Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Who we are:
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.
We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.
We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.
We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.
What we can offer you:
- Auto-enrolled pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
- Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, shopping discounts etc)
- Healthcare Cash Plan & Life Assurance
- A portfolio of salary sacrifice and other flexible benefits at reduced costs
- Access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme & an Headspace App
Who we are looking for:
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team in Scotland as a Policy and Public Affairs Officer. This can be a home-based role but will require regular travel to the National Autistic Society Scotland’s office in Glasgow and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will work to influence government policy and create positive change for autistic people and their families.
The successful candidate will raise awareness of National Autistic Society Scotland amongst key political stakeholders, develop and deliver the organisation’s public affairs activity, and support the development of the strategic relationships we need to influence nationally. The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will also work alongside the Media and Communications Officer to support campaigning activities in Scotland and promote our public affairs activity to external audiences.
The successful candidate must have proven understanding of policy or parliamentary work, including knowledge of government and parliamentary structures. They must be comfortable analysing information, grasping complex policy issues and communicating these in an accessible way. They should be educated to degree level in an appropriate discipline or have a proven track record in the policy or political field. An understanding of voluntary sector and/or disability issues is desirable, as is a knowledge and understanding of campaigning methods.
Full-Time Permanent, 35 Hour per week, Hybrid role travelling to our Glasgow/Edinburgh site.
To view the job description please click here
Where you will be working:
Hybrid - Glasgow/Edinburgh Sites
How to apply:
- To apply for this role please click the Apply button below
- When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.
- For more information about this job please contact Suzi.Martin@nas.org.uk
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
** Please note that we may close the job early in the event of receiving a high number of applications.
