Working for a pressure group
Want to make a real impact on issues you care about? From research and communications to fundraising and policy advocacy, there are a variety of pressure group roles to suit your interests and skills
What are pressure groups?
Pressure groups are organisations that work to influence and bring about change for a specific cause. They are called pressure groups because they put stress on governments and other authorities to adopt policies that align with their goals.
This pressure can come in various forms, such as lobbying, public demonstrations, and media campaigns, aimed at influencing public opinion and political decision-making.
There are two main types of pressure groups:
- Insider groups often have direct access to government officials and utilise these connections to drive change. By presenting well-researched statistics, reports, and compelling arguments, they can directly influence decision-makers.
- Outsider groups typically have limited or no access to government channels. As a result, they often employ high-profile media campaigns and public demonstrations to raise awareness and garner support for their causes.
What do pressure groups do?
Pressure groups carry out several activities including:
- conducting research
- writing political briefings (insider groups)
- lobbying local MPs or national government
- organising petitions
- setting up and taking part in demonstrations, protests, rallies and marches
- leafleting and campaigning, which can sometimes include knocking on doors to drum up support
- writing letters and emails to influential people such as politicians and newspaper editors
- securing media attention for their cause through publicity stunts or giving interviews
- creating and running marketing campaigns.
As a member of a pressure group, you can take on various roles. You could coordinate:
- campaigns
- protests
- petitions
- letter-writing.
If you're involved in finance, you might handle payments, oversee fund usage, and strategically decide which campaigns or projects to support. You could also manage donor relationships or assist in fundraising.
In marketing and communications, your goal would be to raise awareness, attract new
supporters, and maintain engagement with existing ones. This includes:
- creating content for websites
- producing printed materials
- writing emails and press releases
- running social media platforms
- planning and managing events
- serving as a media liaison.
Alternatively, you could focus on research, where your investigations would inform campaigns and guide the group's activities. This might involve:
- online research
- conducting surveys and polls
- presenting findings in essays, reports, or statistics.
What influence have pressure groups had?
Pressure groups have had a huge impact on policymaking across the UK. Their efforts have led to advancements in environmental protection, animal welfare, labour rights, and social justice.
One example is the British Medical Association (BMA), a powerful pressure group representing doctors and medical students. Through private meetings with government officials and policymakers, the BMA has successfully advocated for improved funding for the National Health Service (NHS), better working conditions for healthcare professionals, and advancements in medical research.
Another example is the #MakeTheUTurn campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford and FareShare in 2020. This campaign successfully lobbied the government to extend free school meal vouchers to families in need during the summer holidays in England.
These groups' ability to raise awareness, mobilise public opinion, and engage in targeted lobbying efforts has made them a vital force in shaping political policy.
Who can I work for?
Some well-known pressure groups include:
- Amnesty International
- Article 19
- Christian Aid
- Friends of the Earth
- Greenpeace
- JUSTICE
- League Against Cruel Sports
- Liberty
- Make Votes Matter
- NSPCC
- People & Planet
- PETA
- Press for Change
- RSPB
- RSPCA
- Stonewall
- 38 Degrees.
This list is just a starting point. It's essential to conduct thorough research to identify organisations that resonate with your values.
To succeed in a pressure group, it is crucial to have a genuine passion for the cause - the success of a pressure group depends on a sincere commitment to its message.
Do I need a degree to join a pressure group?
A degree may be necessary in fields like finance, HR, technology, or research depending on the position you are seeking.
If your first degree is unrelated, consider pursuing a Masters degree to boost your application. However, before investing time and resources, carefully research your desired career path to determine if a Masters is truly necessary. Some professions may not require a postgraduate degree, while others may have specific degree requirements or certifications.
For roles in communication, marketing, or events management, having work experience is often a requirement.
How do I get a job in a pressure group?
To gain the relevant experience needed to work in a pressure group, consider internships, voluntary positions, or job shadowing with a group that interests you. Organisations like Greenpeace and PETA offer internships, and most groups welcome volunteers. Conduct thorough research to uncover unadvertised opportunities and don't hesitate to send speculative job applications.
If finding experience with a pressure group is challenging, don't worry. Any relevant experience you can acquire is valuable. Consider gaining experience in local government, shadowing a marketing or communications officer, or volunteering to assist with or manage social media campaigns for a local charity.
Most organisations post job openings on their websites, so check regularly for vacancies. Alternatively, use your social media accounts to follow and engage with pressure groups you are interested in working for. This is a great way to stay updated on the latest news and campaigns, make industry connections, and possibly learn about upcoming job opportunities.
Find out more
- Discover how you can help to tackle the issue of rough sleeping when working with the homeless.
- Gain an insight into the charity and voluntary work sector.