The Policy and Strategy team are responsible for: Engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to inform the strategic direction of the Observatory and supporting our Stakeholder Engagement Group. Influencing policymakers at all levels including government ministers to make race equity in health a priority. Working in partnership with the DHSC, the NHS, and other national bodies to produce evidence-based policy. Working with the Research and Evidence team to ensure that commissioned research can lead to tangible policy-recommendations. Working with the Implementation team to ensure that policy change leads to real world impact. Working with the Communications team to generate simple and impactful messaging from complex research. Prepare briefings for senior members of the Observatory team, including the CEO and board members. The postholder will require an understanding of the health and care policy landscape, ideally with some experience working on inequalities. The postholder will be able to write to a high standard and have experience of influencing stakeholders. The role will involve broad engagement as the sole representative of the Observatory, presenting to large and diverse audiences, and preparing briefings for senior Observatory members. The postholder will report to the Senior Policy and Delivery Manager, but the organisation engages in matrix working, meaning the postholder will also work closely with other members of the team, across all of our key functions. Responsibilities Policy and influencing The postholder will: Provide insight on key issues that helps the organisation to move forward with influencing work, including positioning on areas and topics Support the broader policy function in developing a network of policymakers and officials across the government and arms length bodies; and engage with those people to encourage action against the Observatorys published recommendations. Contribute to responses to consultations as well as other public statements which serve to further the Observatorys goal of delivering ethnic health equity. Lead on one more policy areas identified in the Observatorys 2024-2027 Strategy. Work with colleagues across the organisation to develop policy positions, completing rapid analyses on policy developments. Develop briefings for senior members of the organisation, taking account of up-to-date research and policy developments.Stakeholder engagement The postholder will: Support the policy team in building strong relationships with: - NHS England and other arms length bodies- National public service leadership structures including government departments and the LGA- Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England- Academics, think tanks and funders of research- Staff from across the wider NHS Confederation including the regional teams.- Partner organisations and key stakeholders including, but not limited to trade unions, royal colleges, regulators, and charities.- Ministers, senior parliamentarians, and their teams across the political spectrum. Provide secretariat support to our Mental Health Working Group. Identify prospects for closer collaboration and develop new relationships with key stakeholders.Dissemination The postholder will: Work alongside our communications team to develop content that will aid the dissemination of our research and recommendations. This may include: - Writing forewords or introductions to published research outputs.- Writing blogs or articles commenting on the findings of research- Drafting tweets and other social media output. Team Skills The postholder will support the development of a high performing team through: Working flexibly and responsively to needs ensuring effective prioritisation and meeting short-notice deadlines as required Supporting Senior Policy Advisers and the Deputy Director of Policy with the delivery of high quality and impactful policy work Demonstrating initiative and a proactive approach to the delivery of policy work that adds value and anticipates needs Investing in own personal development through feedback and continuous learning Building effective working relationships with colleagues, contributing to effective team dynamics, and deputising for Senior Policy Advisers as appropriate