At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence public policy and advocate for people affected by MS in Scotland.
- Company: Join a vibrant charity dedicated to supporting the MS community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous sick pay.
- Other info: Remote work options and opportunities for personal development available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26384 - 29682 € per year.
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home Based in Scotland
Salary: Starting from £26,384 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
You will start at our entry point salary of £26,384 per annum, increasing to £28,033 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £29,682 after a further 6 months.
About us
We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.
About this job
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented policy and public affairs professional to join our team. You should have experience of working to develop policy and have the ability to communicate our position to a wide range of audiences across Scotland. In this exciting role you will work with the MS community to influence change in public policy, continuing to make the case for improvements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by MS. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who has experience in external facing influencing roles, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. The successful candidate will work closely with the MS community, the Scottish Policy and Communications team as well as key external partners such as MSPs and their teams.
Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 1st of June
Interested? More information can be found by downloading the attached documents in ‘supporting documents’ and then to apply for this role please submit the following:
- An updated CV.
- A supporting statement indicating how you meet the essential criteria as set out in the person specification in the attached job description.
Equal Opportunities
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds. We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application.
Disability Confident Employer
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes. If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format.
More about our employee benefits:
- Encouraging work life balance
- 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
- More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
- Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us)
- Flexible working options
- Caring for you and your family
- Generous sick pay entitlement
- More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment
- Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year
- Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis
- Enhanced leave for new parents
- Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
- Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
- 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Death in service scheme
- New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave: In the event of miscarriage or still birth, to support fertility treatments, for antenatal appointments for both parents
- Thinking about your finances
- Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
- Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
- New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing
- Enriching your life at work
- Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
- Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
- New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely
- Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups)
- Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community)
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal working hours
Safeguarding
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with. This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment. We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected. We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.
Your right to work in the UK
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment. You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.
No agencies please.
Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) employer: CHM
As a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by MS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our people as our greatest asset. With a vibrant and progressive work culture, we offer generous benefits including flexible working options, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for personal development, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve across Scotland. Join us in a role where your contributions will directly influence public policy and improve the treatment and care for the MS community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the MS community and related fields. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can give you the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its impact on the MS community. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You never know when you might bump into someone from the organisation. Have a quick summary of your experience and what you can bring to the table ready to go. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of those affected by MS.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Policy and Public Affairs Officer. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with our mission to support people affected by MS.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description, and don’t forget to show your passion for making a difference in the MS community.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality come through while still being professional!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at CHM
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the policies and public affairs landscape in Scotland. Familiarise yourself with current issues affecting the MS community and be ready to discuss how you can influence change. This shows your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Tailor Your Examples
When preparing for the interview, think of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in policy development and communication. Make sure these examples align with the job description and highlight your ability to engage with diverse audiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in this role. It shows you're engaged and eager to contribute to the organisation's mission.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for working with the MS community shine through. Share why this role matters to you personally and how you envision making a difference. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.