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Head of Communications & Public Affairs
Salary: Up to £62k depending on experience
Location: Remote, with regular planned travel nationwide, particularly to London and the South, plus attendance at monthly and quarterly team meetings
Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
We're looking for an exceptional communications leader to join Help for Heroes as our Head of Communications & Public Affairs. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the UK's most recognised charities engages with the media, policymakers, supporters and the wider public, ensuring the voices of veterans and their families are heard where it matters most.
Leading our integrated communications, public affairs, policy and PR activity, you'll develop influential campaigns that continue to strengthen our reputation, support fundraising and drive meaningful change for the Armed Forces community. Working closely with senior leaders across the charity, you'll act as a trusted adviser, bringing insight into the political, media and stakeholder landscape while helping to navigate the opportunities and risks that affect our mission.
This is a high-profile leadership role for someone who combines strategic thinking with outstanding delivery, thrives on building influential relationships and wants to use their expertise to create lasting impact for those who have served our country.
Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.
About the Role
As Head of Communications & Public Affairs, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how the charity is seen, heard and understood by the public, media, policymakers and supporters. Ensuring the experiences of veterans and their families remain at the heart of national conversations and decision-making.
- Developing and delivering an integrated communications, public affairs and policy strategy that advances the charity's mission and influence.
- Leading high-profile campaigns that raise awareness, support fundraising objectives and drive systemic change for the Armed Forces community.
- Building influential relationships with media, government, political stakeholders, partner organisations and sector leaders.
- Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel on reputation, stakeholder engagement, public policy and emerging issues
- Leading the charity's press office, crisis communications activity, ambassador programme and external reputation management
- Developing, inspiring and coaching a high-performing team, fostering innovation, collaboration and measurable impact.
About You
Are you a strategic communications leader who knows how to turn insight into action and ambition into results?
Do you have a strong track record of leading integrated communications, public affairs, policy or campaigning activity that has built reputation, influenced decision-makers and delivered measurable impact?
Can you confidently navigate complex issues, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and provide clear, credible counsel?
Are you equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy, responding to fast-moving external events and spotting opportunities to raise the profile and influence of an organisation?
If you're passionate about telling powerful stories, understand the UK media and political landscape, and enjoy leading talented teams to achieve ambitious goals, we'd love to hear from you.
You'll bring significant senior-level experience across communications, public affairs or policy, alongside expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.
Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to use your skills, networks and leadership to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.
About the Team
You’ll join our ambitious Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs directorate, a team dedicated to amplifying the voices of veterans and their families and ensuring their experiences influence public understanding and decision-making.
We are a collaborative, creative, and purpose-driven team that works across the charity to tell powerful stories, build meaningful relationships and create lasting impact. Together, we’re passionate about helping the Armed Forces community get the support they deserve.
In return we can offer you:
- Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
- 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
- Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
- Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
- 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
- A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.
Closing date: 23rd August 2026
Interview Process: Two stage process with an initial competency based interview and second round stage involving a task.
First round interviews to be held in person or via Teams 4th/7th/8th or 9th September.
Second Round in person 16th or 22nd September.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of strong applications.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a creative, organised and experienced media and communications professional to join our External Affairs team within the Policy and External Affairs Directorate.
The Senior Media & Communications Manager will manage our press office and lead our media engagement activity to support our strategic impact and communications objectives, aligned to our business plan and wider corporate strategy.
You will use your skills and experience to help engage a range of media outlets on our expertise, insights and evidence on youth employment, placing our spokespeople appropriately for a variety of opportunities.
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You will also work closely with wider External Affairs colleagues and teams across the organisation to build our corporate impact narrative.
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At a time when youth employment is a high priority for Government and the news agenda, the post holder must also be able to demonstrate policy and political literacy and high comfort levels when working with policy, research and public affairs colleagues.
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This role is perfect for a proactive and agile professional with strong writing skills, who is excellent at building relationships internally and externally and able to engage external stakeholders and partners.
At a time when the youth employment agenda is so prominent, this role presents an exciting opportunity to be part of Youth Futures’ mission to help every young person achieve good work.
This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.
Please download our recruitment pack for more information on this opportunity.
Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.
We are the national What Works Centre for youth employment, with a specific focus on marginalised young people.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the team
The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.
Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
About this role
The Engagement Manager is an experienced professional who plays a key role in supporting donor engagement across all Impetus donors, enabling the team to provide best practice and high-quality donor stewardship and a platform for the renewal of key philanthropic gifts.
The Engagement function is responsible for pro bono and volunteering. Reporting to the Head of Engagement, the Engagement Manager is responsible for supporting the successful delivery and continuous improvement of the volunteering programme, ensuring it delivers high-quality opportunities, contributes to agreed KPIs and evolves in line with the needs of funders and the organisation.
The postholder will account manage key relationships with mid-level supporters and internal stakeholders, working across teams to deliver meaningful and well-coordinated engagement opportunities. They will contribute to identifying and developing new opportunities for the volunteering and pro bono programmes that respond to funder interests and portfolio needs.
In addition, they will manage relationships with mid-level pro bono supporters, taking them through the full pro bono journey from project matching and onboarding through to stewardship and ongoing support.
This is a cross-functional role that collaborates closely with the Investment team, wider Philanthropy team, Public Affairs team and other stakeholders to ensure a consistent and excellent donor experience.
Key responsibilities
Volunteering programme
- Account manage relationships linked to volunteering across corporates, individuals and grant-making trusts, ensuring engagement is maintained and escalating strategic issues or risks where appropriate.
- Support or lead meetings, alongside fundraising account managers where appropriate, with funders to understand their volunteering interests and contribute to the development of suitable engagement opportunities.
- Support account managers in ensuring consistent donor engagement throughout annual giving cycles, including tracking, reporting, and communications.
- Contribute to the development of the volunteering function to ensure the programme offers a range of high-quality opportunities suitable for different funder types and aligned to organisational priorities.
- Identify and suggest new volunteering opportunities based on charity needs and funder interests, working with the Head of Engagement to ensure strategic alignment across the programme.
- Lead delivery of the mentoring programme within agreed plans and frameworks.
- Where necessary, support delivery of the volunteering programme (i.e workshops), ensuring it delivers high-quality engagement activities, contributes to agreed KPIs and continues to develop in response to organisational and funder needs.
- Build and manage effective working relationships across the Investment team, Philanthropy team and other stakeholders to ensure volunteering opportunities are well scoped, coordinated and delivered effectively.
- Work with the Head of Engagement to coordinate needs across the Engagement team, liaise closely with the Investment team and portfolio contacts, and plan and deliver a high-quality programme of volunteering opportunities.
