Senior policy and public affairs manager jobs

Contract: Permanent, full time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £49,000 - £52,000 per annum

Location: Anchored to the Cardiff office. Minimum expectation of being present at least one day a week in the office.

The Head of External Affairs is a key role within the Carers Trust Wales team responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic external affairs strategy to ensure the issues impacting on unpaid carers and the services they rely on are a priority for Welsh Government, the Senedd and other key statutory partners.

A high-profile role, our Head of External Affairs is a credible spokesperson for the organisation working alongside the media, third sector and other key stakeholders to raise awareness of, and generate support for, the issues impacting unpaid carers and the services they rely on.

Through this role you will be central to advancing our mission by increasing the profile and influence of the Carers Trust Network in Wales, campaigning to make carers' rights a reality through the delivery of Wales-based and UK wide campaigns, and the production of high-quality content for a range of audiences.

To find out more about the role and Carers Trust, download the documents attached. 

Contract: Parhaol, amser llawn

Oriau: 35 awr yr wythnos

Cyflog: £49,000 - £52,000 y flwyddyn

Lleoliad: Wedi'i angori i swyddfa Caerdydd. Bydd disgwyl i chi fod yn bresennol yn y swyddfa o leiaf un diwrnod yr wythnos.

Mae'r Pennaeth Materion Allanol yn rôl allweddol yn nhîm Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr Cymru sy'n gyfrifol am ddatblygu a chyflawni strategaeth materion allanol ddeinamig i sicrhau bod y materion sy'n effeithio ar ofalwyr di-dâl a'r gwasanaethau maen nhw'n dibynnu arnyn nhw yn flaenoriaeth i Lywodraeth Cymru, y Senedd a phartneriaid statudol allweddol eraill.

Mae ein Pennaeth Materion Allanol yn swydd uchel ei phroffil ac yn llefarydd effeithiol ar ran y sefydliad. Mae'n gweithio ochr yn ochr â'r cyfryngau, y trydydd sector a rhanddeiliaid allweddol eraill i godi ymwybyddiaeth o'r materion sy'n effeithio ar ofalwyr di-dâl a'r gwasanaethau maen nhw'n dibynnu arnyn nhw, ac i ennyn cefnogaeth ar eu cyfer.

Drwy'r rôl hon, byddwch yn ganolog i ddatblygu ein cenhadaeth drwy godi proffil a dylanwad y Rhwydwaith Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr yng Nghymru, ymgyrchu i wireddu hawliau gofalwyr drwy ddarparu ymgyrchoedd yng Nghymru ac ar draws y DU, a llunio cynnwys o ansawdd uchel ar gyfer amrywiaeth o gynulleidfaoedd.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y rôl ac am Ymddiriedolaeth y Gofalwyr, llwythwch y dogfennau sydd wedi'u hatodi i lawr. 

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.   

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.   

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.  

This role manages the BSI’s Clinical Immunology Professional Network, and drives partnerships to secure funding and support. You will also lead the BSI’s work on vaccines, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of effective and affordable vaccines that deliver patient benefit.

This is a highly visible role requiring extensive engagement with partner organisations including the NHS, charities, funders, government bodies and industry, alongside a strong understanding of the relevant policy landscape. Acting as a primary interface with clinical and research communities, funders and other key stakeholders, you will also secure external funding to support project delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to build strong relationships and successfully deliver projects both within and beyond the BSI.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and innovative science and health membership organisation, delivering impactful projects, and building important partnerships in the dynamic field of clinical research.

The postholder will play a key role in advancing the communications, campaigns and public affairs work of Southall Black Sisters (SBS), strengthening the organisation’s public profile and amplifying its mission to end violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly as it affects Black, minoritised and migrant women.

The role will support the development and delivery of strategic communications and campaigns that promote SBS’s services, policy priorities and advocacy work, with particular attention to immigration and no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Working collaboratively with SBS colleagues, project partners and, where appropriate, victim-survivors, the postholder will help ensure SBS’s communications are impactful, ethical and grounded in lived experience.

