12 Policy Advocacy jobs in the United Kingdom

It's not every day we have a chance to make the world a healthier place—but here, it’s our way of life. Idealistic? Maybe. Deeply pragmatic? Always. Real Chemistry is a global health innovation company that has carved out its space at the intersection between healthcare, marketing and communications, tech, and the people at the heart of it all. It’s with a great sense of purpose that we work together with brave health and wellness companies to create and inspire healthier, happier, and longer lives. It’s our passion. And if you’re still reading, we’re guessing it might be yours too. We are looking to add to our alchemic mix of more than 2,000 talented professionals. At Real Chemistry, we don’t just wish the world was healthier. We leverage tech, data and creativity to make it so. You in?

Real Chemistry is looking for a Group Director, Policy and Advocacy Relations to join our growing team!

The successful candidate will help support the Policy, Advocacy and Patient Engagement practice in developing and delivering impactful policy programs, patient advocacy and community engagement strategies for our clients.

This is a hybrid role, based in any of our UK offices—including London and Manchester, depending on team and business needs.

What you’ll do:

• Partner with the Practice Leader to help establish, develop, expand, and structure an integrated Policy, Advocacy and Patient Engagement service offering.
• Develop impactful patient advocacy and policy engagement strategies and plans to address clients’ business objectives.
• Support clients in creating meaningful connections with patient advocacy organizations and the patients and caregivers that they support.
• Stay ahead of macro-level key themes, events and trends in the policy and advocacy space, relating to specific therapy areas and apply these, along with you existing deep knowledge of the space, into what it means for our clients.
• Gather, distil, and interpret stakeholder insights and translate this into meaningful implications for our clients that can inform their business.
• Provide strategic counsel and complaint recommendations to clients based on business challenges and needs.
• Prepare Exec level quality materials and presentations for our clients to use internally with their teams and management.
• Deliver outstanding client service and account management for multiple accounts.
• Cultivate, pursue, and convert a pipeline of new business clientele, and develop these accounts by building, maintaining, and harnessing strong internal and external networks.
• Design and manage a spectrum of client engagements of varying sizes from discreet consulting projects to large-scale strategic initiatives from concept through execution and measurement.
• Partner with and /or lead on development of thought leadership and marketing content.
• Manage client budgets and projects

This position is a perfect fit for you if:

• Our Company values – Best Together, Impact-Obsessed, Excellence Expected, Evolve Always and Accountability with an “I” – really speak to you.
• You are adaptable, resilient, and OK with adjusting your scope, responsibilities, and focus as we grow. When things change, so do we. We’re always evolving.
• You are proactive, driven, and resourceful with strong prioritization skills and a desire to dive into the data.
• You are highly organized self-starter, able to work independently and under tight deadlines.

What you should have:

• 7-10 years’ global experience in patient advocacy, patient engagement, government affairs, public affairs or related activities (e.g. communication) in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry
• A client-driven mindset with the ability to counsel clients through challenging circumstances.
• Experience in developing and executing advocacy, patient engagement and policy strategies in pharmaceutical or related companies.
• Ability to oversee multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Empathy and a passion for supporting individuals and communities affected by challenging illnesses.
• Deep understanding of the complex legal and regulatory environment and the ability to counsel clients on appropriate and compliant engagements (ad boards, grants, etc.)
• A proven record of success designing, delivering, and measuring projects and collaborative initiatives with advocacy organizations, professional societies, opinion leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Passion, a sharp mind, high integrity, a hands-on attitude, and an entrepreneurial, problem-solving spirit.

Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks, including a primary office location near in Moorgate, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, dental insurance, and pension contributions. Other perks include health and wellness reimbursements, happy hours, and free healthy snacks to keep you running all day long. Learn more about our great benefits and perks at: .

*Notice: Real Chemistry and its affiliates' names are being misused by scammers through messaging services, fake websites, and apps. Do not share personal or financial information or make payments to any unverified sources claiming to be connected to Real Chemistry. We are working to stop these unauthorized activities and protect our community. Read more here .

It's not every day we have a chance to make the world a healthier place—but here, it’s our way of life. Idealistic? Maybe. Deeply pragmatic? Always. Real Chemistry is a global health innovation company that has carved out its space at the intersection between healthcare, marketing and communications, tech, and the people at the heart of it all. It’s with a great sense of purpose that we work together with brave health and wellness companies to create and inspire healthier, happier, and longer lives. It’s our passion. And if you’re still reading, we’re guessing it might be yours too. We are looking to add to our alchemic mix of more than 2,000 talented professionals. At Real Chemistry, we don’t just wish the world was healthier. We leverage tech, data and creativity to make it so. You in?

Real Chemistry is looking for a Group Director, Policy and Advocacy Relations to join our growing team!

