About the BMA

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK. We represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students.

About the role

We are looking for a skilled communicator with excellent influencing skills to play a key role in promoting the aims and priorities of the organisations, to carry out high level public affairs and engagement work.

The Senior Public Affairs Officer will have strong political acumen, and a demonstrable, in-depth understanding of current health policy and the political landscape across the UK. Sound political judgement is necessary along with the ability to interpret complex information and identify risks and opportunities. The role is with our Communications and Policy Directorate and works closely with colleagues across media, social media and policy teams.

Contract details

This is a fixed term contract for up to 12 months. It is a hybrid role and will involve a mix of working from home and from our office in Central London (BMA House).

Responsibilities & Qualifications

To be successful as a Senior Public Affairs Officer you'll ideally have:

• Professional experience of public affairs activities, including the direct lobbying of politicians (essential)
• Proven ability to develop and deliver effective public affairs campaigns and achieve clear policy influencing objectives
• In-depth knowledge of legislative procedures and understanding of policy‑making processes and lobbying opportunities
• Established contacts with MPs, their staff across all parties, and stakeholders
• Excellent political awareness
• Good understanding of health‑related policy and trade union functions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for a variety of communication outputs such as briefings, senior level correspondence and internal documents
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills in dealing with stakeholders
• Excellent research and analytical skills (e.g. analysing legislation and policy documents)
• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively including the organisation and planning of work
• Ability to adapt and be flexible to emerging situations

Why work for us?

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a BMA company day
• Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary
• Additional leave entitlement for volunteering or moving house (after completion of probationary period)
• Onsite gym and subsidised café at BMA House
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with free confidential counselling, a helpline and specialist support available
• BMA Law – discounted rates for employees requiring legal services such as will writing/conveyancing
• Multiple flexible benefits and discounts through our employee benefits platform
• Lots of learning and development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub
• Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) after completion of probationary period

Anonymous recruitment

The BMA endeavours to be an inclusive employer, ensuring fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for roles. To support our aims, we use specific software to remove all personal identifying information from CVs and applications. Personal information such as name, date of birth, age and gender are anonymised and will only become visible to hiring managers if you are selected for interview.

Application Process

To apply please upload an up to date version of your CV and supporting information setting out your suitability for the role.

Whether the role needs you to work at home, in an office or in a hybrid way, we’ll provide all the support you need.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply through our website. However, if you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support at any point during the application process, please email recruitment@bma.org.uk.

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts everybodysignals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

BMA is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.

Immigration Sponsorship

Please note, we are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK points‑based immigration system and we do not hold a sponsorship licence.