Disclaimer: I understand that if I want a policy that reflects the latest legislation and is appropriate to my organisation, I will seek

specialist legal advice. Policies, job descriptions and person specifications are intended for guidance only and do not act as a substitute for professional advice. I understand that if my organisation decides to rely on a document obtained from the NCVO's HRBank, it does so at its own risk. JOB DESCRIPTION Job title: Reports to: Hours: Location: Job Purpose: To ensure the Charity has the policy expertise to be a leading authority on XXX and that the organisation is able to campaign using a strong evidence base to achieve improvements in the care of people affected by XXX. The role is also responsible for ensuring that that the work of the organisation is informed by the experience and views of people affected by XXX. Policy Officer Head of Policy & Campaigns 37.5 hours/week. The post will be based at the Charitys Head Office, in XXX

1.

Team

The Policy and Campaigns Team provides expert policy advice to the charity on XXX and healthcare, develops clear evidence based policy positions on XXX issues and campaigns to improve the quality and availability of XXX care. The team is also responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of the Charitys services and other key organisational activity. 2. Organisation chart

Head of Policy & Campaigns

Policy Officer

Policy Officer (Information)

Policy Officer (Research & Evaluation)

3.

Duties and key responsibilities Policy development To conduct comprehensive literature reviews on key XXX issues. To collate and analyse data using quantitative and qualitative research methods. To develop, review and update evidence-based policy positions, statements and key messages on XXX issues. To develop evidence-based responses to external consultations (e.g. from Government, NHS, NICE and NHS QIS) relating to XXX across the UK.

Internal Policy Support To ensure the Charity is up-to-date on key external policy developments relevant to XXX across the UK. To provide policy support to staff sitting on external groups, the Senior Management Team, the Media and Public Relations team and other teams, as appropriate. To ensure staff across the Charity are informed about the Charitys policy positions and statements.

Campaigning To develop evidence-based campaigns on key XXX issues. To develop and update campaign materials using a variety of media. To implement campaign strategies in order to achieve campaign objectives. To represent campaigns to key stakeholders at external meetings. To recruit and manage a network of campaign supporters.

User Involvement To develop, update and implement a user involvement strategy for the organisation. To manage and develop the XXX Voices network in accordance with the user involvement strategy and data protection regulations. To ensure staff across the Charity are supported to carry out user involvement activities. To promote the XXX Voices network internally and externally to staff, people affected by XXX, other charities, Government and civil servants, parliamentarians and healthcare professionals.

External Liaison To ensure The XXX Charitys policy positions, statements and key messages are publicly available. To respond to external queries regarding the Charitys policy and campaigning work. To maintain a database of policy and public affairs contacts and monitor activity. To liaise with key civil servants, charities, researchers and healthcare professionals in order to influence policy and service development relating to XXX. To represent the Charity at external meetings.

4. General Responsibilities Contribute to team meetings and organisational priorities. Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting the role.

Carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the post. Abide by organisational policies and practices, and the Charitys XXX values. Support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.

PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Policy Officer

This person specification sets out the essential, minimum qualities we are seeking for this post. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the criteria. You may include voluntary, unpaid and paid work. Criteria . Clear and succinct policy and report writing skills Qualitative and quantitative research skills including data analysis and interpretation skills Ability to analyse and summarise academic research, policy and medical information and judge relevance to the organisation. Public speaking and presentation skills to a wide range of audiences Communication skills, including an ability to communicate clearly and assertively with a wide range of audiences Ability to build, develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including civil servants, healthcare professionals, researchers and parliamentarians. An ability to be tactful and diplomatic when dealing with service users and external stakeholders Skilled in facilitating the involvement of service users in a range of activities relating to the Charitys work Ability to think strategically, with strong analytical, judgement and decision-making skills Ability to persuade, influence and negotiate effectively with key stakeholders Monitoring and evaluation skills Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and able to use new media communication techniques. Criteria tested at Application Interview

Skills and Abilities

Test

Experience

Experience in a policy role within the voluntary or public sector Experience of campaigning within a voluntary sector organisation Experience of developing and leading user involvement activities using a variety of user involvement techniques Proven project management skills, including an ability to work to tight deadlines

Education, training, qualifications Knowledge Other requirements Support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace Enthusiasm and willingness to be flexible in achieving targets and outcomes. Commitment to the Charity and our XXX Values Able to work occasional evenings and occasionally weekends Able to travel locally and nationally and stay overnight 6 times per year Understanding of political and legislative processes across the UK Knowledge of national health and social care systems and policies Knowledge of user involvement techniques Educated to degree level, or equivalent experience

Application

Interview

Test

Desirable

Previous experience of working in the health or social care field Knowledge of XXX and/or XXX health issues

Date written:

June 2009

Signed: Print Name: Signed: Print Name:

Jobholder

Line Manager