- Ensure communications with donors and external partners are clear, timely, compelling and aligned with agreed messaging.
- Line manage the Engagement Officer, providing support, guidance and oversight to enable effective delivery. Where necessary, lead volunteering delivery sessions when cover is required.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Salesforce, including pipeline activity, reporting and key relationship updates.
Pro Bono programme
- Support the identification, prospecting and conversion of new pro bono supporters, aligned with the needs of portfolio charities and Impetus, including attending meetings with prospective supporters.
- Manage relationships with mid-level pro bono funders, supporting delivery across the full engagement process from identifying suitable projects and matching opportunities through to onboarding, delivery and stewardship.
- Work with the Head of Engagement, internal teams and charity partners to scope projects and support matching pro bono funders to suitable opportunities.
- Support the onboarding and ongoing management of pro bono partners, ensuring clear communication and a high-quality supporter experience.
- Monitor the progress and quality of pro bono projects, gather feedback and identify improvements to strengthen delivery and impact.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Salesforce, including pipeline activity, reporting and key relationship updates.
Other
- Support the development and implementation of efficient processes and systems within the Philanthropy team, with a focus on consistency and effectiveness.
- Work in line with best practices and agreed processes, policies and standards across all engagement activities.
- Share insights and learnings internally and externally to support continuous improvement.
- Work in line with Impetus’ strategy, policies, and procedures.
- Attend and support delivery of Impetus events as needed.
- Support the Philanthropy team as required with ad hoc duties.
- Provide cover for aspects of the Head of Engagement role when required.
- Represent the Philanthropy team in cross-functional projects and working groups, contributing to delivery and collaboration.
Person specification
Essential
- Experience of delivering or managing successful engagement, volunteering or fundraising activities, including tracking performance against objectives or KPIs.
- Familiarity with the fundraising landscape, including a good understanding of the corporate donor marketplace.
- Strong account management experience, including managing external partners or funders and building effective relationships across internal teams.
- Experience managing across the donor lifecycle, and identifying and developing opportunities that meet stakeholder needs.
- Experience of developing opportunities for diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to understand and communicate complex ideas and information, including Impetus model.
- Experience working with skilled volunteers or pro bono partners, including supporting relationships through the full lifecycle from scoping or matching through to delivery and stewardship.
- A collaborative working style, comfortable working across teams with a commitment to working in a collaborative and inclusive way to achieve shared objectives.
- Experience of managing and developing staff, including setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback and creating development opportunities. Able to adapt management style to support colleagues at different levels of seniority and experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience delivering workstreams or programmes within agreed plans and KPIs.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to devise donor engagement plans and use project/account plans, budgets, and other financial information.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and manager a busy and varied workload.
- Ability to look beyond own area of expertise and be pro-active and creative in problem solving.
- Ability to make operational decisions and escalate strategic issues where appropriate.
- IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
- A commitment to Impetus’ mission.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Knowledge of the sector – education and employment.
- Knowledge and understanding of the needs of a young person, charities, and corporates.
- Experience of working with young people.
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 23rd August 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 31st August 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 7th September 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ALDER HEY CHILDRENS CHARITY
Job title: PR, Communications & VIP Engagement Manager
Salary: £39,428-£50,450
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Mix of home working and office based (office is at Alder Hey, Liverpool). Hybrid working available.
About us
Alder Hey Children’s Charity raises vital funds to help make Alder Hey Children’s Hospital a truly world-class, patient-friendly hospital for the 450,000 patients and families we care for every year.
The charity helps to fund a range of activities and projects that are designed to enhance and improve the lives of our amazing young patients. This includes the funding of specialist medical equipment to ensure our brilliant surgeons and clinical staff have the most up to date and cutting edge technology available and funding hi-tech distraction equipment designed and proven to reduce pain and anxiety in our patients. We also fund a range of programmes and special projects such as our ward musicians, our on-site magician and the play specialists we have on every ward.
About this role
Are you passionate about using the power of storytelling, media and influential voices to create lasting change for children and young people?
This is an exciting opportunity to join Alder Hey Children's Charity as our Communications, PR & VIP Engagement Manager, helping us deliver our vision of a healthier, happier and fairer future for every child and young person.
Every day, Alder Hey Children's Charity works to create magical moments, fund pioneering research, invest in world-leading innovation and champion better health and wellbeing for children. As part of our ambitious team, you'll play a vital role in sharing these stories, inspiring support and helping more people understand the difference they can make.
You'll lead the Charity's public relations, media and VIP engagement programme, developing creative campaigns that raise awareness, strengthen our reputation and grow our impact. Working alongside colleagues across fundraising, marketing, advocacy and Trust communications, you'll secure high-profile media coverage and build meaningful relationships with celebrities, ambassadors, influencers and public figures who share our passion for improving children's lives.
This is a varied and rewarding role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You'll help shape how the Charity is seen, ensure our incredible stories reach new audiences and harness the support of influential advocates to drive fundraising, awareness and policy change.
If you're an experienced communications professional with outstanding media instincts, exceptional relationship-building skills and a passion for making a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities will include:
· Leading the Charity's PR and media programme, identifying and delivering proactive communications opportunities that raise awareness, strengthen our reputation and showcase the impact of our work.
· Developing engaging communications and storytelling across press, digital and campaign channels, ensuring consistent messaging that supports fundraising, advocacy and organisational priorities.
· Building and nurturing relationships with celebrities, ambassadors, VIP supporters and media contacts, creating meaningful partnerships that champion Alder Hey Children's Charity and inspire wider support.
· Planning and delivering high-profile visits, events and campaign moments, working collaboratively across the Charity and Trust to create memorable, safe and impactful experiences.
· Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, marketing, advocacy and Trust Communications to deliver integrated campaigns, maximise opportunities and protect the Charity's reputation.
· Monitoring and evaluating communications and VIP engagement activity, using insight and learning to continually improve our impact, profile and supporter experience.
Other Duties
- Be an outstanding advocate for Alder Hey Children’s Charity in line with the core values of the organisation.
- Be an active and supportive member of the Alder Hey Children’s Charity team, contributing to the team’s development and working collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers.
- Attend and support events run by fundraising teams where required, including occasional out-of-hours working.
- Gain and maintain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the charity’s work, priorities and future plans.
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
Our Values
At Alder Hey Children’s Charity, our values guide how we work. Being courageous, working together, showing passion and embracing creativity enables us to support the hospital in delivering the very best care for young patients and their families.
Courage
We try new things, take risks and innovate. We speak up, take accountability and act with responsibility.
Together
We work as one team, sharing knowledge and learning. We partner with patients, families, supporters and colleagues.
Passion
We are passionate about what we do and inspire others.
