Job description

Role purpose

Join us in making a real difference!

You will support Scope’s policy and influencing work, at an exciting time of change in UK politics. The new Government has big ambitions in this policy area and Scope are in the forefront of influencing the agenda to close the Disability Employment Gap.

As part of our dynamic Policy and Campaigns team, you’ll play a vital role in driving policy changes that empower disabled people to not only enter the workforce but also thrive in their careers over the next decade.

Your focus will be on key areas like improving the next generation of Government employment programs and advocating for disabled people in how companies report on their disability pay gap.

Your insights and ideas will directly influence how we can ensure that the Government helps disabled individuals into meaningful, inclusive employment opportunities that truly work for them.

This role is perfect for someone who’s passionate about creating long-term, impactful change that means all disabled people who want to work, to move into, stay in, and progress in work. 

Main responsibilities

• Lead on policy development for the employment brief, building strong, evidence-led arguments, tested with audiences, particularly disabled people and their families.
• Identify key opportunities to influencing and develop strategies and plans for that influencing activity.
• Lead Scope’s responses to relevant consultations and inquiries.
• Work closely with research and insight colleagues to ensure policy development is informed by robust and credible research
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders within government, ensuring Scope’s voice is heard.
• Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders in disability charities, DPOs, think tanks, professional bodies and others, to ensure a joined-up and strategic approach to influencing.
• Provide policy expertise, intelligence and insight internally to ensure Scope’s policy work joins up with other parts of the organisation.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of other major projects across Scope as required.
• On occasion, act as a spokesperson for Scope at external events.

Internal contacts

• Policy and Campaigns
• Research and Insights
• Communications
• Marketing
• Fundraising and Partnerships

External contacts

• Disabled people and their families
• Other disability organisations, including Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs)
• Civil servants and political stakeholders, particularly DWP
• Businesses and employers

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Good understanding of policy areas related to disability equality, ideally with an understanding of the employment issues
• A proven track record in effective policy analysis, policy development and delivering policy change.
• Strong political judgement and substantial experience of developing and implementing policy influencing strategies.
• Ability to summarise and communicate complex information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• Ability to join-up policy thinking with wider organisational activity, e.g. service delivery or fundraising activities
• Experience of building and maintaining relationships at a senior level with a range of external stakeholders, including civil servants, and industry leaders.
• Good interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, negotiation and the ability to motivate others.

Desirable

• Experience of carrying out research with disabled people and their families, or other groups within society.
• Experience of successful partnership working with other organisations and individuals.

Travel and residence

• The post-holder may be required to work occasional evenings and weekends, as well as travel and stay away from home occasionally.