Policy and Public Affairs Manager - Obesity Action Scotland
- Full time
- £34,189
- Hybrid: Glasgow
- Closing 2nd April 2026
- Advertised from 13th March 2026
- Fixed term contract for 18 months - option to extend subject to funding. 35 hours per week.
Role
Since being granted our Royal Charter in 1599, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has been improving health and healthcare for people around the world.
Today, we are a professional membership body providing education, assessment and development to more than 15,000 Fellows and Members at all stages of their careers. We are a UK organisation with a global membership.
Our estate in the heart of Glasgow city centre includes modern conferencing and events facilities, a rich and extensive heritage collection with museum status, a library and our multi-award winning events offering, 1599 at the Royal College.
Our purpose is built around delivering:
- Excellent education and outstanding member experience
- New standards through assessment and gold standard qualifications
- Transformative impact on the health and wellbeing of the wider world
Our vision: To build an influential global community that enables our Members to develop the skills, knowledge and influence to improve healthcare standards worldwide.
Our mission: We want to enable our Members to achieve their full potential as healthcare professionals and give them an influential voice in the world.
Our values: The College is not a building or a tradition, but a global community. In all that we do, we’re committed to putting our people first: Fellows and Members, those undertaking our education and assessment, colleagues and partners.
For us, how we work is as important as what we do, and we aim to live by our values. They embody the essence of the College motto, conjurat amice, meaning ‘together in friendship’. It’s an approach that is as relevant today as it was 425 years ago.
- Community Working together to support one another to succeed; listening to and engaging with partners and people, locally, nationally and globally, to achieve our core purpose.
- Integrity Valuing and learning from our heritage and commitment to excellence; never compromising on our core purpose, our standards and the quality of delivery.
- Innovation Proactively challenging current thinking with a forward-looking agile approach that meets the changing needs of our members and all those who interact with us.
- Inspiration Leading by example through open dialogue, teamwork and engagement to maximise our potential and affect change.
- Inclusivity Demonstrating care, kindness, civility, generosity and mutual respect through the way we welcome, work and interact with people.
The Role
Obesity Action Scotland, hosted by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, is seeking a Policy and Public Affairs Manager to support and coordinate the work of the Scottish Obesity Alliance.
Reporting to the Head of Obesity Action Scotland, the Policy and Public Affairs Manager will support the development and delivery of policy and public affairs activity to advance the Alliance’s priorities and influence policy that supports healthier environments across Scotland.
The role involves developing policy proposals, coordinating consultation responses and position statements, building relationships with key stakeholders, and identifying opportunities to influence policy and decision making.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of policy proposals aligned with the priorities of the Scottish Obesity Alliance
- Identify opportunities to influence policy and decision making in Scotland
- Draft consultation responses, policy briefings and position statements in collaboration with Alliance members
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including policymakers, parliamentarians and partner organisations
- Support the coordination and development of the Scottish Obesity Alliance
- Monitor policy developments and support the delivery of advocacy and public affairs activity
About You
You will have experience working in policy, public affairs or advocacy and a strong understanding of the Scottish policy environment. You will be confident engaging with stakeholders and able to communicate complex policy issues clearly and effectively.
You will also demonstrate strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with a wide range of partners.
The post holder will require the following:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in relevant subject
- Demonstrating a strong understanding of public health policy, including the social and commercial determinants of health, food and nutrition.
- Experience of partnership working and effective relationship management
- Demonstrable understanding of policy making structures and processes in Scotland.
- Experience of public affairs work and engagement with politicians, Scottish Government officials and the parliamentary system (for example, writing responses to public consultations or serving on policy groups).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including track record in the facilitation of discussions and delivering presentations.
Desirable
- Experience supporting an alliance/partnership/coalition
- Knowledge of wider public health policy areas
- Understanding of local planning structures
- Budget management
- Proof reading skills
Benefits include:
- 40 days holiday
- Hybrid working – at least 50% working in College, dependent on the needs of the business
- Pension Scheme – The College offers a contributory pension scheme with employee contributions ranging from 6% to 10%, based on the employee’s chosen contribution level
- Enhanced Sick Pay, Maternity, Paternity and Adoption pay
- Health and Wellbeing Benefit
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Successful candidates will have the requisite ability and experience to meet the specific requirements of the post.
Application notes
If you believe you have the skills to be part of our team then apply by submitting your CV, cover letter and Equal Opportunities Monitoring form on our website
Closing Date: 2nd April 2026
Interview Schedule: interviews are anticipated to be held on Tuesday 21st April
If you have any queries, please contact recruitment@rcpsg.ac.uk
Downloads
This is a full-time, permanent role based at the College in Queen Street, Edinburgh, with flexibility for a form of hybrid working to be agreed.
With a global reputation for educational excellence, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of patient care. One of the ways we achieve this is by commercially letting our venue spaces, which supports the College’s mission to educate and assist trained doctors and those in training who are pursuing careers in specialist internal medicine.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, RCPE is the perfect venue for hosting a variety of events, including medical, association, corporate, wedding, and private functions. We currently have a vacancy for an Events Executive to join our team, working within the Celebration and Conference markets.
Our events team plays an important part in bringing the College to life, delivering a wide range of high-quality events in a venue known for its history, character, and exceptional client experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive team at a truly unique Edinburgh venue.
The Role
Are you passionate about delivering outstanding events? The Events Executive plays a key role in our venue team, managing a variety of events, from weddings and celebrations to conferences, meetings, and internal ceremonial events hosted at the College.
