Salary: £22,446 – £28,923

Grade: Band 5 (Spinal points 26-34)  

Group: Independent Living

Section: RNIB Cymru 

Planning unit: Cymru 

Location: Cardiff

Hours: 36 per week

Role Profile no: 1291 

RNIB Cymru is the largest sight loss organisation in Wales.

This new role offers an exciting opportunity to join the organisation’s External Affairs team, which sits right at the heart of our work to prevent avoidable sight loss, support independent living and create an inclusive society. You’ll help us influence the development and implementation of policy and legislation, and plan and deliver campaigns on both a local and national level.

You will have an in-depth knowledge of legislative and policy making processes in Wales, outstanding communication skills and a passion for campaigning for change.

To apply visit www.rnib.org.uk/jobs to download an application pack.

Closing date for applications 17 May 2013

Interviews will be held on 05 June 2013

Wednesday 1 May 2013/Mercher 1 Mai 2013

Embargoed until 0001am Thursday 2 May 2013
Dan embargo tan 0001am Dydd Iau 2 Mai 2013

Public Affairs Cymru welcome report into lobbying activity in Wales

Today (Thursday 2 May 2013) Public Affairs Cymru (PAC) welcomed the National Assembly for Wales’s Standards of Conduct Committee into Lobbying and Cross Party Groups.

PAC has always supported an open and transparent democratic process in Wales, and we welcome today’s recommendations as a way to further strengthen, and underpin, any future lobbying activity in Wales.

Public Affairs Cymru have engaged in this process from the start to ensure that openness and accountability underpin the role of lobbying in Wales; which is in stark contrast to some of the activity that has taken place in Westminster in recent years.

Lia Murphy, Chair of Public Affairs Cymru said,
“This report today should be welcomed and its recommendations will only further underpin the ethos of transparency and openness in lobbying and campaigning activity in Cardiff Bay. As the report says, there has never been an issue of impropriety here, but it is important to both those who lobby and those who are lobbied that high standards are maintained.

“We are also glad that the committee have recommended inviting the First Minister to consider the report’s findings in relation to greater transparency in the lobbying of Welsh Ministers, something which Public Affairs Cymru has long called for.

Editor’s Notes
Public Affairs Cymru is a membership organisation for public affairs professionals in Wales. Established in October 2006, PAC aims to raise awareness of the public affairs industry and to promote good practice. PAC has close to 200 members in Wales.

This press release is in response to the publication of the National Assembly for Wales’s Standards of Conduct Committee report into Lobbying and Cross Party Groups, which was published on Thursday 2 May 2013.

 excellent analytical skills and a good understanding of economic principles;
 experience of leading and managing professional staff and budgets;
 exceptional written and oral communication skills;
 strong influencing skills;
 the ability to manage projects on a national basis;
 experience of social research;
 strong stakeholder management experience at senior level;
 a good understanding of Welsh language issues.

You will be able to demonstrate your ability to adopt the consumer perspective and show particular empathy for vulnerable or disadvantaged consumers. You should be able to demonstrate clear understanding of how to work with government, regulators and suppliers. Secondments would also be welcome.

Please email jobs@consumerfocus.org.uk quoting ref TWA30, for an application pack or contact Rhys Evans on 02920 787 100 for more information.

Closing date: 5pm on 15 May 2013. No CV’s please.

The conference heard from Professor Nick Bourne, who outlined some the key areas of work that the Silk Commission would be looking at over the coming months. The conference also heard from a range of policy experts (list below) on the issues in those fields in a devolved context. The conference then received an analysis of the legal view from Emyr Lewis from the Wales Governance Centre, before Professor Richard Wyn Jones closed the conference with his five theses of Welsh devolution.

The conference also included a break out session where conference delegates were able to input their views and opinions on the Silk Commission. This information was collected by rapporteurs and will duly be submitted to the Silk Commission.

What could changes to the devolution settlement mean to you?

 The Pierhead, Cardiff Bay, 17 April 2013

AGENDA

9:00                 Registration, tea/coffee

9:15                 Keynote address:

• Outline of Silk Part II and indication of responses
  Members of the Commission on Devolution in Wales

9:45                 Series of 5 minute scene setting presentations:

• Current and future powers

  Social Justice – Victoria Winckler
  Policing – Prof Colin Rogers
  Transport – Lee Waters
  Health – Simon Jones
  Education – Prof Gareth Rees
  Energy – David Clubb
  Equality – Kate Bennett
  Economic Development – Iestyn Davies

11.10               Tea / coffee

11:20               A Legal View

Emyr Lewis, Wales Governance Centre

11:40               Breakout session in Cabaret style tables of 10

Groups to discuss Part II consultation outcomes based on theme, information captured by raporteurs

12:40               Closing Keynote Speech:

Professor Richard Wyn Jones, Director of the Wales Governance Centre

13.00               Ends

The event on Wednesday morning (which will take place between 9am and 1pm) will include an overview of the Silk Commission’s work thus far, a series of scene setting presentations on the current and future devolved powers in different policy areas, a speech on the legal aspects of Welsh devolution from Emyr Lewis and a closing keynote speech from Professor Richard Wyn Jones from Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre.

