Senior Policy Officer

Job Introduction

The Senior Policy Officer will 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.

The post holder will lead on development and coordination of policy, knowledge and insight on assigned priority areas, currently psychological and emotional support for people with diabetes.

Role Responsibility

 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 diabetes.
• To contribute to the health policy agenda and influencing work within Diabetes UK, working in close collaboration with clinical advisers, regional and national teams and across the organisation.
• To be responsible for responding to health policy consultations, production of policy position statements, briefings and publications.
• To provide content for Diabetes UK website and other channels.

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 Department of Health, NHS England and NICE, for example
• To represent Diabetes UK on relevant external bodies, in order to influence decisions made and gather information, in collaboration with the Policy Manager, Head of Policy, Knowledge and Insight.

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 strategic planning of 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 on assigned priority areas
• 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.

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.

Diabetes UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable and expects all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment.

Diabetes UK recognises and respects the value and diversity of all.

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