Senior Policy Officer

Job Introduction

Getting better care and health outcomes for all people living with diabetes is a key strategic outcome in our charity’s five year strategy, and tackling inequalities is a major driver for delivering on all our strategic outcomes.

We know that technology has an increasingly large role to play in improving diabetes care and can help to address the unequal impact of the harm caused by the condition.  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 role of digital health in diabetes health care improvement and what we can do to improve access to wearable diabetes technology. You will also develop our policy work to improve health outcomes for children and young people with diabetes.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our ‘Connected Working’ framework which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role of course. We do not dictate the number of days you have to attend the office.

Interview Dates

Stage 1: 24 October 2022 (via MS Teams)

Stage 2: TBC (Face-to-face)

Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

You might find the following resources useful:

• To view a full list of accepted documents and the checks employers are required to make click here
• To view guidance on proving your right to work to an employer click here

 If you have any questions, please contact HRAdvice@diabetes.org.uk   

Role Responsibility

You will lead on developing our policy positions on digital health, diabetes technology and children and young people.  You will conduct policy research on digital health in relation to diabetes, access to diabetes technology, and the needs and experiences of children and young people with diabetes.  You will participate in networks and build relationships for the organisation to support Diabetes UK’s  work in this area.

You’ll make proposals about the role of Diabetes UK in influencing digital health policy, improving access to diabetes technology and improving the lives of children and young people with diabetes. 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 team within 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 long term health conditions and be connected to relevant networks.  You communicate clearly and can explain policy positions to a range of stakeholders. You are keen to make an impact and enthusiastic to take on a senior policy role within Diabetes UK.

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

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

We can’t do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

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

We’re a really diverse bunch and we recognise and respect your value as an individual. As well as helping people with diabetes, you’ll be part of one of the top 30 Best UK Charities to Work For, and one of the top 75 Best Large Companies in London.

We’re committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and we need our staff and volunteers to support this.

Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.

To find out more about what we do, check out our website.

Diabetes UK