POSITION Parliamentary and Policy Officer

POSITION Parliamentary and Policy Officer

SALARY Circa £26,000

ROLE SUMMARY

The Sport and Recreation Alliance is the umbrella organisation for the governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK and represents more than 315 members – organisations like The FA, the Rugby Football Union, UK Athletics, the Ramblers, British Rowing and the National Association of Teachers of Dancing. The role of the Alliance is to speak up on their behalf, represent their views and to provide them with services which make their life easier.

Operating within a highly-focused policy team, the Parliamentary and Policy Officer will work to develop favourable outcomes for sport and recreation in the areas below.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Particular responsibilities will include:

·  Leading the Alliance’s parliamentary engagement work to protect and promote the Alliance’s and our members’ interests in Parliament

·  Monitoring parliamentary activity including the progress of legislation, debates and Parliamentary Questions and advise on parliamentary procedure

·  Creating and running campaigns expressly designed to influence the parliamentary agenda

·  Working with other members of the policy team on specific policy issues and developing proposals for a Parliamentary audience

·  Running internal and external committees and groups, principally the APPG for Sport but also other groups as required

·  Developing and maintaining effective networks in Parliament and with a wide range of key stakeholders including government departments, agencies and member sport and recreation organisations

·  Working closely with the public affairs teams of key Alliance members to develop proposals and campaigns

·  Conducting research into a wide range of issues affecting the sport and recreation sector to help to build a comprehensive evidence base on sport and recreation issues

·  Any other duties as reasonably required by Line Manager

JOB TITLE Parliamentary and Policy Officer

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The Parliamentary Officer must demonstrate the ability to:

·  Monitor parliamentary activity and proactively identify opportunities for engagement through a range of channels.
·  Read and understand complex documents (e.g. Parliamentary Bills and Acts, governmental strategies and action plans) and distil from these the key implications for the sport and recreation sector.
·  Draft concise, accurate and convincing documents (e.g. briefings, reports, and consultation responses) for a range of audiences including Alliance members, Parliamentarians, civil servants and sports organisations.
·  Conduct research on a range of policy, economic and political issues to contribute to the Alliance’s comprehensive evidence base.
·  Work with other members of the organisation to formulate policy proposals and campaigns both proactively and in response to legislation and other political developments.
·  Communicate effectively in face to face situations and manage relationships with a range of people including Alliance members, Parliamentarians, civil servants and sports organisations.
·  Manage a range of tasks effectively, meeting tight deadlines with high quality work.
·  Work effectively within a small and highly focused team, responsible for delivering a key aspect of the Alliance’s mission.

The Parliamentary Officer must demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of:

·  The UK Parliament, and in particular how to influence Parliamentarians.
·  How social and fiscal policy impacts on sport and recreation, and how investment in sport and recreation can in turn contribute to a healthy and prosperous nation.
·  The breadth of organisations that make up the sport and recreation sector.

An active interest or participation in sport and recreation would be desirable.