FSB was established nearly 50 years ago to help small businesses and the self-employed achieve their ambitions. FSB is a not-for-profit organisation that’s run by members, for members.

Members get an exclusive package of great value business services including advice, financial products and support. These cover a wide range of benefits such as tax, legal and HR, local network groups and business banking.

We’re also the UK’s leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed. With teams across the UK, we work with governments, elected members and decision-makers to make real change happen.

We are currently seeking a Policy and External Affairs Assistant to join us on a 6 Month Fixed Term Contract basis. The main purpose of the role is to develop and support the delivery of FSB’s policy, external affairs, and campaigning work to maintain our public reputation as the authoritative voice of small business in Scotland.

What will you do?

This is an interesting and varied role. Within this role, your main responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating campaign activity across the FSB team in Scotland, including supporting colleagues in our field staff team to deliver campaigns in their areas.
• Developing and producing campaign material, including social media content and developing and managing online campaign material and presence.
• Drafting press releases and supporting in the response to media enquiries.
• Support policy and external affairs work by undertaking research, developing surveys, collating relevant statistics, feeding into consultation responses, drafting briefings based on existing policy work to inform parliamentary debates, and providing briefings to colleagues, as directed.
• Support continuous improvement in FSB’s Scottish social media presence and managing relevant Scottish sections of the FSB website, in coordination with FSB’s marketing team.
• Establishing and maintaining good working relationships with relevant external bodies and stakeholders, ensuring that FSB is regarded as a credible source of advice and information.

Who are we looking for?

• Experience in a role which required the incumbent to take responsibility and ownership for their decisions.
• Experience of developing and managing multi-media including social media
• Experience of content writing
• Experience of campaigning and influencing
• Knowledge of politics and/or economics
• Knowledge of Scottish public policy landscape
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Skilled in managing websites, blogs and other online and social media
• Ability to work to tight and often demanding deadlines relating to complex tasks

In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you’ll also benefit from:

• 26 days holidays plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with your Annual Flex Pot*
• Annual Flex Pot* to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, additional life cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Group Personal Pension (GPP)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Health cash plan*
• Critical illness and income protection insurance*
• Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders

• Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms

How to apply

All applications to be received by 24 May 2023. Any applications received after this date will be held on file for a maximum of 6 months and reviewed if the first round of applicants are unsuccessful.

To apply for this role please email your CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria to HR.Recruitment@fsb.org.uk.

Additional information

All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.

As an equal opportunities employer, FSB is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We believe there is a strong case for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda and aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees can bring their whole self to work. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply and join FSB. Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact the HR department at hr.recruitment@fsb.org.uk.

Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email.