Senior policy and public affairs manager jobs

Join Diabetes UK as our new Senior Public Affairs Officer and play a crucial role in shaping the future of diabetes and health policy. In this position your expertise will help us influence policymaking, secure meaningful change, and improve the lives of millions of people living with or at risk of diabetes. 

You will take the lead in delivering a programme of political engagement, including parliamentary events, ensuring that diabetes remains firmly on the political agenda. Representing Diabetes UK with senior stakeholders, you will be trusted to communicate complex issues with clarity and to produce compelling public affairs materials. 

This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact on national diabetes policy. 

Be part of a team that ensures diabetes is heard, understood, and acted upon. 

Are you a self-starting and strategic PR professional who has delivered ambitious media campaigns from scratch? Are you able to spot external opportunities and guide organisational narratives?

Mencap is looking for a Senior Media Manager to join our Media team on a full time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term basis (until end January 2027) 

We are challenging the way the UK understands learning disability and are paving the way for even more impactful change to the way learning disability is portrayed in the media.

Do you have the skills and experience to be a Senior Media Manager? 

*This is not an exhaustive list of the role and its requirements, please look at the full job description for further information. 

This vacancy closes on Tuesday 9th December, with interviews to be held soon after.

Here at Mencap we operate a blinded recruitment process for a lot of our roles, please ensure you apply with a full application and covering statement. 

• You will have experience of leading national media campaigns, from design to delivery, preferably to influence policy change

• You will be able to turn complex issues and information into campaign ideas, stories and media materials

• You will be an outstanding communicator    

• You will have good judgement when it comes to managing reputation and be great at spotting opportunities to enhance understanding of a brand

• You will be able to work constructively at a senior level with colleagues across the organisation, as well as external stakeholders

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings. For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in. At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. · Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. · Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes · Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Inter Mediate is a London-based peacemaking charity supporting confidential negotiations in some of the world’s most challenging conflicts. Now in its second decade of operations, Inter Mediate is seeking a Senior Associate to join our small, specialised team. The post is based in London with frequent travel to South and East Asia.

The Senior Associate will be responsible for working with the relevant Project Directors to support the management and delivery of existing Inter Mediate conflict resolution and dialogue projects, with a geographic focus on South and East Asia. This will crucially entail managing complex logistical arrangements in relation to high level and sensitive meetings and dialogues, engaging with senior interlocutors in a credible and professional way and dealing with sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion.

• Supporting and implementing Inter Mediate’s existing projects portfolio of peace talks and other high-level peace initiatives;
• Building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders in conflict and peace processes, mainly in South and East Asia;
• Identifying and developing entry points for new projects;
• Monitoring and analysing political developments across areas relevant to Inter Mediate’s work;
• Preparing project proposals and budgets, narrative and financial reporting, and collecting evidence of project impact.

Specific responsibilities:

• Traveling frequently across various project and meeting locations;
• Maintaining relationships with key partners and interlocutors;
• Drafting meeting reports, note verbales, preparatory briefs and memos as required;
• Leading research necessary to deliver projects;
• Preparing programme budgets in consultation with relevant team members and ensuring timely and efficient financial planning and management;
• Managing relationships with key project donors, preparing donor reports and updates in coordination with the Operations Team and identifying and scoping additional funding opportunities and relationships;
• Working with the Projects Director on compiling project progress reports for senior management/trustees’ meetings; and
• Representation of Inter Mediate in external forums where appropriate

Previous applicants to the Projects Manager Asia vacancy need not apply. 

Barnardo's are seeking a Senior Public Affairs Lead Westminster. The postholder will be responsible for developing and implementing Barnardo's public affairs activity across the seven policy areas of our strategy, using intelligence and feedback to plan and deliver influencing activity that drives transformational change for children. This includes leading our work to influence legislation; managing our programme of Parliamentary events, including our high profile summer reception, and our party conference programme; and strengthening our relationships with Parliamentarians from both Houses as well as their advisors.

