Grade: Lead
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Overall Purpose
Responsible and accountable for the work of the Policy, Influence and Public Affairs Directorate, shaping strategic direction to extend reach and deliver the greatest impact for people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis. Lead, focus, and inspire teams delivering policy, advocacy, and public affairs, achieving improvements in quality of life through campaigns, influencing policy changes, and ensuring the voices and needs of people with Crohn’s and Colitis are at the heart of what we do. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, set the vision and shape the strategic direction of the charity to achieve its strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Developing and implementing policy and advocacy initiatives
- Accountable for the development, effective evaluation, continual improvement, and delivery of all Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s policy and advocacy initiatives,
- Horizon scan and forecast changes and new opportunities to ensure that the charity’s policy and advocacy work remains relevant and impactful,
- Ensure that all learning from evidence, insight, and stakeholders is collated and feeds into the development of all policy activities,
- Ensure advocacy efforts are fully integrated with other supporter journeys across the charity,
- Develop and implement a strategic programme for Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s policy and advocacy networks.
2. Influencing to improve quality of life for people with Crohn’s and colitis
- Keep abreast of developments in policy and practice, identifying opportunities for positively influencing improvements for people living with Crohn’s and Colitis,
- Ensure the delivery of policy, advocacy, and campaigns that support the strategic objectives of the charity,
- Build networks and relationships with key stakeholders and work with partner organisations to identify and deliver innovative and effective ways to influence and drive improvement in healthcare services for people with Crohn’s and Colitis,
- Support the Chief Executive in leading and driving the IBD UK Alliance and other key partnerships.
3. Public affairs
- Develop and execute a public affairs strategy to raise awareness of Crohn’s and colitis and the work of the charity among policymakers, key strategic alliances and partnerships, the media and the public,
- Oversee the creation of compelling materials, including policy briefs, reports and press releases,
- Act as a spokesperson for the charity, engaging with the government, key decision makers, media and other public platforms to promote the charity’s mission and policy objectives,
- Foster strong relationships with media outlets and journalists to ensure effective coverage of Crohn’s and Colitis issues.
4. To manage, support and give direction and leadership to the Policy, Influence and Public Affairs Directorate
- Lead and manage the Directorate, ensuring staff are trained, supported, and motivated to deliver consistent, effective, and high-quality activities and programmes,
- Lead strategic planning and budgeting across the Directorate, tracking operational and budget performance; reporting monthly to show progress and any changes needed,
- Develop and deliver a business plan annually that aligns with and supports the overarching strategic objectives of the charity,
- Manage programmes in accordance with appropriate project management methodology ensuring milestones are delivered on time and within budget,
- Develop metrics for monitoring the impact and reach of the Directorate’s outputs to ensure that the focus is on areas which will achieve the maximum impact for people living with Crohn’s and Colitis.
5. Diversity & inclusion
- Ensure equality, diversity, inclusion, and the patient voice are considered in all aspects of policy, influence, and public affairs.
6. Charity responsibilities
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provide leadership across the organisation, including deputising for the Chief Executive and providing support and guidance to the Board as required,
- Represent Crohn’s & Colitis UK at events as required,
- Act as a spokesperson for the organisation if required (including media interviews),
- Ensure compliance with charity policies and all relevant legislation,
- Demonstrate behaviours in line with the charity values and maintain the reputation and standing of the charity.
We are a flexible employer and embrace hybrid working. The senior leadership team currently meet on Monday’s at our head office in Hatfield, which is easily accessible by road and train. Outside of this, you will manage your diary according to the needs of the role and your team.
Benefits
Annual Leave – all staff receive a full-time annual entitlement of 25 days. This increases by one day for each year worked, up to a maximum of 30 days. This is in addition to bank holidays.
Buy and Sell Annual Leave – you can buy or sell up to one week of annual leave.
Pension Contributions – staff are automatically enrolled into our Group Personal Pension Plan after three months. Once auto enrolled, employee contributions are 3% and employer contributions 5%. After passing your probation period (usually six months) you can increase employee contributions to 5% and employer contributions will rise to 8%.
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave – this comes into effect after two years’ service.