External Affairs and Policy Specialist

Homecare Association

About the Organisation

We are the UK’s largest care association and the leading membership body for over 2,100 homecare providers. Together, we work to ensure society values and invests in homecare so we can all live well at home and flourish in our communities. We support our members with practical tools, trusted insight and strong representation, and we speak with authority to government, Parliament, the media and the wider public.

About the role

Do you want to help shape public debate, influence policy and communicate the value of homecare to Parliament and the wider public? We are looking for a driven, curious, and politically aware External Affairs and Policy Specialist to help us communicate our policy work externally and strengthen the voice of homecare providers. You will turn policy insight, member experience and evidence into clear, persuasive communications for Parliament, the media, stakeholders and members

As a small, influential membership body, we offer breadth, visibility and responsibility. This role will suit someone who enjoys working hands-on in a small team, where priorities can move quickly, and individual contribution is highly visible. We invest in our people, encourage professional development and give you real responsibility and exposure from day one. Your work will help shape national conversations and support a sector that matters.

As External Affairs and Policy Specialist, you will play a central role in communicating our policy work externally, strengthening our parliamentary and media engagement, and ensuring members feel informed, heard, and represented. You will also help gather insight directly from members, including through focus groups, and use this evidence to support our policy, influencing and communications work

You will ensure members feel informed, heard, and represented, while helping to build our presence and influence in Parliament. A core part of the role involves translating what our members experience on the ground into clear, persuasive messages that resonate with policymakers and parliamentarians.

This role suits someone who enjoys joining the dots between policy, politics, evidence, and communication. You will need to understand the policy environment, spot opportunities quickly and turn complex issues into clear messages that support our external influence.

You are bright, motivated and organised, with a strong interest in politics, policy and communications. You enjoy writing, relationship-building and working at pace. You can understand complex issues, ask good questions and turn evidence into clear, compelling messages for different audiences.

Responsibilities

Parliamentary Engagement:

• Support day-to-day parliamentary monitoring and identify opportunities to influence debates, questions, and policy development
• Draft high-quality briefings, parliamentary questions, and stakeholder communications
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, and parliamentary staff
• Support delivery of our parliamentary engagement activity, including events and party conferences

Member Communication:

• Draft clear, timely and engaging communications for members, including briefings, updates and campaigns
• Work directly with members, including through focus groups, to capture insight, case studies and evidence
• Ensure member voice sits at the centre of our external messaging
• Translate complex policy and political developments into clear, practical and accessible information for members and external audiences

Wider External Affairs:

• Monitor media coverage and support proactive and reactive media activity
• Contribute to social media and wider communications output
• Support campaigns, publications, events and stakeholder engagement
• Support team coordination, reporting and continuous improvement

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate complex policy issues for different audiences
• Experience in public affairs, policy communications, media, communications or campaigning, or a closely related field
• An understanding of UK parliamentary processes, political engagement and the wider policy environment
• Confidence gathering insight from stakeholders, members or service users, including through meetings, interviews or focus groups
• Confidence using social media to inform, engage and influence
• Strong planning skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• An interest in social care, health or public services, or a desire to build expertise in this area.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Leave: 28 days annual leave. Staff may be required to take 3 of these days over the Christmas holiday period if the offices are closed. These entitlements are in addition to all public Bank Holidays in England. Annual leave and bank holiday entitlement for part-time staff and those on fixed-term contracts are on a pro rata basis.
• Occupational Sick Pay Scheme: Upon successful completion of probation, staff are entitled to occupational sick pay calculated on an incremental allowance based on length of service. For staff recruited after 1 July 2022, the entitlement is:
  • Less than 6 months: 2 weeks full pay
  • 6-12 months: 2 weeks full pay, 2 weeks half pay
  • 12-36 months: 4 weeks full pay, 4 weeks half pay
  • Over 36 months: 8 weeks full pay, 8 weeks half pay
• Pension Scheme: New employees will be automatically enrolled into the pension scheme. Employees are required to make a 3% contribution to the scheme and the Association will contribute 7% of your total pay.
• Death in Service Insurance: In the unfortunate event of your death while employed by the Homecare Association the scheme will make a payment to a nominated beneficiary(s) of 4 times your salary.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Telephone support is available to employees 24/7 for issues they may be facing, such as work-related stress, depression, relationship issues, legal concerns, coping with change, parenting issues, financial concerns, and more. Training and guidance are also available on topics that relate to employee well-being.
• Season Ticket Loans: Where appropriate, staff may request a season ticket loan which is repayable over the duration of the season ticket. More information is available on request.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Apply to our website
• Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages explaining:
  • Why this role and the Homecare Association interest you
  • How your experience matches the policy communication, member insight and external affairs elements of the role
  • Your current notice period or availability

Interviews

• First stage interview times TBC
• These will be held in person, at our office in London, and will involve a short written task. The closest train station is Waterloo.

Policies

The Homecare Association is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

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