At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy and communications to tackle homelessness in Wales and drive impactful change.
- Company: Crisis, a national charity dedicated to ending homelessness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on community impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy change, public affairs, and strong communication skills.
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.
This is an extremely exciting time to join the team, as we anticipate the implementation of new homelessness legislation that holds the potential to be world leading and seek to develop relationships with the newly elected Senedd and Welsh Government. You will lead our agenda in Wales to achieve positive and lasting change to end homelessness.
Location: Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA14DQ. Option of hybrid working from home (minimum 1 day a week in the Skylight) with the ability to travel across Wales and within the UK for training and meetings.
Contract: Fixed term up to 11 months (available as a secondment)
Salary: £57,452 per annum
As Head of Policy and Communications in Wales you will lead a team working across policy, public affairs and communications to deliver the changes needed to address homelessness in Wales. After the formation of a new government in Wales, this role will be working closely with politicians, government officials, sector leads, and people with lived experience of homelessness to ensure Crisis’ goal of ending all forms of homelessness in Wales is a priority and bring about the changes needed to meet this goal.
To be successful in this role you will have excellent knowledge and experience of developing and securing policy change at a national government level and raising the profile of an organisation through advocacy and strategic communications. Ideally you will have experience across policy, public affairs and media work, and excel at building stakeholder relations. You will be an experienced spokesperson and understand how to communicate policy matters in a simple and concise way. You will have understanding and knowledge of developing policy and influencing objectives informed by frontline staff and working with people with lived experience of an issue and staff.
We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply. We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.
Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness. Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career. When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How do I apply? Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.
Closing date: Sunday 14th June at 23:59
Interview date and location: Friday 26th June, in-person at Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ
If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.
Head of Policy and Communications (Wales) employer: CRISIS UK
Crisis is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness, offering a collaborative and impactful work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Swansea, the role of Head of Policy and Communications provides unique opportunities for professional growth while working closely with government officials and communities to drive meaningful change. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to personal development, making Crisis a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy and Communications (Wales)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Crisis or the homelessness sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for ending homelessness.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Crisis, their mission, and the new legislation in Wales. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their impactful work.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! As a Head of Policy and Communications, you’ll need to convey complex ideas simply. Practice explaining your past projects and achievements in a clear, concise way that highlights your ability to engage stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Crisis team and making a difference in Wales.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy and Communications (Wales)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Head of Policy and Communications. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of ending homelessness in Wales!
Be Clear and Concise:When answering the screening questions, keep your responses straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see how your background fits the job requirements.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for tackling homelessness shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely cares about making a difference in the community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered fairly in our anonymised shortlisting process.
How to prepare for a job interview at CRISIS UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the current homelessness legislation in Wales and how it impacts Crisis' mission. Brush up on recent policy changes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these developments.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a potential Head of Policy and Communications, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully conveyed complex policy matters in simple terms, especially to stakeholders or the public.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your experience in building relationships with key stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you've collaborated with government officials or community leaders to drive change, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Emphasise Lived Experience
Crisis values diverse perspectives, especially those with lived experience of homelessness. If you have any relevant personal insights or connections to the issue, don’t hesitate to bring them up during the interview to show your passion and commitment.
