Public Affairs and External Engagement Lead

Do you want to shape public thinking, influence national conversations, and help ensure people’s voices are heard at every level of decision-making?

Do you have experience in public affairs, policy engagement, or communications, and a passion for equity, voice, and inclusion?

Are you looking for a role where you can lead strategic engagement and influence change?

We’re recruiting for a new Public Affairs & External Engagement Lead, a role designed to shape our public profile, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers, and ensure our values are reflected in the systems that shape people’s lives.

You’ll be part of our growing External Influence team, working in close collaboration with the Media and PR Lead. The role is home-based with occasional travel to meet stakeholders or attend events.

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

You’ll bring a strong track record in public affairs, stakeholder engagement and networking, or strategic communications, ideally within a public, policy, or values-led environment.

You’re confident navigating complex systems and building credibility with stakeholders such as local and national government, public sector leaders, charities, and think tanks.

You understand how influence works, and you’re excited by the opportunity to help shape conversations..

Experience in the health, social care, equalities, or advocacy sector would be valuable, but what matters most is your ability to listen, connect, and translate complexity into influence.

How will you make a difference?

You’ll lead VoiceAbility’s work to strengthen relationships and reputation with people who shape policy, services, and public discourse.

You’ll help position the organisation as a respected thought leader, using insight, data, and storytelling to drive awareness of the issues people face and how things can change.

Working closely with colleagues in Media, Marketing and Business Development, you’ll identify opportunities to contribute to debates, lead engagement with key public and sector stakeholders, and ensure VoiceAbility’s voice is present and consistent in the places that matter.

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact myhr@voiceability.org for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 10 October 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Public Affairs expert. 

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?

Please email Leighanne Phillips, Commercial Director, leighanne.phillips@voiceability.org 

We look forward to hearing from you.