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- Tasks: Lead skills policy initiatives and influence reforms for adult social care.
- Company: Join Skills for Care, the key workforce development body for adult social care in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social care while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in skills and education policy with strong communication and influencing skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours: Full Time, 36 hours per week
Job Status: 12 month fixed term contract (with the possibility of extension).
Location: Home-based, with some travel within England
Salary: £52,575.15
Closing Date: 11.59pm, Sunday 15 June 2025.
Interview Date(s): like to be in the week commencing 23 June 2025.
Skills for Care is recruiting an External Affairs and Policy Manager (Skills) to ensure we are actively involved in skills policy and associated reform – to the benefit of the adult social care workforce. Reporting to the Head of External Affairs and Policy and working closely with our workforce skills team, the successful candidate will help the organisation to understand and influence skills policy - developing policy positions and advancing them through public affairs activities, supporting colleagues across the organisation to align workforce activities and initiatives with relevant changes within the skills landscape, and ensuring that the adult social care workforce is adequately represented and valued within the shaping and implementation of skills policy.
You will be responsible for owning and developing an influencing plan to enable an effective skills pipeline and skills development for adult social care. This will involve working with a wide range of bodies including the Department for Education, Skills England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Ideal candidates will bring a wealth of experience working in the skills and education policy landscape, a strong network of contacts in the skills sector, and be able to apply exceptional communication, engagement and influencing skills to ensure the adult social care sector is represented in skills policy and associated reforms.
At Skills for Care, we are committed to creating a culture of Belonging, where all of our People are able to contribute to their full potential. All our People are expected to contribute towards the achievement of our aspirations for equality, equity, diversity and inclusion. We want our People to be representative of the society we support, this includes all equality characteristics such as age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief. This lived experience from a diverse group of people helps us with all the work that we do and ultimately supports the social care sector to provide the best quality care. We encourage applications from, but not limited to, people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities. Candidates will always be selected based on experience and potential.
Information about reasonable adjustments: We want all applicants to be able to fully participate in our selection processes. We welcome requests for adjustments to our recruitment and selection processes from applicants with disabilities, impairments, or health conditions, and will always consider support available in the recruitment process.
Contact Detail:
Skills For Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Affairs and Policy Manager (Skills) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the skills and education policy landscape. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, and events to meet key stakeholders and decision-makers in the sector. Building relationships can give you insights into the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with current skills policies and reforms affecting adult social care. Understanding the latest developments will allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your influencing skills by gathering examples of past experiences where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or driven policy changes. This will highlight your capability to fulfil the role's requirements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Skills for Care thoroughly, including their values and initiatives. Tailoring your conversations and questions during the interview to align with their mission will show your genuine interest and fit for the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace External Affairs and Policy Manager (Skills) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the External Affairs and Policy Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in skills and education policy, as well as any relevant networks you have within the sector. Use specific examples to demonstrate your communication, engagement, and influencing skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about the adult social care sector. Discuss how you can contribute to Skills for Care's mission and values, particularly around equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skills For Care
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to thoroughly research Skills for Care. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives in the adult social care sector. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
As an External Affairs and Policy Manager, having a strong network is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your connections within the skills and education policy landscape. Highlight specific examples of how these relationships have helped you influence policy or drive initiatives in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and influencing skills. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex policy issues or engaged with stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Skills for Care values diversity and inclusion, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this culture. Share your thoughts on the importance of representation in the workforce and any relevant experiences you have in promoting equality and diversity in previous roles.
