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The organisation

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Ellwood Atfield is delighted to be partnering with The Health Foundation on the appointment of a Head of External Affairs.

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The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation committed to building a healthier UK. Through research, analysis, convening and influencing, the Foundation plays a leading role in shaping debate and driving practical change across health and care.

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At a time of significant challenge and change across the health system, the Foundation is continuing to strengthen its voice, profile and influence across Westminster, Whitehall, the media and the wider health policy landscape.

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The opportunity

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This is a high-profile opportunity to lead external affairs, media relations and stakeholder engagement for one of the UK’s most respected and influential health policy organisations.

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Reporting into the Deputy Director of Communications, the Head of External Affairs will lead a busy and high-performing team responsible for media, public affairs and stakeholder relations activity across the Foundation’s broad portfolio of work.

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The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping and delivering the Foundation’s influencing strategy - identifying opportunities to position the organisation at the forefront of political, policy and public debate across health and care.

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Working closely with senior leadership, the role will provide strategic counsel across media, government relations, reputational issues and stakeholder engagement, while helping ensure the Foundation’s work reaches and influences key audiences nationally.

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This role would suit an experienced communications, public affairs or external affairs leader who combines strong political and policy awareness with excellent judgement, leadership capability and highly developed stakeholder management skills.

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Key responsibilities

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• Lead the Foundation’s external affairs, media relations and influencing activity across health and public policy issues.

• Develop high-profile and timely opportunities to position the Foundation at the centre of policy, political and media debate.

• Oversee engagement with senior stakeholders across Westminster, Whitehall, media and the wider health sector.

• Lead and develop the Foundation’s media relations strategy, ensuring strong profile and impactful coverage across target audiences.

• Provide strategic communications and public affairs advice to senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation.

• Develop compelling messaging, briefings and external affairs materials for a range of audiences.

• Lead, motivate and develop ahigh-performing external affairs team.

• Contribute to the wider leadership of the Communications function as a senior member of the management team.

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Person specification

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• Significant experience leading external affairs, media, communications or public affairs functions within complex organisations.

• Strong understanding of UK politics, public policy and influencing environments.

• Demonstrable track record of delivering profile, impact and organisational influence through integrated external affairs strategies.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility at senior levels.

• Highly accomplished written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience leading and developing teams within fast-paced and high-profile environments.

• Ability to manage complex issues with sound judgement, discretion and political awareness.

•  Interest in health policy, public policy and mission-led work.

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How to apply

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For more information or if you would like an informal discussion about the roles, please contact Felicity or Josh on: felicity@ellwoodatfield.com / joshua@ellwoodatfield.com

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To access the job description, please click here.

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To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential criteria for the role via the portal.

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Closing date: Wednesday 17th June 2026

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We will only be able to consider applications submitted via the online link attached and not sent via email.

Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help organisations hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

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