British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the UK’s leading heart and cardiovascular health charity in the UK and its biggest independent funder of cardiovascular research.
With cardiovascular disease now the leading cause of preventable premature death in the UK, and the biggest driver of the growing health gap between rich and poor, influencing the Government and Civil Service to prioritise it, is crucial to the recovery of the UK’s economic and population health.
We are looking for an energetic and driven new Head of Government and External Affairs to work in our CEO's office and support BHF's ambition to deliver more effective influencing of:
• Government, Civil Service and Parliament
• Regulators
• Research sector
• NHS systems
• Other charities
• Relevant industry partners
• Relevant international organisations
Driving BHF’s strategic goals and brand through an ambitious and rigorous approach to the influencing of public policy and public awareness, you'll boost BHF’s profile and influencing effectiveness by embedding a professional approach to interactions with senior external stakeholders and policy campaigning, and will contribute to BHF excellence by co-leading Policy and Public Affairs team that is proactive, collaborative, innovative, flexible and resilient.
Working arrangements
This is a blended role, where your work will be dual located between your home and our London office.
At BHF we believe in the power of being together, so our colleagues on blended contracts can expect to spend some time in their office, at least one day each week, on average. The use of our office spaces is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
About you
You’ll have a deep commitment to improving the lives and chances of the 7.6 million people in the UK living with a heart condition. You will also be highly motivated to close the growing gap in health outcomes between rich and poor, and different ethnicities, that heart diseases are driving.
With a good understanding of how to mobilise the public behind this cause, through creative and impactful campaigns and a highly professional and targeted approach to influencing senior decision-makers, you’ll bring thorough knowledge of the political system, and deep insight into how problems rise the political agenda and become policy.
A qualification in a field such as politics or public/social policy would be desirable but not essential where there is significant experience. You’ll have excellent knowledge of Westminster and the political system in England, as well as good working knowledge of devolved nations equivalents.
Enthusiastic and with an in-depth understanding of current affairs, you’ll have a good understanding of the UK medical research sector. You will also have significant experience of working in a political environment or in public affairs.
About us
Every single one of us is vulnerable to the heartbreak caused by heart and circulatory diseases – they are the world’s biggest killers. But the research we fund represents hope. And nothing matters more than finding cures and treatments that give us more time with the people we love.
We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.
Benefits
To find out more about the benefits available at the BHF please download our benefits document at the bottom of our advert page.
Interview process
First stage interviews will be held via MS Teams, with second stage interviews being held in person at our London offices.
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up to date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.
As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer, and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.