Policy & Public Affairs Officer - Scotland

Who we are

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer in Scotland to join our highly effective UK wide policy and campaigns team. With fostering high on the political agenda in Scotland and elections taking place this year, this is an exciting time to join the team.

You will be passionate about improving children’s social care and foster care for children. You will have knowledge of the policy and legislative landscape in Scotland and issues surrounding children’s social care. You will have experience of delivering engaging campaigns and developing mechanisms to support people with lived experience to campaign, particularly young people, as this role works closely with our young people’s advisory board.

You will be adept at influencing policy makers in the Scottish Government and Parliament, as well as developing creative policy solutions to bring about change. As the lead for the largest survey of foster carers in the UK – our State of the Nations’ Survey 2027, you will have significant experience of developing, analysing and conducting research and producing high quality, evidence-based written materials.

You will be a great communicator and able to build relationships with stakeholders of all levels, including parliamentarians, senior figures in government and people with lived experience.

The person specification details the essential and desirable criteria in full.

What you’ll be doing

You will have the opportunity to influence policy and practice to bring about lasting change for foster carers and children and young people in foster care.

The role will involve influencing parliamentary and policy-making processes in Scotland and contributing to UK wide projects. The role will deliver effective campaigns, key research projects such as our State of the Nations’ report and written content for our members.

At this point, we hope you're feeling excited about the job description you’re reading and we encourage you to apply!

What we can offer you

• 38 days leave (including bank holidays)
• A range of family friendly and fostering friendly leave options Flexible and hybrid working
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Helpline
• Pension and life assurance
• Contribution to eye tests and lenses
• Season ticket loans

Looking for more information?

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Natalie.Williams@fostering.net . You can also find more information about us on our website www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk

Our commitments to you

The Fostering Network is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially those from under-represented and minoritised backgrounds. All applications and hiring decisions will be considered on merit.

• If you identify as care experienced and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under our commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant
• If you have a disability, please tell us what reasonable adjustments would support your participation in the recruitment process
• We are open to job-sharing arrangements for all roles, please indicate this in the application form if you are applying as part of a job share