At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence public policy and advocate for the MS community in Scotland.
- Company: Join a vibrant charity dedicated to supporting people with MS.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Remote work options and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by MS.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26384 - 29682 € per year.
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home Based in Scotland
Salary: Starting from £26,384 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
You will start at our entry point salary of £26,384 per annum, increasing to £28,033 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £29,682 after a further 6 months.
About us: We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.
About this job: We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented policy and public affairs professional to join our team. You should have experience of working to develop policy and have the ability to communicate our position to a wide range of audiences across Scotland. In this exciting role you will work with the MS community to influence change in public policy, continuing to make the case for improvements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by MS. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who has experience in external facing influencing roles, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. The successful candidate will work closely with the MS community, the Scottish Policy and Communications team as well as key external partners such as MSPs and their teams.
Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 1st of June
Interested? More information can be found by downloading the attached documents in 'supporting documents' and then to apply for this role please submit the following:
- An updated CV.
- A supporting statement indicating how you meet the essential criteria as set out in the person specification in the attached job description.
Equal Opportunities: We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds. We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application.
Disability Confident Employer: We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes. If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format.
More about our employee benefits: We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to):
- Encouraging work life balance
- 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
- More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
- Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us)
- Flexible working options
- Caring for you and your family
- Generous sick pay entitlement
- More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment
- Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year
- Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week
- Enhanced leave for new parents
- Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family
- Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
- 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- 10 days paid carers' leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Death in service scheme
- New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave for miscarriage or still birth, to support fertility treatments, and for antenatal appointments for both parents
- Thinking about your finances: Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme, discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans, give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
- New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing
- Enriching your life at work: Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager, yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
- New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely
- Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups)
- Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal working hours
Safeguarding: We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with. This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment. We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected. We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.
Your right to work in the UK: You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment. You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.
No agencies please.
Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) employer: Haymarket
As a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by MS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our people as our greatest asset. Our vibrant and progressive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering generous benefits such as 38 days of paid annual leave, flexible working options, and tailored development plans. Join us in making a meaningful impact within the MS community while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises work-life balance and employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the MS community and related sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to connect with people who can give you insights or even refer you for the Policy and Public Affairs Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the MS Society's recent campaigns and policies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to influencing public policy in Scotland.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for making a difference shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to the MS community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a real impact in the lives of those affected by MS.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Policy and Public Affairs Officer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with our mission and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Use examples from your past experiences to show us what you can bring to the team.
Show Your Passion for MS Advocacy:We want to see your enthusiasm for advocating for people affected by MS. Share any relevant experiences or insights that showcase your commitment to making a difference in public policy and community support.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary documents and information to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haymarket
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key issues affecting people with MS in Scotland. Familiarise yourself with current policies and public affairs that relate to the role. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various audiences. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders or communicated complex information clearly in the past.
✨Connect with the MS Community
Research the MS community and their needs. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with them and advocate for their interests. Showing that you can empathise and connect with the community will set you apart.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's goals, challenges, and how this role fits into their strategy. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
