Policy & Public Affairs Officer

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer to support the development and delivery of our policy and public affairs programme, based in our London office.

Deadline: 5pm on Monday 5th October 2026
Location: London
Salary: Starting salary £32,604 rising to £36,796, plus London weighting of £4,000
Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week)
Contract type: Permanent

This exciting role will support the Mental Health Foundation's policy objectives through policy and public affairs work, while contributing to the development and delivery of the policy and influencing team's strategy. The postholder will lead on specific policy priorities and maintain a strong understanding of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health. By building relationships with key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, they will help strengthen the Foundation's influence and drive meaningful improvements in mental health policy.

What does the role involve?

• Work closely with the Head of Policy & Public Affairs and other team members as appropriate to develop and deliver the Foundation's policy objectives through policy and public affairs work.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health and particular priority policy topics for the Foundation.
• Act as the main contact between the policy and influencing team and the campaigns team.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• In-depth knowledge of policy development systems and processes in the UK.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write precisely and quickly for a range of audiences.
• Ability to critically analyse complex legislative, policy, and research developments.

Safeguarding is Everyone's business - Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check, renewed on a 3-yearly basis and two most recent references). We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you'd like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 5th October and we are unable to accept late applications. First round interviews are planned for 20th to 22nd October. Second round interviews are planned for 28th October.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We operate a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!