Through creative and strategic use of digital, media and public-facing platforms, the postholder will contribute to raising awareness, influencing public discourse and strengthening protections and rights for Black, minoritised and migrant victim-survivors.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: South Wales Skylight to work hybrid in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy, with an expectation to work a minimum of one day a week from the Skylight more as per business requirements

Contract: Permanent

About the role

The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Wales role at Crisis is an exciting opportunity to make a big difference in our mission to end homelessness. Through collaborating with colleagues, our frontline services, our members with lived experience of homelessness, key partners, civil servants and Members of the Senedd, you will help to develop and push for impactful policy change in Wales.

With the next Senedd term fast approaching and new homelessness legislation expected, you will be joining the team at a critical time in our calls for bold action to end homelessness in Wales. The postholder will be passionate about achieving fairness and equity, advocating for others, and achieving social justice through policy change.

About you

· Excellent knowledge of national and local government structures across Wales, with a proven track record for  effectively influencing policy

· Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and concisely to a range of audiences

· Dedication to seeking effective policy change to help end homelessness, valuing the importance of lived experience in policy development

· Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, collaborating with colleagues and building a network across key partners

· Experienced in working in a busy environment, prioritising workloads and working to deadline

· While not essential for the role, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.  

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

· A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.

• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy. 
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave. 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm 
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly 
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview and a written task

Interview date and location: Friday 6th February 2026 (in-person) at Crisis Skylight, South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team will contact you to discuss how we can help. 

For more information about our work please visit

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

We are a charity representing and advocating for people living with dyslexia. Our mission is simple but powerful: to influence government and institutions so that society becomes truly dyslexia-friendly – enabling individuals of all ages to reach their full potential.

This is a key role leading our parliamentary engagement and policy development, ensuring that dyslexic children, young people, families, and adults have a strong voice in Westminster, Whitehall, and across the UK. Working closely with senior leaders, campaigns and media colleagues, and external partners, you’ll help shape policy and drive change in education, health, and employment.

Your work will make sure policymakers understand the barriers dyslexic people face - and the evidence-based solutions we champion. You’ll ensure our positions are grounded in lived experience, research, and best practice, and that our engagement is proactive, impactful, and aligned with our mission.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver a parliamentary engagement strategy to advance our policy priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers, and civil servants.
• Provide timely briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities for early influence.
• Lead policy research and produce clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
• Represent the charity at events, roundtables, and forums.
• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy insights inform campaigns and communications.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven, up-to-date experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement, or a related policy-influencing role, with a  strong track record of delivering impact.
• Strong understanding of UK parliamentary and governmental processes.
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Political awareness, strategic thinking, and confident networking ability.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.

Please review the full job description for complete details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.

Why Join Us?

This is your chance to make a real difference – shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change.

Closing date: 14 January 2026 (5pm). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Use of AI in Applications
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you.

To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice.

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

About The Role

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

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

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

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

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

About You

We are seeking an individual with:

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

About Us

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

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

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

Why you’ll love working at WWT

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

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

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

Closing Date: 18th January 2026
We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications from candidates who meet the required skills and experience. We therefore encourage early applications.

Interested?

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

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

No agencies please.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to drive ARMA’s engagement with political and health sector stakeholders and lead our communications. Working closely with the CEO, you'll help raise the profile of the Alliance, influence policy outcomes, and support members to collaborate to effect change.

Over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in the UK.

ARMA brings together patient charities, professional bodies, research organisations and industry partners to work together for better MSK treatment, care and support.

You can help us to make MSK health a higher national priority and thereby improve the lives of millions of people.  You can also make a wide ranging contribution to us developing as a charity and Alliance.  This role will offer lots of opportunity for personal and professional development.

Key responsibilities

· Develop and implement ARMA's influencing and political engagement plans.

· Build relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government departments, and advisers.

· Monitor research, policy and legislative developments affecting MSK health.

· Draft briefings, consultation responses, letters, and parliamentary correspondence.

· Represent ARMA at meetings, roundtables, and political events.

· Chair and manage meetings and webinars comprising the policy and communications leads of member organisations.