The role offers the opportunity to play a critical role in delivering Barnardo's strategy, making childhoods safer, healthier, happier, and more hopeful across the UK. You will work closely with our policy advisors, frontline services, communications team, and our voice and influence team to bring the voices of children and young people to decision makers in Westminster.  Barnardo's has built a strong reputation for putting the voices of children at the heart of our influencing strategy – we are looking for someone who can continue this work and deliver innovative and engaging opportunities for our children, and young people, including though our events programme. You will also be responsible for building our capacity across the charity for influencing; advising on Select Committee evidence sessions, and using intelligence to identify opportunities for building new relationships across all parties.

You will be part of a large, energetic and expert policy and public affairs team at Barnardo's, which spans the four nations. We value joint working, sharing knowledge, staff wellbeing and diversity. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, especially those with lived experience of the issues that we campaign on.

We are looking for a colleague with strong interpersonal skills, who is strategic, and who is proactive at finding new opportunities for us to influence. We would like someone who knows Westminster well, who will be able to regularly attend in person events and briefings (including out of hours – for which you would accrue Time of in Lieu), and who will be constantly thinking about how we can maximise our influence, learn from others, and be more than the sum of our parts.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Details:

Salary: £22,800 per annum based on 3 days/21 hours per week (FTE: £38,000 per annum)

Contract: Fixed term contract for two years. Part time role working 3 days (21 hours) per week.

Location: The position will be based in Northern Ireland and will have a desk at Northern Ireland Hospice, Belfast. This role is eligible for the Hospice UK Hybrid Working Arrangement from the start of employment.

Hospice UK’s head office is based in London. This role will have full web-based connectivity to the central office, with regular opportunities to engage with the line manager and colleagues via email, face-to-face meetings, video calls, and telephone.

Whilst we work flexibly, because we work with decision makers in Stormont, there will be an expectation that you can travel to Belfast at short notice if required. 

There will be occasional travel to London for department and/or organisational wide events, such as our in-person quarterly events. 

Benefits:

• 25 days pro rata in the first year, increasing to 27.5 days pro rata in the second year of service and 30 days pro rata in the third.
• Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
• Family-friendly culture
• Learning and development opportunities
• Enhanced carers and compassionate leave

How to apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – see below

Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 30 November 2025.

Interview dates: We expect to hold  interviews over Teams on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December 2025.

We’ll send assessments and some questions to you in advance so that you can prepare. Let us know if you have any specific needs to be able to fully engage with the process.

Job information:

This exciting new role in our award-winning External Affairs department will work on policy and public affairs in Northern Ireland. You will fight for the hospice sector and people who need their care and support, helping us to create a nation where no one misses out on the care they need at the end of their lives.

This will be our first on-the-ground role in Northern Ireland, providing the post-holder with the opportunity to build our influencing work from the ground up. You will have the chance to build on our work over the last three years and the strong relationships we have with hospices. You will be working closely with our Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Scotland and NI) to expand our impact in Northern Ireland.

Key aspects of this role will include:

• Policy research, development and analysis - keep track of policy and political developments in Stormont, analyse their impact on hospices and people who need palliative care and brief colleagues and hospices on this. We would also expect you to prepare succinct and influential reports, consultation responses and briefings on policy issues for a range of audiences.
• Public affairs and campaigning - plan and deliver public affairs activity to achieve Hospice UK’s strategic aims and react to opportunities to influence the political debate in Northern Ireland, engaging with civil servants, parliamentarians and other external stakeholders in Northern Ireland.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key partners and stakeholders
• Act as a media spokesperson and represent Hospice UK at external events, meetings and conferences
• Build relationships with hospices in Northern Ireland to understand the challenges they face and the context they operate within. 

It is essential that you have experience in policy, public affairs, campaigns or a related field in Northern Ireland and a good understanding of policy development and/or parliamentary processes in Northern Ireland.

We would also expect you to have excellent communication, influencing and relationship building skills and an ability to quickly read, understand and respond to complex information.

You’ll find lots more information about the role and team in the Candidate Information Pack (available on our website to download).

