Government Affairs Officer

The Woodland Trust is recruiting for a Government Affairs Officer to work within the External Affairs Team to influence Government and parliamentary decision-making in support of woods and trees.

The Role

• Monitor political and policy developments, identifying opportunities to build relationships and drive impact.
• Draft high-quality briefings, parliamentary materials, and committee evidence to support the Trust’s influencing goals.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with MPs, peers, advisors, and allies, including supporting the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Woods and Trees.
• Coordinate and deliver key political events, including at Parliament and party conferences.
• Collaborate with internal teams-policy, press, campaigns, and ecology-to help shape and deliver influencing strategies aligned with the Trust’s priorities.
• This role includes a mix of working from home and at our main office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. There will be travel at least one day per week to London and other site visits.

The Candidate

• Strong written and verbal communicator, able to distil complex information clearly and accurately for different audiences.
• Skilled in building relationships with senior colleagues and external stakeholders, with experience organising events to support engagement.
• Politically aware, with a good understanding of Westminster and the policymaking process, and a proactive approach to monitoring developments and spotting opportunities.
• Well-organised and IT-proficient, with experience managing databases and balancing workloads in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about environmental issues, with relevant experience in public affairs, campaigns, or policy, and willing to travel across the UK when needed.
• You have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.

Benefits & Wellbeing:

Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers. We do not ask for your CV at application stage.

Make sure that you complete the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]

Apply Now:

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews are scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams between 28th August - 4th September 2025.