Parliamentary and Policy Officer
Salary: £23,000 - £28,000
Location: London
Role Summary
The Sport and Recreation Alliance believes that the power of sport and recreation can change lives and bring communities together. Together with our members and in partnership with the wider sector, we make the most of opportunities and tackle the areas that provide a challenge. We provide advice, support and guidance to our members and the sector, who represent traditional governing bodies of games and sport, county sports partnerships, outdoor recreation, water pursuits, and movement and dance exercise. As the voice of the sector, we work with Government, policy makers and the media to make sure grassroots sport and recreation grows and thrives. Having an active nation is important as it delivers huge benefits to society and the millions of participants, volunteers, staff and spectators.
Operating within a small and highly-focused policy team, the Parliamentary and Policy Officer will work to protect and promote our members’ interests with parliamentarians and wider stakeholders.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the Alliance’s parliamentary engagement work to protect and promote the Alliance’s and our members’ interests in Parliament.
- Monitoring parliamentary activity including tracking the progress of legislation, debates and Parliamentary Questions and advising on parliamentary procedure.
- Creating and running campaigns expressly designed to influence the parliamentary agenda.
- Working with other members of the policy team on specific policy issues and developing proposals for a parliamentary audience.
- Running internal and external committees and groups, principally the APPG for Sport but also other groups as required.
- Organising and running any APPG-related activity including inquiries.
- Developing and maintaining effective networks in Parliament and with a wide range of key stakeholders including government departments, agencies and member sport and recreation organisations.
- Working closely with the public affairs teams of key Alliance members to develop proposals and campaigns.
- Conducting research into a wide range of issues affecting the sport and recreation sector to help to build a comprehensive evidence base on sport and recreation issues.
- Any other duties as reasonably required by Line Manager.
Person Specification
The Parliamentary and Policy Officer must demonstrate the ability to:
- Monitor parliamentary activity, advise on relevant procedures and proactively identify opportunities for engagement through a range of channels.
- Read and understand complex documents (e.g. Parliamentary Bills and Acts, government strategies and action plans) and distil from these the key implications for the sport and recreation sector.
- Draft concise, accurate and convincing documents (e.g. briefings, reports, and consultation responses) for a range of audiences including Alliance members, parliamentarians, civil servants and sports organisations.
- Communicate effectively in face to face situations, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues to a range of parliamentary audiences
- Manage relationships with a range of people including Alliance members, parliamentarians, civil servants and sports organisations
- Conduct research on a range of policy, economic and political issues to contribute to the Alliance’s comprehensive evidence base.
- Work with other members of the organisation to formulate policy proposals and campaigns both proactively and in response to legislation and other political developments.
- Manage a range of tasks effectively, meeting tight deadlines with high quality work.
- Work effectively within a small and highly focused team, responsible for delivering a key aspect of the Alliance’s mission.
The Parliamentary and Policy Officer must demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of:
- The UK Parliament, and in particular knowledge of parliamentary procedure and how best to influence parliamentarians.
- The Alliance’s key strategic policy objectives, notably the role of sport and recreation in delivering wider economic and social benefits, improving outcomes for children and young people and tackling mental health problems.
- How social and fiscal policy impacts on sport and recreation, and how investment in sport and recreation can in turn contribute to a healthy and prosperous nation.
- The breadth of organisations that make up the sport and recreation sector.
- An active interest or participation in sport and recreation would be desirable
Parliamentary and Policy Officer- Job Description
How to apply
Please complete an Application Form and enclose a copy of your CV and return to recruitment@sportandrecreation.org.uk. Alternatively, telephone 020 7976 3920 for full details or email recruitment@sportandrecreation.org.uk. An application form must be completed.
For an informal discussion about the role please email Leigh Thompson at: lthompson@sportandrecreation.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday 22 July.
Interviews will be held on Friday 3 August and candidates are expected to make themselves available.
The Sport and Recreation Alliance is committed to equal opportunities for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnerships. The Sport and Recreation Alliance is keen to further increase the diversity of its workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment, we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a very generous range of benefits including: pension, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, childcare voucher scheme, gym contributions, private healthcare, volunteering days plus generous holiday entitlement.
Prior to completing and submitting an application, please refer to our Applicants Privacy Notice.
