At the MS Society we put people living with MS at the centre of everything we do, and it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK. Our vision is a world free from the effects of MS.
Our ultimate goal is to find a cure. But until then, we will do all that we can to enable people with MS to live life, knowing that they do not have to face MS alone.
It’s an exciting time to join us. We are two years into a new strategy, which is rooted in what people living with MS have told us is important to them. This gives us a clear and determined focus. We have big aspirations and we need brilliant new people to help us achieve our ambitious goals.
About this job
2019 is an exciting year to join us as we get closer to securing access to new treatments for more people with MS. We have seen incredible progress in the past five years, with an increasing proportion of people with MS now on treatment.
Disease Modifying Treatments are now emerging for progressive forms of the condition, marking a step change in the way we treat MS. This is an opportunity to play a leading role in securing access to the very first treatments for people with progressive MS, for which there is huge unmet need across the UK.
With national changes to specialised commissioning on the horizon, you will be leading policy development on the funding and infrastructure for best delivering medicines to people with MS on the NHS. And with our Stop MS Appeal launching next year aiming to raise £100m to revolutionise treatment and change the course of MS, your role in influencing the pathway to access for new and repurposed drugs will be crucial.
Reporting to the Policy Manager for Health and Care, you will contribute to the development of our policy positions and campaigns. You will help to ensure that our policy work is built around strong evidence, informed by and developed with people living with MS, their carers and health professionals. Working closely with colleagues in External Relations and Campaigns, you will help build effective campaigns and influencing programmes, and lead key work to align our policy positions with other charities to amplify the voice of people with MS.
About you
You’ll have experience of working in a policy analysis and development role, a proven track record of influencing others and knowledge of the policy making processes that surround healthcare and/or treatments in the UK. You’ll also have experience of advising senior stakeholders on strategy, as well as excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a supportive and friendly team. We offer 27 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays), travel loan and various other benefits such as supported developmental opportunities, and the option of working from home a few days a week, on agreement with the line manager.