Policy and Public Affairs Manager

ROLE OVERVIEW

You will be an exceptional Policy and Public Affairs Manager who will lead your team to achieve the goals detailed in the RLSS UK Strategic Framework . This is a unique opportunity to work on the front line of policy change, collaborating with ministers, government officials and key partners.

This is a strategic, hands-on role suited to someone with a deep commitment to our water safety and drowning prevention priorities together with significant experience of achieving outcomes and impact.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement and deliver the RLSS Policy and Public Affairs Strategy
• Influence UK and Ireland ministers and government officials by engaging them directly to raise awareness of RLSS UK s vision, mission and purpose and seeking their support in achieving our goals
• Work collaboratively to influence specific legislation, including campaigning around bills, writing amendments, and working with MPs and Peers to promote them within the legislative process.
• Lead the management of the APPG
• Manage stakeholder engagement strategies and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Stakeholder engagement (Parliament): Build and maintain relationships with key policy makers and parliamentarians through face-to-face meetings, providing briefings to MPs and Lords for Parliamentary debates, preparing written/oral questions, and attending Select Committees, APPGs, Parliamentary receptions and other relevant roundtables and events.
• Attendance and representation at meetings which support RLSS UK s policy and public affairs priorities
• Deliver evidence-based campaigns, including the production of speeches, blogs, reports, and social media content in collaboration with the communications and marketing team.
• Support the Communications and Marketing Team to develop content for the website and other internal and external communications, such as blogs and articles.
• Work with the Communications and marketing team to respond to media and other communication opportunities to promote the RLSS UK work and to contribute to national debate on relevant issues.
• Organise external events and represent RLSS UK at conferences, coalitions, and media opportunities.
• Write clear, compelling consultation responses and policy materials rooted in research, lived experience and case studies.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities to influence emerging debates.
• Work to ensure policy positions are aligned across the UK and Ireland.
• Monitor policy and political debates and developments on water safety and drowning issues, horizon-scanning emerging policy issues, and where appropriate, disseminate and brief colleagues and RLSS UK members.
• Identify proactive and reactive opportunities to promote and embed RLSS UK and members recommendations and research.
• Produce high quality and influential policy briefs, reports, position papers, and responses to consultations, to advocate for changes in policy and practice.
• Lead on the monitoring of policy engagement and impact by using necessary evaluation tools and work with external evaluators as required to capture impact and utilise learning.
• Work with RLSS UK members, people directly impacted by the drowning and other key stakeholders to harness and amplify their expertise and insights.
• Where needed, lead the co-ordination and establishment of member expert groups to inform our policy work.
• Develop opportunities for joint working with researchers / research organisations and manage that partnership work, including the development and co-ordinating the RLSS UK research symposium.
• Work with the RLSS UK team to recommend and secure relevant speakers and presenters for RLSS UK meetings and events.
• Contribute to the general administration and delivery of RLSS UK programmes, events and overall objectives.
• Work with the Director of Income Generation and Engagement to support the development of potential fundraising bids and reporting progress to funders.
• Maintain good working relations with trustees, staff and other stakeholders
• Attendance at Board and committees as required
• Maintain up to date and accurate records of contacts, engagement and stakeholder areas of expertise.
• Production of RLSS UK evidence-based internal and external reports

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead on and support ad hoc projects as required
• Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required including all other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK s compliance programme.
• To demonstrate and uphold the Society s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• To help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• 5+ years experience working in policy and public affairs, preferably in the charity sector.
• Proven ability to build influence with politicians, advisors, and senior stakeholders.
• A proven record of influencing public affairs and policy change
• Evidence of building strategic relationships to further a cause and/or systems change
• Evidence of strong collaborative working and proven ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders to effect change
• Evidence of excellent analytical (primary and secondary sources of evidence) and writing skills, including experience of drafting briefings for high level meetings, writing research and/or policy reports for external audiences
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including the ability to draft briefings and present at public events.
• Experience of involving people with lived experience in policy and/or parliamentary affairs
• Comfortable representing an organisation externally and building relationships with partners, policy makers and influencers
• Understanding of methods to interact with political entities.
• Proficient in utilising social media for engagement purposes.
• Understanding of Ireland's political institutions and policy processes.
• Organisational and strategic thinking skills to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to emerging issues.
• A commitment to involving people with lived experience in policymaking.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and excellent time management skills to deliver on competing priorities
• Flexible and positive can-do work attitude
• Able to work independently and show initiative
• High level of diplomacy, personal integrity and empathy for others
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role including occasional evenings and weekends

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK
• Policy and Public affairs qualification
• Experience of reporting to funders and/or supporting the development of potential fundraising bids
• Experience of project management, and/or line management
• Experience of using a CRM or similar monitoring/evaluation tools

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay
• Eye Care
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should be our next Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Closing Date 11.59pm, Wednesday 8th October 2025

Interview Date TBC, at our Worcester Head Office

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.