Senior Policy Officer

Job Introduction

The Senior Policy Officer will play a crucial role in the development and promotion of the public health and prevention policy agenda across Diabetes UK and will also influence the wider public health policy agenda, through networking, horizon scanning, consultation responses, evidence gathering and promotion of policy positions. 

Role Responsibility

To support the development and co-ordination of policy, knowledge and insight, in order to inform and influence others inside and outside Diabetes UK, through policy research, stakeholder involvement, networking and horizon scanning. This role will focus largely on our policy work to support the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.

 Policy development

• To lead on the policy development for prioritised areas in agreement with the Policy Manager and Head of Policy, Knowledge and Insight
• To lead on responses to key government public health policies and developments in relation to prevention of Type 2 diabetes
• To contribute to the health policy agenda and influencing work within Diabetes UK, working in close collaboration with the lead on prevention, clinical advisers, regional and national teams.
• To be responsible for responding to public health policy consultations, production of policy papers, briefings and publications and provision of content. 

Policy research and horizon scanning

• To undertake horizon scanning to identify opportunities and threats in the policy environment.
• To investigate health and social care issues which will impact on future health and public policy, Diabetes UK and people with, and at risk of, diabetes.
• To undertake literature reviews and policy evaluation and contribute to the delivery of effective communications, campaigns and marketing strategies.

Networking and stakeholder engagement

• To network and liaise with key decision makers and stakeholders externally to carry out policy advocacy and engagement, working through workshops, events and meetings including with Public Health England, Department of Health, NHS England and NICE, for example
• To represent Diabetes UK on the policy group of the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) and on other relevant external bodies, in order to influence decisions made and gather information, in collaboration with the Policy Manager, Head of Policy, Knowledge and Insight, Prevention lead and Assistant Director Campaigns and Mobilisation.

Policy support and promotion

• To work proactively with teams across the directorate, and in other directorates, to ensure consistent policy messages and inform campaigning, influencing and improvement activities through written briefing notes, consultation responses, good practice guides etc.

Planning

• To contribute to the strategic planning of Type 2 diabetes prevention influencing and campaign activities, within the team, directorate and across the organisation.

Other Duties

• To work with the whole team to lead the way in how Diabetes UK designs, collects and manages information concerning Type 2 diabetes prevention.
• Attend internal and external meetings as appropriate.
• Carry out administrative work required for the job.
• To understand and commit to Diabetes UK’s equal opportunities policy.
• To contribute to the overall strategy of the Policy, Knowledge and Insight Team and the Policy, Campaigns and Improvement Directorate.
• To undertake any other duties which may be applicable to the post.

The Ideal Candidate

The best person for this job will be able to:

• Demonstrate broad knowledge of health and social policy and public health issues
• Demonstrate excellent organisational, presentation and report writing skills
• Communicate clearly both in writing and verbally to internal and external stakeholders including health care professionals and people with diabetes.
• Demonstrate project management skills
• Generate insight and knowledge
• Use insight and research to analyse and investigate complex policy issues and make proposals to address these
• Work under own initiative, under pressure and to tight deadlines.

The best person for this job will have experience in:

• At least two years working in a policy role, in a similar organisation – for instance a charity, NHS / care organisation, government agency or professional body
• Synthesising knowledge and experience to make policy recommendations
• Writing reports and other policy communications for lay and professional audiences
• Bringing together a range of stakeholders to seek views, develop insight or reach consensus.

The best person for this job will be:

• Keen to learn and develop their skills in an experienced team of policy and clinical advisers.
• Prepared to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders to maintain relationships and achieve outcomes
• Used to working in a team and prepared to share essential tasks to support the smooth running of the team.
• A creative thinker who can generate solutions to policy problems.

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 £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working 
• Discounts on gym membership and days out 
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual Season ticket loan 
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and permanent health insurance 

About the Company

Diabetes is the most potentially devastating – and fastest growing – health crisis of our time, requiring ongoing high-quality care and support. There are currently 4.5 million people in the UK living with diabetes, and 11.9 million more at increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. Those diagnosed face the risk of life-changing, and life-limiting, complications, unless they are given the very best care and the support they need to manage their condition well. As a society we need to work together now – and take action now – to fund critical research, improve healthcare and treatment, and prevent yet more people developing this potentially life-threatening condition. 

Diabetes UK is a forward thinking and commercially focused organisation, and is the leading charity for the 4.5 million people with the condition in the UK.

As we continue to improve our processes, through continual development and change, this is an exciting time to join us. With established funding streams and following on from the success of our previous five-year plan, we are in a strong position to continue developing and responding to changing environments.

We rely heavily upon the expertise and motivation of our staff in order to work towards our many aims and meet objectives. We aim to be an equal opportunity employer; the organisation recognises and respects the value and diversity of all. We gladly make the adjustments required for people with disabilities to join us. Our diverse functions mean that we can offer you a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.

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 - Click here

Diabetes UK