Corporate Affairs Manager in London

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) is the UK's leading trade association for the access and scaffolding sector, representing the highest standards of safety, technical excellence, training and competence throughout the industry. NASC plays a pivotal role in influencing industry policy, developing technical standards, supporting workforce competence and representing the interests of members across government, regulators, clients and wider stakeholders.

The Corporate Affairs Manager will lead and coordinate NASC's corporate affairs, governance support and public affairs activities, ensuring effective engagement with government, parliamentarians, regulators, industry bodies and key stakeholders. The role will provide strategic support to the CEO and Executive Team, oversee NASC's committee governance arrangements and drive the organisation's external influence agenda through effective lobbying, stakeholder engagement and policy development. A significant element of the role will be working to establish and then support the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the scaffolding and access sector. You will be responsible for supporting the International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA), and delivery of strategic projects that enhance NASC's reputation and influence both domestically and internationally.

The Corporate Affairs Manager will work closely with the Head of Business Development, Marketing Manager and Public Relations Consultant to ensure a coordinated and consistent external affairs strategy. The role will directly line manage the Corporate Affairs Executive.

Key Responsibilities

• Group CEO, Executive and Strategic Support: Provide strategic support and advice to the CEO and Executive Team on corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement and public policy matters. Prepare briefing papers, reports, presentations and correspondence for senior meetings and engagements. Coordinate executive engagement with government ministers, parliamentarians, regulators and industry leaders. Support delivery of organisational strategic priorities and corporate objectives. Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Public Affairs and Government Relations: Lead NASC's public affairs activities and stakeholder engagement strategy. Develop and maintain effective relationships with Government Departments, Parliament, regulators, clients and strategic partners. Monitor legislative, political and policy developments affecting the industry and provide advice to the Executive Team and Board. Coordinate lobbying activities and public policy campaigns in support of NASC strategic objectives. Manage specific corporate affairs projects and campaigns as directed by the CEO. Work collaboratively with the Public Relations Consultant to ensure alignment of messaging and stakeholder engagement activities. Support the development of policy positions, consultation responses and parliamentary briefings.
• All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG): Lead on working to establish and then supporting the delivery of the Scaffolding and Access APPG. Coordinate meetings, inquiries, parliamentary events and stakeholder engagement activities. Develop briefing papers, speeches, consultation responses and evidence submissions. Liaise with parliamentary offices, MPs, Peers, Government Departments and Secretariat partners. Ensure APPG activities align with NASC's strategic objectives and policy priorities. Maximise opportunities to raise the profile and influence of the scaffolding and access sector.
• International Affairs (IASA): Coordinate and support the activities of the International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA). Facilitate engagement with international partners, associations and stakeholders. Support the development and delivery of international initiatives, meetings and projects. Coordinate international communications and governance arrangements. Promote NASC's leadership role within the global scaffolding and access industry.
• Committee Governance and Corporate Affairs: Oversee the administration and effectiveness of NASC committees and governance structures. Ensure committee activities align with NASC's strategy, business plans and budget objectives. Support Committee Chairs and Executive Leads in delivering agreed work programmes. Monitor progress against committee objectives and prepare reports for the CEO and Board. Act as the principal liaison between committees and the Executive Team. Ensure compliance with governance procedures and company policies.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Relations: Develop and maintain strong relationships with members, clients, government officials, regulators and industry partners. Represent NASC at meetings, conferences, regional events and stakeholder forums. Support strategic engagement activities alongside the Head of Business Development and Marketing Manager. Identify opportunities to strengthen NASC's influence, profile and reputation.
• Leadership and Line Management: Provide leadership, mentoring and management to the Corporate Affairs Executive. Set objectives and oversee delivery of the Corporate Affairs Executive work programme. Delegate responsibility for NASC office environment management and facilities coordination, administration and organisation of regional meetings, coordination of committee meetings and governance administration, and general corporate affairs support activities. Ensure efficient and professional delivery of all support functions.

Corporate Affairs Executive Responsibilities (Direct Report)

• The Corporate Affairs Executive will have responsibility for day-to-day management of the NASC office environment and facilities, administration and coordination of NASC regional meetings, committee administration, meeting logistics and record keeping, supporting public affairs activities and stakeholder engagement programmes, and providing administrative and project support to the Corporate Affairs Manager and Executive Team.

Key Skills and Experience

Essential: Significant experience in corporate affairs, public affairs, government relations or executive support at senior level. Strong understanding of parliamentary processes and stakeholder engagement. Experience of developing relationships with senior external stakeholders. Excellent organisational and project management skills. Experience of committee governance and administration. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against demanding deadlines. High degree of professionalism, discretion and political awareness. Experience of managing staff and external suppliers.

Desirable: Experience within a trade association, membership body or not-for-profit organisation. Knowledge of the construction, infrastructure or built environment sectors. Experience of lobbying, policy development and consultation responses. International stakeholder engagement experience.

Personal Attributes: Strategic thinker with strong political awareness. Highly motivated and proactive. Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills. Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Collaborative and adaptable approach. Professional, credible and confident communicator.

Working Arrangements: Full-time position based at NASC Headquarters, London. Regular UK travel and occasional international travel will be required. Attendance at parliamentary, stakeholder and member events outside normal working hours may occasionally be required. Flexible working arrangements may be considered in accordance with NASC policy.