Head of Public Affairs

The Role Youll work closely with the Director of Engagement and Senior Leadership Team to ensure Ofwat builds and maintains strong and trusted relationships with influential political stakeholders in line with our ambitious Communications Strategy.You will be responsible for implementing a proactive political engagement programme focused on one of the government's top five priorities and the proposed Water (Special Measures) Bill due to be implemented in Parliament later this year.You will lead a newly created [small, but talented] team managing targeted programme around critical milestones and announcements, providing high-quality briefings materials and training ahead of events, meetings and Select Committee appearances.Key DeliverablesIn this role you will be expected to: Lead comprehensive and tailored political engagement programme with political leaders in Westminster, including the Opposition parties, Metro Mayors, Local Government, Trade Unions and influential Think Tanks.Oversee Ofwat's engagement with political stakeholders, including members of both Houses and the opposition parties, ensuring we're presenting well-informed and consistent information across the organisationAdvise the Chair, Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team on their political engagement and build a programme of engagement and visits, working with colleagues in communications and government affairs.Prepare the Chief Executive and members of the Senior Leadership Team for Select Committee appearances, managing ongoing relationships with the Clerks and providing high-quality briefings and training for any hearings.Oversee monitoring of political and policy landscape, providing strategic political intelligence and insight to help inform internal decision makingBuild trusted relationships with counterparts in Defra, water companies and other relevant organisations