Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer connects with and influences politicians and senior decision makers to make society better for people who have mental health challenges, have mental illness and their families.

In this critical role you will work closely with the Director of Public Affairs and Communications to develop and implement a policy and influencing strategy to ensure that the voices of people we support, and their families are heard in all the places they need to be.

You will build powerful relationships with politicians, civil servants and partners and feel comfortable representing the organisation at a range of different stakeholder events. You will love policy and public affairs, enjoy mastering details and offering sound advice. You will respond on behalf of the organisation to consultations and events and will be comfortable doing lots of reading and writing.

What I do and what I achieve

• I ensure that Change Mental Health has a robust policy and public affairs process to respond to events and consultations, set up meetings with influencers, write briefings, and record our interactions on the Lobbying Register.
• I develop and implement a policy and public affairs strategy, which means Change Mental Health engages with external stakeholders, disseminates key messages, and ensures that the voices of our members and the people we support are heard at all levels.
• I ensure that Change Mental Health’s Public Affairs and Stakeholder policies are kept relevant for our staff and promoted throughout the organisation.
• I collaborate on key communications documents and channels, including our newsletter, website and support the high-quality use of our social media channels.
• I manage projects that improve the outcomes of those with poor mental health and wellbeing. When agreed, engage with parliamentarians and stakeholders, representing Change Mental Health and advocating for our policy agenda
• I take ownership of policy developments in fields relevant to Change Mental Health’s work and ensure you are up to date and well informed of recent developments.
• I write briefings for the Director of Public Affairs and Communications, the CEO, and Board as needed.
• I write briefings for debates in Parliament and communicate with members of Parliaments.
• I write reports for projects relating to mental health and wellbeing.
• I organise and undertake the administration of events that support our policy platform, whether that be events at party conferences, cross-party groups, parliamentary receptions or other activities that support the charity.
• Network and build relationships with different stakeholders across the private, third and state sectors.
• I support the work of the National Rural Mental Health Forum, organising meetings and reporting on impact.

Benefits

• Professional development including funded opportunities.
• A generous 37 days’ holiday.
• A 35-hour working week, enhanced sick pay & season ticket loan.
• A great work life balance with flexible and blended working environment.
• 24/7 access to an award-winning Employee Assistance Programme providing free legal, financial and medical advice as well as support with life’s challenges.
• Enhanced sick pay and leave entitlements
• Paid Mental Wellbeing Days
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light discount card