Are you passionate about disability rights?
Are you looking for a role that gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives?
If so, then United Response wants to hear from you.
United Response is currently looking for an experienced individual to join our team as the Public Affairs and Policy Lead with the aim of developing our public affairs and policy strategy. As a leading national disability charity it is our mission to ensure that individuals with learning disabilities, mental or physical support needs have the opportunity to live their lives to the full. That is where you come in, through your work you will help make sure that the voices of the people we support are heard far and wide.
The job
At the centre of United Response’s new long term strategic plan is the drive to advance the interests of the people we support at both a local and national level. As the Public Affairs and Policy Lead you will:
- Monitor and forecast the impact of policy changes on United Response and the people we support;
- Work alongside senior figures to establish regular contact with politicians and public bodies;
- Act as a spokesperson for United Response’s policy and public affairs work;
- Collaborate with other parts of the organisation to develop strong public campaigns;
- Advise colleagues and the people we support on getting their voices heard;
- Work to ensure the people we support have ample opportunity to be involved in campaigning;
- Ensure that our strategy is planned and carried out in an inclusive way;
- Write and edit submissions to relevant social care consultations;
- Provide regular feedback and briefings to senior managers.
This is fantastic opportunity for someone with the right attitude to mould the role and look for new opportunities to get the people we support and our staff involved in as many different ways as possible.
Who we are looking for
Whilst this is a hugely collaborative role it is a stand-alone role within public affairs and policy for United Response so we are looking for someone with extensive experience in the field. To be considered for the role of Public Affairs and Policy Lead you must:
- Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Show an ability to network and build a strong base of influential contacts;
- Have excellent knowledge of policy development and campaigning;
- Demonstrate the ability to lead and mentor others in an inclusive manner;
- Have previously worked within the voluntary or social care sector;
- Be able to manage multiple concurrent projects;
- Be the face of United Response public affairs and policy internally and externally.
In addition to the skills and experience mentioned above, we need you to be a huge believer not only in what United Response does but the way we do it. By embodying United Response’s vision and values you will have the opportunity to put us at the forefront of promoting and expanding the rights of the people we support and the wider disability community.
The pay and rewards
In addition to holding an immensely impactful role with a leading national organisation at a crucial but exciting time, as the Public Affairs and Policy Lead you will receive:
- £40,000 per annum (permanent);
- 25 days paid annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays);
- Pension contribution;
- Cycle to work scheme;
- Access to free occupational health, physiotherapy, counselling and advice services;
- Fully paid training and access to nationally recognised qualifications;
- 2x basic salary life assurance scheme;
- Access to an online shopping platform with discounts from over 3,500 retailers.
Please note that this role will be subject to a basic DBS check and will require the successful applicant to travel to various United Response locations as required.