At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape UKCP's reputation through media relations and impactful campaigns.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public understanding of psychotherapy.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35224 - 35224 £ per year.
Full-time (part-time requests considered) Hybrid and flexible working (once per month in office) £35,224 per annum (pro-rated for part-time)
About the role
We are looking for a media and public affairs officer to play a central role in shaping UKCP’s external profile, reputation and influence. This is a varied and impactful role where you will manage day‑to‑day media relations, support public affairs activity, and help deliver integrated campaigns that raise awareness of psychotherapy and the work of UKCP and our members. You will act as a trusted internal adviser on messaging and reputational risk, translating complex or sensitive issues into clear, balanced and engaging communications. Working closely with colleagues across policy and communications, you will contribute to campaign narratives, stakeholder engagement and media strategy.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Managing media enquiries and drafting press materials, briefings and statements
- Monitoring media coverage and identifying emerging risks and opportunities
- Building relationships with journalists and promoting UKCP and its members
- Supporting external communications on sensitive or regulatory issues
- Contributing to campaign development, messaging and public positioning
- Supporting stakeholder engagement, including parliamentary activity and events
- Providing guidance to colleagues on tone, messaging and reputational considerations
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape public understanding of psychotherapy and contribute to meaningful, mission‑led work.
About You
You will bring experience in media relations, public affairs or communications, along with a strong understanding of the UK political and media landscape.
You Will Also Demonstrate:
- Experience supporting communications on reputational or complex issues
- Strong relationship‑building skills with media and stakeholders
- The ability to identify emerging issues and respond effectively in fast‑moving situations
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- An understanding of how communications support influencing and public engagement
- A collaborative, flexible approach to working across teams
You will share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and be motivated by contributing to a purpose‑driven organisation that supports mental health and wellbeing. You will work alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and collaborate with team members across the organisation. There will be scope for professional development and growth whilst working closely within a small team. In short, it is an opportunity to make a real difference.
About UKCP
UKCP is the leading professional body for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. We represent training organisations and over 8,000 individual therapists – working privately or in the NHS or voluntary sector – offering a wide variety of psychotherapeutic approaches or modalities.
Our Charitable Objectives Are To Promote:
- The art and science of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for the benefit of the public
- Research into psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling methods and to disseminate the results
- High standards of education, training and practice
- Wider access to psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for all sections of the public
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
- Extra leave during our December office closure
- Generous pension scheme with 8% employer contribution and salary sacrifice option
- Occupational sick pay and enhanced maternity leave
- Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Employee assistance programme with access to confidential counselling and mental health support
- Flu vaccination and eyecare vouchers
- Interest‑free season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
Media and public affairs officer employer: UKCP
UKCP is an exceptional employer that champions mental health and wellbeing, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the field of psychotherapy. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and ongoing professional development opportunities, all while collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to promoting the art and science of psychotherapy. Join us in shaping public understanding and enhancing the reputation of our vital work in a supportive and mission-driven organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media and public affairs officer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the media and public affairs scene. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in media relations and public affairs. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex issues or built strong relationships with journalists. We want to see your impact!
✨Stay Informed
Keep up with the latest news and trends in the psychotherapy field and the UK political landscape. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation's mission.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 mission-driven team at UKCP.
We think you need these skills to ace Media and public affairs officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Media and Public Affairs Officer role. Highlight your experience in media relations and public affairs, and show us how you can contribute to shaping UKCP’s external profile.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong relationship-building skills and your ability to handle complex issues. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured communication, so make sure your messaging is engaging and easy to understand, just like you would in a press release.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real difference in mental health and wellbeing.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKCP
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into UKCP’s mission and values. Understand their role in promoting psychotherapy and how they engage with the media. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
Be prepared to discuss your experience in media relations and public affairs. Bring examples of past campaigns or media strategies you've worked on, especially those that involved complex issues. Highlight how you managed relationships with journalists and stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves translating complex issues into clear communications, practice explaining a complicated topic in simple terms. This will showcase your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for the position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about UKCP’s current campaigns or challenges they face in media relations. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into how you can contribute to their efforts in shaping public understanding of psychotherapy.
