Job Introduction

As Policy & Public Affairs Manager you’ll help us achieve our vision of a world where diabetes does no harm. Leading on the development and delivery of policy, public affairs and influencing activity you’ll work alongside people living with, and at risk of, diabetes and collaborate with colleagues within the Scotland team and across the UK to drive change.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Role Responsibility

You’ll work closely with the National Director to influence MSPs, ministers, government officials and senior leaders within the NHS to deliver on our strategic objectives. You’ll make sure that our Diabetes UK policy positions work in a Scottish context and deliver campaigns to turn these positions into action. You’ll produce policy reports, consultation responses and briefings. You’ll keep up to date with what’s happening across Scotland and the rest of the UK in health, horizon scanning to identify issues affecting people living with diabetes.

The Ideal Candidate

You’ve got experience of working in an influencing role in Scottish government, Parliament and ideally the health system. You can build strong relationships with a wide range of people and use these relationships to influence change. You’re great at communicating verbally and can produce top-notch reports as well as compelling cases for change. You’ve got an eye for detail and can translate complex data and policy to help inform our strategic decisions. You’re up for joining a small team at a time of change and being part of shaping our future direction.

Package Description

What we can offer you:

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments)
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working (not applicable to roles with fixed shift patterns)
• 2 Days TOIL in recognition of fixed shift patterns (pro-rata for part-time)
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

We can’t do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

But there’s more to do. And you can be part of it.

We’re a really diverse bunch and we recognise and respect your value as an individual. As well as helping people with diabetes, you’ll be part of one of the top 30 Best UK Charities to Work For, and one of the top 75 Best Large Companies in London.

We’re committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and we need our staff and volunteers to support this.

Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.