At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and influence mental health initiatives in Scotland.
- Company: Join Samaritans, a charity dedicated to reducing suicide and supporting mental health.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: We encourage diverse applicants, especially from under-represented communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while collaborating with passionate individuals for change.
- Qualifications: Experience in Scottish policy, mental health knowledge, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 41500 £ per year.
Job Description
Do you have experience working in the Scottish policy landscape? Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in mental health and suicide prevention policy? Do you want to make a real difference in people’s lives across Scotland?
Samaritans is looking for a dynamic and experienced Policy Manager to lead our policy and influencing work in Scotland.
- £39,000 - £41,500 per annum
- Permanent
- Full time (35 hours per week) with flexible working
- Hybrid working: Linked to our Edinburgh office with home and office working
About the Role
As Policy Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in our mission to reduce suicide. You’ll lead the development of evidence-based policy positions, influence national and local decision-making, and ensure our voice, and the voices of people with lived experience, are heard at the highest levels. This is an exciting time to join Samaritans Scotland, as we are a lead partner in Scotland’s national suicide prevention strategy, working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners to deliver the actions in the strategy and reduce lives lost to suicide in Scotland.
Working closely with the Head of Policy and Communications, you’ll manage a Policy & Engagement Officer and collaborate with colleagues across the UK and Ireland.
Your role will be challenging and rewarding. You’ll be positive, engaging and passionate, with motivational strengths which will enable you to lead and drive your team and inspire colleagues, external stakeholders, and people who want to stand alongside us in pushing for change. You’ll play a key role in ensuring we influence with one voice and help drive change to support suicide prevention.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of policy positions and research to support suicide prevention in Scotland.
- Manage and mentor a Policy & Engagement Officer.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including government, public bodies, and the voluntary sector.
- Represent Samaritans externally, including at national forums and events.
- Develop and deliver influencing strategies, including responses to consultations and parliamentary inquiries.
- Ensure the voices of volunteers and people with lived experience are central to our policy work.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Extensive experience in policy development and influencing within a Scottish context.
- Strong understanding of mental health, suicide prevention, and/or inequalities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proven ability to manage people and projects effectively.
- Experience working collaboratively across teams and sectors.
Desirable:
- Background in mental health or suicide prevention.
- Experience of working with people with lived experience to inform policy.
- Knowledge of the Scottish voluntary sector and charity landscape.
Why Join Us?
At Samaritans, we believe fewer lives should be lost to suicide. You'll be part of a supportive and inclusive workplace that values innovation, resilience, and collaboration. Enjoy a hybrid working environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
Working at Samaritans:
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure. You can also access it on our careers page.
Being Inclusive:
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Application:
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please upload your CV and a cover letter, outlining your motivations for applying and why you think you would be a great fit for the role. Applications close at 9 am on Tuesday 5 August. Interviews taking place from 14 August.
Whilst we appreciate that the use of generative AI functions like ChatGPT is quickly becoming part of working life for many people, through our recruitment process we want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths. Therefore, we kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, cover letter or to generate interview answers.
Policy Manager Scotland in Edinburgh employer: Samaritans
Samaritans is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in mental health and suicide prevention across Scotland. With a supportive and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead vital policy initiatives that directly influence lives. Join us in a role where your passion for change can thrive, and be part of a team that values diversity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Manager Scotland in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current mental health and suicide prevention policies in Scotland. Understanding the landscape will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the Scottish policy sector, especially those involved in mental health initiatives. Attend relevant events or forums to build connections that could support your application and provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight how you can inspire and motivate others, as this is crucial for the Policy Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would ensure the voices of people with lived experience are integrated into policy work. This shows your understanding of the importance of inclusivity in policy development, which is a key aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Manager Scotland in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Policy Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in policy development and mental health.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express your passion for mental health and suicide prevention. Clearly outline your motivations for applying and why you believe you would be a great fit for the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on your extensive experience in policy development within a Scottish context. Include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your understanding of mental health issues and your ability to influence decision-making.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential for this role, ensure your application reflects these abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with key stakeholders in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Samaritans
✨Know Your Policy Landscape
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Scottish policy landscape, especially in relation to mental health and suicide prevention. Familiarise yourself with current policies, key stakeholders, and recent developments to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Policy Manager, excellent communication is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience managing teams and projects. Share examples of how you've mentored others and led initiatives that drove change. This will show your potential employer that you can inspire and motivate your team.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role. Prepare to discuss instances where you've worked across different teams or sectors to achieve common goals. Highlight your ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse groups of people.