Magic
We are creative, fun and child-led, creating special moments and going the extra mile.
Additional Information
In April 2025, the charity adopted a four-day working week policy. Staff previously working 37.5 hours now work 30 hours across four days, maintaining full pay while supporting a better work-life balance.
This job description outlines the general nature of the role and is not exhaustive. It may be subject to change in line with organisational needs.
Alder Hey Children’s Charity will make reasonable adjustments where required and is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
The post holder will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.
How to apply
You can apply by clicking the link below. Applications must include your CV and a covering letter (no more than one side of A4) which answers the following questions:
· How do you meet the person specification? If you don’t exactly meet all of the role requirements but have transferable skills please do consider applying and provide details as part of your answer.
· Why do you want to work for Alder Hey?
Additional information is included within the Job Description and Person Specification.
Closing date: Monday 24th August, 12pm
Interviews will be held in person at Alder Hey on Tuesday 8th September 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hybrid - London WC1H - we operate hybrid, flexible working practices with 20% of your time per month being office based
Join the ACU as Head of Communications and Engagement and use your expertise and experience to help us in our mission to be the voice of Commonwealth universities, supporting them to collaborate and to advance their contribution to sustainable development.
Working at the intersection of higher education and international development, The ACU offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference. We are one of the largest, most diverse international university networks, bringing together over 400 members in more than 40 countries, and our official role within the Commonwealth and United Nations affords an impactful platform for advocacy and strategic partnerships.
The role
The Head of Communications and Engagement leads ACU's external voice and its member engagement function, ensuring that our member universities experience ACU as a present, credible and valuable partner. This role is the primary custodian of how ACU communicates with the world and how relationships with members, stakeholders and partners are built, maintained and deepened.
You will develop and lead an integrated communications and engagement strategy, ensuring all activity is strategically aligned, well-coordinated and delivered with maximum impact.
Working closely with the Director, you will provide leadership in shaping the external affairs of the ACU, finding new and creative ways to communicate ACU's work and impact, strengthen our position with key audiences and platform our advocacy messages within the sector and with key decisions makers including at major multilateral forums. You will oversee marketing efforts to drive participation with our member opportunities and for our managed programmes and will be responsible for contract fulfilment for a range of external clients. You will also lead on internal communications in support of our people and culture agenda.
Working with the Head of Membership and Events and Head of Policy and Research, you will be jointly responsible for the membership strategy, leading an international engagement team to ensure that our offer is visible to members, and our diverse and geographically dispersed network feel engaged and see the value of membership.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can bring a strategic and an integrated approach to communications and engagement, enjoys working in a collaborative international environment and who will foster creativity and innovation to deliver maximum impact.
You will:
- Bring a track record of leading integrated communications strategies in complex contexts, alongside experience of membership engagement or institutional relationship management at a senior level.
- Have worked at senior level in marketing or communications, be skilled in devising and implementing successful communication strategies and plans, audience segmentation, content creation, delivery and the use of the various channels for effectiveness
- Be comfortable holding the strategic and the relational in equal measure, and understand that in a membership organisation, communications and engagement are two sides of the same endeavour.
- Be a strategic thinker, know how to use data and insight to direct a team's activity, and understand how to design an engagement model that utilises personalised account management and varied communications channels to reach diverse audience segments with targeted messages
- Be comfortable leading a small, dispersed team- including a network of regional engagement leads across ACU's core geographies - setting strategic direction and supporting consistent standards and autonomous delivery
- Be energised rather than daunted by breadth: moving between brand strategy and member retention, hands-on delivery and team leadership
What to expect
We see equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission and we value the many different perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our collective performance (you can find more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and safeguarding on our website by clicking here). We believe in investing in all our people and creating cultures in which everyone can thrive.
We offer a fantastic package of benefits including:
- 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays (pro rata - part-time employees) and 4 Christmas closure days
- Generous pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
- Significant investment into your personal and professional development
- Regular social activities
- Health and wellbeing programmes
- Give as you earn charitable donations scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest-free travel season ticket loan
How to apply
Apply via the apply button which will redirect you to our recruitment portal.
Closing date: 27th August 2026 at 23.45 pm.
Interviews will take place on 7th September 2026.
First stage interviews will take place virtually. A second stage will be conducted in-person at our London office in the week commencing 14/09/2026.
Purpose of the Role
The Director of External Affairs and Growth is an SLT role responsible for leveraging the voice and power of the eoa's network to influence and accelerate the growth of the employee owned sector.
The role leads the eoa’s external affairs, policy and insights, marcomms and events, shaping the external environment for employee ownership and securing the funding and commercial income needed to support sustainable sector growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead external affairs strategy, building the relationships and influence needed to shape policy, remove barriers and expand EO.
- Build strategic relationships and secure grant funding and commercial partnerships, generating income to support advocacy, events and sector growth initiatives, including the UK EO Growth Strategy.
- Oversee our policy and insights work, engaging key stakeholders to co-produce content that influences EO practice and policy and strengthens the eoa’s voice in public affairs.
- Oversee the delivery of a mar-comms strategy that delivers commercial objectives and positions the eoa as the leading authority on EO.
- Oversee our events programmes, ensuring they drive knowledge-sharing, sector development
- and commercial sustainability.
- Represent the eoa at industry forums, policy roundtables and public affairs events,
- championing the employee ownership model.
- Collaborate with the Director of Membership and Operations to align advocacy and external
- engagement with member needs and priorities.
- Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering innovation and delivering measurable impact across income generation, advocacy, policy, events and mar-comms activities
Knowledge, Experience, and Attributes
- Proven expertise in external affairs, advocacy, or policy leadership, ideally within a business, trade body, or membership association.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing government, media, and corporate partners.
- Demonstrated ability to drive sectoral or policy change, leading successful advocacy initiatives.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience in sponsorship acquisition, revenue generation, grant funding and developing financially sustainable initiatives.
- Exceptional strategic communication and storytelling skills, able to engage and mobilise diverse audiences.
- Experience in event programming, ensuring high engagement and sector impact.
- Passion for employee ownership and economic models that promote shared prosperity.
- Innovative, creative, and proactive in problem-solving and strategy execution.
- A confident and transparent leader who fosters collaboration and inclusivity.
- Self-aware with emotional intelligence, resilience, and integrity.
What Constitutes Success in This Role?
Success in this role means having a positive impact on the growth of the employee-owned sector, strengthening the eoa’s influence and increasing the adoption of “great EO”. Stronger stakeholder relationships, greater advocacy impact and improved commercial sustainability through a diverse mix of grant funding, sponsorships and strategic partnerships will also be key indicators of success.