The successful candidate will help support the Policy, Advocacy and Patient Engagement practice in developing and delivering impactful policy programs, patient advocacy and community engagement strategies for our clients.

This is a hybrid role, based in any of our UK offices—including London and Manchester, depending on team and business needs.

What you’ll do:

• Partner with the Practice Leader to help establish, develop, expand, and structure an integrated Policy, Advocacy and Patient Engagement service offering.
• Develop impactful patient advocacy and policy engagement strategies and plans to address clients’ business objectives.
• Support clients in creating meaningful connections with patient advocacy organizations and the patients and caregivers that they support.
• Stay ahead of macro-level key themes, events and trends in the policy and advocacy space, relating to specific therapy areas and apply these, along with you existing deep knowledge of the space, into what it means for our clients.
• Gather, distil, and interpret stakeholder insights and translate this into meaningful implications for our clients that can inform their business.
• Provide strategic counsel and complaint recommendations to clients based on business challenges and needs.
• Prepare Exec level quality materials and presentations for our clients to use internally with their teams and management.
• Deliver outstanding client service and account management for multiple accounts.
• Cultivate, pursue, and convert a pipeline of new business clientele, and develop these accounts by building, maintaining, and harnessing strong internal and external networks.
• Design and manage a spectrum of client engagements of varying sizes from discreet consulting projects to large-scale strategic initiatives from concept through execution and measurement.
• Partner with and /or lead on development of thought leadership and marketing content.
• Manage client budgets and projects

This position is a perfect fit for you if:

• Our Company values – Best Together, Impact-Obsessed, Excellence Expected, Evolve Always and Accountability with an “I” – really speak to you.
• You are adaptable, resilient, and OK with adjusting your scope, responsibilities, and focus as we grow. When things change, so do we. We’re always evolving.
• You are proactive, driven, and resourceful with strong prioritization skills and a desire to dive into the data.
• You are highly organized self-starter, able to work independently and under tight deadlines.

What you should have:

• 7-10 years’ global experience in patient advocacy, patient engagement, government affairs, public affairs or related activities (e.g. communication) in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry
• A client-driven mindset with the ability to counsel clients through challenging circumstances.
• Experience in developing and executing advocacy, patient engagement and policy strategies in pharmaceutical or related companies.
• Ability to oversee multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Empathy and a passion for supporting individuals and communities affected by challenging illnesses.
• Deep understanding of the complex legal and regulatory environment and the ability to counsel clients on appropriate and compliant engagements (ad boards, grants, etc.)
• A proven record of success designing, delivering, and measuring projects and collaborative initiatives with advocacy organizations, professional societies, opinion leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Passion, a sharp mind, high integrity, a hands-on attitude, and an entrepreneurial, problem-solving spirit.

Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks, including a primary office location near in Moorgate, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, dental insurance, and pension contributions. Other perks include health and wellness reimbursements, happy hours, and free healthy snacks to keep you running all day long. Learn more about our great benefits and perks at: .

*Notice: Real Chemistry and its affiliates' names are being misused by scammers through messaging services, fake websites, and apps. Do not share personal or financial information or make payments to any unverified sources claiming to be connected to Real Chemistry. We are working to stop these unauthorized activities and protect our community. Read more here .

It's not every day we have a chance to make the world a healthier place—but here, it’s our way of life. Idealistic? Maybe. Deeply pragmatic? Always. Real Chemistry is a global health innovation company that has carved out its space at the intersection between healthcare, marketing and communications, tech, and the people at the heart of it all. It’s with a great sense of purpose that we work together with brave health and wellness companies to create and inspire healthier, happier, and longer lives. It’s our passion. And if you’re still reading, we’re guessing it might be yours too. We are looking to add to our alchemic mix of more than 2,000 talented professionals. At Real Chemistry, we don’t just wish the world was healthier. We leverage tech, data and creativity to make it so. You in?

Real Chemistry is looking for a Group Director, Policy and Advocacy Relations to join our growing team!

The successful candidate will help support the Policy, Advocacy and Patient Engagement practice in developing and delivering impactful policy programs, patient advocacy and community engagement strategies for our clients.

This is a hybrid role, based in any of our UK offices—including London and Manchester, depending on team and business needs.

