At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence policy and deliver campaigns to improve foster care for children in Scotland.
- Company: Join the UK's leading fostering charity dedicated to empowering the fostering community.
- Benefits: 38 days leave, flexible working, enhanced maternity pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration with young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping social care policies.
- Qualifications: Passion for social care, campaign experience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.
We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer in Scotland to join our highly effective UK wide policy and campaigns team. With fostering high on the political agenda in Scotland and elections taking place this year, this is an exciting time to join the team.
You will be passionate about improving children’s social care and foster care for children. You will have knowledge of the policy and legislative landscape in Scotland and issues surrounding children’s social care. You will have experience of delivering engaging campaigns and developing mechanisms to support people with lived experience to campaign, particularly young people, as this role works closely with our young people’s advisory board.
You will be adept at influencing policy makers in the Scottish Government and Parliament, as well as developing creative policy solutions to bring about change. As the lead for the largest survey of foster carers in the UK – our State of the Nations’ Survey 2027, you will have significant experience of developing, analysing and conducting research and producing high quality, evidence-based written materials.
You will be a great communicator and able to build relationships with stakeholders of all levels, including parliamentarians, senior figures in government and people with lived experience.
You will have the opportunity to influence policy and practice to bring about lasting change for foster carers and children and young people in foster care. The role will involve influencing parliamentary and policy-making processes in Scotland and contributing to UK wide projects. The role will deliver effective campaigns, key research projects such as our State of the Nations’ report and written content for our members.
What we can offer you:
- 38 days leave (including bank holidays)
- A range of family friendly and fostering friendly leave options
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Helpline
- Pension and life assurance
- Contribution to eye tests and lenses
- Season ticket loans
The Fostering Network is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially those from under-represented and minoritised backgrounds. All applications and hiring decisions will be considered on merit.
If you identify as care experienced and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under our commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant. If you have a disability, please tell us what reasonable adjustments would support your participation in the recruitment process. We are open to job-sharing arrangements for all roles, please indicate this in the application form if you are applying as part of a job share.
To apply please email your completed application form to recruitment@fostering.net. CVs will not be accepted.
Interview location: In person - TFN Glasgow Office, Centrum, 2K, 38 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3DX.
Policy & Public Affairs Officer - Scotland in Glasgow employer: The Fostering Network
Contact Detail:
The Fostering Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy & Public Affairs Officer - Scotland in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Research The Fostering Network's mission, values, and recent campaigns. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. Building relationships can give you insider knowledge and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role and be ready to share specific examples of your work in policy and public affairs. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Fostering Network.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy & Public Affairs Officer - Scotland in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the organisation. Dive into the job description and get a feel for what we’re all about at The Fostering Network. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in!
Be Personal and Passionate: We want to see your personality shine through! Share your passion for improving children’s social care and foster care. Use examples from your experience that demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, especially those related to policy-making and campaign delivery. Make sure to mention any research or writing you've done that aligns with the responsibilities of the role. We love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, remember to do it through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Fostering Network
✨Know Your Policy Landscape
Make sure you brush up on the current policy and legislative landscape in Scotland, especially around children's social care. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges will show your passion and knowledge about the sector.
✨Engage with Lived Experience
Since this role involves working closely with young people’s advisory boards, think about how you can incorporate their voices into your discussions. Prepare examples of how you've previously engaged with stakeholders or used lived experiences to influence policy.
✨Showcase Your Campaign Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in delivering engaging campaigns. Have specific examples at hand that demonstrate your ability to create impactful strategies and how they led to tangible outcomes in previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a great communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders, including parliamentarians, and how you can leverage those skills in this role.