Policy Officer

Job Description

As a Policy Officer you will promote and raise the profile of RCOT and the benefits of occupational therapy to elected members of the Parliament and Government officials and to other key stakeholders, enhancing RCOT influence on public policies and placingRCOT as the recognised authority on occupation therapy and its relevance and impact on health and wellbeing across a range of relevant services in the country e.g. health, social care, educationClient DetailsRCOT, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists have championed the profession and the people behind it for over 90 years; and today are thriving with over 35,000 members.Their new and exciting strategy will enable them to reach more people and create wider positive impacts - achieving life-changing breakthroughs for their members, for the people they support and for society through occupational therapy.RCOT offers a supportive and inclusive working environment that enables you to learn, develop and be the best you can in a role that suits you. Their ambition is to have a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities they serve. They dontonly embrace diversity, they celebrate it, nurture it and support their staff in realising their true potential. RCOT welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are keen to see applications from people with lived experience of disability or long-term healthconditions, from minoritised ethnic and LGBTQIA+ communities.The Practice and Innovation Directorate ensures RCOT, and the profession, have a strong voice and international presence. They work with members, external stakeholders and partners to strengthen the evidence base that shows the impact of occupational therapy.RCOT champion a culture of research and service innovation; and drive forward and support pre-registration education pathways to build a resilient and sustainable workforce.Description

• Work closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager co-ordinate the public affairs and influencing activities needed to deliver RCOT objectives.
• Deliver agreed RCOT influencing priorities by identifying, targeting, and influencing relevant stakeholders, and involve RCOT personnel or when appropriate, the membership.
• Build and maintain stakeholder maps, key messages, briefings, and other tools to support RCOT colleagues and representatives with influencing activities.
• Build, influence and raise the profile of the profession through representation at key meetings or work groups or when appropriate to secure RCOT representation and ensure the member is appropriately briefed and supported.
• Coordinate responses to consultations, identifying key consultations, and agreeing who is best placed to develop and lead the response.
• Work closely with Brand and Marketing colleagues on drafting press releases and securing representatives for media opportunities
• Identify where new or planned legislation or policy developments could impact on the practice of occupational therapists and their services users and discuss with the Practice and Workforce team to agree actions.
• Working closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager direct and coordinate work with the Public Affairs agency to enable them to fulfil their contract requirements.
• Attend allied health professionals policy meetings as and when directed by the Policy and Public Affairs Manager
• Support an RCOT stand for any agreed exhibitions and events.
• Liaise with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager communicate matters of interest to members via contributions to OT News, RCOT website, relevant external publications etc.
• Provide a positive image of RCOT membership for members by signposting to resources and personally keeping up to date with RCOT resources

ProfileEducated to degree level with a relevant qualification in occupational therapy, public or political affairs or similar degree.Youll have broad knowledge of the health, education, and social policy and related legislation in England and the devolved nations.Able to demonstrate awareness and understanding of political systems and processes as well as excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills with a proven ability of distilling complex material into concise and clear and well written formats.Experience of analysing data and using research skills to produce documents for a variety of audiences.Persuasive and can influence others having excellent interpersonal skills confident in talking to colleagues at all levels where you are able to provide advice to different audiences.Proficient with using standalone information technology, an excellent knowledge and working experience of Microsoft office products, Microsoft outlook and use of social media channelsHave the ability and willingness to travel across the UK and to HQ in London as required.Enthusiastic and passionate to live and model the RCOT values across all areas of work as well as drive for embedding environmental sustainability principles across all areas of workPossess high levels of self-motivation, enthusiasm for the professional field you represent as well as a demonstrable passion for equity, diversity and belonging principles across all areas of workJob OfferRewards and benefits are just one part of the reason RCOT is a great place to work. They offer significant benefits, including private healthcare, Christmas closure and an Employee Assistance Programme. In addition, they offer a hybrid working model whichoffers a blend of home and office-based working.

Keyskills :
Policy and Public Affairs