’s external communications - including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.
Please note this is not an entry‑level role.
Key Responsibilities
Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.
Communications
- Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
- Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
- Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
- Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
- Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
- Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
- Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.
Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning
- Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
- Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
- Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
- Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
- Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.
Government & Parliamentary Engagement
- Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
- Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
- Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
- Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
- Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
- Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
- Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.
Other organisational requirements
- Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
- Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
- Undertake other duties as required.
Who the Role Is Suitable For
This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.
You’ll thrive if you:
- Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
- Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
- Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
- Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
- Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
- Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.
Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.
Applying for the role
Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:
- Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and intterview process/timing.
- Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).
Please also note that:
- Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
- You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.
BIHR's mission is to champion the Human Rights Act as a practical tool for everyday justice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.
You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.
Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government.
If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner.
Equipping more than five million children with the skills and confidence to cycle on today’s roads
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Head of Advocacy, Awareness and External Relations is a senior leadership role within AtaLoss, working closely with and reporting directly to the CEO. The post-holder will lead work across the public, bereavement and commercial sectors to deliver AtaLoss’ strategic outcomes by:
- providing national leadership in bereavement awareness, advocacy and policy influence, including through Parliament, the APPG and the media
- strengthening the website as the UK’s trusted gateway for bereavement support, ensuring accessible, high-quality content and effective signposting
- enabling holistic bereavement support in communities and workplaces through partnership development, training and the growth of Bereavement Friendly Communities
- contributing to organisational sustainability through income-generating training, cross-sector partnerships and effective external engagement.
The role sits at the heart of AtaLoss’ mission to ensure that every bereaved person can access the right support at the right time, and to position bereavement as a public health issue requiring timely, coordinated and understanding response.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity supporting low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.
We help thousands of families every year with essential grants, services and practical support. But we do much more than that. We champion families’ voices, challenge inequality and help shape the conversation on disability, childhood illness and disadvantage.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Family Fund connects with people across the UK. As a newly created role, it offers real scope to define and develop the function, while playing a central role in strengthening the organisation’s voice and influence.
We are looking for a bold, creative Group Director of External Affairs to join our Senior Leadership Team. At a time when families need us more than ever, you will raise Family Fund’s national profile and influence, positioning the organisation as a trusted, evidence led voice on childhood disability, serious illness and the broader challenges facing low-income families. You will build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, funders, and the public ensuring the organisation secures the visibility, support, and resources needed to drive lasting change for the families we serve.
You will lead an energetic, specialist team spanning communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research, bringing these areas together through a joined up external engagement strategy that delivers real impact.
Some key responsibilities include:
- Lead our communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research teams
- Raise Family Fund’s profile as a trusted national voice
- Build strong relationships with policymakers, media, funders and partners
- Help drive real change for families through influence and insight
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced leader who loves the power of communication, influence and connection.
Key attributes will include:
- Senior experience in external affairs, communications or public affairs
- A strong track record of influencing policy and engaging senior stakeholders
- Experience leading teams and working at senior level
- A warm, confident communication style and great relationship skills
- A real passion for Family Fund’s mission and social justice
This is an exciting, high impact role with the chance to make a genuine difference to families across the UK.
Candidate Briefing Pack
For comprehensive information about Family Fund, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:
- An up-to-date CV
- A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.
All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.
If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities at Russam.
Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd February 2026
Initial interviews with Russam: 17th and 18th February 2026
Interviews with Family Fund: 4th, 5th and 6th March 2026
Flexibility will be provided if needed - do let us know as soon as possible if you are unavailable on these dates.
We commit to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Inclusive & Blind Recruitment Statement:
In line with Caudwell Youth’s recruitment policy, we operate a blind recruitment process to help ensure a fair and unbiased selection. At the initial application stage, we ask all candidates to submit only a CV and a covering letter (maximum 1 side of A4)
Please use your covering letter to explain why you are interested in this position and to explain how your experience, skills, or achievements enable you to meet the person specification and support your application.
Your anonymised cover letter to this question will be the only information shared with the interview panel for the blind shortlisting process, so we encourage you to make it clear and impactful.
Should you be shortlisted for an interview, you will then be invited to fill in our full application form.
