Epilepsy Society has a growing level of engagement with government, locally elected politicians, professional organisations, patient stakeholder groups and other charities in the sector on a range of issues which affect people with epilepsy. 

This role will play a pivotal part in the wider objective of Epilepsy Society in growing advocacy and campaigns work in the UK. 

The postholder will develop an effective programme of policy and public affairs work across the UK to have maximum impact for people with epilepsy and to raise the public profile of epilepsy. 

You will work with the Director FMEA and other team members to support and deliver a Communications and Influencing Strategy for the charity.

We seek a highly motivated individual to work with the CEO, Management Team and colleagues from across the organisation to achieve realistic but challenging targets.

You will be able to work independently and collaboratively and have the ability to influence and inspire people at all levels (industry, government, agencies, politicians, patient groups, charities, our beneficiaries and our staff and volunteers).

We seek someone with a degree or relevant experience in political or public affairs, experience of influencing, organising campaigns and major events and negotiating at a senior level.  You will be required to have a detailed level of understanding of government politics and the charity sector and an empathy to the cause.

Key accountabilities

Main responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including MPs, peers, and officials within UK government departments and other bodies, as well as the Epilepsy Society’s partner organisations.
• Manage the research and drafting of policy positions across a broad range of issues, with focus on the key issues important to the charity; develop policy briefings and reports. 
• Proactively stay abreast of political developments and changing health, social care, disability, scientific and other areas of related policy.

• Provide information and analysis on parliamentary activities, and alert and advise the Director on threats and opportunities arising on specific issues.
• Co-ordinate the charity’s written and oral evidence to Parliamentary committees, questions and consultations, in association with the Director and other colleagues as appropriate. 
• Oversee and manage key policy projects and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these projects using performance indicators and outcome measures.
• Represent the charity on key policy forums and groups, at events and meetings.
• Liaise with the Members and Secretariat of the APPG on Epilepsy and represent the organisation at meetings.

• Work with the Communications team to identify opportunities where policy and public affairs work can be supported and campaigns publicised on the web, by press, publications, or social media including supporting and developing influencing webpages, electronic campaigns and social media messaging.
• Ensure the charity’s policy and public affairs work is of a high standard and in line with strategic priorities.

Administration and Compliance

• Respond to policy and public affairs enquiries (internal and external).
• Attend and present where necessary at internal and external events as required and be willing to work flexibly and outside regular business hours where necessary.
• Ensure accurate records are kept of all relevant correspondence.

• Provide reports and briefing notes.

• Ensure the policy and public affairs function complies with Epilepsy Society's policies and procedures, statutory obligations and best practice.
• Responsible for preparing annual KPIs for this area of work and reporting against them.
• Communicating  plans and initiatives to relevant committees and senior stakeholders of the charity.

Other areas of responsibility

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the FMEA team.
• Maintain and develop positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Any other non recurring duties as required.

This job description may be subject to review in the light of future organisational developments and in consultation with the post-holder.

How to apply

To express an interest in the role(s) and to be considered, please submit the following:

✓ a detailed and up-to-date CV
✓ a supporting statement that addresses all criteria in the Person Specification and outlines your motivation for applying