How to apply:

To apply for this role, please send us the following documents by midnight on Sunday 30 November 2025:

• Your CV. Ideally in Microsoft Word format and less than 3 pages of A4.
• A completed supporting statement form (where you can demonstrate how you meet the person specification) - available on our website to download.
• A completed equalities monitoring form - available on our website to download.

We will shortlist candidates based on their CV and supporting statements. A briefing of what to expect will be sent in advance to shortlisted candidates.

Closing date for applications: by midnight on Sunday 30 November 2025.

We believe in fair recruitment and working to remove bias, so all applications will have identifying indicators removed before being submitted to the shortlisting panel.

Please make sure you provide your contact details in your email. Please note the interview dates above and let us know if there are any accommodations you might need to participate fully in the process. We will try to be flexible.

To be considered for this role you must have the right to live and work in the UK for your application to be progressed. Hospice UK is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Salary: £30,000 to £35,000 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Reports to: Public Affairs Manager

Direct reports: None

Location: Harlow, Essex. Easily commutable from London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale Station. We offer a free minibus service to/from Harlow Town Train Station as well as free parking and EV charging on site.

Extra Information: Open to conversation on hybrid, flexible and compressed working arrangements.

About the role:

The Motability Foundation is seeking a proactive Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement professional to join the Communications team and help drive forward our public affairs and wider engagement activity.

Reflecting the current dynamic political environment, we are looking for a driven Executive to play a critical role in promoting and enhancing awareness of the Motability Foundation among key political stakeholders, as well as wider audiences across the disability sector, transport operators, and other relevant stakeholder groups. 

 
What you will be doing:

• Supporting the implementation of public affairs activities aligned with the Motability Foundation’s vision and overall strategy. 

• Amplifying the Motability Foundation’s voice in Parliament, across the devolved nations, by supporting political engagement work under the guidance of the Public Affairs Manager 

• Monitoring the political, legislative and regulatory landscapes in relation to the work of the Motability Foundation and providing timely updates to relevant internal stakeholders.

• Providing updates on relevant political developments and drafting briefings for Governors, Directors, senior management and a variety of audiences across the organisation where appropriate. 

• Supporting the delivery of a contact program with key stakeholders, raising awareness of the work of the Motability Foundation, supporting work to establish regular meetings for senior leaders and facilitating dialogue on issues relevant to our work. 

• Working closely with colleagues across the Public Affairs and Policy functions to prepare materials to support our work to communicate policy positions and outputs to the external world. 

• Building and maintaining external stakeholder relationships with key audiences, including disabled people’s organisations, disability charities, transport sector stakeholders, and wider industry bodies.

• Working with colleagues across Branding and Marketing to support the creation of written literature for key audiences to communicate the impact of the Foundation’s work.

Your experience:

Must haves

• Solid grasp of parliamentary processes in Westminster and the Devolved Nations, and familiarity with wider Parliamentary functions and vehicles – e.g. All Party Parliamentary and Cross-Party Groups. 

• Prior experience of working in public affairs or similar field. 

• Experience of regular political monitoring and familiarity with utilising political monitoring services - i.e. DeHavilland, Polimonitor or similar.

• Ability to advance projects independently with appropriate support from senior team members, while contributing effectively to team efforts. 

• Experience of producing briefing notes for stakeholder meetings and updating on policy developments for a variety of audiences.

• Comfortable drafting written communications designed for political audiences – i.e. emails, letters, briefing notes. 

• Ability to proactively identify opportunities to influence policy and shape political activity. 

• Strong communication skills, with an ability to grasp complex issues quickly and share information in an accessible way to a variety of audiences. 

• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders in Government, industry, and other charities and foundations, particularly via written communications. 

• Highly IT literate with extensive experience of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. 

Nice to haves: 

• Understanding of key disability and transport issues, such as the social model of disability, inclusive micro mobility, or the transition to electric vehicles. 

• Experience of supporting the delivery of pre-election engagement and post-election political outreach activity to political stakeholders.

• Prior experience in working with third sector stakeholders.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still encourage you to apply.

