Job Description

Public Affairs Manager
======================


Clinical Partners is entering a transformative period of growth as we pursue our ambition to become the UK's leading consumerfacing mental health brand. We deliver highquality mental health services to NHS trusts, public sector organisations, and private companies across England, and we are driven by a commitment to improving outcomes, reducing stigma, and delivering evidencebased care that truly makes a difference.


As part of this next chapter, we are looking for an experienced Public Affairs Manager to join our Communications team. This pivotal role will sit at the centre of our engagement with policymakers, sector leaders, and political stakeholders, helping to shape the conversation around mental health at a national level.


In this role, you'll lead our public affairs activity, influence the mental health agenda, and ensure Clinical Partners' voice is heard where it matters most. You will help shape policy that impacts mental health services across England, working in a supportive environment where your expertise informs strategy at the highest levels. You'll join a missiondriven organisation committed to improving lives and delivering meaningful, lasting change, with access to ongoing professional development and opportunities to grow as a sector leader.


You'll thrive here if you are politically astute, highly organised, and motivated by a passion for improving mental health outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
--------------------

Monitor changes in mental health policy, NHS commissioning, and regulatory frameworks. Develop evidence-based policy positions and prepare highquality policy briefings, consultation responses, and position papers. Represent Clinical Partners at policy forums, roundtables, and sector working groups. Build strong relationships with MPs, peers, councillors, and advisers across parties. Engage with senior civil servants in DHSC, NHS England, OHID, and other government bodies. Maintain productive relationships with regulators, ICB leads, commissioners, and sector partners. Design and deliver public affairs strategies aligned to organisational priorities. Identify thoughtleadership opportunities and drive our presence in key mental health debates. Coordinate parliamentary engagement, including briefings, events, and APPG participation. Provide political horizon scanning and assessments of policy and legislative developments. Track Select Committee activity and monitor political sentiment to identify risks and opportunities. Champion public affairs across the organisation. Work closely with clinical, operational, and business development teams to shape policy asks. Support media responses on policy issues and contribute to thoughtleadership content. Advise senior leaders on political risk, opportunities, and strategic positioning. Quarterly public affairs strategy and horizon scanning reports Minimum 6 highquality consultation responses per year Stakeholder engagement plan with 40+ priority contacts At least 2 parliamentary or policy events annually Monthly policy briefings for the Executive Team Growth in Clinical Partners' profile and influence across political and policy circles
Requirements
------------

Essential

3+ years' experience in public affairs, policy or government relations roles Ability to convey complex topics clearly and persuasively Strong understanding of NHS structures, commissioning, and the mental health policy landscape Demonstrable experience engaging with parliamentarians, civil servants, or commissioners Excellent written communication skills and ability to translate complex issues clearly Experience producing policy briefings and consultation responses Membership of a professional body such as CIPR or PRCA (or willingness to join) High political literacy and confidence operating across party lines Exceptional policy analysis and evidencesynthesis skills Strong networking, relationshipbuilding, and advocacy abilities Strategic thinker with a proactive, selfstarting approach Ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and fastmoving political situations Collaborative, credible, and able to maintain confidentiality and impartiality

Desirable

Knowledge of the independent healthcare sector and CQC regulation Experience working in or with mental health organisations Established network across Westminster, Whitehall, or NHS policy circles Understanding of integrated care systems and placebased commissioning

Remuneration and Benefits

45,000-55,000 annual salary 25 days paid holiday (increasing with service to 28 days) plus bank holidays. A day off for your birthday. Healthcare Cash Plan Benefits Platform Life Assurance Discount Vouchers Flexible working opportunities to suit your personal needs Opportunities to take part in charitable events Access to a Wellbeing portal and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Equal Opportunities Employer

At Clinical Partners we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and strive to provide a supportive and respectful environment for all employees.