Head of Policy and Communications

Working closely with senior leaders, you will shape political strategy, develop clear and compelling messages, and build strong relationships with policymakers, partners and stakeholders. You will use evidence, insight and collaboration to influence national policy and help deliver our UK-wide goals.

• Contract:
  
  Maternity Cover
• Location:
  
  Home based/hybrid, in or commutable to London
• Part Time - 21 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working
• £58,212 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Closing date: 23:59 on 13 September 2026

Team: Strategy and Engagement/ Policy and Communications

As the Head of Policy and Communications you will lead our policy, communications and influencing work in England, helping to increase support for walking, wheeling and cycling. As a key member of the Policy and Communications leadership team, you will raise the profile of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, strengthen engagement with supporters and influence decision-makers to create positive change

Working closely with senior leaders, you will shape political strategy, develop clear and compelling messages, and build strong relationships with policymakers, partners and stakeholders. You will use evidence, insight and collaboration to influence national policy and help deliver our UK-wide goals.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive real change by championing healthier, greener and more accessible journeys for everyone.

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead our influencing work with the UK Government and coordinating that with our influencing work with the other three nations, government agencies, mayors and regional policymakers.

Build trusted relationships with UK Government policymakers and partners who share our goals.

Provide strategic advice to the charity’s senior leaders on communications and political risks and opportunities.

Lead our UK-wide and England focused media and communications team, building and protecting the charity’s reputation.

Working with the Head of Brand and Marketing to plan and implement our supporter engagement campaigns.

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

Extensive experience influencing the UK Government, and the ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders on political and communications risks and opportunities. This is the most important experience to be successful in this role.

Experience working in coalition with other external partners to achieve policy and communications goals.

Ability to build positive profile in the media and protect reputation in a crisis.

Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Successful leader of a multi-disciplinary policy and communications team.

The ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk.

At the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we’re a values‑driven organisation. We’re looking for people who are:

Always Learning
– curious, open‑minded and committed to continuous improvement.

Championing Equity – inclusive, respectful and focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and fair opportunity to succeed.

Taking Ownership
– proactive, responsible and empowered to make things better.

Delivering Together – collaborative, transparent and motivated by shared success.

Through our values we make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week of 05 October 2026.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in our workforce, including people of colour and candidates with disabilities. Adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

At Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, you'll be part of a movement to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.

We're all here to change things. You'll be part of an incredible community of talented, passionate, creative problem solvers all working together to change things for…