Description

Job Introduction 

Help shape the future of public health policy: become the Policy and Advocacy Lead at the Obesity Health Alliance

Diet-related ill health is a key issue on the political and media agenda, and our high obesity rates are at the heart of the matter - with bold, effective government action needed to tackle our unhealthy food system. 

The Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) is a coalition of leading health organisations - including Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and the medical royal colleges - hosted by Diabetes UK. Together, we work to influence government on healthy weight policy on both prevention and treatment. Our coalition has already played a key role in landmark wins such as the soft drinks industry levy, tougher restrictions on junk food advertising, and curbs on fast food outlets near schools.

We’re now looking for an experienced, creative and passionate Policy and Advocacy Lead to take the Alliance into its next impactful chapter. This is a high-profile and rewarding policy role, working alongside a skilled, committed team and a broad coalition of experts. This is the time to develop detailed policy work - and to have the opportunity to drive real, lasting change in the health of the UK population.

The OHA Director welcomes an informal, confidential, discussion prior to the anonymous application process.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role. 

Application deadline: 5 September 2025

Interview date:18 September 2025 (In person)

Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK.  

If you have any questions, please [email protected] 

Hours: 35 hours however part time 28 hours would be considered

Package Description
We have some amazing benefits available which we are proud to be able to offer. We have a health cash plan available, early finish Fridays, access to an incredible Learning and Development offer, and much more. Please refer to the job description pack to find out more about what benefits you can access if you become an employee of Diabetes UK.

About the Company

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

We can’t do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

But there’s more to do. And you can be part of it. Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Diabetes does not affect everyone equally and as a charity we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We seek to better reflect those we serve. This means we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates in our recruitment processes and particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented at senior level, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds. It also means if you have a disability or long-term condition, we're happy to consider any reasonable adjustments you might need to take part in the process and succeed in the role, just let our HR team know via [email protected]

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references and a DBS check if required.

To find out more about what we do, check out our website www.diabetes.org.uk

Requirements

You will be able to:

• Develop detailed policy work, and associated advocacy plans, that advance OHA’s 
  objectives and respond to a changing political landscape.
• Responding to consultations and developing position statements in collaboration with the 
  sector.
• Proactively identify opportunities and gaps for creative influencing opportunities.
• Work independently, enabling the OHA Director to focus on strategy and sector 
  leadership and the Government Affairs Lead to focus on public affairs.
• Represent OHA confidently and clearly at external meetings, public forums, and sector 
  events.
• Lead our Obesity Policy Research Forum, bringing together academics and partner 
  organisations to use research in advocacy for influencing specific Government policies

You will have experience in:

• Progressing policy and advocacy work in a health context, at either local or national level.
• Managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and effective 
  reporting.
• Facilitating collaborative policy development processes and building consensus among 
  stakeholders using a range of communication techniques.
• Working with, or within, government, NGOs, or academic institutions on health-related 
  issues.
• Partnering with external researchers to plan, oversee, and disseminate advocacy-focused 
  research

You will have skills in:

• Demonstrating a strong understanding of public health policy, including the commercial 
  determinants of health and nutrition.
• Developing and communicating policy positions clearly, persuasively, and accessibly.
• Matrix-managing within a multidisciplinary team and aligning diverse stakeholders around 
  shared goals.
• Rapidly assessing political developments and developing responses.
• Applying research and advocacy skills to support evidence-informed policy development.

You will have knowledge:

• UK health policy and the wider determinants of health, with a particular focus on how 
  nutrition and diet impact health inequalities.
• The policy-making process and effective strategies for influencing it.
• Public health evidence and how to translate it into actionable policy recommendations.
• The role of communications - including digital and social media - in policy influence and 
  campaigning.
• Research and advocacy approaches that support evidence-based policy change.

The best person for the job will be (behaviours):

• Strategic and creative with strong policy development skills
• Politically aware and able to navigate and influence within a complex, fast-moving 
  landscape.
• Self-motivated, with a collaborative approach, delivering on commitments and 
  contributing positively as a team player.
• Clearly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to tackling health 
  inequalities — with the courage and confidence to support and challenge others to 
  grow in these areas.
• A champion of equity, inclusion, using non-stigmatising language, and evidence led approaches in all areas of public health.
• Proactive and flexible, thriving in a fast-paced and evolving environment, and 
  contributing confidently as part of a small team.
• Curious about the wider context, using evidence and reality to shape future work.
• Motivated by a commitment to achieving meaningful, lasting change in population 
  health.

Qualifications and Professional Membership:

• Registered Nutritionist/Public Health Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition (not 
  essential)