· Lead and co-ordinate the annual Bone and Joint Week campaign activity and the combined efforts of member organisations.

· Develop and manage campaigns and external communications that promote the work of ARMA and our members, including social media channels, our monthly newsletter and website.

· Assist the CEO in policy and public affairs work and support the wider delivery of our strategy and operational plan, as required.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

· Experience working in a public affairs, parliamentary, or policy role either in-house, in an agency, or in a political setting.

· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.

· First rate written and verbal communication skills.

· A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.

· An interest in health policy.

· Alignment with our vision and values.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected and important charity at the heart of a growing Alliance of organisations. You'll have autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact whilst working with high profile members and stakeholders.

Nacro is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Policy & Public Affairs to lead our strategic policy development and influencing work with Government, officials, and other key decision-makers. This pivotal role will shape and deliver a high-impact policy and public affairs strategy that improves the lives of the people we support—those affected by the criminal justice system, housing insecurity, and barriers to education.

You will be Nacro’s senior voice in government spaces, the media, and across the public affairs landscape. You will ensure our policy positions are evidence-based, rooted in lived experience, and influential at the highest levels.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy & Public Affairs

• Lead Nacro’s strategic policy and public affairs activity with Government, parliamentarians, officials, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a compelling public affairs strategy that drives meaningful change.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with senior policymakers.
• Represent Nacro externally, including with senior stakeholders and in the media.
• Oversee the development of evidence-based policy positions and research projects that support Nacro’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure service user experience informs all policy and influencing work.
• Produce and oversee high-quality policy outputs including consultation responses, briefings, reports, blogs, and media commentary.
• Safeguard Nacro’s reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of insight and expertise.
• Provide strategic political intelligence and advice to the Director of Engagement & Impact and the Chief Executive.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and support a high-performing team, setting clear direction and expectations.
• Model Nacro’s values and behaviours, enabling a positive, inclusive, and accountable culture.
• Manage communication channels effectively, ensuring key organisational messages are understood and cascaded.
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and hold regular one-to-one meetings.
• Support professional development and wellbeing across the team while driving innovation and high standards.
• Take responsibility for all aspects of people management, including recruitment, conduct, performance, and attendance.
• Recognise, reward, and encourage excellent performance.
   

Leadership Across the Organisation

• Play an active role in the Senior Leadership Team, helping to drive organisational strategy.
• Operate both strategically and operationally, identifying opportunities and risks for Nacro.
   

Professional Expertise

• Significant senior-level experience in policy and public affairs.
• Strong track record of leading policy campaigns that delivered real impact.
• Excellent political awareness, judgement, and communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of criminal justice, education, young people’s policy, or housing policy (desirable).

Performance & Compliance

• Set and deliver directorate performance targets, ensuring effective management of budgets and resources.
• Oversee health & safety responsibilities in your area.
• Contribute to business development and bid work in partnership with relevant teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping and reporting.
• Promote and uphold Nacro’s values, safeguarding, data protection, and equality and diversity policies.
• Represent Nacro positively, building strong internal and external relationships.

Why Join Nacro?

We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

If you are a strategic thinker, an influential communicator, and passionate about social justice—we want to hear from you.

 Apply now to lead change where it matters most

5Rights is seeking to recruit an exceptional, UK-based Policy and Public Affairs professional to take forward our ground-breaking digital policy and corporate accountability work.​
​
About 5Rights​​

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

Role Purpose​

We are seeking to recruit an ambitious and driven Public Affairs Officer to support the delivery of our advocacy strategy in the UK. Reporting to the Head of UK Affairs, you will play a vital role in analysing policy and political developments, crafting engaging briefings and reports, and nurturing relationships with essential stakeholders in civil society and politics.​​

Key Responsibilities​

The core responsibilities and tasks are:

