Here at Sport England, we are working with partners in Government, in the sports and physical activity sector, and in communities, to deliver what we set out in our new strategy ‘Towards an Active Nation’ which we published in May 2016.
We want everyone in England regardless of age, background or level of ability to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. Some will be young, fit and talented, but most will not. We need a sport sector that welcomes everyone – meets their needs, treats them as individuals and values them as customers.
We are looking for experienced policy and public affairs professionals to join the External Affairs team and play a key role in shaping understanding of our new strategy, and building support amongst Parliamentary and other political stakeholders. We have two roles available; one permanent full-time role and one fixed term contract (maternity leave approximately 9 months).
This Girl Can, Sport England’s high-profile National Lottery-funded campaign to get more women and girls active, has been welcomed by a wide range of Ministers, MPs and Peers. One of the most exciting dimensions of this team’s work will be leading on Sport England’s public affairs strategy for This Girl Can, offering great opportunities for the role-holders to build relationships with MPs, Peers, officials, committees, APPGs, and other political stakeholders and influencers, where they can use their skills in advocacy and communicating with impact to increase support for the objectives of the campaign.
Having significant experience of influencing and advocating within a policy and public affairs environment, you will be confident in communicating with senior political stakeholders. You will engage MPs and their teams in a way that enhances Sport England’s reputation as an expert, insight-led organisation that represents value-for-money. You will have a sophisticated understanding of Whitehall and quickly build good working relationships with Government officials, and you will continually build your network of Parliamentarians and senior representative from sports organisations from across the sector and seek to positively influence key decision-makers.
You will establish yourself within the organisation as a source of expert political advice and guidance for Sport England colleagues in handling politically sensitive issues and relationships, working to protect and enhance our reputation.
You will also provide expert policy advice to officials at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, other Government Departments, and Parliamentarians on grassroots sport and the work of Sport England and its partners. You will ensure that Sport England fulfils its obligations to Parliament and is responsive to the needs of DCMS. You will provide accurate information for answers to Parliamentary Questions in a timely manner, input for Ministerial briefings and correspondence, and advice on grassroots sport policy issues on an ad-hoc basis.
Reports to: Head of External Affairs, CEO Office.