This vacancy has now closed

Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)

  • Full time
  • £35,143 – £39,000
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 9th March 2022


  • Advertised from 28th February 2022
  • 35 hours a week. Permanent

Role

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) to support our Evidence & Impact team in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health. We are home to Mental Health Awareness Week and, with prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.

Our focus is on three key areas:

1. Impact

We systematically consider how to scale ideas informed by evidence. We build partnerships and alliances that increase the impact and reach of our work.

2. Influence

We harness evidence and the voice of lived experience to advocate for preventive approaches and create campaigns which tackle the root causes of poor mental health.

3. Integrity

We continue to build a strong organisation that lives its values - that is open, kind, outward-looking and sustainable.

We have pioneered change for 70 years and we are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Come join us!

This exciting Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager role will work closely with the Head of Evidence and Impact (Scotland and Northern Ireland) to develop and implement our national policy and public affairs programme and work closely with colleagues in the Communications and Fundraising Directorate to ensure the Foundation’s campaigns achieve maximum impact.

What does the role involve?

• Day to day management of a portfolio of policy development and influencing activities to support the Foundation’s strategic public mental health advocacy objectives

• Supporting the Head of Policy to develop the policy direction of the Foundation

• Providing analysis, support & advice to colleagues across the organisation

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to pursue these objectives to achieve change at local, regional and national level.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and ethics of policy work and how to involve marginalised groups in policy development. Knowledge and understanding of mental health, and in particular, public mental health .

• Demonstrable skill in high quality written and verbal communication to a diverse range of audiences

• Substantial experience of working in a public policy role, with experience of a range of policy and public affairs approaches and work.

Why should you join the Mental Health Foundation?

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 27 after 5 years’ service

• 3 closure days between Christmas and New Year in addition to annual leave

• Up to 3 wellbeing days per annum

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Generous non-contributory pension scheme, 8% at 3 months service, rising to 10% at 6 months service employer contribution

• Life Assurance Scheme at four times annual salary

• Flexible working

• Season Ticket Loan

• Cycle to work scheme

Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a PVG check. Also, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

Application notes

How to apply

To apply please visit our website: Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) | Mental Health Foundation

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and send your application form to vacancies-scotland@mentalhealth.org.uk (along with a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form). Please note that all sections of the application form should be completed as CVs will not be accepted. Applications will close at 5pm on Wednesday 9th March. Interviews are planned for Wednesday 16th March. Please note that you will be asked to deliver a presentation on the day of the interview.

Diversity is greatly valued at the Foundation. Applications from all sections of the community are actively encouraged. If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us on vacancies-scotland@mentalhealth.org.uk For informal inquiries about the role, please contact Shari McDaid, Head of Evidence & Impact at smcdaid@mentalhealth.org.uk

Due to Covid-19 and until further notice, we are operating digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing) and on-boarding processes. We are blending office and homeworking until further notice.

We look forward to hearing from you!