• ​To lead on analysis of UK policy and political developments and legislative and regulatory materials.
• ​To support on drafting briefings, position papers, consultation responses and reports in line with 5Rights positions.  
• ​To support in building and maintaining relationships important to the UK team’s work with key partners, political stakeholders, and stakeholders in civil society and beyond, both individually and as part of coalitions. 
• ​To support on briefing political stakeholders, senior colleagues, or external partners on 5Rights positions and take the lead on arranging events for a range of different audiences.   
• ​To support with the organisation of the UK team, including arranging internal and external briefings, creating, and maintaining stakeholder lists, research depositories and other databases as are relevant.  
• ​To support on creating content for social media and external channels. ​​

Person specification

• ​You will have at least two years’ experience in a public affairs, UK parliament or other relevant role.  
• ​You will have an understanding of the UK parliamentary system and an interest in UK politics.  
• ​You will be a confident and clear communicator, both verbally and in writing.  
• ​You will be well organised with the ability to manage competing tasks and projects at the same time.  
• ​You will be looking to develop new skills and be comfortable working independently on certain projects.   
• ​You will have a commitment to our values and mission.  
• ​You will have an interest in children’s rights, the tech industry and digital services and products.  ​​

Practical details

​Location: This is a remote-working position based in London, with access to a co-working office space two times per week.

​Salary: £34,500 per annum. The final offer will depend on skills and experience.

​Working hours: Full time (38 hours per week), with occasional accommodation necessary for work across time-zones. 

​Statutory pension contribution

​25 days annual leave + 1/day per year worked

​Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.

​Starting date: ASAP, depending on notice period.

​Reporting line: Head of UK Affairs, based in the UK​​

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

How to apply​

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter via the link on our website by 11th January 2026. Please include where your heard about this role. ​

Public Affairs and Policy Officer

Salary: £43,392 per annum pro-rata FTE

Duration: 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Location: London (Hybrid - 2 days per week in the office, Thursdays plus one other day)

Are you an experienced policy and public affairs professional with a strong understanding of the UK political system and a passion for influencing change?

About the Organisation

Charity People are delighted to be partnering with a respected professional membership organisation, dedicated to advancing healthcare through education, training, and advocacy. They set standards for specialist training, influence government policy, and promote public understanding of their field. Their work underpins patient care and ensures high-quality practice across the UK and internationally.

About the Role

As Public Affairs and Policy Officer, you will play a key role in shaping policy and advocacy work. Reporting to the Press and Communications Manager, you will help raise awareness of key organisational policies, influence parliamentarians and policymakers, and contribute to projects that impact healthcare and patient outcomes.

About You

You will join a busy Communications Directorate, which enhances the organisation's reputation through media, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. In this role, you will:

• Develop and deliver a policy and public affairs work programme.
• Raise awareness of key policies to influence parliamentarians, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Support projects and advocacy work, drafting policy briefings and reports.
• Work across directorates and with members to develop policy proposals and public affairs activities.
• Provide advice to senior staff and ensure that influencing work aligns with organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop policy positions, briefings, and influencing plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with politicians, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Draft responses to parliamentary and government consultations.
• Support advocacy projects and prepare reports for senior leadership.
• Represent the organisation at meetings and events to promote policy positions.

Key skills needed to succeed in this role:

• Strong understanding of UK political systems and parliamentary procedures.
• Experience drafting policy documents and translating complex concepts for policymakers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise, work under pressure, and adapt to changing policy environments.
• Collaborative, diplomatic, and resilient approach.
• Advanced IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CMS

How to Apply

Please apply without delay, as we are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis for this urgent role.

Closing date: Wednesday 7th January at 9:00

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Nacro is looking for a committed and politically astute Policy & Public Affairs Officer – Criminal Justice to play a key role in delivering our influencing strategy. You will help shape Nacro’s policy positions on criminal justice issues and deliver proactive and reactive public affairs activity that drives meaningful change for the people we support.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about social justice, who understands the political landscape and is confident producing high-quality policy materials, engaging with parliamentarians, and representing Nacro externally.

 

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Monitor and analyse political and policy developments in criminal justice to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Work with service users, staff, and research colleagues to develop evidence-based policy positions.
• Produce high-quality policy briefings, reports, and consultation responses.
• Serve as Nacro’s internal expert on criminal justice policy.
   

