(Health and Social Care)

Transcription

1 Job Title: Location: Reports to: Senior Policy Officer (Health and Social Care) MS National Centre, London Policy Manager Introduction to MS Society The MS Society is the UK s leading MS charity. Since 1953, we ve been providing information and support, funding research and fighting for change. We fund research, give grants, campaign for change, provide information and support, invest in MS specialists and lend a listening ear to those who need it. The MS Society is a democratic organisation. Every one of our 38,000 members has an equal say in what we do. We are also supported by 9000 volunteers and 260 staff members. Our Mission Our mission is to enable everyone affected by MS to live life to their full potential and secure the care and support they need, until we ultimately find a cure. Our aim is to beat MS. Context of Work More than 100,000 people in the UK have MS, more than 2 million worldwide. We offer hope for the future by investing in research, and help for today through our information, support and campaigning. People with MS guide our work. Our volunteers and supporters shape our research programme through our Research Network, help us provide support locally through our branches and groups and help us write our publications. Our paid staff also provide information and support services to people affected by MS, work with scientists and healthcare professionals and raise funds in four national offices and communities across the UK. With branches in every part of the UK the Society s work has inspired thousands of volunteers, supporters and staff members to make a difference to the lives people affected by MS. Purpose Leading on high profile policy issues across health and social care affecting people with MS the role will support the integration of evidence based policy arguments and good practice in policy development on key issues relevant to and informed by people with MS. 1

2 To contribute to the overall implementation of the Policy & Influencing team s objectives Key Relationships: Internal The post holder works closely with: Services & Support Directorate, Nations, Marketing and Communications Department, Teams across the Society who are engaged in our influencing activity, including volunteers working locally and with the Care and Services Research team regarding our evidence work External The post holder works closely with: Members and People with / affected by MS Other charities with an interest in MS, neurology and associated issues Relevant professional organisations, both as crucial allies in and targets of our influencing programme Senior staff and contacts in other voluntary organisations and coalitions Key Accountabilities: The MS Society Senior Policy Officer (Health and Social Care) will support delivery of the Society s Policy & Research strategy to deliver the MS Society s strategic goals by: 1. Business plan implementation 1a 1b 1c 1d Evidence based policy development Networking, Collaboration and Good practice Monitor key policy and practice developments Communication 2. Co-ordination and planning 3. Monitoring and reporting on performance General 2

3 Key competencies The post holder is expected to model and promote the MS Society s values and leadership behaviours: Understands and commits to the MS Society Vision: Places people affected by MS at the heart of what we do; seeks ways to improve and have a greater impact and acts as an ambassador for the MS Society. Enables others to act: Trusts, empowers and develops staff, respecting and valuing diversity, skills and contributions from others. Maintains and develops own competences and engenders trust and respect from colleagues. Inspires and motivates: Maintains motivation creates energy and momentum; is positive and solution focused; and drives excellence and improvement. Analyses and Evaluates: Analyses information from a range of sources in order to make effective decisions; weighs up risks and challenges; applies critical thinking; is outcomes focussed and measures impact. Plans and prioritises: Works efficiently and plans ahead; prioritises effectively; is mindful of fundability; and is able to balance urgent and important activity. Communicates Effectively: Influences others, flexes to suit different audiences, builds rapport and is open and approachable Demonstrates professional competence: Maintains own area of technical or professional competence, shares and distributes knowledge and expertise, balances professional competence with effective interpersonal skills. Detailed Responsibilities: 1. Business plan implementation (80%) Planning work to ensure the achievement of deadlines. Focussing work to deliver the team s business plan and contribute to the achievement of the Society s strategic aims and priorities. Contributing to a clear focus on driving improvements in quality, impact and performance. 1a Evidence based policy development (20%) To support the investigation of health and social care issues that will impact on future delivery of MS care, healthcare professionals and people with MS and to identify solutions where appropriate To proactively identify new and ongoing health and social care policy areas, across the UK, that require MS Society input. To scan the environment to ensure that policy areas of potential relevance are identified in order to develop effective strategies to address them. To advise and make recommendations to the Trustees and Executive Group members on any policy proposals made, in line with our policy development process 3