What you’ll do:

• Partner with the Practice Leader to help establish, develop, expand, and structure an integrated Policy, Advocacy and Patient Engagement service offering.
• Develop impactful patient advocacy and policy engagement strategies and plans to address clients’ business objectives.
• Support clients in creating meaningful connections with patient advocacy organizations and the patients and caregivers that they support.
• Stay ahead of macro-level key themes, events and trends in the policy and advocacy space, relating to specific therapy areas and apply these, along with you existing deep knowledge of the space, into what it means for our clients.
• Gather, distil, and interpret stakeholder insights and translate this into meaningful implications for our clients that can inform their business.
• Provide strategic counsel and complaint recommendations to clients based on business challenges and needs.
• Prepare Exec level quality materials and presentations for our clients to use internally with their teams and management.
• Deliver outstanding client service and account management for multiple accounts.
• Cultivate, pursue, and convert a pipeline of new business clientele, and develop these accounts by building, maintaining, and harnessing strong internal and external networks.
• Design and manage a spectrum of client engagements of varying sizes from discreet consulting projects to large-scale strategic initiatives from concept through execution and measurement.
• Partner with and /or lead on development of thought leadership and marketing content.
• Manage client budgets and projects

This position is a perfect fit for you if:

• Our Company values – Best Together, Impact-Obsessed, Excellence Expected, Evolve Always and Accountability with an “I” – really speak to you.
• You are adaptable, resilient, and OK with adjusting your scope, responsibilities, and focus as we grow. When things change, so do we. We’re always evolving.
• You are proactive, driven, and resourceful with strong prioritization skills and a desire to dive into the data.
• You are highly organized self-starter, able to work independently and under tight deadlines.

What you should have:

• 7-10 years’ global experience in patient advocacy, patient engagement, government affairs, public affairs or related activities (e.g. communication) in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry
• A client-driven mindset with the ability to counsel clients through challenging circumstances.
• Experience in developing and executing advocacy, patient engagement and policy strategies in pharmaceutical or related companies.
• Ability to oversee multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Empathy and a passion for supporting individuals and communities affected by challenging illnesses.
• Deep understanding of the complex legal and regulatory environment and the ability to counsel clients on appropriate and compliant engagements (ad boards, grants, etc.)
• A proven record of success designing, delivering, and measuring projects and collaborative initiatives with advocacy organizations, professional societies, opinion leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Passion, a sharp mind, high integrity, a hands-on attitude, and an entrepreneurial, problem-solving spirit.

Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks, including a primary office location near in Moorgate, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, dental insurance, and pension contributions. Other perks include health and wellness reimbursements, happy hours, and free healthy snacks to keep you running all day long. Learn more about our great benefits and perks at: .

*Notice: Real Chemistry and its affiliates' names are being misused by scammers through messaging services, fake websites, and apps. Do not share personal or financial information or make payments to any unverified sources claiming to be connected to Real Chemistry. We are working to stop these unauthorized activities and protect our community. Read more here .

• Develop and implement effective policy and advocacy strategies.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of environmental policies and legislation.
• Engage with policymakers, government bodies, and international organisations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partner organisations.
• Draft policy briefs, position statements, and advocacy materials.
• Monitor policy developments and their potential impact on conservation efforts.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Represent the organisation at relevant policy forums and conferences.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts related to policy and advocacy work.
• Provide strategic advice to organisational leadership on policy matters.

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Environmental Science, International Relations, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or government relations, preferably within the NGO or environmental sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing advocacy campaigns.
• Strong understanding of environmental policy issues and legislative processes.
• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fully remote setting.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of other languages is an asset.

• Develop and implement comprehensive policy and advocacy strategies aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis on relevant policy issues, trends, and legislative developments.
• Engage with policymakers, government officials, and other stakeholders to promote the organization's policy agenda.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, and community groups to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Draft policy papers, briefing notes, consultation responses, and other advocacy materials.
• Organize and facilitate advocacy events, workshops, and meetings.
• Monitor legislative and policy changes, providing timely updates and analysis to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in public forums, conferences, and media interactions.
• Develop and manage the policy and advocacy budget and resources effectively.
• Mentor and support junior staff and volunteers involved in policy and advocacy work.

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in policy development, advocacy, or campaigning, preferably within the charity or non-profit sector.
• In-depth knowledge of the policy-making process and government structures.
• Proven ability to conduct high-quality research and analysis, and translate complex information into accessible language.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation and negotiation abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, coalition building, and influencing policy outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the issues relevant to the organization's mission.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms for advocacy and outreach.
• A passion for social justice and a commitment to the values of the organization.

One of our most exciting clients are seeking an important leadership hire within their External Affairs team. This role will focus on policy, patient advocacy, and external engagement within the rare disease space. The successful candidate will lead strategic initiatives to influence government and health system policy, engage with patient communities, and support the adoption of innovative therapies across the UK and Ireland.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to shape policy and support access to therapies in rare diseases.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, patient organizations, trade associations, and other external stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze emerging policy and political developments and provide strategic guidance to internal teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including commercial, medical, and access teams, to ensure alignment on advocacy priorities.
• Support communications efforts to raise awareness of key initiatives and maintain consistent messaging across stakeholders.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Significant experience (10+ years) in policy, government affairs, public affairs, or patient advocacy, ideally within healthcare, biotech, or pharmaceutical sectors.
• Proven ability to engage with senior policymakers, clinicians, and patient organizations.
• Strong experience in external affairs, including media engagement and trade association representation.
• Demonstrated skill managing complex, high-profile projects and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and influencing skills.
• Track record of delivering measurable impact through advocacy and policy initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Experience working in matrix organizations or global functions is preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of healthcare systems in the UK & Ireland.

