Public Affairs Lead

Change how the UK understands and supports bereaved children and families.

Must be based within a commutable distance of central London with occasional UK-wide travel as required for meetings and events

Marketing & Communications

Full time

Permanent

We are establishing a brand-new Research & Policy function and are looking for an ambitious Public Affairs Lead to help ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents shape policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and sector leaders to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, lived experience and influence, translating evidence into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and policy recommendations that make a difference.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new function, shape our national influence, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and families are heard where it matters most.

While based remotely, this role has a strong external focus and requires regular travel to London to represent Child Bereavement UK, build key relationships and engage with policymakers, partners and sector networks.

As Public Affairs Lead you will play a central role in ensuring the voices and experiences of bereaved children, young people, parents and families influence policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, sector partners and influencers to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, policy and communications, helping to translate evidence and lived experience into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and influencing activity.

• Develop and deliver public affairs plans that support Child Bereavement UK's strategic priorities and policy objectives.
• Use research, evaluation findings and lived experience evidence to identify policy gaps, develop influencing priorities and shape recommendations for decision-makers.
• Translate organisational evidence into clear policy asks and reform proposals for government, parliamentarians, public bodies and sector leaders.
• Identify opportunities to embed evidence and learning within national, regional and local policy frameworks, guidance and professional practice.
• Support the development of long-term influencing strategies that drive systemic change for bereaved children, young people and families.
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, government officials, policymakers and key sector stakeholders.
• Coordinate engagement with relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups, consultations, inquiries and policy forums.
• Support the development of policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions.
• Organise parliamentary events, stakeholder round tables and engagement opportunities that raise awareness of bereavement issues.
• Work with the Head of Voice & Participation to ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are represented at all stages of policy development.

• Lead the delivery of advocacy and influencing campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.
• Ensure advocacy campaigns are grounded in robust evidence, insight and lived experience, with clear objectives for policy and practice change.
• Work with the Head of Policy & Research to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Develop stakeholder engagement plans that support campaign objectives.
• Build relationships with partner organisations, coalitions and networks to strengthen collective influence.
• Develop compelling narratives that connect research findings with real-world outcomes and policy solutions.
• Work with colleagues to identify tangible actions that policymakers, practitioners, employers, schools and communities can take in response to emerging evidence.

• Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement plans.
• Build productive relationships with sector leaders, professional bodies,…