At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to empower voices of those with lived experience in homelessness policy.
- Company: Cymorth Cymru, a passionate advocate for homelessness support and policy change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to compassionate, trauma-informed approaches.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and shape impactful policies.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy influence and a commitment to supporting lived experiences.
The predicted salary is between 41698 - 41698 £ per year.
We are looking for a new Policy Manager who is passionate about making a difference in the homelessness and housing support sector. Our ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to empowering and supporting people with lived experience to make their voices heard, and will be a strong advocate for compassionate, trauma informed and psychologically informed approaches in the development of policy and delivery of services.
Salary: £41,698 per annum
Full time: 35 hours per week
Location: Cardiff office & home working (with some travel)
Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 16th August
Interviews: Monday 24th August
Who are we looking for?
Over the last few years, we are extremely proud of our work with people who have experienced or been at risk of homelessness. We have been passionate advocates for their voices to be listened to by decision makers, engaging with over 300 experts by experience during the development of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026. This work had a significant impact on the legislation, which will change the way that Wales prevents and responds to homelessness. Over the next few years, we want to ensure that experts by experience continue to influence policy, legislation and practice, and have therefore decided to appoint a strategic role to oversee this work.
Cymorth has been leading the conversation on psychologically informed approaches within the homelessness and housing support sector for nearly ten years, holding conferences and delivering training to support the sector to embed this approach. Similarly to our work with experts by experience, we have taken the decision to embed the responsibility for this work within a management position, to ensure it gets the focus and leadership it needs.
This role will be subject to a DBS check and successful candidates will be required to undertake safeguarding training.
How to apply
If you think this is the right job for you, then you just need to complete the following three steps:
- Download the application form here.
- Complete the application form, taking care to ensure that your personal statement addresses all of the essential criteria in the person specification.
- Email your application form by 23:59 on Sunday 16th August.
Complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form (optional).
Encouraging diversity
We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we work with and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups. We particularly welcome applications and will guarantee interviews for applicants who meet all of the essential criteria from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic communities.
Any questions?
If you have any questions or want to know more about the role, please don't hesitate to get in touch by emailing and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
The Policy Manager (Experts by Experience and Psychologically Informed Environments) will work with the Director, Board, staff, members and partners to deliver our strategic plan, with particular responsibility for:
- Leading our work to engage, empower and support experts by experience to contribute to the development of policy, legislation and practice affecting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Leading and overseeing our work to promote psychologically-informed approaches in the development and delivery of policy and services in Wales.
The Policy Manager is specifically responsible for:
Experts by Experience
- Leading our work to engage, empower and support experts by experience to contribute to the development of policy, legislation and practice.
- Establishing and overseeing the development and delivery of a National Experts by Experience Forum with people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Developing and leading a programme of work to support members of the forum to engage with decision makers, develop their own campaigns or initiatives, and access training to support the objectives of the forum, within agreed budgets.
- Taking operational responsibility for safeguarding in relation to the forum.
- Working with the Director and other members of the policy team to ensure that the views of experts by experience are reflected in our policy and influencing work.
- Identifying and maintaining up-to-date knowledge about best practice with regards to engaging with, empowering and supporting experts by experience to inform policy, legislation and practice.
- Identifying and promoting good practice regarding the involvement of experts by experience in the development and delivery of policy and services.
Psychologically Informed Environments
- Working with our trainers and other members of staff to ensure the successful delivery of our Psychologically Informed Environments training to members across Wales.
- Developing and delivering our Psychologically Informed Environments Network, ensuring positive engagement from members and other key stakeholders.
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders who are involved in the development of policy and practice regarding psychologically informed environments, trauma informed approaches and Adverse Childhood Experiences.
- Identifying and maintaining up-to-date knowledge about the latest developments and best practice with regards to psychologically informed environments and trauma informed approaches.
- Overseeing the delivery of policy and good practice reports about psychologically informed environments and trauma informed approaches.
Management and support
- Managing and supporting the Member and Good Practice Officer to undertake their work to engage with Cymorth Cymru members, gather examples of good practice, produce reports, and provide support to the Experts by Experience project.
- Supporting the Director in key projects and other work as required.
- Supporting the delivery of other Cymorth Cymru activities, such as our events.
Person Specification
The following values, skills, knowledge and experience are essential (E) or desirable (D). Please evidence these in your personal statement.
Values
- Commitment to Cymorth Cymrus mission, vision and values. E
- Commitment to supporting people's well-being and creating a positive work environment where people can develop and flourish. E
- Commitment to embedding lived experience in policy making. E
Skills
- A strategic understanding of how to effectively influence policy and legislation. E
- Ability to develop high quality relationships with a variety of people and organisations, such as experts by experience, frontline workers, member organisations, partners, and government. E
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate policy issues to a variety of audiences. E
- Highly organised with project planning skills and the ability to work independently. E
- Emotional intelligence and the ability to manage difficult and sensitive conversations. E
- Ability to speak Welsh. D
Knowledge
- Understanding of Welsh homelessness and housing policy, including key challenges and opportunities to influence. E
- Understanding of psychologically informed and trauma informed approaches. E
- Understanding of how to empower and support people with lived experience to inform policy and campaigns. E
- Understanding of the importance of safeguarding and maintaining professional boundaries. E
Experience
- Experience of influencing policy in a relevant area, such as housing, homelessness, health, social care, criminal justice or VAWDASV. E
- Experience of supporting people with lived experience to engage in the development of policy or practice. E
- Lived experience of homelessness, or other relevant lived experience. D
- Experience of line managing staff members. D
Please note: This role will require some travel across Wales to engage with experts by experience, member organisations and other key stakeholders.
Policy Manager in London employer: Cymorth Cymru
Cymorth Cymru is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the homelessness and housing support sector. With a strong commitment to empowering individuals with lived experience, we foster a compassionate and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our Cardiff office offers a collaborative environment where innovative ideas thrive, and employees are encouraged to engage in training and development opportunities that enhance their skills and influence policy change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Manager in London
✨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 Cymorth Cymru, 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 Cymorth Cymru 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 Policy Manager in London
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 Cymorth Cymru 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 Cymorth Cymru
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Cymorth Cymru, 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 Cymorth Cymru.