The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.

Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum

Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)

Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.

Location: London SE1.Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North

Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.

About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) 

Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy. 

We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society. 

Role Purpose 

The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors. 

The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making. 

They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategy and Leadership 

• Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives. 

• Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks. 

• Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture. 

2. Policy, Research and Insight 

• Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society. 

• Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions. 

• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements. 

3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks. 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders. 

• Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums. 

• Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector. 

4. Sector Capacity and Member Support 

• Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy. 

• Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity. 

• Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage. 

5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 

• Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work. 

• Provide regular progress reports to the CEO. 

• Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements. 

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria 

• Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector. 

• Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change. 

• Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment. 

• Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape. 

• Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work. 

• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy. 

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen. 

• Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations. 

• Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities. 

• Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks. 

• Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives. 

Values and Behaviours 

• Strategic and forward-thinking leadership. 

• Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders. 

• Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments. 

• Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector. 

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

• Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices. 

Additional Information 

This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel. 

What We Offer 

• The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks. 

• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment. 

• Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation. 

Application Information 

To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified. 

If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. 

Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2). 

No agencies.

UK residents only.Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks. 

Are you a dynamic and creative PR professional with experience working in a fast-paced press office? Do you have experience of using media to campaign for change? Are you confident with spotting a great story and delivering high-impact PR campaigns across a range of media? If yes, then keep reading!

Mencap is looking for a Senior Media Officer to join our Media team on a full time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term basis (until end March 2027)

We are challenging the way the UK understands learning disability and are paving the way for even more impactful change to the way learning disability is portrayed in the media.

Do you have the skills and experience to be a Senior Media Officer?

*This is not an exhaustive list of the role and its requirements, please look at the full job description for further information. 

This vacancy closes on Monday 8th December, with interviews to be held soon after.

Here at Mencap we operate a blinded recruitment process for a lot of our roles, please ensure you apply with a full application and covering statement. 

• You will have experience of working in a busy national press office
• You will have outstanding communication skills
• You will have worked on campaigning issues
• You will work well with different stakeholders and have experience of advising others on media opportunities and sensitivities

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings. For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in. At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. · Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. · Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes · Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31/12/2026

Location: Preferably Glasgow; however, we will consider applications from Dundee or Edinburgh. 40-60% of the week is spent in the office

Interviews: 10/12

Next year is a huge moment for The King’s Trust, our 50th anniversary and a landmark Scottish election year. As our UK Government Affairs & Communications Manager for Scotland, you’ll be right at the centre of it all. This is your chance to shape the national conversation about young people, influence policy at the highest levels, and tell powerful stories that spark change across Scotland.

In this dynamic, fixed-term role, you’ll lead our public affairs and media activity across the nation, raising awareness of The Trust’s impact and amplifying the voices of the young people we support. One day, you’ll be coordinating political visits or shaping policy responses; the next, you’ll be driving proactive media campaigns, securing standout coverage for major events like The Pride of Scotland Awards or The King’s Trust Awards. No two days will feel the same, especially in an election year where opportunity, momentum and visibility matter more than ever.

If you’re energised by fast-moving politics, passionate about credible storytelling, and ready to play a key part in a once-in-a-generation year for The King’s Trust, this role puts you at the heart of the action. Join us, and help secure the partnerships, influence and public support that will unlock brighter futures for young people across Scotland.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need UK Government Affairs & Communications Managers? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of the UK Government Affairs & Communications Manager! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

The Nuffield Foundation is a charitable trust tackling the UK’s biggest social challenges by funding research, generating evidence, and guiding decision-makers to implement solutions that improve people’s lives.​ We are now recruiting to the new role of Senior Policy Officer in order to increase the impact and influence of the research that we fund.

Working within our Policy and Public Affairs team, the Senior Policy Officer will work across the Nuffield Foundation family to enable evidence-based influence among a broad range of stakeholders including Government, parliamentarians, other policymakers at national and regional level and the third sector.

