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- Tasks: Support mental health policy development and engage with communities to influence change.
- Company: Join VOX, Scotland's leading voice for mental health advocacy since 1949.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a hybrid model, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key priorities; applications from under-represented groups are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health policies while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of human rights and social justice; experience in mental health or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
VOX (Voices of Experience) Scotland is recruiting for a Policy & Participation Officer to support the team based at our Mental Health Foundation Glasgow office.
Deadline: 5pm on Monday 23 June
Location: Glasgow
Salary: Starting salary £32,604 (pro rata to 0.6 FTE)
Hours: Part-time, 19.2 hours per week (as part of our 32-hour week pilot and may revert to 21 hours after July 2025)
Contract type: This is a fixed term role ending 31st March 2026
VOX is Scotland’s national voice on mental health, representing our members’ views to Scotland’s politicians and health professionals to ensure Scotland’s laws and mental health services reflect our members' needs and interests. VOX’s Board of Directors includes individuals who have lived and living experience of mental ill health.
The role of the Policy and Participation Officer will be to work alongside the VOX Senior Development Officer to progress the key aims within VOX’s business plan, including delivering on specific project and policy objectives and achieving required outcomes.
What does the role involve?
- To support VOX Scotland respond to consultations which will influence the policies and laws in Scotland impacting people living with mental illness.
- To gather insights and experiences from our members and the wider public to enable us to deliver research and evidence around the experiences of people living with mental illness.
- To help develop opportunities for those who have, or have had mental distress to influence the development of services with which they may engage.
What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of human rights, social justice issues and the inequalities encountered by those who have experienced mental health problems.
- Demonstrable ability to engage with the Scottish Policy, service and practice environments (mental health and social justice).
- Demonstrable relevant experience in working within the Mental Health or related field.
About us
Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health. Our vision is for a world with good mental health for all. With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.
We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk. The Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post; you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.
How to apply
If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application form by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'. Please note that all sections of the application form should be completed as CVs alone will not be accepted. Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 23rd June and we are unable to accept late applications.
Interviews are planned for week commencing 7th July.
We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.
If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home for full time staff, pro rata for part time staff.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Detail:
Mental Health Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy & Participation Officer (VOX)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with VOX's mission and values. Understanding their focus on mental health advocacy and the specific needs of their members will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health sector, especially those involved with policy and participation. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into current challenges and opportunities within the field, which you can reference in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent developments in Scottish mental health policy. Being knowledgeable about current issues and legislation will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to contribute effectively from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your personal experiences or insights related to mental health. Sharing relevant stories can illustrate your passion for the cause and your understanding of the lived experiences of those affected by mental health issues.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy & Participation Officer (VOX)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Policy & Participation Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Complete the Application Form: Make sure to fill out all sections of the application form as CVs alone will not be accepted. Pay attention to detail and ensure that you provide comprehensive answers that reflect your qualifications and experiences.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any relevant experience in mental health or related fields. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of human rights and social justice issues, as well as your ability to engage with policy environments.
Diversity and Inclusion: If applicable, mention any personal experiences or insights that relate to the role's focus on diversity and inclusion. This can strengthen your application and show your commitment to representing under-represented communities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mental Health Foundation
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of VOX's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in mental health advocacy and how they represent the voices of those with lived experience. This will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in mental health or related fields. Highlight specific projects or roles where you engaged with policy development or community participation, as this is crucial for the Policy & Participation Officer role.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Human Rights and Social Justice
Since the role requires an understanding of human rights and social justice issues, be ready to discuss these topics. Share your insights on how these issues impact mental health and provide examples of how you've addressed them in your work.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about VOX's current projects, challenges they face, or how they measure the impact of their work. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.