4 To contribute to the development and responses to consultations, often taking responsibility for the initial drafting and the co-ordination of comments and responses. To maintain an updated record of authorised external lines to take on key issues. To lead on the MS Society s policy development work on high profile issues in relation to health and social care and in doing so, actively support, the achievement of key strategic goals To proactively identify and take opportunities to further the MS Society s goals in these policy areas. To influence policy-makers, including local and national Government and civil servants, through evidence based policy work and personal interaction. To coordinate and produce robust evidence-based material for submissions to Government, parliamentarians, the civil service and other statutory bodies, working to tight external deadlines. This includes, but is not limited to, responding to government consultations. To work with MS Society staff and volunteers to research the views and experiences of people with MS, using quantitative and qualitative methods. 1b Networking, Collaboration and Good practice (20%) To develop and maintain the MS Society s relationships work with key alliances, in conjunction with colleagues in the external relations team. This includes being the Society s policy lead for the Care and Support Alliance other relevant forums. To proactively identify opportunities, develop and lead on ad hoc collaborative work with other organisations to further the MS Society s strategic goals. To develop and maintain good working relationships with civil servants and other officials including senior officials at the Department of Health and NHS England (as appropriate). To represent the Society at meetings with external organisations and stakeholders at all levels. 1c Monitor key policy and practice developments (20%) To proactively follow key developments in health and social care policy and practice through official and informal networks, and to analyse their impact on people affected by MS. To disseminate policy briefings, updates, information, and advice on policy issues and work to inform and assist colleagues, volunteers and supporters. To inform, engage and advise colleagues and volunteers at all levels in policy and campaigns work through briefings, presentations and training. To work with communications to draft and disseminate articles, blogs and press releases as appropriate. To work across the policy and influencing team to ensure the P&C web pages are relevant and up to date. 4

5 1d Communication (20%) To support staff working in influencing activities across the UK, including national offices relating to devolved policy areas, by sharing information and best practice. To communicate the MS Society s policy positions internally and advise staff and volunteers at all levels throughout the organisation, including senior management and Trustees, on issues related to social care, welfare and disability policy and campaigns. To work with colleagues in marketing and communications to contribute to the Campaigns Network, including contributing relevant content and supporting its development and reach To attend and present at local branch and regional meetings and other events to discuss policy and campaigning with people living with MS and to proactively identify and act upon opportunities to engage with volunteers 2. Co-ordination and planning (15%) Co-ordinate the delivery of cross organisational activities to support health and social care professional engagement and influence Facilitate stakeholder project groups and deliver objectives in line with the MS Society strategy Support the implementation of agreed work progammes in partnership with other MS organisations in order to provide a coherent and collaborative response to identified needs Support the planning and organisation of workshops, seminars and roundtables that engage the professional community in critical debates about health and social care policy issues and concerns of interest to people living with MS. To project manage the development of professional engagement and influencing opportunities for MS professionals and professional community concerns in collaboration with professional bodies and a other influential organisations 3. Monitoring and Reporting on Performance (5%) Monitoring performance information against objectives, outcomes and KPIs. Taking corrective action in a timely manner when necessary Contribute to the impact measurement of the teams work in accordance with the MS Society s outcomes framework General Compliance with MSS s governance procedures, MSS policies and procedures Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best Contribute to the work of the broader team Responsible for the effective use of financial and other resources 5

6 Other Duties To be prepared to travel to meetings across the UK and be away from home overnight, as the job reasonably demands To undertake any other works as could be expected of a senior policy officer Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree/equivalent qualification or Relevant professional experience, which demonstrates equivalent academic skills to learn complex subjects and make a convincing argument Evidence of continuous professional development which shows evidence of having kept up to date with developments in the welfare and policy making fields. Experience Essential Substantial experience in a lobbying or campaigning role or working in a busy political environment Proven track record of influencing others in a health and social care policy / practice context Proven experience of producing excellent written and oral communications, including clear and concise policy briefings and reports, and effective presentations Proven project management experience to control effective use of resources Demonstrable experience of applying effective problem solving techniques when the situation demands Knowledge and skills Essential A detailed understanding of the policy making process within Government Excellent analytical skills including the ability to grasp issues quickly and to proactively analyse and communicate political change Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to use a variety of styles to reach diverse audiences. Demonstrable commitment to collaborative team work Excellent interpersonal skills and able to influence/persuade a wide range of stakeholders Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of media and audiences/amend as appropriate 6

7 Good organisational and workload management skills Excellent IT skills, in particular knowledge of using Word based Microsoft Office packages Desirable An in depth knowledge of Government health and social care policy and cross governmental policies affecting disabled people. Ability to present complex information at senior levels. Skilled at building and developing partnerships with a wide range of people (internally and externally) at all levels Ability to manage competing priorities and work to a number of tight external deadlines. Employment terms Grade: Band F Level 2 Salary scale: 35,151-40,073 Signed by post holder Signed by Executive Director Date Date 7