Policy and Campaigns Advisor

Royal Society for Public Health

Hours
35 hours per week

Length of contract
6 months

About the Organisation

Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent UK-based educational charity and the world's oldest public health organization, formed in October 2008 through the merger of the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH) and the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health (RSH).

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic Policy & Campaigns Advisor to support the delivery of RSPH's Policy and Public Affairs strategy. Working as part of a proactive and ambitious team, you will help develop policy positions, produce high-quality evidence and insight, and deliver campaigns and influencing activity designed to create positive change in public health.

You will have the chance to lead on key policy areas, support major policy projects across the organisation, and contribute to RSPH's public affairs, stakeholder engagement and media activity. The role offers an excellent opportunity to build relationships across the public health sector and work directly with policymakers, partners and opinion-formers to influence policy and practice.

You will work as part of a proactive and energetic policy and public affairs team which focuses on addressing the new challenges in improving public health in the UK. This involves supporting the delivery of the Royal Society for Public Health’s (RSPH) Policy and Public Affairs Strategy to develop policy positions, generate evidence, insights and produce high-quality policy and campaign outputs to influence change. You will lead on key areas, alongside supporting policy projects across the team and organisation. You will also help to develop policy, research and public affairs approaches.

Responsibilities

Evidence and Analysis:

• Research, evaluate and interpret policy issues, which deliver on the policy and public affairs strategy of the RSPH, using insights and evidence from a variety of external sources.
• Develop and maintain a body of expertise in topics relating to the RSPH policy strategy, to monitor and review external developments, propose responses and identify opportunities for policy development.

Producing Policy Outputs and Outcomes:

• Alongside the Policy and Research Manager, develop and deliver a portfolio of policy projects and influencing work.
• Produce policy and influencing outputs for RSPH including writing reports, briefings, social media, articles, blogs and presentations.
• Support the publication, launch and dissemination of relevant outputs across the policy team, and work with colleagues to ensure relevant and timely communication of policy positions to support policy and influencing objectives.
• Balance a range of projects and activities, including organising events and meetings, consultation responses, and undertaking background research as necessary.
• Coordinate proactive and reactive media responses – working with the team to develop stories and managing relationships with the press and broadcast media.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Working with the Policy and Public Affairs Officer, maintain a database of public affairs and policy contacts.
• You will work as part of a proactive and energetic policy and public affairs team which focuses on addressing the new challenges in improving public health in the UK. This involves supporting the delivery of the Royal Society for Public Health’s (RSPH) Policy and Public Affairs Strategy to develop policy positions, generate evidence, insights and produce high-quality policy and campaign outputs to influence change. You will lead on key areas, alongside supporting policy projects across the team and organisation. You will also help to develop policy, research and public affairs approaches.
• Contribute to the development of links, networks and collaborations with appropriate organisations and stakeholders, forging new relationships and maximising established ones.
• Act as a representative of the RSPH at meetings with stakeholders and other key audiences.
• Work collaboratively across the RSPH to ensure a joined-up approach and provide knowledge and advice on policy issues.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential:

• At least 1 year’s experience developing policy positions and influencing national/local policy and practice change.
• Excellent understanding of the policy development process with proven experience in leading on a policy project from beginning to end.
• Strong analytical skills, including using evidence and insights to build policy positions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Strong written and oral presentation skills with the ability to tailor content to audience needs and communicate complex messaging concisely and clearly.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of public affairs and how to influence key opinion leaders and other key players.
• Excellent organisation skills and proven ability to work under pressure, managing several deadlines at the same time.
• Ability to work within a team and independently as required by the role and situation.
• Understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and commitment to this.
• Excellent IT skills.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of a relevant policy area (not restricted to public health).
• Passionate about reducing health inequalities and an understanding of the wider factors that impact them.
• Understanding of differing political, policy and health systems across each of the four UK nations.

Required Qualifications

• A professional or graduate qualification in a relevant field (health, social science, public policy), or previous experience of working in a relevant field or organisation.

Compensation & Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Agile working structure
• Pension contributions
• BUPA Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Membership of the Royal Society for Public Health
• Access to public health knowledge and skills training courses and qualifications
• An organisational commitment to supporting employee health and wellbeing
• A welcoming and friendly team of colleagues and an active Health Champions programme

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely
• RSPH operates an agile working policy with some attendance at our London office according to business need.

How to apply

• To apply for the role, please send a copy of your CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages showing how you meet the job description criteria, highlighting your relevant experience and suitability for the role, to Helen Thompson ([email protected]).
• The application closing date is Sunday 29th November at 11:59 pm
• We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible. 

Interviews

• The interview date is Monday 7th December 2026 at our office in Whitechapel.

Policies

RSPH values and actively strives to have a diverse and inclusive workforce in a working environment free from discrimination. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to participate in this recruitment process.

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