Policy and Public Affairs Volunteer

Rainbow Trust; Chelmsford; Remote; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's charity in Chelmsford is offering a volunteer role to support their policy and public affairs work. Join a dedicated team to influence government support for families with terminally ill children. Ideal for those with a keen interest in public affairs, this role involves monitoring parliamentary activities, conducting research, and drafting communications. Flexibility in hours is offered, preferably one day a week, and can be done remotely.

Benefits

Gain experience in charity public affairs

Flexible working hours

Reimbursement of travel expenses

Qualifications

• Strong research and written communication skills are essential.
• Must be reliable and organized.
• Interest in public affairs or policy is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Monitor parliamentary activities relevant to policy priorities.
• Draft briefings and questions for decision-makers.
• Research organizations affecting policy issues.

Skills

Research skills

Written communication

Organizational skills

Proactivity

Interest in public affairs

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Job description

This is an exciting time to join Rainbow Trust's Policy and Public Affairs work. With a comparatively new government, the development of a new NHS 10-Year Plan, and our own 40th anniversary in 2026, there is real momentum for influencing change. At Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, we enable families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it, for as long as it is needed. We pair each family with an Family Support Worker who becomes a trusted and constant person in family life. Do you have an interest in politics and public affairs? Want to help ensure families with a life-threatening or terminally ill child are better supported by government and public services? Rainbow Trust Children's Charity is looking for a volunteer to support our Policy and Public Affairs work. Depending on your interest and skills, your role may include:

Responsibilities

• Monitoring parliamentary activity and government consultations relevant to Rainbow Trust's policy priorities.
• Summarising key debates, reports or announcements.
• Researching MPs, Peers, civil servants, or organisations working in our areas of interest.
• Helping to support our secretariat for the National Council for Child Health and Wellbeing (NCCHW).
• Drafting briefings, questions, or template letters for MPs or decision-Makers, arranging meetings and taking notes.
• Researching background information to inform our policy positions and stakeholder engagement.
• Updating and maintaining our stakeholder list and engagement tracker.
• Supporting the organisation and preparation of events, roundtables or panel discussions.
• Keeping an eye on media coverage of key issues affecting the families we support.
• Suggesting ways to highlight Rainbow Trust's policy work on social media.
• In time, taking on projects such as drafting initial responses to consultations, preparing parliamentary questions, or leading on a specific piece of work.

Person Specification / Qualifications

• A keen interest in public affairs or policy.
• Strong research and written communication skills.
• Reliable, organised and proactive in managing time and tasks.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Able to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• An understanding of or willingness to learn about the issues affecting families with a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

Commitment

• Ideally, at least one day a week (this can be done over two half days), but not Fridays. This volunteering role can be carried out remotely.
• This is a remote and flexible role, and we are happy to discuss what works best for you.

Training and support

• A full induction to Rainbow Trust.
• Ongoing support from the Policy and Public Affairs Lead.
• Training relevant to your role, including safeguarding, data protection, and working with sensitive material.
• Opportunities to learn about policy and public affairs influencing, children's social palliative care, and how charities engage with decision-makers.

Why choose Rainbow Trust?

• Join a friendly and committed team making a real difference for families.
• Gain valuable experience in charity public affairs and policy work.
• Build your skills in research, writing and stakeholder engagement.
• Invitations to volunteer social events and access to training.
• Reimbursement reasonable of out-of-pocket travel expenses.
• We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisation and a leading charity for children and young people.

• Restrictions: Must be 18 or over.