We value equity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
ABOUT US
Not all young people have the same opportunities in life. Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk. We support young people up to 25 years, who face real challenges in their lives. They may experience mental health challenges, be leaving care or be at risk of exploitation or offending.
We provide person centred support through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme called Shaping Futures for high-risk young people. Founded by the philanthropist John Caudwell in 2022, we now support young people across Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Slough, Buckinghamshire, and Luton.
Over our first 3 years as a charity, our work has consistently achieved exceptional outcomes for at-risk young people. 95% reduced offending behaviour, 64% reduced their exploitation risk, 83% reported improvements in their mental health and 45% had moved into education, employment or training. When a young person makes progress, families and communities benefit too. In fact, economic analysis shows that for every £1 invested in our programme, we save the public purse £6.05.
Unfortunately, demand for our service far outstrips supply, meaning we have often had to close our waiting lists. Whilst the risks and challenges young people face continue to grow. We currently support around 400 young people. The driving ambition behind our forthcoming strategy is to reach more.
To achieve this we are setting out to develop and expand our programmes. To become a national charity. We will do this working with at-risk young people, empowering them in everything we do. Our ambition to support more at-risk young people is shared with them.
OUR VISION: A brighter future for at-risk young people.
OUR MISSION: Empowering at-risk young people to shape their own future through mentoring and youth-led support.
Purpose of Role:
Provide strategic leadership on all Caudwell Youth’s external communications, ensuring they are effective in driving engagement and delivering our strategic goals.
Responsible as part of the Senior Leadership Team for the overall leadership of Caudwell Youth. Promoting the mission, vision and values of the charity, and the development and implementation of our strategic plan.
Key Duties:
Corporate leadership
- As part of the Senior Leadership Team work with the Board of Trustees to: develop and progress the organisation’s strategy, set and manage the organisation’s budget and ensure risks are managed effectively
- Lead by example, instilling a values-led and inclusive culture, with strong youth involvement
Commnications
- Lead on brand strategy, developing the brand to become more youth-led, reviewing our visual identity, core messaging, content and channels.
- Be responsible for digital strategy, leading development of our website and social media channels.
- Be responsible for our CRM, maintaining good data practices and delivering timely, integrated communications to our key audiences.
- Lead the development of communication plans, storytelling, assets and content; increasing the proportion of content created and delivered by young people.
- Provide the framework and support for youth participation in communications activities, working effectively with the Operations teams.
- Work with young people to identify influencers and celebrity/ambassador support to raise awareness and support our brand values.
- Lead proactive and reactive media engagement; including crisis communications with support from the CEO and John Caudwell’s PR team.
- Ensure our brand and communications convey a powerful case for support; working with the Fundraising team to create compelling donor communications to recruit and engage challenge participants and donors.
- Develop and deliver marketing strategies for volunteer recruitment to enable our mentoring programmes to grow.
- Gather and share the views and experiences of young people to influence change, building policy and campaigns activity as resources allow.
- Oversee the production of digital, printed and physical assets as required.
- Lead and manage the Communications team effectively, supporting development to maximise performance.
- Ensure effective processes and analytics are in place, reporting to SLT and the Board of Trustees on KPIs
Administration
- Manage the Communications budget
- Be responsible for our marketing software, including CRM, and adhere to data retention schedules.
- Act as Data Protection Officer for Caudwell Youth
- Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
- Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.
Experience:
Essential
- Proven experience in senior communications roles.
- Sound leadership and team management experience, with the ability to manage and motivate teams to achieve targets.
- A minimum of five years’ experience in communications, media relations/PR, advocacy and/or marketing.
- Experience of involving beneficiaries in communications activities, preferably young people
- An good understanding of GDPR.
Desirable
- Experience of working on charity communications
- Knowledge or experience of fundraising practices
- Experience of policy and campaigns
- Experience of working with young people
- Lived experience that aligns with the young people we support
Skills:
- Ability to work strategically and collaboratively as part of a senior leadership team.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling.
- An understanding of developing support journeys to promote engagement
- Proficiency in digital marketing and social media management.