Key outcomes for the role
- Outcome - Growth of the employee ownership sector
- Measure - Increased number of EO businesses, heightened sector awareness
- Outcome - Strengthened corporate engagement
- Measure - Growth in strategic partnerships, corporate and government engagement
- Outcome - Strong Commercial Sustainability
- Measure - Increased sponsorship revenue, secured long-term commercial partnerships
- Outcome -Increased policy influence
- Measure - Policy recommendations adopted, increased government engagement
- Outcome - Enhanced sector insight and intelligence
- Measure - Utilisation of high quality data and insights for regular sector related content outputs
- Outcome - Development and adoption of best practice
- Measure - Creation, adoption and promotion of best practice across the EO network.
- Outcome - Successful events programmes
- Measure - Increased participation, sponsorship growth, positive feedback.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- A two-page CV
- And one of either:
- Cover letter setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
- Video (maximum 10 minutes) setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
Applications should be submitted before 9:00am 17 August 2026. We will close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interviews will be in two stages. The first stage will be a virtual interview via teams on
26 August. For those who successfully move to stage 2 there will be an in-person
discussion w.c. 31 August.
The eoa welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those
who are under-represented. We recruit based on values, skills, and contribution to our
purpose.
We exist to grow and strengthen employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy.



Policy and External Affairs Assistant
£32,477 pa plus excellent benefits
London WC1 and home-based
35 hours per week, full-time
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an organised and proactive Policy and External Affairs Assistant to support the delivery of our influential policy, public affairs and external engagement work across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the College’s Policy and External Affairs Department, providing vital administrative and project support across three key teams: Health Policy, Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations), and Media and Public Affairs. Working at the heart of the College’s policy and advocacy activity, you will help ensure that the voices of paediatricians and children’s health professionals are heard and reflected in national policy development.
Reporting to the Policy Manager, you will play a central role in supporting committees, coordinating member engagement activities, managing communications and assisting with policy projects. You will work closely with senior officers, committee chairs, members and colleagues across the College to help deliver high-quality policy and public affairs activity that supports better health outcomes for children and young people.
Key responsibilities include:
• Supporting the administration of policy and public affairs committees, including preparing agendas, papers, minutes and action logs
• Providing guidance and administrative support to committee Chairs, Officers and members
• Responding to member enquiries and correspondence through desk-based research and liaison with policy colleagues and subject experts
• Supporting policy projects, task and finish groups, events and stakeholder engagement activities
• Coordinating and administering the Policy and External Affairs member insights network, including communications, database management and event support
• Assisting with the development, review and maintenance of College policy position statements and consultation responses
• Supporting the drafting and publication of policy updates, reports and briefing materials
• Preparing reports for committees and Executive Committee meetings
• Supporting College Officers and senior stakeholders with administrative and project-related activities
• Coordinating eBulletins, member communications and digital content across multiple channels
• Managing and updating policy and public affairs content on the RCPCH website
Essential skills and experience include:
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong report-writing abilities
• Strong research skills with the ability to analyse, summarise and present complex information clearly
• Experience working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and teams
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to maintain high levels of accuracy when handling information, data and documentation
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively at all levels
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Strong administrative skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to work
Desirable:
• Experience working within child health, healthcare, membership organisations or professional bodies
• Formal project management training or experience supporting projects
• Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) databases and/or finance systems
The RCPCH sets and maintains standards for the education and training of all doctors working in paediatrics and child health in the UK. We advocate on child health issues at home and internationally. Additionally, through a variety of activities, the College influences the quality of medical practice for children in hospital and in the community.
The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff. Most staff are based in our London office in Holborn, with teams also working across the devolved nations.
Our values — Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire — guide how we work together. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates with protected characteristics. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.
The College operates a flexible and modern hybrid working policy, with colleagues spending 40% of their working time in the office over a four-week cycle and the remainder working from home.
The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Employment is subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. If you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.
Closing date: 16 August 2026
interview date: w/c 1 September 2026
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advocates on child health issues at home and internationally.


Oriau: 0.8CALl (28 awr yr wythnos) | Cyfnod penodol: Blwyddyn o’r penodiad
Cyflog: Gradd D: £33,662 – £39,559 (pro rata)
Dyddiad cau ar gyfer gwneud cais: hanner nos ddydd Sul 23 Awst
Rydym yn chwilio am Uwch Swyddog Polisi Cyhoeddus profiadol i gydlynu ein gwaith cyngor polisi a materion cyhoeddus – gan gyfrannu at gyflawni un o’n pedair prif flaenoriaeth strategol: “Cyfrannu at ddatrysiadau polisi mawr drwy gynnig cyngor annibynnol a galluogi cyfnewid gwybodaeth”. Rydym yn chwilio am rywun sydd â’r brwdfrydedd i ysgogi ein Cymrodyr anhygoel a’n rhanddeiliaid eraill i sicrhau bod ein gwaith yn effeithiol.
Bydd deiliad y rôl hefyd yn gyfrifol am ddarpariaeth Gymraeg a gwaith dwyieithog y Gymdeithas.
Dyma gyfle cyffrous i rywun sydd eisiau cyfuno gwaith hyblyg â rôl ddiddorol ac amrywiol mewn tîm deinamig. Rydym yn bwriadu cyflogi ar sail cyfnod penodol o flwyddyn (i ddechrau), ac ar sail 0.8CALl, ond yn barod i ystyried rhannu’r swydd.
Mae rhuglder yn y Gymraeg yn ofynnol ar gyfer y swydd hon.
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Hours: 0.8FTE (28hrs per week) | Fixed term: 1 year from appointment
Salary: Grade D: £33,662 – £39,559 (pro-rata)
Application deadline: midnight on Sunday 23 August
We are seeking an experienced Senior Public Policy Officer to coordinate our policy advice and public affairs work – contributing to the delivery of one of our four key strategic priorities: “Contribute to major policy solutions by providing independent advice and facilitating knowledge exchange”. We are looking for someone to with the enthusiasm to mobilise our amazing Fellows and other stakeholders to ensure our work delivers impact.
The role holder will also have responsibility for the Society’s Welsh Language offer and bilingual working.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to combine flexible working with an interesting and varied role in a dynamic team. We are looking to employ on a fixed-term basis for one year (in the first instance), and on a 0.8FTE basis, but will consider job-shares.
Fluency in Welsh is a requirement of this post.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Be part of something extraordinary at Epilepsy Society. We are seeking a values driven Policy & Public Affairs Manager to join a charity that provides world leading support for people with epilepsy through Care, Research and Advocacy.
About the role
Epilepsy Society is a dynamic charity with ambitious plans to revolutionise the lives of people through advocacy, research and care.
