Policy and Public Affairs Officer

The policy team in the Centre for Young Lives advocates for changes in public policy in the UK to improve the experiences and opportunities of children, young people and their families. This includes public affairs, policy influencing and policy research.

The Centre for Young Lives is seeking an experienced Policy and Public Affairs Officer to support our policy team across a range of activities. The role will primarily focus on conducting desk-based research, analysing evidence, and drafting high-quality briefings, reports, and web content. In addition, you will play a leading role in organising impactful policy events and roundtables for stakeholders at all levels, including Ministers, Parliamentarians, civil servants, practitioners, and children and young people themselves.

About the Centre for Young Lives

Founded by Baroness Anne Longfield, a former Children’s Commissioner for England, the Centre for Young Lives exists to tackle systemic barriers and create better futures for children and young people. We want this country to be the best place to grow up and bring up children and work with national and local leaders to remove barriers to opportunity and deliver innovative solutions for lasting change. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, systems thinking, and amplifying the voices of children and young people.

What You’ll Do

• Monitor and analyse public data, policy developments, and parliamentary activity; undertake desk-based research and data entry to support policy and research projects.
• Assist in developing campaigns and materials, and support the organisation of meetings, evidence sessions, roundtables, and other Commission activities.
• Contribute to research activities such as desk research, focus groups and interviews, including note-taking and facilitation support.
• Draft briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and social media content; maintain accurate stakeholder and contact management databases.
• Coordinate and administer public affairs and policy events, including parliamentary events and party conference activities

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Experience organising events such as roundtables and receptions.
• Background in public affairs, policy, or campaigns, with a campaigning approach.
• Strong desk-based research skills and ability to analyse policy documents.

Desirable

• Knowledge of UK Government structures, Parliament, and influencing processes.
• Experience producing written materials such as newsletters, briefings, and reports.
• Familiarity with social media and strong IT skills, including spreadsheets and data processing.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation tackling systemic barriers for young people.
• Achieve impactful change to significantly improve outcomes for children and young people.

Salary and Benefits

£29,149-£30,219

As part of the package, you will also benefit from: 

• A pension scheme, offering 7% employer contribution.
• A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays).
• Policies which promote well-being and are family friendly.
• Hybrid-style working and flexible working approach.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, please send the following to Recruitment@centreforyounglives.org.uk:

• a CV (maximum of two pages)
• a supporting statement setting out:
  
  • why you are interested in this role
  • how you meet the Person Specification within the job description

Closing date 30th Jan (Midnight) and interviews will be held 10^th Feb. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups.  We are actively seeking to bring diversity of perspectives and experience to our team, and especially welcome applications from those from racially marginalised communities. We encourage applicants to complete our Equity and Diversity Monitoring from to better understand the diversity of applicants. This is anonymous and cannot be connected with your application. 

We expect all staff to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.  

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  The Centre for Young Lives cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.