Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Michael Page (UK); Remote; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health charity based in the UK is seeking a Head of Policy and Public Affairs to design and implement a public affairs program. The role involves engaging with key stakeholders like parliamentarians and healthcare professionals, and leading strategic policy projects. This home-based position comes with a competitive salary of £50,000 to £55,000 and offers an opportunity to impact the UK's health policy landscape. Passion for patient experience is essential.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Home-based position

Opportunity for travel

Qualifications

• Proven experience in policy development and public affairs.
• Track record of delivering policy initiatives and influencing health systems.
• Experience engaging with senior external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead a public affairs program.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders including parliamentarians and civil servants.
• Work with communications to shape campaigns.

Skills

Policy development

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Job description

About Our Client

Our client is a health charity founded in 2013 by those with lived experience and clinicians, and since have grown into a respected national charity rooted in community and evidence. Through steady leadership and outstanding work, they have found themselves in a position of growth and are looking to hire this Head of Policy and Public Affairs role to further their impact in the UK health policy landscape.

Job Description

Key responsibilities:

• Design and lead a strong public affairs program, bringing policy priorities and influencing objectives to life through targeted engagement with key stakeholders
• Develop long-lasting organisational relationships with key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, civil servants, healthcare professions, and NHS commissioners
• Work with the Communications team to shape campaigns with a strong evidence-base and patient experience at their heart, and to keep our supporters and stakeholders updated on our influencing activity and policy work
• Lead the development and delivery of our strategic policy projects
• Represent the charity at forums, networks, and conferences to advocate for equitable care and raise our profile as a service provider and partner
• Provide effective leadership to direct report(s), ensuring clear objectives, professional development opportunities, and wellbeing support
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to secure income for project development and ensure resources are managed effectively and deliver value for money

The Successful Applicant

Essential:

• Proven experience in policy development and public affairs
• A track record of delivering policy initiatives and influencing health systems (national, regional, or local)
• Experience of stakeholder engagement with senior external stakeholders, such as parliamentarians, civil servants, commissioners, and healthcare professionals
• Knowledge of the UK healthcare landscape and the role of the voluntary sector in influencing health bodies and government decision-making
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to see the big picture, identify opportunities, and translate strategy into operational delivery
• A commitment to ensuring patient voice and lived experience are at the heart of shaping policy
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a track record of building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams

What's on Offer

• Salary ranging from £50,000 to £55,000 per annum (potential flex).
• Opportunity to work within a growing, well-respected and impactful health charity.
• Home based permanent position, with occasional travel to meetings.
• Chance to be at the heart of policy and public affairs initiatives.

If you are an experienced, strategic health policy leader who is passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply today for this Head of Policy and Public Affairs role!