Head of Influencing, Policy and Public Affairs

COMMUNITY INTEGRATED CARE; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Head of Influencing, Policy & Public Affairs

Community Integrated Care is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we are looking to recruit an experiencedHead of Influencing, Policy and Public Affairsto join our Communications Team.

This is a full-time, permanent post and you can be based anywhere in the United Kingdom but you must be able to travel to our head office in Widnes at least once a month.

What is The Deal for you?

• Flexibility! You can work your full-time hours over 4 days and enjoy a long weekend or work over 5 days to accommodate your other commitments.
• Hybrid Working! Do you like to work from home? Or do you prefer being in an office? With this role you have the option of working from home and from our Support Services office.
• Benefits: Retail discounts, holiday discounts, cycle to work scheme and travel discounts through our benefits app.
• Development: We'll work with you to develop your career or to learn and experience new things. We're passionate about developing our people!
• Dare to Learn: Access to our amazing online training platform where you can upskill taking a variety of courses and qualifications.
• Support: From our Employee Assistance Programme (available 24/7), financial support options, and wellbeing fund you'll have the support available to lead an easier (financial) life.

Are you a strategic, purpose-driven leader, passionate about social equality? Ready to shape national policy, influence public discourse, and make a real impact in social care? Then we could have the perfect opportunity for you.

Community Integrated Care, one of the UK’s largest social care charities, is seeking a visionaryHead of Influencing, Policy & Public Affairs to join our award-winning team. This is a rare opportunity to play a senior role in a bold, progressive and values-led organisation, dedicated to shaping the future of social care.

About Us

We support over 2,500 people and employ 6,000+ colleagues across England and Scotland. We champion fair pay, fair funding, and every person’s right to liveThe Best Life Possible. From ourUnfair To Care campaign to our media presence and sector-leading research, we’re building a reputation as a credible, informed voice—and now, we want to drive lasting policy change.

Your Impact

As our Head of Influencing, Policy & Public Affairs, you’ll lead on:

• Policy & Advocacy – Shaping and delivering our policy agenda across England and Scotland. Leading research, consultation responses, and the creation of compelling policy materials.
• Public Affairs – Developing and delivering our strategy to strengthen our charity’s voice. Securing media opportunities, speaking engagements, and meetings with key decision-makers.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Building strong relationships with government, regulators, and sector leaders to advance our mission.
• External Representation – Representing the charity at key forums, industry events, and consultations, acting as a credible and compelling spokesperson on policy matters.

Please download the job description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.

About You

You’ll be an ambitious, dynamic, politically astute changemaker with:

• Senior experience in public affairs, policy, or government relations
• A deep interest in political and social issues with a solid grasp of the UK’s political and policy landscape
• A strong record of delivering successful, outcome-driven campaigns
• Excellent communication skills with a flair for impactful messaging
• A collaborative, tenacious attitude and drive to make a difference
• An established network and the credibility to influence at the highest levels

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job — it’s a chance to change lives. You’ll join a passionate, ambitious team with a strong platform, clear values, and an unwavering mission. You’ll enjoy:

• A leadership role with autonomy, impact, and national reach
• Support from an award-winning communications and campaigns team
• Flexible, hybrid working options
• A chance to build your career legacy in a pioneering, purpose-led organisation

Apply now and join us in shaping a fairer, stronger, and more compassionate future for social care.

Closing date: 29^th April 2025.

Interviews: week commencing 12^th May 2025 (Widnes, Cheshire) (Date TBC).

Please note, if you are interested in this role, we welcome your application as soon as possible! Depending on the volume of applications received, the vacancy may be closed before the expected advertising end date.

Interested and want to know a bit more?

To find out more about our charity check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-zYkoj7x8s

We’re really proud to be a Hive HR Employee Voice Certified organisation, a recognition that confirms our commitment to creating a culture where our colleagues are not only encouraged to share their thoughts, but where this feedback is actively sought and acted upon to drive positive change at every level.

In our 2025 Colleague Engagement Survey, 59% (nearly 3,800) of our people shared their feedback and insights, giving us an incredible Employee Net Promoter Score of +34. This is a measure of how positively our colleagues talk about us – and +34 is an excellent score compared to other organisations!