You will contribute to thinking and development of prioritised policy areas with within our strategic review, produce external policy outputs (including reports, briefings, consultation responses, letters and web content) as well as internal briefings on key policy issues for senior colleagues, and teams across the organisation.

The Senior Policy Officer will also horizon scan and monitor forthcoming legislation and policy agendas as well as monitoring parliamentary activity and support our parliamentary engagement strategies to promote Nuffield-funded research.

You will already have some experience of working in a policy or public affairs role, with an excellent understanding of the political climate and mechanisms of the UK political system.

You will have knowledge of social policy issue and be comfortable working with academic research and be able to identify opportunities where the Foundation can achieve real impact with its work.

You will be a strong communicator (both in person and in your written outputs) and be able to work across a wide and varied policy portfolio and engage with a range of policy makers and other stakeholders.

You should have a creative, collaborative, open and inclusive approach to working, with the ability to work well in a team and also independently.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their policy skills at a time of great shift in the social policy landscape.

About us  

The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable foundation with a founding purpose to advance social well-being.

We achieve this by funding and undertaking rigorous research, encouraging innovation, and supporting the use of sound evidence to improve people’s lives. We tackle pressing, complex questions. Our aim is to open up opportunities and to improve lives for individuals, families and communities, within a just and inclusive society. Our work addresses the inequalities, disadvantage, discrimination and vulnerabilities that people face, and considers the social and ethical implications of scientific and technological advances.

We are the founder and co-funder of Nuffield Council on Bioethics, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and the Ada Lovelace Institute.

We value diversity in background, skills, perspectives and life experiences.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a new and high-impact role, shaping how Greyhound Trust engages the public, tells its story, and builds lasting support for the thousands of greyhounds we help each year.

As PR & Marketing Manager, you’ll join our newly formed Income Generation and Engagement Team — a dynamic group driving innovation, brand growth, and audience engagement across the charity. Reporting to the Head of Income Generation and Engagement, you’ll have the freedom and trust to review our current approach and design a fresh, strategic programme of marketing and PR activity that truly reflects our values, our mission, and our ambitions.

With 50 years of history, Greyhound Trust has long been at the heart of helping retired greyhounds find loving homes. As the charity evolves to meet the changing landscape, this role will be pivotal in driving a step-change in how we communicate — raising awareness of the growing homing challenge, inspiring new audiences to get involved, and supporting our vital income generation work.

You’ll bring at least three years of proven experience in both strategic and hands-on PR and marketing — from planning and content creation to media relations, digital engagement, brand development and taking a lead on key events, such as Crufts and our annual Great Greyhound Gathering.

You’ll understand how effective PR and marketing can both protect and enhance a charity’s brand while also supporting income generation and engagement goals. You’ll bring the confidence and experience to balance these priorities and work collaboratively to achieve them.

Confident working across multiple audiences and channels, you’ll combine creative storytelling with data-driven insight to deliver measurable impact.

As a national charity, based in Surrey, but represented across the UK via a developing branch network (often volunteer led) you will need to have experience of working with a large and diverse range of passionate and knowledgeable stakeholders. 

This is a role for a person who enjoys variety, autonomy, and responsibility — someone who can balance strategic thinking with a willingness to get stuck in and make things happen. In return, you’ll find a supportive, collaborative team and the chance to see the direct results of your work: more people understanding, supporting, and opening their homes to retired  greyhounds.

Salary range £38k - £40k

The role is full time, located at the National Greyhound Centre, Horley with occasional travel to branches across the UK.

Occasional working from home when appropriate.

No Agencies please.

Reports to: Head of Media and PR. 

Direct reports: PR & Media Executive.

Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours a week.

Location: Harlow Essex. We offer blended working within this role – with a minimum of two days a week in the office or at key stakeholder meetings externally required.

About the role

This is a pivotal role for an experienced Communications and PR professional to significantly enhance the visibility and understanding of the Motability Foundation's vital work. You will be instrumental in devising and leading our proactive and reactive media work, shaping our narrative, engaging key stakeholders, increasing understanding and ultimately driving greater impact for disabled people across the UK.

