At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape impactful policy strategies for urban health initiatives.
- Company: Dynamic foundation focused on improving urban health through policy change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health perks, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health equity and social justice through strategic influencing.
- Qualifications: Extensive public affairs experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 62100 - 75900 £ per year.
The Head of Policy & Influencing is responsible for shaping and delivering the Foundation’s policy and influencing strategy within the Impact on Urban Health (IoUH) directorate. The role leads the development of parliamentary and government engagement strategies, ensuring a coordinated and impactful approach across multiple programme areas. The Head of Policy & Influencing provides strategic oversight of all influencing work, guiding Policy & Influencing Managers and the Policy & Convening Manager, and advising colleagues on how to maximise policy impact. The role drives a unified urban health influencing strategy that aligns with the Foundation’s priorities and contributes to meaningful changes in policy. The Head of Policy & Influencing builds and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders across government, the policy sector, and partner organisations, acting as a spokesperson and creating opportunities for collaboration. The role supports senior leadership with stakeholder engagement, oversees budgets and manages a team, while ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded in all influencing activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver our parliamentary and government engagement strategies across all our issue areas.
- Provide strategic oversight of programmatic influencing strategies developed by the Policy & Influencing Managers and Policy & Convening Manager, ensuring a coherent and complementary approach across all programmes.
- Lead on our cross-programme urban health influencing strategy.
- Provide high-level strategic advice to Heads of Programme and Portfolio Managers on programmatic influencing strategies and the development of influencing partnerships.
- Develop and maintain a broad range of stakeholder relationships, with a view to creating opportunities for us to partner on our influencing work and acting as a spokesperson for our work at external events.
- Support senior leadership with stakeholder engagement.
- Oversee budgets for our programmatic policy and influencing work.
- Deputise for the Director of Policy, Influencing & Communications as required.
- Line manage the Policy & Influencing Managers and Policy & Convening Manager.
- Bring a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to all our policy and influencing activity, and support cross-organisational work on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills at all levels.
- Enjoys working in places with a clear and ambitious mission, a matrix structure and ways of working that challenge the norm.
Knowledge, experience, and qualifications
- Significant experience working in public affairs and policy in a UK setting, with demonstrable impact on policy making in Westminster Parliament and/or the devolved administrations.
- Experience leading teams to deliver against impactful influencing strategies.
- Experience working across a broad policy brief, and the ability to develop expertise and familiarity with different policy areas quickly.
- Experience developing and managing budgets.
- In-depth understanding of the UK political environment and operation of Government.
- Expertise in public policy, ideally in issues relating to health equity or social justice.
Benefits
- Contributory pension
- Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
- Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
- Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities.
- Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT kit.
- Shower facilities and bike lock area.
- Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
- Subsidies for glasses
- Employee Assistance Programme
Head of Policy & Influencing in London employer: Gsttcharity
As a Stories & Content Manager at our London-based charity, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a focus on creativity and collaboration, we offer flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that your contributions are valued and impactful. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy & Influencing 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 Gsttcharity, 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 Gsttcharity 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 Policy & Influencing 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 Gsttcharity 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 Gsttcharity
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Gsttcharity, 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 Gsttcharity.