We are looking for someone to join our award-winning campaigns team and help us to progress change through political engagement at both national and local level. We have an impressive track record of working with government, locally elected politicians, professional organisations, patient stakeholder groups and other charities in the sector on a range of issues which affect people with epilepsy.
Our recent work includes our successful Zach’s Law campaign. This role is an exciting opportunity to help bring about further change that will make a real difference to the lives of people with epilepsy.
The postholder will develop an effective programme of policy and public affairs work across the UK to have maximum impact for people with epilepsy and to raise the public profile of epilepsy.
We seek someone with a degree or relevant experience in political or public affairs, extensive experience of influencing, organising campaigns and major events and negotiating at a senior level. You will be required to have a detailed level of understanding of government politics and the charity sector and an empathy to the cause.
Please download the recruitment pack attached to view the full job description and essential criteria.
The post holders should demonstrate our people values of CAIRO (Caring, Accountable, Improving, Respectful and Open.
Some information about us
The Epilepsy Society’s Vision is a full life for everyone affected by epilepsy. We want everyone affected by epilepsy to have the best opportunity for a full life - as free from seizures as possible. We set out to make a difference to every person affected by epilepsy whatever their background, however seriously it impacts on their life, and whether they have the condition themselves or are close to someone with epilepsy.
What we can offer
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the ability to buy and sell annual leave
• A generous Employee Referral Scheme (refer a friend and earn up to £150)
• Length of service awards
• Access to shopping discounts and cashback with thousands of retailers through Purple Rewards
• Staff recognition scheme
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Group Pension
• Life Assurance (2x your annual salary)
• Confidential, supportive Employee Assistance Programme, accessible 24/7
• Salary Finance, offering you products linked to your salary and tailored to your individual circumstances. Providing services such as loans, advances, savings and financial education
If you have the right skills and experience and are inspired to apply, please do so by uploading your CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the specifications of this role.
A DBS (Disclosure & Barring) check will be required before appointment is confirmed.
We reserve the right to close the post early once we have received a sufficient number of applicants: please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Youth Employment UK is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to join our Policy and Research department at an important moment for youth employment policy.
The Senior Policy Officer will strengthen Youth Employment UK’s policy and insight capacity by helping gather, analyse and communicate evidence from young people, employers, members and the wider youth employment system.
Working with the Policy and Research Director, the role will support Youth Employment UK to develop high-quality policy positions, recommendations, briefings and reports, and to strengthen our reputation as a leading source of insight and practical solutions for youth employment.
This is a policy-focused role with strong research literacy. It is not a technical academic research post, but the postholder will need to be confident in interpreting evidence, drawing out implications, writing clearly, and translating insight into practical recommendations for different audiences.
Summary of responsibilities
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Monitor, analyse and respond to youth employment-related policy developments through written briefings, articles, guidance and formal evidence submissions.
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Support the development of Youth Employment UK policy positions, recommendations and messages
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Work with Youth Ambassadors and young people to gather insight that informs policy positions, reports and recommendations
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Support delivery of our Youth Voice Census by writing up findings for a wide range of audiences
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Support Youth Employment UK’s Good Youth Employment Benchmark by conducting employer interviews and writing employer-facing reports.
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Support Youth Employment UK’s public affairs activity, including APPG, Connected Communities and other policy forums.
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Work closely with the Policy and Research Director, Policy and Research Coordinator and wider team in an agile, fast-paced working environment
About you
We are looking for someone with strong policy judgement, excellent writing skills, professional curiosity and a commitment to improving systems for young people.
You will bring:
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Experience in policy, public affairs, research, youth employment, education, skills, employment support, social policy or a related area
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Research literacy and confidence working with evidence, data, reports and lived experience insight
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Ability to turn complex information into clear briefings, recommendations and practical outputs
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Confidence in engaging with a range of stakeholders, such as young people, employers, members, policymakers, charities, NGOs, think tanks or public bodies.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication to a wide range of audiences
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A high level of self and project management skill, able to work effectively as part of a team and independently
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A clear passion for improving education, employment and transitions outcomes for young people through policy activity.
A full overview of responsibilities in the role and person criteria can be seen in the attached job description.
What we will provide to you
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Competitive salary.
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Standard company pension.
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25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 26 days after 12 months’ service.
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2 volunteering days per year.
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2 additional wellbeing days per year.
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Onsite parking, available on a first come, first served basis.
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Personal development opportunities.
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Free breakfast and lunch options when in the office.
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Team activities and events.
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Dog-friendly office.
Please note that this is a full-time (37.5 hour) role, with some flexibility over working hours. Our main office is in Kettering, right next to the train station. However, we are open to discussing remote and hybrid working arrangements with the right candidate.
Please upload your CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages to CharityJobs.
Your cover letter should explain your relevant experience, motivation for applying, and how your skills align with the role. We encourage applicants to use clear subheadings linked to the role requirements.
The deadline for applications is Thursday August 20th at 5pm.
Candidates who submit a successful application will be invited to an initial, informal first interview. This will be held remotely online on Friday 28th August with each last 30 minutes.
Candidates who are successful in the first interview stage will be invited to a second, in-person interview at our offices in Kettering. This interview will involve a task relevant to the role, a compete
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Head of Communication and External Affairs
Reporting To: Director of Marketing and Communications
Salary Range: £55,000 to £60,000
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: London
Hours/Days per week: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Requirements: Felix can only employ applicants who currently have the right to work in the UK. As part of our safer recruitment policy, we do ask questions regarding unspent criminal records.
We are Felix
We bring people together to rescue, repurpose, and share surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, turning an environmental problem into a social opportunity.
Together with 16 other independent charities, 18,000 volunteers, and thousands of partners, we are the UK’s food rescue network, supporting 1.5 million people across the country.
We‘re about fuller plates, fuller communities, and fuller lives.
Purpose of the Job
The Head of Comms and External Affairs will lead our narrative and steward our reputation at critical moment, following the merger of FareShare and The Felix Project to form the new Felix brand. The role will set the strategy and operating rhythm for a team of seven across media relations, internal communications and public affairs, ensuring Felix speaks with one clear, trusted and influential voice.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications and working alongside the Head of Brand Marketing who leads brand marketing and digital communication, the postholder will protect and build Felix's reputation, shape national and sector conversations on food redistribution, food waste and food insecurity, and help position Felix as a leading partner in the national endeavour to triple food redistribution in the UK.
