Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop evidence-based policy initiatives to support members, influence external stakeholders and highlight the importance of rheumatology
• Identify and develop strategic opportunities
• Manage programmes of work such as rare diseases programme, Best Practice Awards, primary care programme
• Oversee policy areas and parliamentary activities across the UK and provide updates to BSR trustees, members and staff
• Identify funding opportunities to develop BSR policy initiatives and support BSR aims
• Develop working relationships with key stakeholders, NHS England, MPs and Peers, research think tanks, medical charities,etc
• Line manage 2 colleagues and work closely with BSR Directors, staff and members

Main duties

Policy

• Lead and co-ordinate the design and delivery of the policy function
• Plan and oversee the provision and co-ordination of policy advice to members, senior management and BSR committees
• Develop areas of importance to rheumatology by undertaking research
• Participate in focus groups and parliamentary activities to raise the profile of rheumatology and inform policy development

Strategy

• Build upon relationships with partners to identify strategic opportunities

Influencing

• Develop and implement a public affairs plan to engage parliamentarians
• Develop strategic partnerships with organisations to deepen policy engagement and knowledge sharing
• Represent the organisation on high level policy fora and promote BSR as the clinical voice of rheumatology
• Maintain and expand communication channels with staff, members and partners

Management and resource mobilisation

• Manage and monitor the annual planning and budget for policy throughout the year, managing risks as appropriate
• Provide expertise in developing proposals to secure funding for policy, research, patronage and other activities
• Develop appropriate mechanisms for sharing policy and programme experience, skills and knowledge internally
• Contribute to the BSR’s strategic and annual planning processes and ensure key policy and learning issues are raised

Other duties

• Adhere to the Nolan Standards and Code of Conduct and Accountability
• Carry out other duties as required by the CEO, President and BSR Executive Committee
• You may be expected to undertake other duties, including deputising for the Director of Clinical Affairs