Public Affairs & Influencing

• Develop and deliver a public affairs plan that advances Nacro’s influencing objectives.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, and regional decision-makers.
• Attend and represent Nacro at APPGs, parliamentary meetings, and external events.
• Produce parliamentary briefings and contribute to legislative engagement.
• Organise and coordinate parliamentary and stakeholder events that support influencing goals.
• Work collaboratively with partners across the sector to strengthen joint advocacy.
   

Communications & Support

• Provide content for media statements, blogs, and external communications.
• Prepare briefings for senior leaders including the Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Director of Engagement & Impact, and CEO.
• Support wider Nacro campaigns and influencing work as required.
   

Professional & Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of criminal justice policy.
• In-depth understanding of Westminster, Whitehall, and political processes.
• Experience designing and delivering effective public affairs activity.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decision-makers.
• Experience working with parliamentarians and developing strong relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience producing policy and campaign materials.
• Strong political awareness and the ability to anticipate developments.
   

Organisational Performance & Compliance

• Commit to personal learning and development through supervision and appraisal.
• Positively promote Nacro and contribute to an integrated, collaborative team culture focused on supporting service users and students.
• Adhere to safeguarding, data protection, and statutory responsibilities.
• Uphold and promote Nacro’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Report any health and safety concerns within your area.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour aligned with Nacro’s values.
  
   

Why Join Nacro?

We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

If you’re passionate about driving change, skilled at navigating political environments, and eager to develop your policy and influencing expertise - we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape a fairer future.

As charity Eden Project looks to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2026, we are looking for a creative and strategic PR, confident in developing and executing behaviour-change campaigns, building engagement through compelling storytelling, targeted communications and inspiring content that encourages community participation and nature connection across the UK.

Eden Project is an educational charity delivering UK-wide community outreach programmes that focus on encouraging positive action for people and planet and creating social capital on a mass scale.

Working into the Head of PR and Public Affairs and collaborating closely with the wider PR, Marketing, Digital, Partnerships and Programme Delivery teams, the purpose of this role is to support the development and delivery of campaigns that deliver media reach to engage and inspire more people to take part in The Big Lunch, The Big Help Out and Nature Connections initiatives.

The post holder will plan and deliver integrated, creative campaigns that build awareness, drive participation and deepen connection with Eden’s brand and charitable mission. They will ensure campaign messages and materials are audience-focused, brand-aligned and strategically delivered in media.

Some of the benefits of working at the Eden Project include;

• Free entry to Eden and Heligan for family and friends
• 30 days holiday plus an extra day for your birthday 
• Access to UNUM for wellbeing support
• Financial wellbeing support – access to 121 sessions with an independent financial advisor
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development
• Option to ‘purchase leave’, up to an extra 2 weeks a year
• Enhanced pension scheme (above auto-enrolment rates)
• Death in service policy (4 x annual salary)

The closing date for applications is Friday 9 January 2026

Salary: £46,698 (London) / £42,373 (National) per annum

Hours:                       35 hrs per week

Contract: Fixed term contract (until March 2027)

Benefits

· 27 days annual leave + statutory holidays + 3 closures days over the Christmas period;

· Flexible working for all staff including working from home / hybrid working, and flexi-time/TOIL scheme;

· Attractive family friendly policies;

· Private healthcare cover;

· Season ticket loans;

· Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.

For more information about our benefits please visit our website.

Office locations:  London, Bristol or homeworker

The role will involve spending a substantial amount of time in the East of England (including early starts/late finishes and overnight stays where required) and regular travel nationwide for NHF events and meetings. 

Please note, if office based, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days in-person working per week on average which will include attendance at your office location.

Flexible working arrangements can be discussed and agreed with the line manager subject to role and business needs.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) to join our team of External Affairs Managers on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around 6 million people. You can find further information about the NHF on our website.

Could you be our new External Affairs Manager, working closely with our housing association members across the East of England?

