Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advocate - Wales
at Stepchange Debt Charity
🏢 About Stepchange Debt Charity
StepChange Debt Charity is the UK's leading debt advice charity, providing free, confidential support to help people regain control of their finances. What makes StepChange unique is its evidence-based approach to policy change, using frontline client insights to drive systemic reform that prevents and reduces problem debt. Working here means contributing to meaningful social change while being part of a respected organization that influences national and devolved government policy.
About This Role
This Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advocate role focuses specifically on Wales, leading targeted lobbying campaigns and building relationships with the Welsh Government, Senedd, and key stakeholders to influence debt-related policy. The role is impactful because you'll use StepChange's evidence from helping Welsh clients to shape legislation and regulatory practices that directly affect vulnerable households across Wales, acting as the charity's trusted voice in Welsh political circles.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with monitoring Senedd debates and Welsh Government announcements for debt-related developments, then drafting a briefing for a meeting with a cross-party group on poverty. In the afternoon, you could be analyzing StepChange's latest client data to identify Wales-specific trends for an upcoming report, followed by coordinating with colleagues in Cardiff and London to align Welsh advocacy with UK-wide campaigns. The role balances strategic planning with reactive engagement—one day you might be preparing for a committee appearance, the next you're responding to a sudden policy consultation from the Welsh Government.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Stepchange Debt Charity Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of hands-on experience in Welsh public affairs or policy, with demonstrable success influencing the Senedd or Welsh Government on social or financial issues.
- Possesses deep, current knowledge of Welsh devolved powers, key political figures across parties, and the specific policy-making processes unique to Wales.
- Can point to specific policy changes they've helped achieve in Wales, with examples of building coalitions with third-sector organizations and navigating cross-party dynamics.
- Has strong Welsh networks and understands the cultural and linguistic nuances of engaging with stakeholders across different regions of Wales.
📝 Tips for Applying to Stepchange Debt Charity
Quantify your Welsh policy achievements: Instead of saying 'influenced policy,' specify 'secured amendments to the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014' or 'built a coalition of 15 Welsh charities to lobby for fair energy tariffs.'
Demonstrate your understanding of StepChange's evidence-based approach by referencing specific reports like their 'Statistics Yearbook' or 'Policy Insights' and suggesting how you'd use similar data for Welsh campaigns.
Highlight your bilingual capabilities or experience engaging with Welsh-language media and stakeholders, as this role requires navigating Wales's bilingual policy environment.
Tailor your examples to Welsh devolved matters—focus on areas like social justice, housing, or financial inclusion where Wales has legislative power, rather than reserved UK matters.
Show how you've previously worked with charities or advocacy groups in Wales, as StepChange values coalition-building with organizations like Citizens Advice Cymru or Shelter Cymru.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific experience with Welsh political institutions—name Senedd committees you've engaged with, Welsh Ministers you've briefed, or cross-party groups you've participated in.", "How you've used evidence and data to influence policy in Wales, with a concrete example of turning research into legislative or regulatory change.", "Your understanding of StepChange's mission and how you'd apply their UK-wide research to address Wales-specific debt challenges, such as higher rates of fuel poverty or rural financial exclusion.", "Your strategy for building relationships with key Welsh stakeholders, including how you'd navigate relationships with both Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru given the current political landscape."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → StepChange's recent Wales-specific research or consultations, such as their responses to Welsh Government consultations on social care charges or financial inclusion strategies.
- → The current political makeup of the Senedd, key ministers relevant to debt policy (e.g., Minister for Social Justice, Minister for Climate Change), and upcoming Welsh legislation like the proposed Welsh Benefits System.
- → StepChange's partnerships with other Welsh organizations—review their joint campaigns with Citizens Advice Cymru or housing associations to understand their coalition approach.
- → Recent Welsh media coverage of debt issues, particularly stories highlighting regional variations (e.g., higher debt in the Valleys vs. coastal areas) to show understanding of local context.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing primarily on UK Parliament experience without demonstrating specific knowledge of or experience with Welsh devolved institutions and policy-making processes.
- Using generic public affairs examples that aren't tailored to Wales—interviewers will notice if you can't discuss specific Welsh political figures, committees, or recent Senedd debates.
- Failing to understand StepChange's charitable model—avoid suggesting commercial lobbying tactics or fee-based services, as the charity relies on evidence and collaboration rather than transactional relationships.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Stepchange Debt Charity !