Summary

We are looking for an experienced Policy and Advocacy Manager to take forward our work with Central Government and other Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs).

You will play a critical role in shaping and deepening our relationships with these key partners. By working together, we can expand the support available to community-based charities and social enterprises, helping them become more resilient through enterprise.

• Reports to: Director of Partnerships and Advocacy

• Location: Flexible. Able to work remotely or from Access’s offices in Old Street, Central London. Expected to attend office at least one fixed day per week.

• Salary: from £45,061 per annum (Grade F Manager) 

• Hours: All flexible working arrangements considered (noting that the scope of the role is such it will require a substantial time commitment – likely equivalent to a full-time role or close to it). 

• Interview process: Closing date for applications is Midday on 6 October and interview dates are expected to be online on 15 and 16 October.

About Access

We want to see a social investment ecosystem that works for all charities and social enterprises.

Through our programmes and our advocacy work, we ensure that charities and social enterprises can access the finance they need to sustain or grow their impact.

We target those most in need of patient and flexible investment through:

• Funding enterprise development and blended finance programmes in England.

• Sharing knowledge and data and translating it into practical insight that others can use.

• Mobilising others who share our goal of making capital work for communities.

We are a relatively small but collaborative and dedicated team.

Our values:

• We’re part of a much bigger team – we work alongside our partners, strengthening collective efforts to accelerate change.

• We are curious, open and honest – our knowledge is for sharing and we don’t shy away from difficult questions.

• We are not looking for quick fixes – we focus on the deep work of long-term systemic change.

What you will deliver (responsibilities)

• Policy development – You will lead on developing clear and actionable policy recommendations to Government and relevant NDPBs that expand the funding, investment and support available to charities and social enterprises looking to build their resilience through enterprise.

• Public affairs - Advocate for policy and funding models that create long-term, meaningful support for charities and social enterprises. Represent Access at various policy forums, meetings, and events to influence public policy and engage directly with decision-makers such as MPs.

• Partnership working - Actively contribute to relevant campaigns, policy forums, and advocacy groups to strengthen Access’s influence on policies that impact the social economy and the policy and regulatory environment for social investment.

• Communications - Write clear, engaging, and persuasive policy briefs, reports, and position papers to communicate Access's policy priorities to government and other stakeholders. Contribute to Access's wider communications strategy by developing blogs, reports, press releases, and speeches to amplify the organisation’s role in shaping public policy.

• Evidence and storytelling - Use data, sector insights, and compelling case studies to create narratives that not only advocate for policy change but also strengthen Access's position as a thought leader.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Proven experience in policy development.

• Strong understanding of government policy-making processes and experience influencing or shaping policy decisions.

• Ability to develop clear, actionable policy recommendations and translate complex issues into easily understandable language for diverse audiences.

• Extensive experience in public affairs and working closely with government officials, MPs, and decision-makers.

• Proven track record of successfully building and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including government departments and NDPBs.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data, sector insights, and case studies to support policy recommendations and advocacy efforts.

• Ability to identify and use evidence to build a compelling narrative for policy change.

• Experience in developing and using measurement frameworks to track progress and assess the effectiveness of policy and advocacy work.

Desirable

• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing charities and social enterprises seeking to build resilience through enterprise.

• Familiarity with social investment and social enterprises and its policy landscape.

Ways of working

• Work alongside and through trusted relationships: Working alongside our partners, you will build collaborative relationships, leveraging our collective expertise to create lasting change.

• Promote power-sharing and stay connected to partners: Ensure our policy work is informed by communities and local partners, and actively opens doors for them to shape decisions.

• Reflect and adapt: Use feedback loops and learning mechanisms to assess whether our policy and advocacy efforts are genuinely adding value and supporting the work of our partners and other stakeholders.

• Focused on long-term change: Approach policy advocacy with a focus on sustainability, ensuring that the changes we advocate for create long-term benefits for charities and social enterprises, especially in the most underserved communities.

The first six months

The first six months would focus on relationship building, policy development, mapping and laying the groundwork for long-term influence in the policy landscape,  with a strong emphasis on collaboration and adapting to feedback.

• Work closely with the Director of Advocacy and Partnerships to define and refine Access’s key advocacy goals.

• Work with the broader Access team and our partners to craft clear, actionable policy recommendations for government departments and NDPBs to better support charities and social enterprises.

• Participate in key policy forums and advocacy groups related to the social economy and social investment.

• Set up systems for tracking impact and measuring progress against policy objectives, such as regular feedback loops and learning mechanisms.

• Regularly report on early wins, including progress in relationships, partnerships, and policy influence.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to being an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all. We believe in the value of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Selection for roles is based solely on individual merit, talent, skills, and potential.

As a charity, we are dedicated to reflecting the communities and individuals we aim to support. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who share lived experiences or come from backgrounds that align with those we serve. Diversity strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact, and we encourage all who feel passionate about our mission to apply.

Terms and conditions and benefits

Terms & conditions

• This role attracts a salary of £45,061, based on 1 FTE

• Probationary period six months

• Notice period three months (on completion of probationary period)

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave per annum in addition to bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees)

• Contributory pension (employer contribution of 8% dependent on 4% contribution from employee via salary sacrifice)

• Income protection and life insurance

• Personal mobile phone usage and working from home allowances

• Enhanced occupational maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies

• Cycle to work and travel loans available

Other benefits

• Bright, modern office in central London location

• Opportunity to allocate five working days per annum to volunteering

• Opportunity to attend conferences and events

• Opportunity to take a 3 month unpaid sabbatical after 5 years of service

• Up to 5 days of study leave (pro rata), where the studies are relevant to the individual’s role at Access and in line with individual’s development goals

• Sponsorship of professional membership fees where relevant to the employee’s specific role at Access

The role is based in Access’s offices in central London (Old Street) with some dedicated time together as a team each week (currently Tuesdays). Outside of this shared time, Access anticipates a significant degree of day-to-day flexibility in terms of where team members will work, depending on both personal preference and the needs of their role.