Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer (maternity cover)

at Bowel Cancer UK

🏢 About Bowel Cancer UK

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK's leading bowel cancer charity, combining research, support, and campaigning to drive early diagnosis and improve treatment. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that directly influences health policy and saves lives through strategic advocacy.

About This Role

This role leads public affairs and campaigns to shape health policy for bowel cancer patients in England, focusing on Westminster. You'll develop strategies, engage MPs and stakeholders, and drive legislative change during a critical period of maternity cover, making a tangible impact on early diagnosis and care.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start with a virtual team stand-up, then draft a briefing for an upcoming meeting with a shadow health minister. Afternoon involves monitoring parliamentary activity, updating a campaign action plan, and preparing a stakeholder webinar on screening targets.

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🎯 Who Bowel Cancer UK Is Looking For

  • Experienced in public affairs or campaigns within health or charity sectors, with a track record of influencing policy at Westminster.
  • Deep understanding of the UK political system, including parliamentary processes, select committees, and how to engage MPs effectively.
  • Excellent communicator, able to translate complex health issues into compelling messages for policymakers and the public.
  • Strategic thinker with proven ability to design and implement campaign plans that achieve measurable outcomes.

📝 Tips for Applying to Bowel Cancer UK

1

Highlight specific examples of influencing health policy, e.g., amendments to bills or meetings with ministers, not just generic advocacy.

2

Show knowledge of Bowel Cancer UK’s current campaigns, such as 'Never Too Young' or 'Right First Time', and link your experience to them.

3

Tailor your CV to emphasize Westminster-focused work, including any experience with APPGs or health select committees.

4

In your cover letter, mention how you would maintain momentum during the maternity cover period and ensure a smooth handover.

5

Research the NHS Long Term Plan and recent bowel cancer screening changes to demonstrate awareness of the policy landscape.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for improving cancer outcomes and why Bowel Cancer UK’s mission resonates with you personally.', 'Specific examples of how you’ve successfully influenced policy or campaigns in a health context, with measurable results.', 'Your understanding of the current political landscape affecting bowel cancer, such as waiting times or screening access.', 'How you’ll quickly build relationships with key stakeholders and hit the ground running in a fixed-term role.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Bowel Cancer UK’s latest campaign reports and policy positions on their website.
  • → Check recent parliamentary questions and debates on bowel cancer via Hansard.
  • → Look up the charity’s key stakeholders, such as the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bowel Cancer.
  • → Understand the NHS England’s current priorities for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Visit Bowel Cancer UK's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 ‘Describe a campaign you led that changed policy; what was your strategy and how did you measure impact?’
2 ‘How would you engage an MP who has no prior interest in bowel cancer?’
3 ‘What are the biggest policy challenges for bowel cancer patients in England today?’
4 ‘How do you balance long-term advocacy with short-term campaign wins?’
5 ‘How would you work with the Senior Manager to ensure continuity during maternity cover?’
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending a generic application that doesn’t reference Bowel Cancer UK’s specific campaigns or policy asks.
  • Overlooking the maternity cover nature—don’t treat it as less important; emphasize your ability to deliver quickly.
  • Ignoring the remote aspect—failing to mention how you’ll collaborate virtually with a dispersed team.

📅 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 Bowel Cancer UK!

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