At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public affairs and shape health policy while engaging with key stakeholders.
- Company: Respected organisation at the heart of the UK's health and care system.
- Benefits: High-profile leadership role with strategic influence and career growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and lead initiatives that matter across the health landscape.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health policy and improve outcomes for professionals and patients.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in public affairs and strong political judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Shape the future of health and care policy
Our client is a respected organisation operating at the heart of the UK's health and care system.
Working across the four nations, it plays a vital role in improving standards, shaping policy and supporting better outcomes for professionals, patients and the public.
They are now seeking an experienced Head of Public Affairs to lead their external affairs function at an exciting point in the organisation's development.
This is a high-profile leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape strategic engagement with government, parliament, regulators, professional bodies and senior stakeholders across the health and care landscape.
Working closely with the Executive Team, you will provide trusted counsel on political developments, build influential external relationships and help ensure the organisation's voice is heard where it matters most.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Director of External Affairs & Communications, you will lead a small, high-performing team responsible for public affairs, stakeholder engagement and wider external relations.
You will develop and deliver an ambitious public affairs strategy that supports organisational priorities, strengthens relationships with key decision-makers and positions the organisation as a trusted and influential voice across the sector.
This is a role for someone who enjoys operating at both a strategic and operational level - equally comfortable advising senior leaders, influencing policy, building partnerships and leading a talented team.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver an integrated public affairs and stakeholder strategy aligned to organisational priorities.
- Build trusted relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, government officials, regulators, professional bodies and wider health and care stakeholders.
- Provide strategic advice to the Executive Team on political developments, stakeholder risks and emerging opportunities.
- Lead high-quality engagement programmes that strengthen the organisation's reputation and influence.
- Oversee a programme of consultations, events, briefings and external engagement activity.
- Lead horizon scanning and political intelligence, ensuring the organisation remains ahead of developments across the health, care and policy landscape.
- Develop compelling briefings, correspondence and messaging for senior leaders and external audiences.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing public affairs team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
About You
We're looking for an experienced public affairs leader with a strong understanding of the UK's political and health policy environment.
You will bring
- A proven track record of leading public affairs, government relations or strategic stakeholder engagement within a complex organisation, ideally in the health or care ecosystem.
- Excellent political judgement and experience navigating sensitive and fast-moving policy environments.
- Strong relationships across government, parliament, regulators or the wider health and care sector.
- Experience advising executive leaders and boards on public affairs, reputation and political risk. Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- The ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, practical advice and engagement strategies.
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Head of Public Affairs employer: Ellwood Atfield
As a leading charity in the education sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth while working closely with senior leaders in a dynamic environment. Located at the heart of our mission, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to strategic initiatives that drive positive change in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Public Affairs
✨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 Ellwood Atfield, 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 Ellwood Atfield 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 Head of Public Affairs
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 Ellwood Atfield 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 Ellwood Atfield
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ellwood Atfield, 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 Ellwood Atfield.
