Ellwood Atfield
Interim Head of Public Affairs, 6-month fixed-term contract
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About the organisation
Our client is a major provider of services to UK Government, working across a wide range of public services. It is a complex, closely scrutinised organisation, with a strategic relationship with the Cabinet Office and the Crown Representative.
The opportunity
We are looking for an experienced public affairs leader to lead Group-wide political and stakeholder engagement on an interim basis, while a permanent successor is appointed. You will be a recognised point of contact for Government and a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, Executive Committee and senior leaders. This is a hands-on role for someone who can connect political judgement with commercial priorities, reputation and operational delivery.
Main responsibilities
- Setting and delivering the organisation’s Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Strategy with senior leaders and Corporate Affairs and Marketing colleagues.
- Owning engagement with Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Directors General, the Cabinet Office, Crown Representatives and other priority stakeholders across UK Government.
- Preparing papers and senior leader support for fortnightly Cabinet Office meetings, and coordinating the Cabinet Office Annual Review.
- Advising business leaders on their engagement with senior Government clients, officials and influencers.
- Translating political and policy intelligence into commercial insight, and reporting monthly on engagement activity, impact, gaps and risks.
- Overseeing parliamentary monitoring, MP engagement and casework, and preparing senior leaders for select committees and other scrutiny.
- Leading the Public Affairs team and the political dimension of sensitive issues and major incidents, working with Media, Legal, Risk, Commercial and operational teams.
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Key skills and experience required
- Substantial senior-level experience in public affairs, government relations, stakeholder relations or a Government advisory role.
- Strong knowledge of UK Government structures and the machinery of government, with direct experience engaging Permanent Secretary, Director General and Director-level officials.
- Credibility advising CEOs, boards or executive teams and influencing senior leaders across a complex business.
- Commercial judgement and the ability to understand contracts, delivery challenges and growth priorities.
- Proven issues-management capability, including parliamentary, media or regulatory scrutiny.
- Strong personal drafting and reporting skills, and experience leading colleagues, agencies or cross-functional teams.
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How to apply
This is an urgent requirement, to start by mid-November 2026. To apply, please apply via our website and include a copy of your CV.
About us
Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.
Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.
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