The role will provide senior counsel to the CEO, Executive Team, trustees and senior leaders; lead high-quality media, stakeholder and parliamentary engagement; and ensure internal communications support colleagues, volunteers and partners through integration, change and growth.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Set and lead an integrated external affairs strategy for Felix, aligned to organisational strategy, the post-merger integration plan, the refreshed brand and the national programme to expand food redistribution.
- Lead, develop and empower a multidisciplinary team of seven across media relations, internal communications and public affairs, directly managing three discipline leads and building clear priorities, standards and ways of working.
- Lead Felix's media relations and reputation management, securing proactive national, regional and sector coverage, overseeing reactive press office activity, preparing spokespeople, managing issues and crisis communications and working closely with the digital marketing team.
- Working closely with the CEO and policy colleagues, leading public affairs and influencing activity, building trusted relationships with government, parliament, food industry partners, redistribution networks, funders and sector coalitions to advance Felix's mission and policy objectives.
- Set the strategic direction for internal communications, ensuring staff, volunteers, network partners and other internal audiences understand the charity's vision, values, priorities and change journey.
- Develop clear narratives, messages, evidence and thought leadership that explain Felix's mission, impact and role in creating a fairer and more sustainable food system.
- Provide expert advice to the Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, CEO, Executive Team, trustees and senior leaders on reputation, stakeholder positioning, media risk, political context and communications opportunities.
- Work closely with the Head of Brand Marketing to ensure external affairs, brand marketing, fundraising, digital communication and operational communications are integrated, consistent and mutually reinforcing.
- Embed professional standards, risk management, evaluation and compliance across the function, including political impartiality, charity law, safeguarding, data protection, media protocols and inclusive communications.
- Bring innovation and experimentation to the development of content and wider communications offer.
- Your normal duties and responsibilities will be set out in your job description. However, the charity may require you to perform other duties from time to time.
Recruitment timeline
We reserve the right to close advertisements early and we might assess candidates and arranging interview as applications come in, so please apply as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
Due to the anticipated large number of applicants, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of your application, we regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful. Consequently, will not be able to provide feedback.
We deliver this surplus food to charities and schools so they can provide healthy meals and help the most vulnerable in our society.



Location: Bristol office, hybrid (minimum two days a week in the office)
Salary: £38,456 per year (Band F)
Job Type: Full-time (37.5 hours a week), fixed term for 12 months with the possibility of extension
The role:
Every year CSE's advice service helps thousands of people to cut their energy bills, improve their homes and stay warm. Thousands more struggle with cold homes and unaffordable bills without ever knowing that free, expert advice is available. This role exists to change that.
As Marketing Manager, you will grow awareness of, and referrals to, CSE's energy advice services across both B2B and B2C audiences. You will build relationships with the professionals and community organisations best placed to refer people to us and develop campaigns that reach householders directly.
You will own a sustained marketing plan, produce high-quality materials and measure your impact. Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will work closely with colleagues across Communications and our Household Energy Services team. It is a creative, fast-moving environment where good ideas get acted on.
Specific responsibilities
An applicant appointed to the role will be expected to:
- Develop and maintain a sustained, practical marketing plan for CSE's advice services, covering referrer engagement (B2B) and direct-to-public activity (B2C).
- Work with Household Energy Services project managers to set clear objectives and targets, and report on performance.
- Research and map the professional referrer landscape, identifying the right intermediaries for each project area.
- Build and maintain a segmented referrer database and lead a proactive outreach programme, re-engaging lapsed partners.
- Develop messaging and materials that help referrers understand our advice services and promote them confidently to their clients.
- Deliver public-facing campaigns across print, community and digital channels, including activity reaching people who are digitally excluded.
- Work with the Digital Communications Manager on project-specific digital activity, including Google Ads, website content and email campaigns.
- Produce print-ready materials independently in Canva or Adobe Creative Suite, in line with CSE's brand and co-branding guidelines.
- Own marketing measurement for the advice services, using data to inform decisions and make the case for investment.
To see a more detailed list of responsibilities please see the supporting documents attached. These documents are also available to download from our website.
About you:
Essential attributes for this role include:
- Three to five years' experience in a marketing role, with responsibility for planning and delivering campaigns or marketing programmes.
- Experience of marketing to two distinct audiences: professional intermediaries (B2B) and members of the public (B2C).
- Experience of building and managing relationships with external organisations or referral networks.
- Experience of producing print-ready materials independently in Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite, working to brand and style guidelines.
- A strong communicator, able to turn complex information into clear, accessible content for non-specialist audiences.
- Analytical – able to interpret data, identify what is working and make evidence-based recommendations.
- Organised and self-directed, able to manage a varied workload across projects with minimal supervision.
- Able to manage a marketing budget, track spend and demonstrate value for money.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with genuine empathy for CSE's mission and the communities we support.
Please note, the above is an overview of the skills required for this role. To see the full list of essential and desirable skills please see the attached job description.
Benefits:
CSE offer a range of other benefits including:
- You will be entitled to 25 days' paid holiday (plus statutory holidays)
- Company pension scheme with 8% employer and 6% employee contributions
- Subsidised bike purchase and Tech Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Health Cash plan
- Retail discounts
- Discounted breakdown cover and many more.
- We will pay fees and expenses on relevant training courses.
- We are flexible with working hours and will discuss this openly if you are invited to interview.
How to apply
To apply, please download and complete the application form available from our website and send it to our Jobs email address (found in candidate pack). Your application should demonstrate your suitability against the criteria in the person specification and job description. CVs and supporting letters will not be considered.
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.
This role will join an ambitious programme developing the capacity of the Libraries Connected public library networks. We want to help them evolve as strategic partnerships able to deliver social impacts at scale and to secure resources and investment from national, regional and sub-regional government. Be key to the development of libraries as essential social infrastructure, and help them secure the resources they need to make an impact.
The role is part of a small team of two Regional Managers, supported by an Administrator.
By developing our existing regional networks into formal, resourced structures we can enable the regions to:
- Secure investment for the service and for the libraries from regional and devolved / combined authority funds.
- Create unique regional offers to meet specific needs across and within the regional areas.
- Deliver at scale. For example, the Yorkshire & Humber regional network has 15 library services, and 348 library buildings.
- Create opportunities for cost saving – through joint procurement and shared / collaborative services.
- Share good practice and experience on a formal and integrated basis.
We have 9 regional networks in England, covering all library services and ranging in size from 9 to 33 services. Within each region they provide hundreds of library branches, thousands of staff, and serve millions of service users. They have a long tradition of working together as peer support networks and to deliver activities such as festivals, marketing, and staff training.
Please see the attached job description for a full description of the role, including person specification.
Frequent travel within the UK may be required for the role.
About Libraries Connected
We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes almost every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man).
Across the areas we serve there are 176 individual library services with around 3,000 library branches serving over 61 million people.
