Public Policy Officer

As a charity operating nationally, with a cause that spans heritage, climate and nature, the National Trust has a strong interest in government policy on a wide range of subjects. Our Government Affairs team supports the Trust to engage with key public policy issues and promote the National Trust’s cause with policy makers and government departments.We’re looking for a Public Policy Officer with experience of working on policy issues who can communicate with impact and help to ensure nature, climate and heritage are at the heart of government decision-making.

The Government Affairs team sits within our wider Policy and Advocacy team. We’re a small team that seeks to have big impact on the issues that matter most to the Trust’s cause.We work closely and collaboratively across colleagues within the National Trust, drawing on the rich expertise and experience held by our organisation. We also work with partners in other organisations to achieve as much as possible together.Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

As part of this dynamic team, you'll be responsible for building relationships with government policy makers and helping to develop the National Trust’s influence and policy impact.You'll identify and advise on potential risks and opportunities that government policies will create for the Trust and work with National Trust staff and external partners to meet and address them. Supporting the Head of Government Affairs, you'll need to build and maintain relationships with ministers, officials and sector partners, helping to identify who is key to support the National Trust’s agenda.You’ll also be working to develop the National Trust’s views on public policy, with a particular focus on planning, infrastructure and the built environment. You'll be drawing on evidence from the Trust’s own experiences and working with expert colleagues to put forward practical proposals for policy change, communicating these to a range of audiences and seeking to influence the debate.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible. For this position we’re looking for someone who has:

• Experience of working on public policy issues, and a good understanding of the UK political system, government policy-making processes and how to influence policy outcomes.
• Experience of building and maintaining positive internal and external relationships, and an ability to work collaboratively with a range of colleagues across different issues and priorities.
• An ability to communicate with clarity and impact, and translate complex information into easily understandable content for a range of audiences.
• A general awareness of current UK public policy relating to local planning and infrastructure.

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

•Rental deposit loan scheme

•Season ticket loan

•EV car lease scheme 

•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

•Flexible working whenever possible

•Employee assistance programme

•Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.