VOX (Voices of Experience) Scotland is recruiting for a Policy & Participation Officer to support the team based at our Mental Health Foundation Glasgow office.

VOX is Scotland’s national voice on mental health, we represent our members’ views to Scotland’s politicians and health professionals to make sure Scotland’s laws and mental health services reflect our members needs and interests. VOX’s Board of Directors includes individuals who have lived and living experience of mental ill health. The role of the Policy and Participation Officer will be to work alongside the VOX Senior Development Officer to progress the key aims within VOX’s business plan, including delivering on specific project and policy objectives and achieving required outcomes.

What does the role involve?

• To support VOX Scotland respond to consultations which will influence the policies and laws in Scotland which impact people living with mental illness.
• To gather insights and experiences from our members and the wider public to enable us to deliver research and evidence around the experiences of people living with mental illness.
• To help develop opportunities for those who have, or have had mental distress to influence the development of services with which they may engage.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of human rights, social justice issues and the inequalities encountered by those who have experienced mental health problems.
• Demonstrable ability to engage with the Scottish Policy, service and practice environments (mental health and social justice).
• Demonstrable relevant experience in working within the Mental Health or related field.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.