Policy and Public Affairs Manager in Cardiff

Closing date for applications: Thursday 13 August 2026, 11:59 pm

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) is the professional membership body for psychiatrists and promotes excellent care for people with mental illnesses. It has 21,000 members and engages with government and the media as the leading voice of the UK’s mental health services. The College is an award winning, values-based organisation.

THE ROLE

We are looking for a dynamic individual who can combine excellent research, analytical and policy development experience with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate the RCPsych in Wales' views on a wide range of complex policy areas. Working with the Head of RCPsych in Wales, College Officers, leads, Devolved Council and committees, you will develop, influence and deliver the RCPsych in Wales' policy. You will need to be able to demonstrate experience of working effectively with internal and external stakeholders to maximise the College's influence.

Flexibility and self-reliance are essential. The role entails a certain amount of travel across Wales and the rest of the UK with the need for occasional overnight stays.

The successful candidate will have a proven record of working in a busy and complex environment in a policy and/or public affairs roleand will be passionate about achieving change and improving the lives of people with mental illness.

THE COLLEGE

The College values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, reflecting the population it serves.

We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive culture, a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We aim to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

We will provide appropriate reasonable adjustments for candidates who may have a disability.

We only recruit the best and in return for your commitment the College offers an attractive salary and benefits.

We operate a hybrid working model of on-site and working from home/remote, which helps to ensure a flexible work life balance.

We welcome applications from all sections of the Community.

For any queries, please e-mail: HRrecruitment@rcpsych.ac.uk

If you require assistance or any other reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please contact HRrecruitment@rcpsych.ac.uk

STAFF BENEFITS

To help we offer a range of excellent staff benefits including:

• up to 25 days of annual leave, depending on length of service (exclusive of public and bank holidays)
• up to six College closures days (during May, August and December)
• generous flexi-time and time off in lieu (TOIL) schemes
• enhanced maternity leave (eight weeks at full pay, 18 weeks at half pay, 13 weeks lower rate SMP, 13 weeks unpaid leave)
• enhanced paternity leave (two weeks at full pay, rather than at statutory level)
• interest‑free season ticket loan
• health and wellbeing package (including up to £160 for complementary therapies)
• money towards annual eye tests
• 24/7 health and stress‑related helplines
• management support helplines
• Group Income Protection Scheme
• generous pension and life assurance schemes

The College is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Charity registration. no. 228636.

The College is a proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme. A Disability Confident employer will offer an interview to any applicant who declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria (essential) for the job as defined by the employer. Please see Candidate Information Pack for more information.