Head of External Affairs

Job summary

In the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), we are proud of our purpose – to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. To achieve this, and create a great place to work, we have four values: we are inclusive, we constantly improve, we challenge, and we are agile. If this sounds like an environment you would like to work in, we would love to hear from you.

The External Affairs team builds and maintains trusted relationships with a range of influential organisations and individuals to create an awareness and understanding of government policies. The team proactively engage with DHSC’s stakeholders who represent what the department’s audiences are thinking and feeling, as well as gathering and analysing insight to improve the impact of DHSC communications.

You will lead a team responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key external audiences, ensuring the department's priorities are understood, and that ministers and senior officials are equipped with the insight and support they need to engage effectively with stakeholders.

This role (providing maternity leave cover) is currently expected to continue beyond 31 March 2027. However, as part of the DHSC and NHSE integration programme, organisational structures and workforce requirements may change and this temporary arrangement may need to be brought to an end earlier by the Department. Applicants should also note that, notwithstanding the advertised end date, the role, team, reporting line and organisational structure may change beyond integration.

Job description

• Provide strategic leadership on external affairs, developing and delivering a comprehensive external affairs strategy aligned with organisational communications objectives, providing specialist advice to ministers, senior officials and leadership teams on partner engagement approaches
• Build and maintain strong relationships with a broad range of external stakeholders, the NHS, social care providers, patient and charity organisations, professional bodies and industry, developing proactive relationships and creating advocates for organisational communications priorities while bringing external insight into internal operations
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of external affairs professionals, setting clear objectives and supporting their professional growth in line with Government Communications standards and the Modern Communications Operating Model
• Provide senior counsel to ministers and officials on stakeholder positioning, sensitivities and reputational risk, particularly around major announcements, legislative changes and public health issues
• Work closely with colleagues across the Government Communications profession, including media, strategic communications and internal communications teams, to ensure a joined-up and consistent approach
• Horizon-scan for emerging issues and opportunities in the external environment, using insight and evidence to shape engagement strategy

Person specification

Essential:

• Extensive experience of leading external affairs, public affairs or stakeholder engagement functions, developing and delivering strategic approaches that support organisational objectives and priorities
• A strong track record of engaging and influencing senior leaders and external partners, providing balanced advice and support
• Excellent judgement and strategic thinking with the ability to navigate sensitive and complex issues
• A strong track record of leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams, particularly during periods of change or pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information into clear advice and messages for a range of audiences including senior leaders

Desirable:

• Experience of building collaborative relationships across a complex organisational structure, working with arm's length bodies and embedded communications teams, to ensure a joined-up approach to external affairs and stakeholder engagement
• Experience of leading stakeholder engagement during periods of significant organisational or policy change

Your normal place of work will be your contractual primary workplace, usually either London or Leeds. Within DHSC we offer non-contractual hybrid working. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time spent in the office, enabling in person interaction and collaboration, and enhancing team working, learning, and support.

You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas and some travel may be required across the DHSC estate.

Opportunities for some working from home may be available; other flexible working options may be discussed with the hiring manager in line with individual circumstances and business need.

There are a limited number of DHSC colleagues who have existing agreed homeworking contracts resulting from Our Future Estate Programme 2023-2024. Colleagues covered by these arrangements are eligible to apply for this role whilst continuing their agreed existing home working arrangement. Occasional travel to DHSC offices or other locations may still be required according to business need. Travel and subsistence will be provided in line with the pre-agreed homeworker arrangements.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £73,559, Department of Health and Social Care contributes £21,310 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Applications will be sifted W/C: 12/10/2026

Interview date: W/C 19/10/2026

Interview location: By video

Further details and interview slots will be released to candidates who are successful at sift. <