Purpose of Job
To lead the MDU’s public policy work, representing the organisation’s and members’ interests to governments, legislators, NHS bodies, regulators and other stakeholders, whilst building and nurturing external networks via the design and delivery of a public affairs plan.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop official MDU public policy by responding to a variety of public consultation exercises and inquiries.
• Horizon scan to proactively identify opportunities for the MDU to advocate on behalf our members and identify optimum ways to involve them in policy formulation.
• Monitor legislative and other external developments that are key for the MDU Devise, plan and execute campaigns to highlight and drive forward our policy work, working in close partnership with the media team.
• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders such as the General Medical Council, NHS England, the British Medical Association, medical royal colleges, and others.
• Build effective relationships with MPs, Peers, MSPs, MLAs and MSs: to ensure the MDU is able to influence political debate on issues affecting the medico and dento-legal interests of our members.
• At the direction of the Head of Department, support engagement with government departments across UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Support the Head of Department in bi-annual audit of MDU’s relationship with external stakeholders via the Stakeholder Relationship Audit (SRA) process.
• Nurture strong working relationships with the Executive, Senior Leadership Team, and other internal stakeholders
• Support the wider work of the Strategic Communications Team during periods of heightened activity

Qualifications and skills

• A keen interest in, and understanding of, politics, parliament and government is essential.
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (politics, law, history, philosophy etc) is advantageous.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills with experience in writing for a variety of different audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills including influencing, negotiating, and relationship-building
• Strong speaking/presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisation and problem-solving skills