Job Description

We are looking for a motivated self-starter, and someone who is passionate about the work of CJA members. 

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will monitor and map the criminal justice policy landscape, tracking developments across the system. They will engage with MPs, civil servants and key stakeholders, bringing evidence from our membership and the voices of those impacted directly by the criminal justice system to government to influence change.

The postholder will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and have demonstrated evidence of impact in policy and public affairs. They should be confident in building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, be a collaborative and inspiring team player, show commitment to our values and share a passion for the CJA’s vision and mission.

Main responsibilities

Public Affairs (50% time)

• Develop and implement the CJA’s public affairs and influencing strategy to advance the CJA's objectives.
• Work with CJA members on influencing specific legislation, including campaigning around bills, writing amendments, and working with MPs and Peers to promote them within the legislative process.
• Stakeholder engagement (Parliament): Build and maintain relationships with key policy makers and parliamentarians through face-to-face meetings, providing briefings to MPs and Lords for Parliamentary debates, preparing written/oral questions, and attending Select Committees, APPGs, Parliamentary receptions and other relevant roundtables and events.
• Stakeholder engagement (other): Build and maintain relationships with other key stakeholders, including Police & Crime Commissioners, the Victims Commissioner, HM Inspectorates, civil servants, and other relevant bodies.

Policy and Research (40% time)

• Monitor policy and political debates and developments on criminal justice issues, horizon-scanning emerging policy issues, and where appropriate, disseminate and brief colleagues and CJA members.
• Maintain a repository of evidence briefings from CJA members.
• Identify proactive and reactive opportunities to promote and embed CJA and members recommendations and research.
• Produce high quality and influential policy briefs, reports, position papers, and responses to consultations, to advocate for changes in policy and practice put forward by CJA members.
• Lead on the monitoring of policy engagement and impact by using our evaluation tools and work with external evaluators as required to capture impact and utilise learning.
• Work with CJA members, people directly impacted by the justice system and other key stakeholders to harness and amplify their expertise and insights.
• Lead the co-ordination and establishment of member expert groups to inform our policy work.
• Develop opportunities for joint working with researchers / research organisations and manage that partnership work, including co-ordinating the CJA research symposium.

Other (10% time)

• Work with the Communications and Engagement Manager to respond to media and other communication opportunities to promote the CJA’s work and to contribute to national debate on criminal justice issues.
• Work with the CJA team to recommend and secure relevant speakers and presenters for CJA meetings and events. 
• Support the Communications and Engagement Manager to develop content for the website and other internal and external communications, such as blogs and articles.
• Contribute to the general administration and delivery of CJA programmes, events and overall objectives.
• Work with the Director to support the development of potential fundraising bids and reporting progress to funders.
• Conduct the duties of the job description in accordance with the operational policies of the CJA, including the Diversity and Adult Safeguarding Policies.
• Maintain good working relations with trustees, staff and other stakeholders.
• Maintain up to date and accurate records of contacts, engagement and stakeholder areas of expertise.
• Line manage any policy interns and / or other policy staff as required.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.