This a really exciting time to be joining the Foundation. With our newly launched five-year strategy, our vision is clear - we want to build transport equity for disabled people in the UK so that they can make the journeys they choose. You will manage and lead a programme of work to navigate complex policy landscapes, champion the stories of our beneficiaries, and work to demystify disability and mobility issues for a broad audience.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can not only execute but also advise senior leadership and Trustees on communication best practices and opportunities. The role holder is responsible for continuously developing and leading on all media and PR activities. With a strong news sense, you will help develop and execute forward-thinking PR plans and strategies for the organisation, manage our external profile and raise awareness of the work we do, aligned to our vision, and manage our press office, including building strong relationships with journalists.

If you are a proactive and motivated media and PR individual looking for an exciting new challenge within a friendly, flexible, and supportive team, then this could be the role for you! 

What you will be doing

• Develop and deliver integrated communications and PR strategies that elevate the Foundation's profile and impact.
• Lead proactive media relations, cultivating strong relationships with journalists across national, regional, and specialist media to secure impactful coverage.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all communications matters, providing expert counsel and crisis communications support.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content across all channels, ensuring consistent messaging and brand voice.
• Alongside colleagues in the digital team, drive digital engagement strategies, leveraging social media and digital platforms to complement press work to reach, engage and amplify diverse audiences.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of PR and communications activities, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Lead all media and press activity. You will manage the day-to-day running of the Motability Foundation press office, providing an efficient service that makes the most of reactive and proactive media opportunities and builds our reputation with the media.
• Scan effectively for breaking news stories relevant to our areas of work, as well as horizon scanning for potential areas of future coverage.
• Working with colleagues in Public Affairs, Policy, Insight and Evaluation and our Transport Solutions Team, take a lead on proactive media activity around our policy, campaigns and research activity.
• Scan for areas of reputational risk and support the Head of Media and PR with preparing for and handling reputational risk.
• Lead on crisis, media enquiries and messaging, implementing the necessary checks and actions to protect the Foundation’s reputation and brand.
• Develop and deliver a briefing and training programme for key spokespeople, developing key messaging and Q&As.
• Manage the press and PR budget.
• Manage the continuous development of our PR & Media Executive using a mixture of external, internal and on the job training.

What will make you great in this role?

You will have a strong track record of securing high profile media coverage, ideally for a national charity dealing in disability, health or social issues. You will have a great news sense and the ability to develop strong relationships with journalists to confidently identify stories and make them work for different media outlets. You will have a flair for writing engaging copy, an eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to meeting deadlines. You can work at pace where needed and identify priorities and manage multiple projects. You will be used to briefing and supporting spokespeople to do media interviews and speaking opportunities.

You will be proactive and a strong team player as this role will need to work closely with colleagues across the communications team and wider organisation. You will be able to take the lead in some areas and lend a hand in others. You will have great people skills and will be comfortable working with people from all walks of life, from your communications colleagues to our case studies to Directors and Board Members.

Your experience

• Proven track record of success in a dedicated PR role, ideally within a charity, public sector, or purpose-driven organisation.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and executing successful media relations strategies, securing high-profile coverage.
• Expertise in crisis communications and issues management, with the ability to respond effectively under pressure.
• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and established relationships with key journalists.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding in managing and optimising digital communication channels, including social media strategy and content.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with or for disabled people's organisations or charities.
• Understanding of public affairs or policy influencing.
• Experience partnering with and managing external agencies or consultants.
• Experience of line management.

The Opportunity   

This role is central to shaping and delivering the Social Mobility Foundation’s media, public affairs, and campaigning work, alongside the Campaigns Manager. You will influence changemakers - including politicians and journalists - through strategic media, political, and social media interventions. You will also collaborate with our Young Campaigners to amplify their voices and co-create impactful campaigns with them that drive systemic change.

1. Helping to plan and deliver campaigns activity, both planned and reactive, including: 

• Organising campaign events e.g. Parliamentary receptions and communicating our campaigns online and on social media.
• Assisting the Campaigns Manager to commission research and polling support our campaigning.
• Monitoring parliamentary activity, and horizon scanning - considering how political developments may affect our campaigning work, providing opportunities and risks. 

