Application Guide

How to Apply for Policy and Campaigns Manager (Maternity cover)

at Assistance Dogs Uk

🏢 About Assistance Dogs Uk

Assistance Dogs UK is a unique coalition of assistance dog charities working together to improve standards and access for people with disabilities. Unlike single-organization roles, this position offers the chance to influence national policy across the entire assistance dog sector, making a tangible difference in the lives of both dogs and their handlers. Working here means contributing to a cause that combines animal welfare with disability rights advocacy.

About This Role

This maternity cover role involves developing evidence-based policy arguments for standardized assistance dog training and welfare, directly influencing government officials and decision-makers. You'll be analyzing data, creating compelling briefings, and identifying strategic opportunities to advance ADUK's mission during a critical period of policy development. Your work will strengthen the organization's credibility and drive real change in how assistance dogs are trained and regulated across the UK.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by analyzing recent parliamentary questions about assistance animals, then draft a briefing for an upcoming meeting with DEFRA officials. In the afternoon, you could facilitate a virtual stakeholder workshop with ADUK member charities to gather input on training standards, followed by revising evidence documents based on new research studies. The day would blend research, writing, and strategic relationship-building—all conducted remotely with regular check-ins with the Executive Director.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Assistance Dogs Uk

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Assistance Dogs Uk Is Looking For

  • Has 2-3 years of hands-on experience in UK policy development or public affairs, specifically with a track record of creating evidence-based policy arguments (not just general campaigning)
  • Demonstrates concrete experience convening and facilitating stakeholder groups—ideally with diverse participants like disability advocates, veterinarians, and dog trainers
  • Can provide specific examples of planning and delivering policy-focused events or workshops (not just attending them)
  • Possesses exceptional written communication skills tailored to political audiences, with samples of briefings or reports for policymakers

📝 Tips for Applying to Assistance Dogs Uk

1

Quantify your policy impact: Instead of saying 'worked on policy,' specify 'developed 3 evidence briefings that influenced the 2023 Animal Welfare Bill amendments'

2

Highlight any experience with disability rights, animal welfare, or healthcare policy—these are ADUK's core intersectional issues

3

Mention remote collaboration tools you've used (Slack, Teams, etc.) since this is a fully remote position requiring coordination with the Executive Director

4

Address the maternity cover duration directly—explain why a 6-12 month contract aligns with your career goals

5

Include a writing sample or portfolio link showing policy briefings, not just generic reports

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience with evidence-based policy development—how you've gathered and applied data to influence decisions", 'Examples of successfully convening diverse stakeholders (mention specific groups like disability organizations or veterinary associations)', "Understanding of ADUK's unique position as a coalition—how you'd navigate multiple member organizations' interests", "Why you're passionate about both animal welfare AND disability rights (this dual focus is crucial for the role)"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → ADUK's member charities (like Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs) and their current policy positions
  • → Recent UK parliamentary debates or consultations about assistance animals or animal welfare standards
  • → The 'Assistance Dogs UK Standards' document and identify one area you'd recommend strengthening
  • → The Executive Director's public statements or articles to understand leadership priorities

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would develop the 'case for standards-based approach' mentioned in the responsibilities—what evidence would you gather first?
2 Describe a time you facilitated a stakeholder group with conflicting interests—how did you reach consensus?
3 What UK policy opportunities do you see currently for assistance dog standards (e.g., related to the Animal Welfare Act or Equality Act)?
4 How would you tailor a briefing for a MP versus a civil servant versus a charity CEO?
5 How do you prioritize tasks when working remotely with limited direct supervision?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic campaign experience without policy-specific examples (e.g., 'organized protests' without follow-up policy work)
  • Focusing only on animal welfare OR disability rights rather than their intersection
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't address ADUK's coalition model or the maternity cover nature

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Assistance Dogs Uk !

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →