Policy Officer

Play Wales prides itself on its authentic tone of voice in written communication. We would like to hear yours. We would therefore ask that you refrain from using AI tools to complete your application. We advise that we will use AI checking tools to ensure AI has not been used by applicants.
We reserve the right to close the post to applications before the advertised closing date.
Closing date: 9:00am 14 September 2026
Interviews will be held on 22 September 2026, which will also include a task to assess candidates’ suitability to the role. More information will be provided upon invitation to attend an interview.

Start date:

30 November 2026
Interviews will be held in person at Park House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff CF10 3AF
.
We look forward to receiving your completed application.
About Play Wales
Play Wales is the independent national charity for children’s play in Wales.
We work to raise awareness of children and teenagers’ need and right to play and to promote good practice at every level of decision making and in every place where children might play. We provide advice and guidance to support all those who have an interest in, or responsibility for providing for children’s play so that one day Wales will be a place where we recognise and provide well for every child’s play needs.
Play Wales’ vision and mission
Vision: A future where play is valued in Wales for being crucial to a healthy and happy childhood. A country where children can freely explore, discover, develop and grow through play.
Mission:
Campaign for a play-friendly Wales by leading with intention, collaborating with inclusivity, educating with enthusiasm, and supporting with sensitivity.
Aims
 
* Policy: to work with individuals, organisations and networks to inform the development of policy and matters related to children’s play in Wales
 
* Communication Service: to promote the value of children’s play in Wales through the provision of timely and current information to our stakeholders
 
* Advice and support: to provide specialist knowledge regarding all issues about and affecting children’s play
 
* Workforce development: to contribute to the professional development of the play and playwork workforce in Wales.
Our benefits
Annual leave:
Play Wales offer a generous annual leave package for full time staff (pro-rata for part-time) of 29 days plus bank and public holidays (England and Wales) per year. Annual leave allowance also increases with years of service.
Salary:
Play Wales offers competitive salaries with annual increases within your pay scale after one full year’s service.
Pension:
We offer the opportunity to join a Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
Agile working:
We operate a hybrid working environment for roles that are eligible and flexibility across the working week. Your main place of work will be your home.
Health care:
As an employee of Play Wales, you have access to Health Shield, a health care plan that offers a range of benefits, including access to healthcare professionals, a shopping discount scheme and reimbursement of optician and dental fees.
Cycling:
Play Wales offers a cycling to work scheme for all members of the team.
Job description
The Policy Officer will support the development and delivery of Play Wales’ policy and strategic work across the breadth of the organisation’s remit. Working as part of a small national team, the role will involve engagement with partners, contribution to projects and programmes, and supporting the organisation to respond effectively to developments in policy and practice across Wales.
Duties
 
* Contribute to the delivery of policy and strategic priorities as set out in the Play Wales operational plan.
 
* Gather, analyse and interpret evidence, research and policy developments to inform briefings, reports, consultation responses and other publications.
 
* Keep up to date with legislation, policy and programme developments affecting children’s play, playwork, children’s rights and related agendas in Wales.
 
* Support Play Wales’ advocacy work by helping to develop clear, evidence-informed positions on key issues.
 
* Represent Play Wales at meetings, events,…