Public Affairs Work Experience

Public Affairs Work Experience

Are you interested in public affairs and passionate about supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication challenges? Speech and Language UK is offering an exciting 3-week volunteer work experience placement from 15 June to 3 July 2026

Role Overview:

The successful applicant will play a key role in supporting the Public Affairs team with a committee event in Westminster on 22 June 2026. You’ll be involved in the full event lifecycle, from preparation to delivery and follow-up reporting.

This is a hybrid role, requiring:

• 4 days per week in our London office (09:00–15:00)
• Remote working on Fridays

How will you contribute to our cause?

• Support the Public Affairs team with event preparation, helping ensure a high-quality and impactful event
• Assist with the smooth logistical running of the Westminster committee event
• Contribute on the day by supporting delivery and engaging professionally with stakeholders
• Produce a clear, well-structured report to share key outcomes and support ongoing advocacy work

What we are looking for:

• Strong written communication skills
• Confidence in supporting events in a professional environment
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team
• An interest in public affairs and/or supporting children and young people with communication needs

You don’t need previous experience - just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

About Us:

We are Speech and Language UK – we want every child to face the future with confidence. For 2 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feel like an impossible hurdle. Without the right help, this can destroy their world. They feel disconnected from their family. Unable to make friends. Unfairly punished for not following instructions they don’t understand. What does the future hold for them?

Why Us?

Speech and Language UK is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for children and young people with speech and language challenges. If you’re ready to make a difference in a supportive, mission-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you.

What can you gain from this work experience?

• Hands-on experience working in a Public Affairs team within a national charity
• Insight into how events are planned and delivered, including a Westminster-based committee event
• Experience of working in both an office and remote (hybrid) environment
• A better understanding of how organisations influence policy and advocate for children and young people with communication needs
• The chance to build confidence, develop workplace skills, and strengthen your CV

Practical considerations and time commitment:

This work experience runs for three weeks, from 15 June to 3 July and you will be expected to attend 4 days per week in our London office (09:00–15:00) with Fridays working remotely.

You must be available to attend a Westminster-based committee event on 22 June 2026.

This is an unpaid work experience opportunity, but reasonable travel expenses will be covered and a small lunch stipend will be provided

You will receive a full induction and ongoing support from your named contact.

How to Apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, addressing how you meet the criteria outlined in this advert

For any queries about this work experience please contact Lucy Lee, Policy and Public Affairs Assistant (please contact us for email details)

Closing date for applications: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 9am, with interviews being held via Teams w/c 1st June 2026

Accessibility Support:

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can make the application process work for you. Please contact our People Team and we will be happy to assist you.

We are Disability Confident Committed under the Disability Confident Scheme.

This is an unpaid voluntary work experience opportunity designed for students who want to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to work supporting families. This is not an employed role.