Our unique approach is to bring these services together to share experience, expertise and evidence – driving innovation and impact across the public library sector.
While senior library leaders sit on our board and committees, we work with library staff at all levels.
As well as providing practical support, training and advice to libraries, we represent them to government and raise their profile in the media. We also develop and lead national library projects with cultural, academic and corporate partners.
We work to a strategic plan that runs until 2027, organised around four themes: drive, grow, connect and engage.
We generate income from membership subscriptions, commissioned services, events and grants. As an Arts Council Investment Principle Support Organisation, part of our core funding in England comes from the Arts Council to help embed their Investment Principles across the library network.
Our values
- We are supportive. We respond to the varied, emerging needs of our members and their communities to enable libraries to learn from each other, and other sector leaders, so that they can safeguard and improve their services.
- We are inclusive. We work with our members and partners to design and deliver our work and to determine our strategic priorities because we are committed to representing the diverse communities and libraries which we serve.
- We are open. We are in constant communication with our members and partners on all levels to learn from their experiences, reflect on our practice and develop our services. We welcome challenge and new directions for our work.
- We are ambitious. We believe that libraries are an essential part of the solution to a range of society’s needs. We promote innovation and collaboration to ensure that libraries are recognised locally and nationally.
Working at Libraries Connected
We are a friendly, collaborative team of around 20 staff based all around England and Wales.
We value diversity and are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment. We strongly believe that inclusive and diverse organisations are not only better places to work, they are more innovative, make better decisions and are more successful. We value people who bring unique perspectives and knowledge to our team.
We want to make our recruitment process as fair as possible. To reduce bias, we shortlist candidates based on their responses to up to six application questions. These are designed to tell us about your values, experience, attitudes to work, and transferable skills. We do not ask for a separate cover letter or supporting statement.
We offer flexible working as standard, helping work fit around family and caring responsibilities. Many of our staff work their hours in different ways, including flexi time and compressed hours. We are open to discussing what would work for you and be possible for the role.
All roles are remote and are open to applicants who live anywhere in the UK. We provide staff with a home office set-up including laptop, monitor and phone. There is the option to work from our central London office or use a co-working space if it is not possible to work from home.
We welcome requests for adjustments to our standard recruitment processes for anyone who needs them.
Our vision is an inclusive, modern, sustainable and high-quality public library service at the heart of every community in the UK.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Citizens UK
Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.
Living Wage Foundation
The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.
Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting half a million people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most.
Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty. As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies. We are a non-partisan organisation and work with partners across the political spectrum to advance our mission.
Purpose
The Living Wage Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager to join our team for a 12-month contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional with a strong background in media relations, public messaging, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in working to tight deadlines, responding to last-minute changes, and prioritising competing demands in a high-profile environment. They will be motivated to amplify the Living Wage Foundation’s mission of tackling low pay and insecure work.
The postholder will lead all media, messaging, and external affairs work, developing and implementing a proactive media strategy that supports our mission and key campaigns, such as Living Wage Week and the annual Rates announcement. As a skilled media professional, you will oversee all communications outputs, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment, while delivering media training and refining key messaging to maximise reach and impact.
In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing our political engagement efforts, building cross-party support and working with political leaders, mayoral teams, and other key stakeholders to promote our initiatives. You’ll manage two direct reports (Events Manager and Media Manager) who each hold line management responsibilities, and you will play a critical role within our Senior Management Team, collaborating closely with the Head of Communications to shape the overall direction of our communications work. This role will work closely with Citizens UK colleagues, including the Citizens UK communications team on cross-organisational priorities. You will report to the Head of Communications.
As a senior leader, you will be responsible for managing and allocating part of the communications team budget, expanding team capacity, and driving the team’s effectiveness. In collaboration with other senior managers, you will help foster a culture that values creativity, innovation, and strategic impact.
Main Responsibilities
Contribute to CUK mission and its strategic objectives:
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Provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s media strategy, ensuring it aligns with broader organisational, communications, and campaign goals, and establish clear processes for evaluating its success.
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Work alongside other Senior Managers across Citizens UK on cross-organisational activity including through the Senior Management Group
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Support the Living Wage Foundation’s Political Engagement Strategy by building and sustaining cross-party support for the organisation’s mission and objectives.
Situational awareness and research:
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Lead regular updates on key audiences, tracking positions on issues of interest and ensuring the team is fully informed.
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Guide the team in proactive media monitoring, enabling timely responses to significant developments.
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Collaborate with the Senior Research Manager to conduct and commission impactful research, driving media campaigns that effectively reach and engage target audiences.
Strategy development:
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Work alongside other Senior Managers in the Communications Team to shape and guide the overall communications strategy.
Lead on all media and messaging outputs, including developing high-quality materials, coordinating media events, and delivering media training.
Reputational & risk management:
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Develop and manage the organisation’s risk register, offering strategic oversight and serving as a primary contact for crisis communications.
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Manage and respond to reactive media enquiries promptly, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s values and objectives.
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Draft key messages and FAQs for media interviews and public responses, and advise senior leadership on sensitive media or reputational issues.
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Represent the Living Wage Foundation effectively in senior stakeholder interactions and participate in out-of-hours press duties when needed.
Materials development and dissemination:
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Oversee the Media Team in producing engaging press releases, blogs, opinion pieces, and media briefings to elevate the Living Wage Foundation’s profile and the voices of workers and employers within the Living Wage movement.
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Ensure media outputs and communications reflect the organisation’s values and uphold a consistent voice.
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Create and refine key messaging for public communications, including FAQs and response guides.
Social media and website
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Ensure consistency in messaging and alignment across all media and digital platforms in collaboration with the wider communications team.
External relationships (including media and press)
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Lead employer case study development, identifying and preparing Living Wage employers to speak to media and champion a real Living Wage.
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Drive stakeholder engagement efforts, cultivating valuable relationships with Living Wage employers, campaign partners, and media contacts.
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Build and maintain relationships with journalists across print, digital, and broadcast media to secure quality coverage.
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Collaborate with the Public Engagement Team to draft emails, speeches, speaker notes, briefings, and press notices for political engagements.
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Strengthen and maintain broad cross-party support for the Living Wage agenda.
Campaign & events management
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Provide a link between Events team and Senior Leadership Team to ensure efficient decision-making around key events.
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Lead on media and messaging elements of agreed comms-led campaigns.
Internal comms & knowledge management
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Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive press database, mapping key media contacts and publications in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s objectives.
Internal relationships
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Work closely with the Senior Digital and Communications Manager to guide and oversee team initiatives.
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Provide line management and development support to the Media Manager and Events Manager.
