Join RCOT as our UK Policy & Public Affairs Manager

Are you an experienced policy or public affairs professional looking to make a meaningful impact? At RCOT, you'll lead our engagement with governments, parliamentarians, policymakers and stakeholders across the UK, helping to ensure occupational therapy is recognised as a vital solution to today's health and social care challenges.

Reporting to the Head of External Affairs, you'll develop and deliver influencing strategies, build strategic relationships, coordinate advocacy activity and provide political and policy insight to support RCOT's priorities.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead engagement with governments, parliaments and key stakeholders across the UK.
• Develop and deliver public affairs, advocacy and influencing strategies.
• Build relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, government officials and sector leaders.
• Identify opportunities to influence legislation, policy and decision-making.
• Provide strategic political intelligence and advice to senior leaders.
• Lead consultation responses, policy briefings and parliamentary activity.
• Support and mobilise members to champion occupational therapy.
• Line manage Policy and Public Affairs Leads across the UK.
• Work closely with communications, media and professional practice colleagues.
• Translate evidence and member insight into compelling influencing materials.

About you

You'll bring significant experience in policy, public affairs, advocacy or government relations, alongside a strong understanding of UK political systems and health and social care policy. You'll have a track record of developing successful influencing strategies, managing stakeholder relationships and delivering results.

You'll also have:

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong political awareness and analytical ability.
• Experience developing briefings, reports and consultation responses.
• Effective project and people management skills.
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach.

Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in strengthening RCOT's influence and raising the profile of occupational therapy across the UK. Your work will help ensure the profession has a stronger voice in policy, practice and public debate.