Role outline and purpose  

Working within the Policy and Public Affairs team, the Policy Officer will support the implementation of the Trussell Trust’s policy influencing strategy to end the need for food banks in the UK. The Policy Officer will be responsible for delivering activity in key policy areas, with a particular focus on policy development and influencing key decision makers. The role will work with the wider team to monitor and inform policy influencing plans, and the Research team to support policy research planning.  

Role responsibilities 

• Develop and maintain expertise in key policy areas which contribute to our strategic goal of ending the need for food banks, including policies related to the social security system, housing, communities, and the role of local government.  

• Support and deliver policy activity, including briefings, select committee written evidence and consultation responses  

• Horizon scan and monitor the policy environment, including attending relevant events and meetings  

• Develop networks, including relationships with sector partners and officials working in key policy areas  

• Support – as required – the Organising and Local Mobilisation team in equipping food banks in the Trussell Trust network to influence locally  

• Support monitoring and planning for the Policy and Research department  

Person Specification 

Technical skills and minimum knowledge: 

• Demonstrable interest in and capacity for policy development and identifying policy levers and opportunities to influence government 

• Knowledge of public affairs environment and machinery of UK government  

• Proficient writing skills, producing concise outputs for a range of audiences  

• Self-sufficient use of I.T., including proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and an ability to use project management processes 

Behaviours and competencies: 

• Balance competing priorities and works to tight deadlines  

• Communicates effectively, working collaboratively across teams and organisations  

• Demonstrates a commitment to the values of the Trussell Trust  

• Demonstrates empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially excluded backgrounds  

• Role models inclusive behaviours and values  

Key Stakeholders 

• Policy and Research department, particularly the public affairs team  

• Organising and Local Mobilisation team  

• Key UK Government departments: DWP, Treasury, DEFRA, and DLUHC 

• Policy partners, e.g. policy colleagues working in the sector  

• Policy colleagues working in Wales, Scotland Northern Ireland.