This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.
You will lead BIHR’s external communications - including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.
Please note this is not an entry‑level role.
Key Responsibilities
Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.
Communications
- Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
- Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
- Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
- Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
- Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
- Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
- Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.
Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning
- Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
- Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
- Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
- Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
- Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.
Government & Parliamentary Engagement
- Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
- Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
- Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
- Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
- Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
- Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
- Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.
Other organisational requirements
- Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
- Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
- Undertake other duties as required.
Who the Role Is Suitable For
This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.
You’ll thrive if you:
- Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
- Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
- Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
- Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
- Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
- Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.
Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.
Applying for the role
Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:
- Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and intterview process/timing.
- Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).
Please also note that:
- Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
- You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
BIHR's mission is to champion the Human Rights Act as a practical tool for everyday justice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About you
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced individual, who is capable of creating and delivering a strategic approach to commercial partnership development. The role requires an inspiring, solutions-focused and forward-thinking individual, with a proven track record in commercial development. Candidates should have an understanding of the relationship between charities and the healthcare industry, including pharmaceutical companies, and be able to show relevant experience of taking a strategic approach to creating and further developing a commercial development proposition, within either the voluntary or private sectors.
A self-starter, happy working independently, and as part of a team, we are looking for a strategic thinker with well-developed business/commercial skills and the ability to translate strategy into action. The successful candidate will be an accomplished communicator, who is able to create new and build existing relationships, and work in partnership with internal and external stakeholders. As well as creating strategy, you will need to be comfortable delivering all aspects of business development including initial prospecting, preparation, presentation, negotiating, handling objections, closing, and ongoing partnerships stewardship and development.
About the role
After extensive scoping work throughout 2025, we are launching an exciting project to create a step change in the way we deliver our organisational knowledge, clinical expertise and information to add commercial value to potential customers across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies. This new role of Head of Commercial Development will own the creation, development and delivery of this work.
You will be responsible for leading the creation of a commercial proposition for Myeloma UK, which will deepen relationships with the healthcare industry, pharmaceutical industry and other associated sectors, to promote Myeloma UK’s knowledge and expertise for commercial return. You will lead, develop and deliver our commercial development strategy, to include research, partner development and ongoing portfolio growth and development, to deliver a long-term, sustainably growing income stream from Myeloma UK’s commercial relationships. In addition, you will be expected to develop strong collaborative relationships with all stakeholders, including key individuals across the organisation.
About us
Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on the incurable blood cancer, myeloma and its related conditions. We provide support and influence access to treatments, while researching a cure. Thanks to life-extending treatments and support, today many people affected by myeloma are able to live longer and to live well. Together, we support, so no one faces myeloma alone.
We are committed to bringing together the best and brightest people to help us ensure that every person affected by myeloma has an empowered present and a hopeful future.
Our ultimate goal is to find a cure and make myeloma history. Until then, our mission is to help every person living with myeloma, live well, for as long as possible. We are committed to diagnosing myeloma earlier, discovering and sharing knowledge, transforming the patient experience and influencing positive change.
Our culture
Wellbeing and staff engagement are at the heart of our culture. We offer employees a range of benefits including a pension salary exchange scheme, flexitime, flexible working which includes both home and hub-based office working, health plan, employee assistance plan and holiday purchase scheme. We are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all our employees.
How to apply
If you think you would be a great fit for this role, get in touch and tell us more about yourself by sending us:
1. A cover letter (no more than 2 pages long) telling us more about you and what you think makes you a good fit for this role
2. A CV that sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements
Applications close at 9.00 am on 23 February 2026. First interviews will be held on 2 March 2026, with second and third stages taking place on 4 and 9 March 2026.
Myeloma UK is an equal opportunities employer and always welcomes applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of:
· sex
· race
· disability
· age
· sexual orientation
· gender reassignment
· religion or belief
· marital status
· or pregnancy and maternity
Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.