Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Senior UK Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Contract:
Permanent, 37.5 hours per week

Closing date:
Monday 21 September erviews: in Glasgow or Stevenage during week commencing 28 September 2026.

Location:
Hybrid

Travel:
Within Scotland and England to engage colleagues, external partners, and policy-making stakeholders.

Policy has the power to change lives – do you have the engine to drive meaningful change forward?

Bring your policy expertise, political insight and energy to help MCR Pathways transform opportunities for young people across the UK.

We’re looking for a highly driven Senior UK Policy & Public Affairs Officer to help advance our mission to bridge the education, skills and opportunity gap through the transformative power of mentoring. You’ll monitor the political landscape, turn evidence and impact into compelling policy arguments, build influential relationships and identify opportunities to put mentoring at the heart of national and regional agendas.

From Westminster and Holyrood to local and combined authorities, you’ll help build the case for change, champion the Trusted Adult Guarantee and support MCR Pathways’ continued expansion across the UK.

This is a hands‑on policy and public affairs role that goes well beyond monitoring what’s happening in government. You’ll be immersed in the UK political and policy landscape, identifying opportunities to influence, developing policy briefings and submissions, mapping stakeholders and cultivating relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, civil servants and strategic partners.

You’ll also be the operational engine behind senior leadership engagement. You’ll identify and progress opportunities, coordinate preparation, develop briefings, arrange meetings and drive follow-up - enabling our CEO, Development Director and other senior leaders to lead high‑level engagement and representation with key policymakers and stakeholders.

Turn insight and lived experience into influence. Help make the power of mentoring a national priority.

• Policy & Public Affairs: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or parliamentary work, with a strong understanding of UK political systems and policy‑making.
• Influencing & Relationships: The ability to map political landscapes, build strategic relationships and identify opportunities to influence policymakers and decision‑makers.
• Evidence & Advocacy: Exceptional written and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex evidence, impact data and operational experience into compelling policy arguments.
• Strategic & Operational Drive: A proactive approach, able to spot opportunities, coordinate activity and ensure high‑quality preparation and follow‑through for senior engagement.
• Collaboration &
  
  Purpose:
  
  A highly collaborative approach and genuine commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for young people facing barriers to reaching their potential.

MCR Pathways is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect you to share this commitment. This post is subject to appropriate vetting, including a criminal record check and PVG / DBS Scheme membership.

MCR Pathways is an award‑winning mentoring programme delivered in schools, further education settings and communities.

We connect young people with trusted adult volunteer mentors, providing consistent guidance to help build confidence, self‑belief and ambition. Through this support, young people can overcome barriers and progress towards positive destinations such as further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Benefits include : 30 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) in first year rising to 35 days from 2nd year of employment, 7% Employer Pension Contribution, 3 further days of annual leave between the December and January public holidays, additional day off for your birthday, annual salary increment, Employee Assistance Programme, Life Assurance - 4 x salary.

If you’d like to have an informal discussion about the role, or have any questions, please contact Gary Seath, Strategic Communications Lead - gary.seath