We are an experienced team that are dedicated to improving the lives of the young people we support.
Benefits:
- Flexible working
- Hybrid – working from home with travel as required
- WPA Healthcare (including Employee Assistance Programme and extended counselling sessions)
- Group Personal Pension with a 5% employer contribution and Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus bank holidays, plus charity closure between Christmas and New Year
- Extra paid day off on your birthday
- Paid day off for volunteering in your community
- Training opportunities to support your personal development
- Employee discounts on everyday goods and services
- Being part of a passionate and dedicated team
Caudwell Youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.
As an organisation supporting young people with care experience, with mental health and those at risk of criminal exploitation and offending, we are keen to receive applications from those with lived experience. For those who are care experienced, we will guarantee an interview.
We actively seek to bring diverse perspectives and experience, and especially welcome applications from disabled people and those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Open Rights Group (ORG) is recruiting for a Pre-Crime Programme Manager
The Pre-Crime Programme Manager leads our work on predictive policing and surveillance within the criminal legal system and counter-terrorism policy, with a particular focus on raising awareness of, and challenging, the impact on over-policed and over-surveilled communities.
They are responsible for the development and implementation of the Pre-Crime programme, working with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and other staff to expand the programme’s profile, network and funding opportunities.
As a Programme Lead, they will also be responsible for working with the SMT and other Area or Programme leads to further develop and uphold ORG’s values and collaborative working culture. They will be recognised as an issue-expert and senior leader within the organisation.
Activities
This is a permanent position at Open Rights Group, and we have secured a number of project grants to deliver the following activities:
- Lead and manage the Safety Not Surveillance (SNS) Coalition, the UK’s only coalition fighting to prohibit AI- and data-driven predictive policing. SNS brings together grassroots partners with national organisations to build power in communities, secure media coverage, engage decision-makers and mobilise those with lived experience.
- Develop detailed policy positions on the deployment of AI and data-driven technologies by private and public actors in criminal justice, immigration and national security.
- Advocacy to encourage decision makers, including MPs, Lords, Government departments and the Information Commissioner’s Office, to adopt ORG’s and the coalition’s recommendations.
- Conduct campaigns that raise awareness of the threats posed to people’s digital rights by the data-driven technologies in policing and counter-terrorism, as well as more broadly.
- Through research and FOIs, help build a legal case with our partners against covert Police-led pathways under Prevent, the UK’s counter-terrorism programme.
- Opportunities to campaign against digital ID, the Online Safety Act and to protect freedom of expression.
What we’re looking for
Above all else, we need a passionate and effective advocate. And as regards the rest, we’re more interested in your skills, rather than your knowledge.
You might be knowledgeable on the current and emerging technologies impacting policing and the criminal justice system.
You will likely have experiencing managing multiple projects addressing harms impacting communities that are marginalised and made vulnerable by society.
You might have a strong policy background with an interest in human rights, policing, surveillance or draconian technology.
You will have the capacity to perform simultaneous roles such as research, project planning and creating communication outputs and have the creativity and lateral thinking skills to ideate interventions and disrupt harms.
You may be bringing a wide range of contacts to the role or have the skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders with sensitivity to their aims and values.
What the job will involve
- Research: for example on the impact of current data processing practices under the Prevent Duty on individuals and targeted communities.
- Drafting policy documents: including public-facing documents such as consultation responses and reports.
- Outreach to policy-makers: including engagement with UK MPs, Lords and councillors.
- Feeding into our campaigning work: through collaboration with our Campaigns Manager, to ensure that your policy research is fed into our campaigning and grassroots activism.
- Coalition building: through collaborating with other team-members to expand our coalition of cross-sectoral allies.
- Creating comms outputs: such as blog and video posts summarising policy submissions and campaign materials.
- Some public speaking: such as giving press quotes and interviews, as well as representing ORG at external events.
- Programme management: for example, setting goals, objectives and key performance indicators for the programme to deliver.
- Project planning: including identifying further opportunities and partnerships for programme growth.
What we’re like
ORG is a vibrant digital rights campaigning organisation. Founded in 2005, we have over 20,000 members and supporters and 10 local groups across the UK.
