Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Full-Time 50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful public affairs programmes and engage with key stakeholders in health policy.
  • Company: Respected health charity focused on community and evidence-based initiatives.
  • Benefits: Salary up to £55,000, home-based role, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in UK health policy and advocate for equitable care.
  • Qualifications: Experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking.
  • Other info: Join a growing charity and lead high-performing teams in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.

About Our Client

Our client is a health charity founded in 2013 by those with lived experience and clinicians, and since have grown into a respected national charity rooted in community and evidence. Through steady leadership and outstanding work, they have found themselves in a position of growth and are looking to hire this Head of Policy and Public Affairs role to further their impact in the UK health policy landscape.

Job Description

Key responsibilities:

  • Design and lead a strong public affairs program, bringing policy priorities and influencing objectives to life through targeted engagement with key stakeholders.
  • Develop long-lasting organisational relationships with key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, civil servants, healthcare professions, and NHS commissioners.
  • Work with the Communications team to shape campaigns with a strong evidence-base and patient experience at their heart, and to keep our supporters and stakeholders updated on our influencing activity and policy work.
  • Lead the development and delivery of our strategic policy projects.
  • Represent the charity at forums, networks, and conferences to advocate for equitable care and raise our profile as a service provider and partner.
  • Provide effective leadership to direct report(s), ensuring clear objectives, professional development opportunities, and wellbeing support.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to secure income for project development and ensure resources are managed effectively and deliver value for money.

The Successful Applicant

Essential:

  • Proven experience in policy development and public affairs.
  • A track record of delivering policy initiatives and influencing health systems (national, regional, or local).
  • Experience of stakeholder engagement with senior external stakeholders, such as parliamentarians, civil servants, commissioners, and healthcare professionals.
  • Knowledge of the UK healthcare landscape and the role of the voluntary sector in influencing health bodies and government decision-making.
  • Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to see the big picture, identify opportunities, and translate strategy into operational delivery.
  • A commitment to ensuring patient voice and lived experience are at the heart of shaping policy.
  • Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a track record of building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.

What's on Offer

  • Salary ranging from £50,000 to £55,000 per annum (potential flex).
  • Opportunity to work within a growing, well-respected and impactful health charity.
  • Home based permanent position, with occasional travel to meetings.
  • Chance to be at the heart of policy and public affairs initiatives.

If you are an experienced, strategic health policy leader who is passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply today for this Head of Policy and Public Affairs role!

Head of Policy and Public Affairs employer: Michael Page (UK)

As a leading health charity, our client offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where your expertise in policy and public affairs can truly make a difference. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, you will have the opportunity to shape impactful health policies while working collaboratively with passionate colleagues. Enjoy the flexibility of a home-based role, complemented by occasional travel, as you contribute to meaningful initiatives that advocate for equitable care across the UK.
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Contact Detail:

Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Policy and Public Affairs

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health policy space. Attend events, join forums, and engage on social media. The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you meet potential employers or stakeholders, don’t be shy about sharing your insights on current health policies. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after meetings or events. A quick email thanking someone for their time can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re genuinely interested in building relationships within the sector.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of standing out and getting noticed by the right people in the organisation.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Policy Development
Public Affairs
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Thinking
Leadership
People Management
Healthcare Knowledge
Campaign Development
Influencing Skills
Project Management
Communication Skills
Networking
Evidence-Based Advocacy
Team Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in policy development and public affairs. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: When writing your application, emphasise your experience engaging with senior stakeholders like parliamentarians and healthcare professionals. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to build long-lasting relationships.

Highlight Your Strategic Thinking: Don’t forget to illustrate your strategic thinking skills! Share specific instances where you’ve identified opportunities and translated strategy into operational delivery. This is crucial for the role, so make it stand out.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process. Let’s get started!

How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the UK healthcare landscape and the role of the voluntary sector. Brush up on recent policy changes and be ready to discuss how they impact the charity's mission. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also genuinely care about the cause.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Think about specific instances where your influence led to positive outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and advocate effectively.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Be ready to talk about your experience in leading teams and developing high-performing individuals. Share stories that highlight your leadership style and how you support your team’s professional growth. This is crucial for a role that involves managing direct reports.

✨Align with Their Values

Understand the charity's mission and values, especially their commitment to patient voice and lived experience. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure these elements are at the heart of policy development. This alignment can set you apart from other candidates.

Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Michael Page (UK)

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