At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with political stakeholders to drive policy and legislative change for animal welfare.
- Company: Join Battersea, a leading charity dedicated to helping dogs and cats in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, discounted gym memberships, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while building your professional network.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for advocacy are essential.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
The Policy and Public Affairs team focuses on political engagement to help deliver against the Our Voice strategic priorities. With the Government having recently published a new Animal Welfare Strategy, we have a strong platform from which to try and influence change, especially in light of changing trends when it comes to attitudes towards pet ownership. The Policy and Public Affairs team has a strong track record of delivering legislative change in recent years, and the Public Affairs Officer role has a key part to play in our day-to-day work of engaging and persuading political stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Help deliver policy and legislative change for Battersea through effective engagement with relevant political stakeholders.
- Build and grow a network of parliamentary advocates for Battersea across the political parties.
- Help assess and demonstrate the impact of the team’s work, overseeing the team’s impact mapping project, and updating and maintaining reporting records.
- Improve co-ordination with other teams across Battersea to make advocacy work more efficient and effective.
What we can offer you
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
- Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans.
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Our hybrid working model
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.
Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all. We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.
If you would like to talk more about this, please contact jobs@battersea.org.uk or call us on 020 3887 8341.
More about us
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
Acceptable use of AI
At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.
To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.
Closing date: 17th August 2026
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Interview date(s): Week Commencing 31st August 2026 (Online) - To Be Confirmed
Public Affairs Officer employer: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is an exceptional employer dedicated to animal welfare, offering a supportive work culture that values compassion and teamwork. With generous benefits such as 36 days of annual leave, discounted gym memberships, and robust pension contributions, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of cats and dogs in London. Join us in our mission to ensure every pet finds their forever home in a vibrant and fulfilling environment.
Contact Details:
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
