Senior Policy Officer - Social Justice and Poverty

Job Introduction

A key driver within our charity’s strategy is that we will work to understand and address the inequalities that impact on people with diabetes, and those at risk of type 2 diabetes, as we strive to create a world where diabetes can do no harm.

As a Senior Policy Officer based in our Policy, Campaigns and Improvement directorate, you’ll play a vital role to help colleagues across the charity better understand the impact of poverty and social exclusion on health outcomes and to inform the development of strategies for addressing this. We’re at the start of our new five year strategy which has tackling inequalities as a major driver for delivering on all our outcomes.

Interview Date: 8/9 June 2021

Role Responsibility

You will lead on developing our policy positions on addressing the social determinants of health – the underlying causes of type 2 diabetes.  You will conduct policy research on the impact of poverty and social exclusion as underlying causes of type 2 diabetes, and on the health outcomes of those living with diabetes.  You will need to identify networks and build new relationships for the organisation to support Diabetes UK’s emerging work in this area.

You’ll make proposals about what Diabetes UK and others can do to address these underlying causes of poor health outcomes and inequalities.  As a Senior Policy Officer you’ll work proactively across the organisation to ensure consistent policy messages and to inform campaigning and influencing activities by producing briefings, consultation responses, and other content.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have experience of working in a policy role in a charity or similar organisation. You can use insight and research to analyse and investigate complex policy issues and make clear proposals to address these.  You will have an understanding of policy relating to social justice and poverty and be connected to relevant networks. 

It would be especially useful if you have experience of working on these issues in a health- related organisation or setting. You communicate clearly and can explain policy positions to a range of stakeholders. You are curious and keen to understand and improve the lived experiences of people with poor health outcomes.

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays 
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,500 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time.  There are currently more than 3.9 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes, and just under 1 million more with undiagnosed type 2.

We are working to make sure that those affected by diabetes get the best care and support they need to live well with their condition and avoid life-changing complications.  We're leading the way by funding critical research, improving healthcare and treatment so we can reach our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

Diabetes UK staff are motivated and experienced and extremely passionate about helping people affected by diabetes.  We have been fighting for people with diabetes for more than 80 years and changed millions of lives thanks to the new treatments, technology and policy changes we've been behind.

But there's more to do.  And you can be part of it.

We're a diverse bunch and as a charity we recognise and respect the value of everyone.

We've recently been awarded a One Star Accreditation status by Best Companies.  And this year we were named 65th in the top 100 not-for-profit organisations in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list. 

We're committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment.

We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.  If you’d like to be part of that, why not join us? 

To learn more about the work we do please visit our website

Diabetes UK