About Planet Pharma

Planet Pharma is an American parented Employment Business/Agency that provides global staffing services with its head-quarters in Chicago and our EMEA regional office located in Central London. We have invested significantly in creating a robust international platform that enables us to work compliantly in 30+ countries with a current network of 2500+ active contractors globally as well as a very strong permanent / direct hire recruitment offering.

Our specialist knowledge and close relationships with our clients and the wider industry really makes us unique in our field. Just recently we were recognized by FORBES as the 17th best professional staffing firm, and have won multiple awards from industry accredited bodies for our commitment to excellence and service delivery. We have extensive functional expertise including: Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, QA, QC, Submissions experts, Clinical development, Quality, Biostatistics, and Medical Affairs / Writing.

We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Policy & Public Affairs Manager - Northern Ireland Job Introduction As Policy & Public Affairs Manager you'll help us achieve our vision of a world where diabetes does no harm. Leading on the development and delivery of policy, public affairs and influencing activity you'll work alongside people living with, and at risk of, diabetes and collaborate with colleagues within the Northern Ireland team and across the UK to drive change. Role Description: You'll work closely with the National Director to influence MLAs, ministers, government officials and senior leaders within the Health Service to deliver on our strategic objectives. You'll make sure that our Diabetes UK policy positions work in a Northern Ireland context and deliver campaigns to turn these positions into action. You'll produce policy reports, consultation responses and briefings. You'll keep up to date with what's happening across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK in health, horizon scanning to identify issues affecting people living with diabetes. You've got experience of working in an influencing role with the NI Executive, and ideally also the health system. You can build strong relationships with a wide range of people and use these relationships to influence change. Your critical thinking is well-honed, and you're great at communicating verbally, producing high quality reports as well as compelling cases for change. You've got an eye for detail and can translate complex data and policy to help inform our strategic decisions. You're up for joining a small team at a time of change and, using your unique skills and experience, will enhance the team and help shape our future. For further information about the role please refer to the job description at the end of the page. We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role. Interview date: 17 November 2025 Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. To view a full list of accepted documents and the checks employers are required to make click here To view guidance on proving your right to work to an employer click here If you have any questions, please contact Package Description We have some amazing benefits available which we are proud to be able to offer. We have a health cash plan available, early finish Fridays, access to an incredible Learning and Development offer, and much more. Please refer to the job description pack to find out more about what benefits you can access if you become an employee of Diabetes UK. About the Company For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there's no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won't stop until diabetes can do no harm. With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications. We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries - like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure. We can't do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they've been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day. But there's more to do. And you can be part of it. Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality. Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Diabetes does not affect everyone equally and as a charity we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We seek to better reflect those we serve. This means we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates in our recruitment processes and particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented at senior level, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds. It also means if you have a disability or long-term condition, we're happy to consider any reasonable adjustments you might need to take part in the process and succeed in the role, just let our HR team know via We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role. Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references and a DBS check if required. To find out more about what we do, check out our website. Diabetes UK Attached documents Job Description Pack - Policy Public Affairs Manager NI Sept 25 Apply Salary £35,961 - £39,956 Frequency Annual Job Reference diabetesuk/TP/ Contract Type Permanent Full Time Closing Date 19 October, 2025 Job Category Services, Communities and Improvement Business Unit Services, Communities and Improvement Location Lisburn with hybrid working, United Kingdom Posted on 26 September, 2025 Apply

We are seeking an experienced Head of Government Relations for Europe with a proven background in RegTech and IDV to join our growing team at Programmers Force. In this role, you will lead regulatory engagement and public policy strategy across the EU.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with regulators, policymakers, and industry associations in the EU.
  
  
• Monitor EU regulatory developments (GDPR, AMLD, eIDAS).
  
  
• Advocate for favorable regulatory outcomes supporting RegTech adoption.
  
  
• Represent the company in industry forums and government meetings.
  
  

• Partner with Product and Compliance teams to align with EU standards.
  

Requirements

• 10+ years in government relations, regulatory affairs, or public policy.
  
  
• Deep expertise in EU regulations affecting compliance and financial services.
  
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement and advocacy skills.
  
  

• Experience working with regulatory authorities in Europe.