2. Leading our media work to maximise the impact of our campaigning, building awareness of social mobility as an issue amongst influential and informed audiences: 

• Developing and executing media and communication plans to support our campaign goals.
• Monitoring the media and responding to stories that allow us to land our key messages, share our point of view and platform SMF young people.
• Responding to requests from journalists for comment and advising and briefing members of staff on how to respond.

3. Co-create campaigns alongside our Young Campaigners and engage them in delivering and designing campaign activity:

• Developing and facilitate spaces for our Young Campaigners to co-create campaign activities and take actions to influence changemakers.
• Working with young people to share their experiences, through speaking at events and other campaigning opportunities.
• Training and supporting young people to speak to the media, ensuring safeguarding processes are embedded and providing follow up pastoral support where needed.

See attached job description for more detail on the key responsibilities in the role

Person Specification

• Experience of working within a media, campaigning, public affairs or political environment.
• Excellent understanding of the UK political system and political processes and a thorough understanding of public affairs tactics.  
• Experience of planning and delivering projects or campaigns in a charity, political or media context. 
• Excellent copywriting skills, with experience of writing press releases, quotes, interview briefings, social media posts and opinion pieces.
• Experience of successfully influencing policy or practice.
• Experience of speaking to journalists, succinctly describing our positions, handling media enquiries and making recommendations to senior colleagues on next steps.

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Benefits

• 36/37 days (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays and three days to be taken between Christmas and New Year) plus up to 3 days additional annual leave increasing with length of service.  
• Time off in lieu for work outside contractual hours
• Employer pension contributions of 5% plus salary sacrifice contribution the equivalent of Employer National Insurance after a satisfactory completion of your probationary period 
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Cycle to Work scheme

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Tuesday 2nd December and submit:
 

a) A cover letter (no longer than 700 words) outlining your previous experience, your motivation and your suitability for the role.
 

b) A 500-word op-ed written for our CEO, Sarah Atkinson on why the government should make large employers report on their class pay gap, linking this to a recent news hook, relevant events or political moments happening soon.
 

c) A short email pitching your op-ed to the comment editor of the Guardian.

Please note that generic applications and CV’s will not be considered.

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

You’ll join Marie Curie’s Policy and Public Affairs team in our Research & Policy Directorate, working alongside passionate colleagues across the UK to champion better palliative and end of life care. We collaborate with governments, the NHS, social care, the voluntary sector, researchers, and people with lived experience to deliver lasting change.

In this strategic role, you will shape Marie Curie’s policy platform for palliative and end of life care, using evidence from research and practice to drive systemic change. Your work will influence government, health, and social care policy at national and local levels - helping to ensure that everyone who needs palliative care can access it, regardless of who they are or where they live.

You will be responsible for: 

• Leading the development of evidence-based policy positions to improve access, quality, and sustainability of palliative and end-of-life care.
• Analysing complex policy developments, identifying opportunities to influence at national and local levels.
• Building and managing strategic relationships with policymakers, sector leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Acting as a spokesperson for Marie Curie, representing the charity in the media, at conferences, and in political forums.
• Working with research teams to shape policy-relevant research and ensure findings are used to inform decision-making.
• Designing and manage strategic programmes of work, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and with measurable impact.

Key Criteria:

• Proven experience of leading impactful policy change in palliative and end-of-life care, health, or social care.
• Demonstrable ability to use research and practice evidence for policy development and influencing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Political astuteness and proven policy influencing skills.
• Experience designing and managing strategic programmes of work.
• Understanding of health and social care systems and policy-making processes.
• Commitment to advocate for equity and equality.

Please see the full job description .

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary information about your motivation and relevant experience. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Closing date for applications: 7 December 2025

Salary: £45,000-50,000 per annum (+ £3,500 London Allowance if applicable)

Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

Based: Hybrid. You can work from anywhere within the UK, with regular travel to the London office as required.

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to [email protected]