This is a unique and varied role which would appeal to someone with a background in areas such as stakeholder management, policy, public affairs, communications, programme management – or a combination of these areas! For example, you may be looking to step into a role to further develop your leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, whilst still building on your policy or programme management experience and knowledge.

You will operate at the heart of social housing by working with key decision makers across the housing association sector – including managing relationships with chief executives, chairs of boards and executive directors. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential to the role, as well as the confidence to work at the most senior levels.  

It is crucial that you can work collegiately to lead key programmes of work across the NHF with colleagues in other teams, for example from our policy, press, events, and public affairs teams. Equally, you will be comfortable working autonomously and shaping your own work programme.

The core of the role involves being responsible for engagement with a whole geographic region of our membership; and working closely on or leading one of the NHF’s key themes of work, which include areas such as supported housing; devolution; developing new homes; decarbonising existing homes; ensuring the building safety agenda is delivered; or representing our rural or smaller housing associations.

The role is wide ranging and in addition to stakeholder management and programme leadership, will include running roundtables between our members and government, chairing sessions at NHF conferences, and presenting political and policy updates to senior teams within housing associations.

You will be part of a team of eight External Affairs Managers sitting within the member services directorate, which is there to ensure that we provide excellent value for money for our housing association members.

Key elements of the role:

· You will build and maintain brilliant relationships with housing associations leaders, using your well-developed communication and advocacy skills to maximum effect.

· You will develop knowledge, insight and understanding of housing associations to shape our policy and influencing work and to create structured programmes of member engagement on critical policy and political issues.

· You will be the contact point for housing associations in your region, ensuring they receive first class customer service on the issues which matter to them. Working closely with NHF members you will facilitate the organisation of regional chief executive or leaders forums and sounding boards.

· In addition to your regional work, you will lead on the strategic planning and delivery of a key NHF policy priority. This will require collaborative working with colleagues from across the organisation and working with members across every region and specialism.  You will play a leadership role, creating structured engagement strategies to ensure members are able to influence policy as well as engaging key NHF stakeholders and sharing best practice.

· Your role will be to implement structured member engagement to ensure our policy priorities, positions and influencing work are member-led. This will include working directly with members to inform our policy positions and lead our influencing work.

· You will influence debates at the highest level and you will spot in advance and act strategically to mitigate the risk to our membership. As such, this role requires a high degree of political and organisational acumen and the ability to horizon scan.

· You will work with colleagues in our Commercial and Events teams to maximise commercial opportunities and help shape content at our conferences, as well chairing conference sessions.

· To be the face and voice of the NHF with members, stakeholders and the media.

· To ensure that as an organisation we deliver as a whole team, seamlessly, to members to achieve greatest impact in line with the business strategy.

· To maintain high quality standards and follow NHF policy and process.

The successful candidate:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

· A sound knowledge and understanding of housing associations and issues affecting the wider sector.

· A sound understanding of the political and policy landscape that housing associations operate in.

· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of establishing and maintaining relationships with senior stakeholders, demonstrating excellent customer service and value for money.

· Effective communication skills, in person and in writing, including the ability to credibly and confidently present at meetings and events.

· Ability to listen to and influence senior stakeholders, demonstrating diplomacy, effective communication and negotiation skills.

· Clear leadership skills, able to lead complex and strategic programmes of work effectively, including experience of matrix managing and motivating a team.

· Excellent analytical skills and strategic nous with the ability to summarise complex information effectively to aid decision making.

· A commitment to excellent customer service.

· A positive, energetic and agile approach to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The NHF has published its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which was co-created with staff. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.  

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBTQ+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.

Disability confident employer

We are a disability confident employer and if you are a disabled person who meets the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.

Please note: there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as high-volume of applications, we may be required to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
In these circumstances the NHF will select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants. This is in line with the Disability Confident guidelines.

We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please contact the People team with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.

Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.

Completing our Application Form

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. The application form includes your employment and education history plus you will be asked to answer questions in relation to your knowledge, skills and experience, why you are applying for the role and questions in relation to our values. The application form is anonymous and will not require you to upload a CV or cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.

Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship

You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: 4 January 2026

Interview date: 14 and 15 January 2026