As an Events Executive, you will be central to organising our event offerings while building strong relationships with both internal and external clients. You should be an excellent communicator, able to prioritise effectively, and committed to delivering world-class events. Your pro-active approach and commitment to delivering high-quality work will allow you to excel in this high-touch customer environment.
You will also support sales activity by staying informed about industry trends and competitor activities. Additionally, you’ll contribute to an annual programme of promotional events designed to increase enquiries.
The role involves managing both internal and external events, with further details available in the Job Description.
The Person
We are seeking a candidate with exceptional interpersonal skills who will deliver a high standard of customer service. You must be able to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both inside and outside the organisation.
The successful candidate will be proactive in a customer-centric environment, finding creative solutions to meet clients' needs. Along with event coordination experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently, your industry insight, commitment, and market knowledge will make you a vital asset to the venue team.
This role requires a high level of independent work, within a structured framework, demanding excellent planning, time management, and customer service abilities.
Remuneration Package
The salary for this role will be £27,948 per annum plus benefits. Additional benefits include:
• Pension: with employer contributions of 9%.
• Holidays: 23 days annual leave pro rata (with incremental increase over five years to 28 days) and 11 days public holiday/College close downs.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Long-term income protection scheme for those unable to work due to illness.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted rates for use of the venue for personal events.
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About Us
St Andrew's First Aid has been serving communities across Scotland for over 140 years. Today we're entering an exciting period of transformation, strengthening our volunteer infrastructure, modernising systems, and investing in how we deliver at scale. We’re recruiting across several roles as part of this growth and improvement journey. It’s a genuinely energising time to join us, with real opportunities to shape how we work, enhance service delivery, and contribute to a forward-looking, ambitious organisation.
The Role
We’re looking for two organised, confident and proactive Events Officers to coordinate volunteers, manage client relationships, and ensure events run smoothly and safely. From logistics and equipment planning to volunteer engagement and post-event reviews, you’ll help deliver a professional, high-quality service that keeps people safe.
This is a varied, operational role where you’ll:
- Liaise with event organisers to plan and deliver first aid provision
- Coordinate volunteers, equipment, vehicles and communications
- Support quotes, risk assessments, invoicing and event administration
- Monitor volunteer engagement and resource events effectively
- Lead on logistics, consumables and equipment management
- Conduct post-event reviews to drive continuous improvement
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Have experience organising or supporting large-scale events
- Build strong relationships with clients and volunteers
- Are calm under pressure and solutions-focused
- Understand health & safety in an events environment
- Are confident using Microsoft Office
About Us
St Andrew's First Aid has been serving communities across Scotland for over 140 years. Today we're entering an exciting period of transformation, strengthening our volunteer infrastructure, modernising systems, and investing in how we deliver at scale. We’re recruiting across several roles as part of this growth and improvement journey. It’s a genuinely energising time to join us, with real opportunities to shape how we work, enhance service delivery, and contribute to a forward-looking, ambitious organisation.
The Role
We’re looking for two proactive, relationship-focused Volunteer Development Officers to support, develop, and engage our volunteers. You’ll work closely with Regional Development Groups, Company Commandants and head office colleagues to ensure our volunteering function runs smoothly and continues to grow.
This is a varied and people-centred role where you’ll:
- Support volunteer recruitment, induction, training and retention
- Act as a key point of contact to resolve issues and strengthen engagement
- Help develop clear training and progression pathways
- Gather volunteer feedback and champion continuous improvement
- Support conduct, performance and safeguarding matters where required
- Become a “super user” of our Volunteer Relationship Management system
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Have experience in volunteering, community development or the third sector
- Build trusted relationships and communicate confidently
- Are organised, resilient and solutions-focused
- Understand health & safety and safeguarding responsibilities
- Are comfortable using Microsoft Office
Some evening/weekend work, as well as occasional on-call support, will be required.
About Us
St Andrew's First Aid has been serving communities across Scotland for over 140 years. Today we're entering an exciting period of transformation, strengthening our volunteer infrastructure, modernising systems, and investing in how we deliver at scale. We’re recruiting across several roles as part of this growth and improvement journey. It’s a genuinely energising time to join us, with real opportunities to shape how we work, enhance service delivery, and contribute to a forward-looking, ambitious organisation.
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Volunteer Training & Development Manager to lead our training and volunteer development function. Reporting to the Head of Volunteer Operations, you’ll manage a multi-disciplinary team and ensure our volunteers are trained, supported and equipped to deliver high-quality services in communities and at events nationwide.
This is a senior leadership role combining operational delivery with strategic improvement. You will:
- Line manage Trainer/Assessors, Volunteer & Youth Development Officers and training support staff
- Lead capacity planning, rostering and resource management
- Oversee safeguarding and fulfil the Designated Protection Officer role
- Implement and improve systems, policies and training standards
- Monitor KPIs and drive service improvement
- Develop clear volunteer learning and progression pathways, including youth programmes
- Oversee training budgets and ensure value for money
- Contribute to organisational strategy and annual business planning
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Have proven experience leading training and development teams
- Hold a recognised training/assessor qualification
- Bring strong operational planning and people management capability
- Understand safeguarding, compliance and quality assurance frameworks
- Are confident in influencing senior stakeholders and external partners
- Use data and digital systems to inform decisions and improve performance
This role includes periodic evening and weekend working, participation in an on-call rota, and occasional operational or emergency event cover as required.
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