We uphold our human rights to free expression and privacy. We condemn and work against repressive laws or systems that deny people these rights.
We campaign, lobby, go to court – whatever it takes to build and support a movement for freedom in the digital age.
Our remote team is spread across the UK. We’re a supportive, flexible group with high standards. We’re innovative and agile. You’ll work hard but be rewarded by the impact you collaboratively achieve.
We take staff well-being seriously and meet up regularly for in-person work and social events.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a CV and a completed application form (downloadable when you click 'how to apply') by 9am on Monday 2 February 2026.
Please ensure that your email has the subject heading ‘Pre-Crime Programme Manager Application’ and that all attachments are sent in PDF or ODT format.
Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held online in the week commencing 9 February 2026, with the second and final interview taking place in-person the following week, starting from the 16 February 2026.
If you require any of these documents in an alternate format please contact us.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
ORG is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team working in a supportive environment is vital to the success of our work. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from marginalised and racialised backgrounds, as well as applications from disabled and LGBTQIA+ candidates.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) is a UK-wide charity that exists to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation. We’re here for everyone who needs us. We protect children by working with people who pose a risk and diverting them from causing harm. We support individuals and families who have been affected by abuse. And we help professionals who work with families to create safer environments for children through delivering risk assessments, interventions, training and consultancy.
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About the role and you
We are looking for a data professional to support and manage significant changes in the way our charity uses, processes and manages data. Our teams pride themselves on evidence-informed practice, using research and data to enhance their work at every stage. There are elements of our charity’s work which are unique to our field, making our data highly valuable in contributing to the future of preventing child sexual abuse. We collect data all the time: on the individual progress of our clients, the reach of our campaigns and the demand for our support. As part of our new Tech and Data Strategy, we are taking the next stage in our use of data analysis and data science, ensuring that we use our data more effectively and efficiently to support our teams in preventing child sexual abuse.
We are looking for a Data Scientist/Analyst to help us make this change. You will be based in the LFF Research Team, reporting to our Director of Research and Impact.
This role will facilitate better use, processing and management of data across the organisation. It will focus on four areas:
- Data systems and structures
- Data analysis
- Data visualisation
- Data security and compliance
The postholder will work alongside experienced researchers to develop a new portfolio of priority projects to enhance our work. With no fixed task list or assigned service, this role offers the freedom to explore and innovate, identifying where data, data science, and data systems can drive real change.
This role will be remote or hybrid - we have offices in Bromsgrove, Epsom and Edinburgh.
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Q&A webinar
Our Director of Research and Impact, Tom Fisher, will be hosting a Meet & Greet webinar for 1 hour on 3rd February between 12-1pm.
Tom will talk through the role, the team and the wider data/research context. He will also take questions from attendees.
Those thinking about applying can join the call and ask questions using the below Microsoft Teams link.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Meeting ID: 320 188 935 120 24
Passcode: ax69zf2N
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What you’ll get from us
We offer the following benefits:
- Hybrid working (with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week; we ask for 3 days in the office per week for the first month)
- NEST pension
- 33 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days (inclusive of statutory bank holidays following qualifying period)
- Up to 5 days’ learning and development per year
- Flu jabs & eye tests
- Season ticket loans
- Charity discounts
- Employee assistance programme
- Option of private healthcare with Benenden
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How to apply
We really welcome informal conversations with prospective candidates about the role and the charity in advance of the deadline.
To apply, please download the job pack and return your completed documents to us by 10th February 2026. Stage 1 interviews are scheduled to take place on 25th and 27th February 2026 and stage 2 interviews are scheduled to take place on 5th March 2026 for shortlisted candidates.
If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date you have been unsuccessful with your application. Please note the successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check for this position.
Please avoid using AI generated responses as these will automatically be discarded – we want to hear from the real you. Please note that only applications with all sections completed will be reviewed during shortlisting.
Previous applicants for this role need not reapply.
#data #research #datascientist #dataanalyst #dataanalysis #datasecurity #datacompliance #datavisulisation
To prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.