At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy initiatives to enhance disability inclusion in businesses and influence government policies.
- Company: Join the leading organisation advocating for disability inclusion across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape policies that improve lives and promote inclusivity in the workplace.
- Qualifications: Experience in public policy related to disability and strong strategic skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to creating a more inclusive society.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 68000 £ per year.
BDF is the leading business membership organisation in disability inclusion. We are trusted partners, working with businesses, Government and disabled people to improve the life experiences of disabled employees and consumers, by removing barriers to inclusion.
We work with over 600 members employing over 20% of the UK workforce and an estimated 8 million people worldwide. We advise, support and encourage businesses (many of them global) to become more disability-smart. We influence policymakers by representing the voice of employers and disabled employees. We provide evidence-based thought leadership on how business affects the lives of disabled people. We help effect changes in business practices, products, services and policies that positively impact the life experiences of disabled people, and also benefit business.
The role involves designing and implementing a public and parliamentary affairs strategy and supporting the team’s projects across public and parliamentary affairs, research, law and legislation, and UK Government consultation and inquiry work.
The requirements include:
- Demonstrable experience of working at management level in a public policy role related to disability, diversity and inclusion in the UK.
- Strong experience in setting and delivering a public and parliamentary affairs strategy.
- Strong experience of developing new insights and policy positions within a team in an organisation working with other internal teams (such as comms and media) to communicate and promote those positions.
- In-depth knowledge of the disability and reasonable adjustments element of UK legislation, and equality law as per the Equality Act 2010, the Employment Rights Act, Health and Safety at Work.
- Experience of acting as a public-facing spokesperson for an organisation.
How to apply: Applicants should send their CV and covering letter to apply for the role. Writing to a high standard in English is key, as is writing to tight specifications and word count. Your covering letter should tell us why you want to work in BDF’s policy and research team and why you would suit the role, and should not exceed 400 words in total. Applications should be sent to jobs@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk.
Closing date for applications: 19 April 2026. First interviews are planned for the 27, 28 & 30 April. Second interviews are likely to take place in the week commencing 5 May 2026.
Business Disability Forum is committed to ensuring that all its information, products and services are as accessible as possible to everyone. If you wish to discuss anything in regards to accessibility or if you require alternative formats please contact Barnaby Powell by email at the address above or by telephone on 020-7403-3020.
Equal opportunities: We are committed to becoming disability-smart and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do. When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet all of the criteria will be offered an interview.
Head of Policy & Public Affairs employer: Blind Ambition
Contact Detail:
Blind Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy & Public Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the disability inclusion space. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for disability inclusion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your personal experiences or insights related to the field. This will help you stand out and show that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions better but also allow you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit your CV and cover letter!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy & Public Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly express why you want to join our policy and research team at BDF. Keep it engaging and personal, while sticking to the 400-word limit.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your experience in public policy, especially related to disability and inclusion. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at BDF.
Showcase Your Knowledge: We’re looking for someone with in-depth knowledge of UK legislation around disability. Use your application to demonstrate your understanding of relevant laws and how they impact businesses and disabled individuals.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Writing to a high standard is crucial. Before hitting send, make sure to proofread your application for any typos or grammatical errors. A polished application shows us you care about the details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blind Ambition
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of disability legislation and the Equality Act 2010. Brush up on recent developments in public policy related to disability and inclusion, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Craft Your Narrative
Prepare a compelling story about your experience in public affairs and how it relates to the role. Highlight specific projects where you've influenced policy or worked with diverse teams, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead in this area.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Business Disability Forum's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of improving life experiences for disabled individuals.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a potential spokesperson, your communication skills are crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex policy issues. This will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview.