Talent Pool: Head of Public Affairs

13 Aug, 2026

If you can sit at the table where the strategy is set, and then make sure it survives contact with Westminster, we want to hear from you.

Westminster Search is building a talent pool of strong Heads of Public Affairs for our clients across charities, membership bodies and agencies. We are not recruiting for one role — we are getting ahead of the next ten. Join the pool now, and we will match you to a live vacancy the moment it fits.

Why register with this talent pool

You are matched to relevant roles before they are advertised publicly.
One conversation with us saves you dozens of applications to individual employers.
We know the public affairs market in detail, and we only put you forward for roles that suit your experience and ambitions.
You hear about opportunities first, from a consultant who has placed public affairs professionals for years.

What you will be doing, in roles we place

Owning the public affairs strategy for the organisation, and being the senior voice that connects it to the wider business or charity strategy.
Sitting close to, or on, the leadership team, and advising the Chief Executive, Board or trustees directly on political risk and opportunity.
Building and leading a public affairs function, including budget, team and external agency relationships.
Representing the organisation at the most senior political and official levels, including with Ministers and their offices.
Taking the lead on the issues that could define the organisation's reputation, and deciding how to respond.

What clients are looking for

A substantial track record of leading public affairs at a senior level, whether in-house, in agency, in Parliament or in party politics.
Established relationships across Westminster and Whitehall, and the credibility to open doors quickly.
The judgement to advise a Chief Executive or Board with confidence, including in a crisis.
Experience building or running a team, and managing a budget.
The gravitas and communication skills to represent the organisation as its senior public affairs voice.

How the talent pool works

Send your CV and a short note on the type of role you want.
We will arrange a confidential call to understand your experience, motivations and salary expectations.
We keep your details on file and contact you as soon as a suitable vacancy is instructed by a client.
You are under no obligation, and we will never put your name forward without asking you first.

Register your interest

To join the Westminster Search talent pool for Head of Public Affairs roles, there are two ways to reach us — either works equally well.

Email your CV to Joseph Henry, telling us the salary, sector and type of organisation you are looking for.