Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Bring your energy, creativity and expertise - and help to impact young people positively.

Location:

Sherborne House, London (hybrid)
Salary: £52,535 per annum
Closing Date: 29 March, 2026

Employment Type:

Permanent
Hours per week: 37.5
About the Role
Step into a role where your policy expertise drives real change. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll lead an ambitious strategy to influence national decision‑makers, shape legislation and ensure the voices of people affected by homelessness are impossible to ignore. You’ll turn insight into impact, championing our values while strengthening the charity’s political presence and public profile
You’ll build powerful relationships across Westminster, Whitehall and the wider sector, producing sharp briefings, commissioning research and delivering high‑profile events that elevate the charity’s influence. Confident in the media and skilled at simplifying complex issues, you’ll work across teams to anticipate policy change, spark innovation and help drive forward the mission to end homelessness. If you’re driven, strategic and ready to make national change happen, this is your platform.
Key deliverables:
Develop organisational policy positions on key strategic issues, focusing on policy areas that matter for the client group including homelessness, housing, welfare, health and care leavers.
Working with the Director of Development and External Affairs to deliver a multi-year policy and public affairs strategy, you will own its delivery, having demonstrable impact on policy through influencing legislation, as well as securing funding and commitments from the government .
Work with the Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications and their team to improve the charity’s public profile by giving them a louder political voice.
Work with the Executive Director of Operations and their team to ensure the charity is well positioned to respond to changes in policy and regulation.
Work in partnership with the Head of Data and Insights on research projects designed to influence policy.
Monitor, analyse and report on policy developments which may impact on the work of the charity
Provide high quality written and verbal briefings, reports and submissions to consultations.
Work with senior colleagues to develop positive relationships with ministers, senior officials, elected Mayors, Parliamentarians and with other policy influencers including peers in the homeless sector.
Ensure that the voices and experiences of clients are heard and understood to improve and change services delivered by the charity, commissioners and policy makers.
Give interviews to the media.
Organise and coordinate events and meetings.
Strengthen links with other voluntary sector organisations in the homelessness, youth and faith sectors.
Contribute to the charity’s International global influencing work.
What we are looking for from you (Person Specification)
When completing your application form please address all the areas below. Try to provide clear examples in your supporting statement that clarify how and when you gained the experience or knowledge as well as your level of capability.
To carry out this role we are looking for the following from you in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and competencies:
Knowledge
Strong knowledge of the homelessness sector and policy context is desirable but not essential, it is essential that you have developed strong, specialist knowledge of a UK policy area or areas.
Experience and skills
Having had demonstrable impact on government policy.
Developing and maintaining positive relationships with Parliamentarians and officials
Organising or helping to organise events, it is desirable but not essential that you have organised events in Parliament
Leading projects with colleagues from different internal or external teams
Delivering high quality verbal and written policy briefings and presentations to senior stakeholders
Working with colleagues to secure media coverage
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work on own initiative and with low levels of supervision
Ability to prioritise key tasks and manage…