Our vision
-
A world where no young person feels alone with their mental health.
We want to see a world where every young person who is struggling feels able to reach out, and has people and services around them who can really help.
This is a pivotal and influential position within YoungMinds’ External Affairs and Research team.
The Policy & Public Affairs Manager is responsible for developing our policy positions, building relationships with key decision-makers, and maintaining links with other sector organisations.
You will also work closely with media and campaign colleagues to ensure that our messaging on policy issues is clear, accurate, and effective, as well as ensuring that colleagues, including the senior leadership team, are kept up-to-date on key policy issues and trends.
Key information
- Application closing date
- 07 May 2026
- Interview date
- 18 May 2026
- Working environment
-
We are currently working with a hybrid working model, where there is the option of working from home combined with 4-12 days a month of working in the office.
About this role
As Policy & Public Affairs Manager you will be responsible for developing our policy positions and responses, based on external evidence and the views of young people – a central part of our new five-year strategy.
You will develop relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and political parties to ensure our views are respected and influential. You will also build strong relationships with our colleagues in the youth and mental health sectors in order to collaborate where appropriate.
You will provide briefings to internal colleagues, including the senior leadership team, to ensure they are kept up-to-date on key policy issues and trends.
You will also work closely with media and campaign colleagues, to ensure that our messaging on policy issues is clear, accurate, and effective.
About you
You will:
- Oversee our strategic approach to policy influencing, researching and mapping opportunities to improve public policy.
- Play a lead role in developing our policy positions. You will ensure that the knowledge and expertise of YoungMinds staff and young people is effectively used, alongside evidence and research.
- Plan and manage policy research to track young people's needs to inform policy positions.
- Develop and deliver policy reports, briefings, consultation responses, and evidence for parliamentarians and government officials.
- Develop and deliver a strategy for cultivating strategic relationships with parliamentarians, civil servants, and other decision makers to maintain our position as a critical stakeholder.
- Work with others in the sector and beyond, to maximise our influence and impact.
- Design and organise the delivery of parliamentary and party conference activity, ensuring that they act as a vehicle to build and maintain key relationships – and, crucially, are an opportunity for young people to directly influence decision-makers.
- Act as a spokesperson and representative for YoungMinds at sector conferences, in the media, and in Parliament.
Further information on the post can be found in the job pack below.
YoungMinds is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We ask all staff to undertake safeguarding training when they join us.
Apply now
One of our values is: “We celebrate what makes you you – whoever you are, we welcome you and encourage you to be true to yourself”.
If you are excited about helping us to achieve our mission, passionate about working at an organisation that puts the lived experience of young people at the heart of everything we do and want to be part of our drive to become a truly anti-racist organisation we want to hear from you.
To apply for this role, please fill in the application form - downloadable below. Applications should be sent to recruitment@youngminds.org.uk by the deadline listed, with the job title included as the subject.
Deadline for applications is 7 May 2026.
Interviews will be held via Teams week commencing 18 May 2026.
About YoungMinds
You’ll be part of a passionate, hardworking team that cares about the work they do and you’ll be part of making a real difference to the lives of children and young people. In addition to becoming part of the YoungMinds team, you’ll get:
- 25 days paid holiday entitlement (plus Bank Holidays)
- three days additional leave over Christmas and New Year
- auto-enrolment onto pension scheme where YoungMinds will match your contribution up to five per cent
- statutory benefits such as parental leave and sick pay
- a wide range of other health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
- a dedication to continued professional development, training and shared best practice
More about who we are
More jobs
Digital Content Manager
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Digital Content Manager to join the YoungMinds Communications & Content team. This is a fixed maternity cover position, full time, ending in April 2027. The salary for this role is £43,713 - £48,570.
Senior Digital Content Officer
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Senior Digital Content Officer to join the YoungMinds Communications and Content team. This is a fixed term maternity cover, full-time position - ending in July 2027. The salary for this role is £37,813 - £42,015.