About the Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)
The Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the primary umbrella body for Islamic charities based in the UK. We operate as the strategic engine for the sector, working to support, connect, and represent Muslim-led voluntary organisations. At a time of complex regulatory landscapes and intense public scrutiny, MCF champions the incredible domestic and international impact of our network. We provide essential capacity-building, facilitate cross-sector collaboration, and lead robust advocacy campaigns to protect civic space and ensure our members can deliver their vital humanitarian and community work safely and effectively.
Role Overview
As the Head of Policy and Advocacy, you will play a pivotal senior leadership role within MCF. You will be responsible for defining and driving our strategic policy agenda, ensuring the collective voice of the UK Muslim charitable sector is heard by policymakers, regulators, the media, and the wider public.
You will lead high-profile campaigns on critical sector issues including financial inclusion (debanking), regulatory parity, international sanctions (OFSI), and climate action. Working closely with the CEO, you will build and maintain high-level relationships with government departments (e.g., FCDO, Home Office), the Charity Commission, and mainstream civil society partners. You will also oversee a dedicated Policy and Advocacy team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality research, briefings, and member support programmes.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Campaign Management
- Develop, implement, and evaluate MCF’s overarching Policy and Advocacy Strategy to align with our strategic goals.
- Lead and mobilise sector-wide campaigns on pressing structural challenges, including the ongoing Debanking/Right to Account campaign, civic space protection, and sanctions compliance.
- Anticipate political, social, and regulatory trends that may impact Muslim charities, providing proactive, strategic advice to the CEO and Board of Trustees.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs
- Act as a senior representative and advocate for MCF, cultivating strong relationships with parliamentarians, local government, civil servants, and key regulatory bodies (Charity Commission, OFSI, PRA).
- Expand and manage MCF’s strategic partnership network, including alliances with mainstream environmental groups, infrastructure bodies, and cross-faith networks.
- Represent MCF at high-level industry panels, parliamentary committees, and media engagements.
3. Research, Policy Formulation & Reporting
- Oversee the production of robust, evidence-based research, including academic partnerships (e.g., academic research), and policy briefings.
- Draft, review, and approve high-level policy documents, consultation responses, open letters, and the bi-monthly Policy & Advocacy Newsletter.
- Translate complex regulatory and legislative changes (e.g., charity law, international sanctions) into accessible guidance, toolkits, and '101' briefings for grassroots members.
4. Member Support & Sector Capability
- Lead the coordination of MCF’s thematic Civil Society Groups and working groups, facilitating dialogue and identifying shared advocacy themes across member organisations.
- Work alongside the team to deliver capacity-building programmes for members, such as media training, governance support, and local political engagement workshops.
- Provide bespoke signposting and operational policy advice to member charities facing acute regulatory or banking challenges.
5. Team Leadership & Management
- Provide robust line management, mentorship, and direction to the Policy and Advocacy team, ensuring workplans and project milestones are met effectively.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture within the team, coordinating cross-departmentally with Communications, Operations, and Membership leads.
- Manage the departmental budget and support the CEO in identifying and securing grant funding for specific advocacy and research programmes.
Person Specification
Experience & Knowledge:
- Significant experience in a senior policy, public affairs, or advocacy role, ideally within the UK charity, NGO, or faith-based sector.
- Demonstrable experience of designing and executing successful advocacy campaigns that have influenced policy, public discourse, or regulatory behaviour.
- Deep understanding of the UK political system, parliamentary processes, and the charity regulatory environment (including the Charity Commission for England and Wales).
- Familiarity with the specific operational challenges facing Muslim-led charities, such as counter-terrorism legislation, international financial sanctions, and the banking sector's de-risking practices.
- Proven track record of building and managing relationships with diverse, high-level stakeholders, from grassroots community leaders to senior civil servants and politicians.
- Experience in managing, motivating, and developing a team.
Skills & Abilities:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal or political concepts to diverse audiences clearly and persuasively.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to critically assess data and produce high-quality research reports.
- Diplomatic, resilient, and politically astute, with the ability to navigate highly sensitive issues and media environments confidently.
- Highly organised with excellent project management skills and the ability to balance long-term strategic goals with rapid-response crisis management.
Personal Attributes:
- A strong commitment to the values, vision, and mission of the Muslim Charities Forum.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
- Willingness to travel across the UK for member visits and events, and occasionally work flexible hours (e.g., attending evening parliamentary receptions or weekend community events).
How to Apply
Please submit a comprehensive CV and a tailored cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification and why you are drawn to this role at MCF.
You may also submit CV's with cover letters to
Application Deadline: 31/05/2026
Interviews: TBC, between immediately and before Mid-April.
- The Muslim Charities Forum is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.