Senior Policy Manager - Palliative and End of Life Care

MARIE CURIE; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading end-of-life charity in the UK is seeking a Policy Lead to influence and drive strategic change in palliative care. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in policy development and strong communication skills. This permanent, full-time role offers a salary of £45,000-50,000, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme with matching contributions

Loan schemes for bikes and computers

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience of leading impactful policy change in palliative and end-of-life care.
• Demonstrable ability to use research and practice evidence for policy development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of evidence-based policy positions.
• Analyse complex policy developments for influencing opportunities.
• Build and manage relationships with policymakers.

Skills

Policy development

Communication skills

Political astuteness

Analytical skills

Relationship management

Job description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

You’ll join Marie Curie’s Policy and Public Affairs team in our Research & Policy Directorate, working alongside passionate colleagues across the UK to champion better palliative and end of life care. We collaborate with governments, the NHS, social care, the voluntary sector, researchers, and people with lived experience to deliver lasting change.

In this strategic role, you will shape Marie Curie’s policy platform for palliative and end-of-life care, using evidence from research and practice to drive systemic change. Your work will influence government, health, and social care policy at national and local levels - helping to ensure that everyone who needs palliative care can access it, regardless of who they are or where they live.

You will be responsible for

• Leading the development of evidence‑based policy positions to improve access, quality, and sustainability of palliative and end‑of‑life care.
• Analysing complex policy developments, identifying opportunities to influence at national and local levels.
• Building and managing strategic relationships with policymakers, sector leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Acting as a spokesperson for Marie Curie, representing the charity in the media, at conferences, and in political forums.
• Working with research teams to shape policy‑relevant research and ensure findings are used to inform decision‑making.
• Designing and manage strategic programmes of work, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and with measurable impact.

Key Criteria

• Proven experience of leading impactful policy change in palliative and end‑of‑life care, health, or social care.
• Demonstrable ability to use research and practice evidence for policy development and influencing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Political astuteness and proven policy influencing skills.
• Experience designing and managing strategic programmes of work.
• Understanding of health and social care systems and policy‑making processes.
• Commitment to advocate for equity and equality.

Please see the full job description HERE.

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary information about your motivation and relevant experience. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Closing date for applications : 9December 2025

Salary : £45,000-50,000 per annum (+ £3,500 London Allowance if applicable)

Contract

Permanent , full-time (35 hours per week)

Based

You can work from anywhere within the UK, with regular travel to the London office as required.

Benefits you’ll LOVE

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry‑leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to [e-mail]