Head of External Affairs
Location: Home based | London 1-day per week
Job Type: Full Time | Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £80,000 per annum
Shape the national conversation. Build trust. Lead change.
As the largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people in the country, we have scale, heritage and impact. Now, we are looking for a Head of External Affairs to help us build trust, strengthen our influence, and shape the future of housing, care, and ageing at a national level.
This is an exciting role - operating at the intersection of policy, reputation and growth - and deciding where and how we make the biggest difference.
The Opportunity
You will lead the transformation of our external affairs - setting a clear strategy and message, and ensuring our voice is heard where it matters most.
From influencing government policy to strengthening relationships with regulators, local authorities and sector partners, you’ll turn what we do every day into compelling narratives that build confidence, support occupancy, and drive our growth.
In this role, you will
- Set the direction - Define and deliver a clear, insight-led external affairs strategy and narrative aligned to organisational priorities in a complex, high-profile environment
- Influence where it matters – Inform external policy and build relationships across government, regulators, local authorities and sector bodies, building our reputation
- Tell our story - Drive high-impact content that showcases our impact and supports growth. Lead and modernise the way we work – so your in-house and agency team deliver real, measurable impact.
- Work across housing, health, and social care - One of the most important and evolving policy areas in the UK
What We’re Looking For
A strategic, credible and intellectually curious leader who understands how change happens - and how to influence it.
You’ll Bring:
- Significant senior experience in external affairs, public affairs or corporate communications
- Strong understanding of UK policymaking, particularly across housing, health or social care
- A track record of shaping reputation, influencing stakeholders or delivering policy impact
- Experience working in complex, regulated environments
- The ability to operate confidently with senior leaders and external stakeholders
You Might Currently Be:
- Leading external affairs in a housing association, public body or regulated organisation
- Working in a government department or sector body with strong policy exposure
- Ready to step into a broader, more strategic role with national impact
Who You Are
- Strategically minded, but hands-on and delivery-focused
- Comfortable navigating political, fast-moving and ambiguous environments
- A natural connector - able to build influence and credibility quickly
- Curious about policy, stakeholders and how decisions are really made
- Resilient, pragmatic and driven by outcomes
Location & Working Style
- Hybrid working (predominantly remote)
- Regular presence in London (approx. 1 day per week)
- Occasional travel to other locations as required
Selection Process
- 1st stage interviews will be held via MS Teams from 11 to 15 September
- 2nd stage interviews will be held in-person in London on 29 September
How to apply
To apply, please submit:
- Your CV
- Supporting Statement
Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact role at a defining moment - and help more people love living in later life.
Anchor – a great place to work
Anchor is England’s largest not-for-profit providers of care and housing for older people. Our heartfelt ambition is to transform housing and care so everyone can have a home where they love living in later life.
We’re not-for-profit which means every penny we make or save is invested in the people who live with us, the places they live and the people who work here. That means a better standard of care and customer service, better wages, more investment in training and development and improved facilities.
Our values
Every one of us can make a difference to our residents and play a part in shaping homes and services around their needs.
Our Anchor values of being Accountable, Respectful, Courageous and Honest apply to us all, whether you manage colleagues as part of your role or not.
Displaying our values can influence those around us to do the same. We can all be leaders at Anchor and should all be driven by the same customer ethos. Our Anchor Leadership Framework helps align these values with the skills and behaviours we demonstrate.
A rewarding environment
From health and happiness to finance and your career, we’ll give you all the support you need.
Health & happiness
- Gym, fitness and wellbeing discounts
- Mental health support
- Flexible working options
- Access to online GP appointments
Finance
- Pension plan – contribute between 4% and 8% and we’ll match it or better
- Quick and easy pension transfer service
- Savings and financial advice, loans, free life assurance
- Discounts on shopping, holidays, phones, technology and more
- Free Blue Light Card
Career
- Ongoing personal and professional development programme
- Leadership Pathways online learning resources
- Career progression and promotion opportunities
To see our full range of benefits, check out our dedicated being well website Please follow the link or copy and paste https://anchorbeingwell.co.uk/ into your browser
Celebrating diversity, celebrating you
Anchor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aim to celebrate diversity and inclusion in all that we do, as we know that the more diverse our colleagues are, the better care and support we can give to our residents and each other.
We are proud to have an LGBT+ group for our residents, and also Disability, LGBT+ and race and ethnicity colleague networks. These work to celebrate diversity, address concerns, review policy and practice and empower their members. We also have an Inclusive Ambassador network to allow all colleagues to be part of promoting diversity and to be an ally to others.
We are a Gold Standard Inclusive Employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and a signatory to the Care Leaver Covenant, HouseProud Pledge and Age Friendly Employer Pledge schemes.
Work Location: In person
