Assistant Parliamentary Officer

Since 1962 the National Autistic Society has been campaigning to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. In National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation to reflect their needs. We provide autism training and best practice services and want all autistic people to have access to services and support that fully meet their needs. We provide diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations. 

Visit our website to find out more about who we are and what we do: https://www.autism.org.uk/ 

Who we are looking for:

Do you have experience shaping policy and working with Government to change people’s lives?

Are you looking for an opportunity to lead a specific area of influencing as part of a passionate and effective team?

As Assistant Parliamentary Officer, you will play a pivotal role in the National Autistic Society’s work to tackle inequality for autistic people:

• You will be supported to develop your expertise to be our charity’s lead on your portfolio.
• You will be trusted and empowered to influence in a way that makes the most difference with and for autistic people.
• You will be encouraged to think creatively about how we gather and use evidence from autistic people and their families.
• You will be given opportunities to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• You will be influencing the government and politicians to improve mental health support for autistic people

The Policy and Campaigns (PAC) Team is part of the National Autistic Society’s Influencing and Research Department. The PAC Team has years of experience creating change at a local and national level. From campaigns to create Autism Act and changing the law on mental health, to improving autism and insight into autistic people’s needs across Government, the PAC Team has a proud history of success and an ambitious vision for the future. By joining the PAC Team, you will join us on our journey with autistic people and their families to create a society that works for them.

This is a full-time permanent contract working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

To view the job description please click here

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 such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more!
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance at 2 x base salary
• A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply)
• Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme
• Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family for free!
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card

Where you will be working:

Hybrid - London Weston House, EC2A 3NH (Needs to be able to attend events/meetings in Westminster, often and at short notice. The frequency of these meetings varies but the post holder needs to be able to attend as often as weekly. There’s a monthly team meeting in London office.

About our application process:

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: Joey Nettleton-Burrows - Policy & Public Affairs Manager on Joey.Nettleton-Burrows@nas.org.uk

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

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.