Ellwood Atfield
Head of Public Affairs
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Shape the future of health and care policy
Our client is a respected organisation operating at the heart of the UK's health and care system. Working across the four nations, it plays a vital role in improving standards, shaping policy and supporting better outcomes for professionals, patients and the public.
They are now seeking an experienced Head of Public Affairs to lead their external affairs function at an exciting point in the organisation's development.
This is a high-profile leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape strategic engagement with government, parliament, regulators, professional bodies and senior stakeholders across the health and care landscape. Working closely with the Executive Team, you will provide trusted counsel on political developments, build influential external relationships and help ensure the organisation's voice is heard where it matters most.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Director of External Affairs & Communications, you will lead a small, high-performing team responsible for public affairs, stakeholder engagement and wider external relations.
You will develop and deliver an ambitious public affairs strategy that supports organisational priorities, strengthens relationships with key decision-makers and positions the organisation as a trusted and influential voice across the sector.
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This is a role for someone who enjoys operating at both a strategic and operational level - equally comfortable advising senior leaders, influencing policy, building partnerships and leading a talented team.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver an integrated public affairs and stakeholder strategy aligned to organisational priorities.
- Build trusted relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, government officials, regulators, professional bodies and wider health and care stakeholders.
- Provide strategic advice to the Executive Team on political developments, stakeholder risks and emerging opportunities.
- Lead high-quality engagement programmes that strengthen the organisation's reputation and influence.
- Oversee a programme of consultations, events, briefings and external engagement activity.
- Lead horizon scanning and political intelligence, ensuring the organisation remains ahead of developments across the health, care and policy landscape.
- Develop compelling briefings, correspondence and messaging for senior leaders and external audiences.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing public affairs team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
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About You
We're looking for an experienced public affairs leader with a strong understanding of the UK's political and health policy environment.
You will bring:
- A proven track record of leading public affairs, government relations or strategic stakeholder engagement within a complex organisation, ideally in the health or care ecosystem.
- Excellent political judgement and experience navigating sensitive and fast-moving policy environments.
- Strong relationships across government, parliament, regulators or the wider health and care sector.
- Experience advising executive leaders and boards on public affairs, reputation and political risk.
- Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- The ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, practical advice and engagement strategies.
How to apply?
Please submit your CV via our portal, following an initial briefing on the role with Ellwood Atfield, you will be asked to submit a covering letter.
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