Head of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement; maternity cover

At CAP, we celebrate diversity and strive to build an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Global Majority/UK Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented within our wider workforce. We are committed to creating an environment where every individual can thrive and feel they belong.

Everything we do is rooted in our values. First and foremost, we are Christ‑centred. The work that we do is guided by faith and the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and God’s love.

We are bold in fearlessly putting that faith into action to help others and challenge injustice, while also seeking to be compassionate in the way that we want to understand others and offer them meaningful care. We are collaborative in our approach, making time to learn from others and work together to take on UK poverty. And finally, we prioritise being joyful in the face of challenges, because our faith gives us confidence that change is truly possible

Working pattern:
Hybrid or fully remote but with regular travel to both London and Bradford

Please see the attached Job Profile for a full list of responsibilities. This is a Fixed Term maternity cover contract.

Reporting to the Chief Mission Officer, the Policy and Stakeholder Engagement team is responsible for building external relationships in order to raise CAP’s profile and influence change. Through this work we benefit our clients, CAP and wider society. The Policy and Stakeholder Engagement team works to influence policy, the sector and wider society to effect change that supports our vision to see transformed lives, thriving churches and an end to UK poverty.

Reporting to:
Chief Mission Officer

Direct Reports:
Policy & Public Affairs Manager and External Relations Manager

The Head of Policy & Stakeholder Engagement will lead the charity’s strategy to influence policy, shape public debate, liaise with creditors, secure funding from those within the sector and in all areas ensure that the voices of people affected by poverty and problem debt are heard at the highest levels. This role involves monitoring and analysing government, regulatory and sector developments, developing evidence‑based positions, and providing strategic advice to the leadership team.

The postholder will build strong relationships with policymakers, regulators, sector partners, and other stakeholders, representing the charity in consultations, campaigns, and public forums. They will oversee advocacy, public affairs and sector initiatives, driving campaigns that promote fair, effective, and accessible debt advice, while proactively managing reputational risks associated with political or policy developments.

The role will develop and deliver the strategy, leading on Social Policy, Public Affairs and Sector‑wide stakeholder engagement work for the charity. As well as providing line management for the Policy and Public Affairs Manager and External Affairs Manager.

The Policy and Stakeholder Engagement team are passionately driven and committed to seeing society, government and industries recognise the plight of our clients and be moved to act. They are ambassadors for the organisation, sent out to deliver change whilst staying strongly connected to the wider charity.

We are above all positive and fun loving, yet professional in our approach, pride ourselves on being great communicators and keen on team working, as well as being proactive and open to change.

• Oversee CAP’s development of policy recommendations and positions, and CAP’s strategic involvement with external campaigns.
• Working with the wider leadership team to help CAP react and respond to changes in the sector, and represent CAP in external discussions.
• Provide direction to all research, policy and sector briefings and reports produced by the team.
• Secure funding from across statutory and industry sources according to the agreed plan.
• Build relationships with Ministers, parliamentarians and sector (including the advice sector, credit…