Learning, expertise & DEI
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Lead media training sessions for LWF staff and Living Wage employers, enhancing their confidence and effectiveness in media engagements.
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Work collaboratively with colleagues across the LWF and Citizens UK, including communications and DEI teams, to develop and implement ethical storytelling practices, ensuring lived experience is represented responsibly, inclusively, and in line with organisational guidance.
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Contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture.
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Ensure accessibility is embedded across communications and events, working with relevant teams to implement best practice and organisational guidance.
Person Specification
(D) Desirable, (E) Essential
Experience
· Proven experience and a strong understanding of the UK media landscape, with experience building relationships with journalists and securing high-quality media coverage. (E)
· Experience in line managing and leading a team. (E)
· Demonstrated experience in managing sensitive reputational issues, including risk assessment and crisis communications. (E)
· Skilled in leveraging real-life stories and case studies to drive engagement, including experience in leading media training for spokespeople. (E)
· Strong track record in designing and executing high-impact communications strategies that achieve measurable results. (E)
· Experience of working collaboratively across teams and influencing senior stakeholders to achieve shared objectives. (E)
· Experience of working with a range of voices and perspectives, including community, worker or lived experience storytelling. (D)
Key skills and knowledge
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Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce and edit clear, engaging content suitable for media, digital and public audiences. (E)
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Competence in using social media platforms to engage audiences effectively, understanding their role in broader media strategies. (D)
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Proficiency in evaluating campaigns and media outputs, with the ability to derive insights that inform future strategies. (E)
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Strong interpersonal skills for building effective relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, including political audiences. (E)
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Solid understanding of the political landscape and public affairs, with experience engaging cross-party stakeholders (E).
Personal qualities & values
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An enthusiasm for media and communications, coupled with a strong commitment to the mission of the Living Wage Foundation. (E)
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Ability to lead, support and develop high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment. (E)
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Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how to communicate responsibly and ethically about lived experience. (E)
About the application process
We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.
For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.
Interviews will be held 17th and 18th August.
We’re the movement at the heart of fairer, better work. Fair pay, secure hours & enough to live on in retirement.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking an exceptional advocate with a policy, legal or related digital rights campaigning background to work with us furthering privacy and civil liberties in the UK at one of the UK’s leading rights NGOs. Initially, this role will be principally challenging facial recognition surveillance and scrutinising police surveillance/AI powers.
The right Senior Advocacy Officer will help us to lobby UK Parliament to further privacy and wider rights at a critical time – when a legal framework on police use of facial recognition is very soon to be introduced, and police are expanding their use of AI and new surveillance technologies. You’ll build on your strong experience to be a credible and proactive lobbyist in Parliament, write expert briefings and be confident meeting parliamentarians, take a leading role liaising with policy stakeholders, advise on strategic litigation, be a leading advocate in the press and the public forum, develop policy positions on key issues, and help drive our public campaigns for change.
About you
You’ll have 3+ years experience in a legal or policy capacity, or in a comparable advocacy environment that relied on your expertise on technology and rights issues – ideally involving facial recognition. You’ll have a strong track record of advocacy success.
You’ll be familiar with key litigation and policy issues in the area. You’ll also have excellent knowledge of British politics and UK parliamentary procedures and strong political contacts to match.
You’ll be at ease working on a strictly non-partisan, cross-party basis and grounding policy analysis in human rights and liberal principles.
You’ll be proactive in pitching policy, litigation and campaign ideas for the organisation to pursue within our work streams.
You’ll be an experienced spokesperson, confident undertaking live and recorded TV and radio interviews, talking to a variety of audiences and representing the organisation and our campaigns.
If you’re committed to Big Brother Watch’s mission, we’d like to hear from you.
Senior Advocacy Officer job description
Policy
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Produce policy analysis, research, briefings and reports for dissemination
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Develop strategic policy recommendations informed by expertise
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Identify and explore new and emerging policy issues in our key work areas
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Communicate complex policy issues to varied audiences, whether Parliament, the press or the public
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Build strong relationships with parliamentarians and advisors across all parties
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Identify opportunities to further our strategic aims in Parliament, through committees, parliamentary questions and other activities; as well as regional assemblies and on occasion local government
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Work with stakeholders and pursue collaborative campaigns/coalitions on key issues
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Develop Big Brother Watch’s relationships with allies across Government, legislative bodies, international organisations, and NGOs
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Draft formal correspondence, blog posts, presentations, and other documents articulating Big Brother Watch’s policy positions
Advocacy
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Identify campaigns and advocacy opportunities, and feed into campaign plans and materials
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Write articles and give quotes to press
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Give pre-recorded and live interviews for TV and radio
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Uphold Big Brother Watch’s reputational excellence in public fora
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Help manage media enquiries (our 24/7 media phone is handled on a staff rota system)
Legal
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Help co-ordinate Big Brother Watch’s strategic litigation where appropriate, liaising with external lawyers
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Manage relationships with external counsel & build strong relationships with partners
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Produce legal and policy analysis and identify strategic litigation opportunities
Person specification
Essential
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Min. 3+ years experience in a similar role
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Familiarity/expertise with domestic policy matters relating to privacy, surveillance and/or free expression
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Strong legal and/or policy research skills
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Excellent and persuasive communications skills
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Demonstrable experience in privacy, freedom of expression, and other rights and technology areas
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Aptitude for managing and building relationships with partner organisations, parliamentarians and other stakeholders
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Proven ability to produce high quality work under pressure
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Creativity and energy in approaching a workload consisting of large long-term projects
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Willingness to work in non-partisan environment, and ability to recruit support of MPs across all parties
Desirable
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A track record of successful advocacy experience
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Experience of involvement in litigation, either in a legal or campaigns capacity
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Experience working with parliamentarians and/or producing policy briefings
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Project management experience
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Familiarity with relevant UK surveillance laws, human rights frameworks, and relevant case law
Big Brother Watch
Big Brother Watch is a UK civil liberties campaign group fighting for a free future. We’re determined to reclaim our privacy and defend freedoms at this time of enormous technological change. And we fight to win.
We’re a fiercely independent, diverse, non-partisan and non-profit group of campaigners and researchers who work to roll back the surveillance state and protect rights in Parliament, the media or the courts if we have to. We publish unique investigations and pursue powerful public campaigns to pursue real change. We work relentlessly to inform and empower the public to collectively reclaim privacy, defend our civil liberties and protect freedoms for the future.
We’re a small, dedicated and highly effective team of 8 staff and 7 volunteers.
Big Brother Watch is a UK civil liberties campaign group fighting for a free future; to reclaim our privacy and defend freedom of speech.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.




