Job summary

We are looking for an experienced Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our policy and campaigning work. You will have a strong understanding of the UK political system and how to influence it, and will be confident in drafting reports, consultation responses and working with and disseminating data. Ideally, you will have worked within the youth policy or disability policy sector previously and will have strong knowledge of how to influence policy at local and national level (including devolved Governments).

The person

You must be pro-active in your approach to monitoring the external environment and seeking out opportunities for Whizz Kidz to have the most influence. You will be able to work in a small team and understand how we can make the most impact with our limited capacity.

 You will be passionate about the rights of young wheelchair users and driving real change within the sector.

Key accountabilities

-          Lead on determining how policy analysis, research and data are translated into campaign strategy, focussing on identified themes from Whizz Kidz beneficiary groups, particularly our Youth Board.

 -          Lead on external evidence gathering, surveys and data analysis including identifying priority campaign objectives, audiences and influencers, and ensuring campaigning effort is focused where it can have its greatest impact.

 -          Create a strategy and operational plan to widen our reach (including into devolved nations) including a full stakeholder engagement programme.

 -          Build compelling cases for change to drive national and local policy changes across the UK, and empower political and non-political stakeholders to engage in our campaigns to drive our policy goals.

 -          Proactively identify and review new research and policies in relation to relevant policy areas to help create a compelling case for change and investment from governments and other stakeholders

 -          Working alongside the Youth Board, you will ensure the voices of young wheelchair users are at the heart of all of our policy and campaign work. This will often include working with a variety of stakeholders including young people with lived experience, their families, Clinicians, and partners.

 -          Support the charity’s responses to government consultations and other relevant public consultations, policy developments and announcements

 -          You will support with ensuring the smooth running of the All-Party-Parliamentary Group on Access to Disability Equipment which Whizz Kidz is a co-partner Secretariat for.

 -          Ensure beneficiary led advocacy is at the heart of our policy work, including supporting wider team initiatives including the Collective, Family network and Research panel.

 -          Regularly review impact, ensuring funding requirements and reporting are met.

The post holder will also

·     Work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends, and to travel and stay overnight where necessary.

·     Work within all policies, procedures and budgets set by Whizz Kidz.

·     Act at all times in the best interest of Whizz Kidz.

·     Form effective working relationships with all colleagues members, volunteers and outside organisations as appropriate.

·     Take responsibility for ensuring that the policies and procedures relating to Health & Safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times.

·     Respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with the Data Protection Act.

·     Not disclose to an unauthorised person any confidential information acquired through official duties unless they have received official permission to do so.

 The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope and job rank of the post.

Person specification

Skills and knowledge

·     Acutely political aware.

·     Able to think strategically with excellent attention to detail.

·     Exceptional communicator

·     Strong understanding of the operation of Central Government, Local Government and Devolution.

·     Deep understanding of at least one policy area: disability, health, youth services

·     An ability to work under tight deadlines

·     A positive ‘can-do’ attitude and the ability to work on own initiative with limited supervision

·     Able to work flexibly and creatively to respond to the emerging needs of Whizz Kidz

 Experience

·     Significant demonstrable experience of policy development for short, medium and long term impact

·     Proven track record of interpreting national changes and developments into local and organisational context

·     Provision of responsive and robust advice to leadership

·     Experience of working within a policy / campaign environment

·     Successful development and maintenance of policy frameworks and strategy

·     Proven track record of maintaining appropriate networks and communities of practice for policy development best practice

·     Degree or degree-equivalent qualification (desirable)

·     Experience of working with young people / within the youth sector either in a policy or delivery capacity (desirable)

·     Knowledge of how the health and care system works locally, regionally and nationally in all UK nations, and experience of how to influence these (desirable)

·     Understanding of the barriers faced by young wheelchair users (desirable)

 Personal qualities

·     Alignment with our values – young people focused, ambitious, inclusive and collaborative

·     Passionate about supporting young wheelchair users and creating societal change

·     The ability to enthuse and engage others in the potential benefits of an engaging project

·     Goals driven and creative problem solver

·     We’re interested in you as much as your experience so we will welcome your application even if you don’t fully meet the ‘person specification’