Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Murray McIntosh & Associates Limited; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in the UK seeks a Head of Policy and Public Affairs to shape its influencing and advocacy efforts. This pivotal role involves leading a dedicated team to drive policy changes and represent the voice of families raising disabled or seriously ill children. The ideal candidate will have extensive public affairs experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. The position is home-based with monthly travel to York, offering a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional growth opportunities

Home-based working

Collaborative national team

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level experience in public affairs, policy, and advocacy.
• A track record of developing and delivering successful influencing strategies.
• Strong knowledge of parliamentary processes across the UK.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver Family Fund's policy and public affairs agenda.
• Lead and inspire a team of nation-based managers.
• Build relationships with parliamentarians and key policy stakeholders.
• Develop evidence-based campaigns and policy 'asks'.
• Champion the voice of families, ensuring engagement is accessible.
• Represent Family Fund at parliamentary events.
• Collaborate with colleagues across research and communications.
• Contribute to strategic development as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

Skills

Public affairs experience

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Shape the Future for Families Raising Disabled Children Murray McIntosh is proud to be partnering with Family Fund, the UK's leading charity supporting families raising disabled or seriously ill children, to appoint their first-ever Head of Policy and Public Affairs.

Find out more about the daily tasks, overall responsibilities, and required experience for this opportunity by scrolling down now.

This is a rare opportunity to join a values-driven, ambitious organisation at a pivotal moment- helping to shape a new era of influencing and advocacy for families who need it most.

About Family Fund

For over 50 years, Family Fund has provided vital grants, practical support, and a powerful voice families facing multiple challenges.

As the charity embarks on an exciting new chapter, it is investing in its influencing work- ensuring the voices of families are heard at the highest levels of government and public discourse.

The Role

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will lead a dedicated team and play a central role in Family Fund's newly formed External Affairs Directorate. You'll develop and deliver strategies that drive meaningful policy change, working closely with research and communications colleagues to amplify the voices of families across the UK. You'll be joining a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive organisation, with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Working with regional managers, you'll help shape Family Fund's future direction and make a tangible difference to thousands of families.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and deliver Family Fund's policy and public affairs agenda, with clear success measures.
• Lead and inspire a team of four nation-based managers and a coordinator, developing actionable plans for each UK nation.
• Build and maintain relationships with parliamentarians, civil servants, and key policy stakeholders.
• Develop evidence-based campaigns and policy "asks" in four priority areas: financial security, family breaks, play/sport/physical activity, and digital inclusion.
• Champion the voice of families, ensuring all engagement is inclusive and accessible.
• Represent Family Fund at parliamentary events and sector forums.
• Collaborate with colleagues across research and communications to maximise impact.
• Contribute to the strategic development of Family Fund as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

About You

You will bring :

• Extensive senior-level experience in public affairs, policy, and advocacy.
• A track record of developing and delivering successful influencing strategies.
• Strong knowledge of parliamentary processes across the UK.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership skills.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to Family Fund's mission and values.

Why Join Family Fund?

Be part of a supportive, ambitious, and inclusive charity making a real difference.

Shape a new, high-profile function with strong backing from trustees and executive leadership.

Home-based working with a collaborative national team.

Competitive salary and benefits, plus opportunities for professional growth.

Location

Location : Home-based (with monthly travel to York, expenses covered). Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader and committed to inclusive recruitment.

Interview questions are shared in advance, and adjustments are available throughout the process.