The event will provide an important opportunity for organisations in Wales to understand the potential changes to the devolution settlement in Wales, and how this may impact upon their work. It will also provide an opportunity for organisations to input what possible changes they would like to see to devolution in Wales.

Lia Murphy, Chair of Public Affairs Cymru said,
“This is a unique opportunity for organisations in Wales to input their thoughts into a process which will make recommendations to the future constitutional arrangements of Wales, and to develop a further understanding of what is currently happening in the Welsh devolution process.

“The current constitutional settlement in Wales needs the input of civil society organisations, who through their own work, have helped deliver positive change to the lives of the people of Wales. This event will help contribute to moving that work forward in the future.”

The event is being organised by five organisations; Public Affairs Cymru, Positif, the Bevan Foundation, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action and the UK’s Changing Union Project.

£25,000 – £35,000 (depending on skills and experience)

Network Rail is investing almost £1bn in the Welsh railway over the next 7 years. With projects ranging from electrification to station improvements, we’re looking for someone to communicate our exciting investment plans to passengers, the wider community and internal stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity for a creative thinker and skilled communicator to join a small team. You’ll help shape our communications strategy inWaleswith a focus on the development and delivery of project based campaigns.

If you have worked in public relations, public affairs or other corporate communications role, or have other relevant experience, this would be a great opportunity for you to take the next step in your career.

To apply, visit www.networkrail.co.uk/careers quoting IRC667062.

Closing date: 14 March 2013.

Network Rail welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, disability or gender and is committed to creating a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales is an independent voice and champion for older people across Wales. Working for the Commissioner, you will be part of a dynamic and fast paced organisation, delivering positive outcomes that make Wales a good place to grow older.

To help us support and achieve our aims, two new Strategic Director posts have been created as part of a new strategic management team supporting the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.

Director of Wellbeing and Empowerment
£50,246 – £71,275 per annum

With a proven track record of delivering change in complex operating environments, you will ensure that the work of public services across Wales are fully aligned to the needs of older people. You will liaise with older people and key stakeholders to establish the Commissioner as the authoritative body on matters concerning older people. You will develop strong and effective partnerships ensuring that the organisation is seen as a leading, credible and delivery focused organisation driving real improvements in the lives of older people.

Director of Protection, Scrutiny & Equality

£37,904 – £47,402 per annum

With significant experience in human rights, ethics and probity in the public or voluntary sectors your key focus will be to lead on and support the Commissioner in fighting discrimination against older people and the safeguarding of those who are vulnerable. On behalf of the Commissioner, you will lead on formal and informal review and scrutiny of public service practice and service failures, maximising the impact of the Commissioner’s legal powers as well as providing advice and guidance to the Commissioner on the discharge of her legal duties.

The Older People’s Commissioner is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting equality and diversity throughout Wales and her work.

Both roles are based in Cardiff with significant travel throughout Wales. For more information and application details, please visit http://www.olderpeoplewales.com/en/about/Vacancies.aspx

recruitment@olderpeoplewales.com.

Closing Date for applications: Friday 8^th March at 12.00 pm midday.

If you are successfully shortlisted you must be available to attend Assessment Centres on one or more of the following dates:

• Director of Wellbeing & Empowerment: 21 and 25 March 2013
• Director of Protection, Scrutiny and Equality: 22 and 27 March 2013

Based in Cardiff

The Open University has been transforming lives since 1969 by opening up higher education to all sections of the community. 

We are looking to recruit a dynamic, self-motivated and innovative individual to the post of Policy and Public Affairs Manager.  The post-holder has responsibility for planning and managing the University’s communications and public affairs activities in Wales and for being a lead contributor to policy-related work.

Having a very high standard of communication, organisational and motivational skills you will have significant relevant work experience including liaison within political and policy environments, a thorough awareness of the external environment and government policies in Wales and the wider UK with particular reference to higher education, lifelong learning and adult learners.  You will have an interest in innovating in communications and public affairs work including via social media, and possess excellent written skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.

For detailed information and how to apply go to www3.open.ac.uk/employment, call Alison Deering, Directorate Assistant on 029 2026 2732, email Wales-Recruitment@open.ac.uk or write to The Open University in Wales, Custom House Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AP quoting the relevant reference number.

Closing date:   12 noon 24 January 2013

Interview date: w/c 18 February 2013

Further particulars are available in large print, disk or audiotape (minicom 01908 654901).

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Salary: Grade 4 c.£42,558

The British Medical Association (BMA Cymru Wales), the doctors` professional association in Wales, is looking for a Head of Policy and Committee Secretariat to support the delivery of our policy strategy and committee representative functions in Wales.

Applicants should have knowledge of current affairs in Wales and previous relevant policy and/or political experience so as to be able to draft BMA Cymru Wales policy, position papers and briefings; formally respond to external consultations, Government announcements, National Assembly Committee inquiries; and undertake research and canvass opinions.

A sound understanding of representational organisations / trade unions and committee working would be advantageous.

This role will involve direct line management of five part-time members of Committee staff and one full time support officer – together, looking after nine committees and various sub-committees. consequentially applicants should have appropriate management experience.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, and applicants must also be computer and web literate.

Interviews for this post will be held at BMA Cymru Wales office, Cardiff, during week commencing 4th February.

Please visit http://bma.org.uk/about-the-bma/jobs-at-bma

Closing date for applications: 29th January