Interim Head of Policy and Public Affairs

• 6-month fixed term
• 37 hours per week
• Location:  UK
• £48,018 to £51,168 (Scale 36-39), plus £3,300 London weighting (where applicable), plus 11.5% non-contributory pension

About us

We are National Energy Action (NEA) and our vision is to end fuel poverty. We believe everyone should be able to afford to keep their homes warm, healthy and safe, however low incomes, high energy bills and poor energy efficiency currently deny this to millions of households across the UK.

Energy affordability remains under sustained pressure, with high levels of household energy debt and millions of low-income households continuing to go without essentials.

NEA combines practical, on the ground support with high impact influencing to tackle this crisis. Each year we support tens of thousands of people directly, deliver millions of pounds in financial benefit, and generate significant social value through our services.

Our strategy for 2026 to 2031 sets out how we will go further by using insight from our frontline work, alongside research and partnerships, to drive the systemic change needed to prevent fuel poverty.

We are investing in our Policy Directorate to strengthen our influence and ensure that energy markets, housing policy and the transition to net zero deliver for those most in need.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead NEA’s policy and public affairs work at a critical moment for fuel poverty and the transition to low carbon homes.

This is a six-month interim role, offering the opportunity to contribute immediately to NEA’s work during a period of significant policy development and political focus on energy affordability and housing.

Working within the Policy Directorate, you will support NEA’s efforts to achieve the systemic change needed to prevent fuel poverty and ensure that national and local policy delivers for low-income households.

Central to this role is NEA’s approach to change. You will use insight from our frontline services, research and partnerships to understand how fuel poverty is experienced in practice, translate that insight into clear policy positions, and use those positions to inform, influence and challenge decision makers.

You will lead and deliver NEA’s public affairs and influencing strategy, developing opportunities to shape government policy, parliamentary debate and regulatory decision making. You will build relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, officials, regulators, industry leaders and sector partners, identifying opportunities to advance NEA’s priorities and secure change for households experiencing fuel poverty.

You will take ownership of key policy areas and contribute to the overall direction of NEA’s policy work during the interim period. The role includes line management responsibility for two Policy Analysts and a Parliamentary Assistant, ensuring the team delivers high quality, insight-led policy work.

You will play a leading role in mobilising the insight, expertise and experience that exists across NEA, helping colleagues contribute to the charity’s influencing objectives and ensuring that policy and public affairs activity reflects the full breadth of the organisation’s work. Success will depend on your ability to build a more coordinated and influential organisation.

You will oversee NEA’s engagement with the APPG for Warm Homes, using the forum strategically to convene parliamentarians, shape debate, build alliances and advance NEA’s influencing objectives.

More broadly, you will work with partners, coalitions and networks to build wider momentum for change, recognising that impact comes from aligning evidence, voices and influence across the sector. You will also play a key role in shaping the next phase of NEA’s policy and public affairs work, ensuring that influence is increasingly embedded across the organisation and leaving behind stronger capabilities, stronger relationships and a more influential organisation.

What you will need to succeed

This role will suit someone who brings leadership, public affairs expertise, policy credibility and a strong instinct for how change actually happens. You will be comfortable leading a team and setting direction, while staying closely connected to the evidence and insight that underpins effective policy.

You will have experience of building productive relationships across Westminster, Whitehall and the devolved administrations, with the credibility and judgement to engage effectively with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials and external stakeholders.

You will be confident operating in a politically sensitive environment, identifying opportunities and risks, and advising colleagues and senior leaders on effective influencing approaches.

You will have a strong track record of influencing policy and decision makers through public affairs, stakeholder engagement, campaigning or government relations activity. Experience of energy, housing, consumer or social policy is desirable, although we are equally interested in candidates who bring strong influencing expertise from related sectors.

Success in this role will not only be measured by the policy and public affairs outcomes achieved, but also by your ability to strengthen NEA’s long-term influencing capability and build a culture in which advocacy is embedded across the organisation.

Above all, you will be motivated by applying that expertise in a way that is grounded in real world impact, using evidence from delivery and lived experience to shape practical, implementable solutions.

We are offering:

• £48,018 to £51,168, Scale Man 36-39 (plus £3,300 London weighting if applicable)
• 11.5% non-contributory pension
• 25 days annual leave plus 3 additional days between Christmas and New Year when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for hybrid working
• Enhanced family friendly payments
• Employee Assistance Programme

The job descripton (download below) provides a list of duties of the post and the person specification provides the list of essential and desirable criteria.

The closing date for applications is 7 August 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 24  August 2026.

Please note CVs will not be accepted as part of the application process.  No agency or advertising enquiries please.

How to apply

• Download the job description and guidance notes below.
• Apply online by clicking here. If you would like the application form in another format, please email jobs@nea.org.uk.

Please note that National Energy Action is not a sponsoring organisation. Therefore, the successful applicant must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure the right to work in the UK independently.

Please note CVs will not be accepted as part of the application process.  No recruitment agency or advertising enquiries, please.

NEA is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all people with the necessary skills and experience. Charity Registration No. 290511.  Company Registration No:  01853927

Only shortlisted candidates selected for interview will be notified of the confirmed time and location of interview.