About the organisation:

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Ellwood Atfield is proud to be partnering with Together for Short Lives, the UK’s leading charity for children living with serious illness, their families, and the services that provide them with palliative  care.

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Together for Short Lives supports families directly through practical guidance, emotional support and financial assistance, while also bringing together children's hospices, NHS services and health and care professionals to improve standards of care across the UK.

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Alongside families, members and partners, Together for Short Lives plays a leading role in influencing government policy and campaigning for better access to children's palliative care. It works closely with ministers, parliamentarians, NHS bodies and healthcare leaders to secure sustainable funding, shape national policy and improve services for children and families. The charity also leads research, develops best practice guidance and represents the voices of families and professionals to help drive long-term improvements across the sector.

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The opportunity:

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The Public Affairs, Policy and Membership Manager will play a key role in shaping their influencing strategy, supporting evidence-led policy work, and lead membership engagement to ensure their community feels valued and informed.

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Reporting to the Associate Director of External Affairs & Membership, you will monitor political and policy developments, develop briefings and consultation responses, and build relationships with members, parliamentarians, government officials and sector partners to help improve access to high-quality children's palliative care across the UK.

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This is a varied role combining strategic policy work with stakeholder engagement and membership leadership. The successful applicant will thrive in a fast-paced environment, bring strong public affairs or policy experience, excellent relationship-building skills and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders.

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Main responsibilities:

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• Lead Together for Short Lives' public affairs, policy and influencing activity, helping shape national policy to improve children's palliative care.

• Monitor political and policy developments, producing briefings, consultation responses and campaign materials for members and stakeholders.

• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, government officials, NHS bodies and sector partners, while supporting the APPG for Children Who Need Palliative Care.

• Represent the charity externally, translating research and evidence into impactful policy recommendations and influencing opportunities.

• Support the strategic development of the membership programme and line manage the Membership and Engagement Officer.

• Manage the organisation's finances, external suppliers, and day-to-day operations, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

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Key skills and experience required:

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• Proven public affairs or policy experience, with the ability to influence government and shape policy.

• Strong understanding of the UK political landscape, with a passion for current affairs and an interest in healthcare, charities or membership organisations.

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, building relationships with MPs, government officials, NHS bodies and sector partners.

• Excellent written and analytical skills, with experience producing policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence-based recommendations.

• Previous line management or experience or the confidence to step into a management role.

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How to apply:

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To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.

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The deadline for applications is Thursday 16 July 2026, however we may close the advert earlier if we receive sufficient applications, so we would encourage you to apply sooner rather than later.

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

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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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