Help us rewrite the future of how Scotland cares for dying children

We are looking for an ambitious Policy and External Affairs Officer to help drive change in how Scotland supports babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

This is a rare opportunity to influence national and local policy working across policy, public affairs and strategic communications, supporting CHAS to shape public debate and strengthen the system of support around families.

You’ll work on high-impact priorities, contribute to national conversations, and help ensure that the voices of children and families inform decision-making at every level.

About the role

Working closely with the Policy and External Affairs Manager and a high-performing Marketing and Communications team, you will:

• Contribute to policy development and advocacy that informs national and local decision-making

• Shape and deliver strategic campaigns and communications to drive increased awareness and influence positive change

• Support engagement with MSPs, civil servants, local government and partners, building CHAS’ influence

• Deliver insight, analysis and briefings that position CHAS as a trusted, expert voice on children’s palliative care and public health issues

• Work across the organisation to ensure lived experience and evidence are at the heart of our work

This is more than a policy or communications role. You’ll contribute to system-level change, gain exposure to national policy development and public debate, and work as part of a collaborative, ambitious and values-driven team.

You’ll have responsibility from the outset, with opportunities to develop your skills and build your career in public affairs, policy and strategic communications.

About you

We’re interested in people with ambition, curiosity and strong judgement.

You’ll bring:

• Experience in a policy, public affairs and/or communications roles

• A good understanding of the Scottish and UK political landscape

• A good understanding of the Scottish media landscape

• The ability to analyse issues and translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages for both policy and media audiences

• Strong relationship-building skills and confidence working with stakeholders

• The ability to manage competing priorities and work at pace

We welcome applications from candidates with equivalent experience and transferable skills.

About CHAS

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) provides care and support for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families, across Scotland. We deliver specialist children’s palliative care in hospices, homes and hospitals-helping families spend meaningful time together and supporting them through the most difficult moments.

Working at CHAS

• Hybrid working, with flexibility across home and CHAS sites

• Travel across Scotland (approx. 20%) for meetings, events and stakeholder engagement

• A supportive environment with opportunities for learning, development and progression

• A culture built on collaboration, trust and respect

• A competitive benefits package including generous annual leave, pension contribution, flexible working, and wellbeing support

This role requires the ability to travel to locations across Scotland; a full driving license and access to a car are required.

Introduction

Are you passionate about empowering teams and shaping outstanding volunteer experiences? This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in transforming and strengthening how CHAS teams work with volunteers across in Robin House and across our outreach services.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have skill and experience in the following areas:

· Experience supporting teams who manage volunteers and an understanding of good volunteer practice.

· Strong coaching or training skills, with the confidence to guide colleagues through new processes and change.

· Experience implementing or embedding operational processes across multiple teams or sites.

· Excellent relationship‑building skills and the ability to collaborate with a wide range of colleagues.

· Confidence analysing volunteer‑related data and turning insights into clear actions.

· Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

About CHAS

At CHAS, staff and volunteers work together as one team, united by our ambition to reach every family in Scotland living with the heart-breaking prognosis that their child is dying. Volunteers are central to our work. With a 3:1 ratio of volunteers to staff, they enable us to deliver our care, compassion and service at scale.

As Volunteering Development Coordinator, you will help ensure volunteers continue to have an exceptional experience as CHAS evolves its approach, empowering teams across the organisation to confidently manage and support their own volunteer communities.

We offer

· Flexible Working: This role is based on site at Robin House and we would ideally expect attendance onsite 3-4 days per week. Our teams work flexibly and in a hybrid manner so some flexibility in working hours is available with occasional home working supported, where possible. CHAS offers flexible and family friendly working. and are happy to discuss working arrangements that work for you!

· Development Opportunities: exposure to volunteers and volunteer managers across a variety of teams and an opportunity to engage in continuous structured internal and external learning.

· Professional Growth: Work with industry leaders in a high-performing team where you will be encouraged and supported to excel and develop your skills.

· Comprehensive Benefits: Including generous annual leave policy and pension, incremental salary progression, access to Blue Light discounts, and health and wellbeing support.