Advocacy campaign manager jobs in hammersmith and fulham, greater london
Do you have the skills to develop clear, impactful policy that helps drive meaningful change? We’re looking for a Policy Officer to play a vital role in shaping Shelter’s policy agenda and strengthening our voice in the fight for home.
About the role
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to use their policy skills to help end homelessness and improve housing in England. Working as part of Shelter’s Policy Team, you will be responsible for helping to develop Shelter’s policy and responding to government initiatives on a range of housing policy areas. It includes helping to develop innovative and workable proactive policy solutions to fix the housing emergency.
Role specifics
You’ll bring strong knowledge of social or economic policy and the ability to analyse complex issues in a wider context. You’ll have experience working with both quantitative and qualitative evidence to identify trends and develop clear, evidence-based solutions to structural social problems. You’ll also be confident in producing policy analysis that supports communications, campaign goals and the wider political landscape. A passion for tackling inequality and insight into the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, and an anti-racist approach to your work would all be valuable.
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
The team is seven people strong and sits within the Advocacy and Activism branch of the Communications, Policy and Campaigns division. Using the latest data, research and intelligence from our services, and working with people with lived experience, we analyse the problems in our housing system and identify effective and creative solutions.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people engaged in the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Nacro is looking for a committed and politically astute Policy & Public Affairs Officer – Criminal Justice to play a key role in delivering our influencing strategy. You will help shape Nacro’s policy positions on criminal justice issues and deliver proactive and reactive public affairs activity that drives meaningful change for the people we support.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about social justice, who understands the political landscape and is confident producing high-quality policy materials, engaging with parliamentarians, and representing Nacro externally.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development
- Monitor and analyse political and policy developments in criminal justice to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Work with service users, staff, and research colleagues to develop evidence-based policy positions.
- Produce high-quality policy briefings, reports, and consultation responses.
- Serve as Nacro’s internal expert on criminal justice policy.
Public Affairs & Influencing
- Develop and deliver a public affairs plan that advances Nacro’s influencing objectives.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, and regional decision-makers.
- Attend and represent Nacro at APPGs, parliamentary meetings, and external events.
- Produce parliamentary briefings and contribute to legislative engagement.
- Organise and coordinate parliamentary and stakeholder events that support influencing goals.
- Work collaboratively with partners across the sector to strengthen joint advocacy.
Communications & Support
- Provide content for media statements, blogs, and external communications.
- Prepare briefings for senior leaders including the Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Director of Engagement & Impact, and CEO.
- Support wider Nacro campaigns and influencing work as required.
Professional & Technical Expertise
- Strong knowledge of criminal justice policy.
- In-depth understanding of Westminster, Whitehall, and political processes.
- Experience designing and delivering effective public affairs activity.
- Demonstrated ability to influence decision-makers.
- Experience working with parliamentarians and developing strong relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience producing policy and campaign materials.
- Strong political awareness and the ability to anticipate developments.
Organisational Performance & Compliance
- Commit to personal learning and development through supervision and appraisal.
- Positively promote Nacro and contribute to an integrated, collaborative team culture focused on supporting service users and students.
- Adhere to safeguarding, data protection, and statutory responsibilities.
- Uphold and promote Nacro’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
- Report any health and safety concerns within your area.
- Demonstrate professional behaviour aligned with Nacro’s values.
Why Join Nacro?
We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.
That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.
We see your future, whatever the past.
If you’re passionate about driving change, skilled at navigating political environments, and eager to develop your policy and influencing expertise - we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape a fairer future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a proactive and people-focused fundraiser to join our ambitious team as Community Fundraising and Partnerships Officer. This is a pivotal role where you will:
• Grow community income and build meaningful partnerships with local companies, schools, individual supporters and groups.
• Shape and deliver inspiring fundraising initiatives that engage the community and raise vital funds.
• Be the key link between Dash and our supporters, ensuring every donor, volunteer, and partner feels valued and connected to our mission.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make the role your own. While some community fundraising has taken place, there is huge potential to grow our income and partnerships given our location near major companies and active community groups. You will work closely with our CEO and Trusts & Foundations Lead and play a central role in securing the resources needed to continue our life-changing work.
4-5 days per week (flexible), hybrid location (home-based with regular travel to Maidenhead, Slough, and
Windsor, so ideally based within 1 hour of the area)
Term: Permanent or we will consider contract
This role is perfect for someone who wants to use their fundraising expertise to make a real and lasting difference to families in crisis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About HIAS+JCORE
HIAS+JCORE is the UK Jewish voice on refugees and racial justice. Our work is driven by the belief that the Jewish community should play an active part in building a society in which Refugees are able to live in dignity where the UK is a welcoming place free from racism.
Our organisation came into this form through the joining of operations between two organisations: the UK-based JCORE (Jewish Council for Racial Equality) and HIAS, a global humanitarian aid and advocacy organisation. HIAS+JCORE is inspired by Jewish values and history to support those who are displaced, no matter their background.
JUMP is a London-based befriending project for young asylum seekers and refugees who have been separated from their families. The three primary ways in which JUMP supports young people are casework, community, and
befriending.
About the role
We are looking for a self-starting team member who will help coordinate this valuable project in London. You’ll be responsible for the befriending pairs and undertake tasks such as develop and maintain relationships with partner organisations, manage referrals for young people, recruit volunteer befrienders, and setting-up and sustaining pairs. This includes leading an initial training day.
Contact with befrienders is through monthly reporting, and bi-annual supervision (initially after three months for new befrienders); alongside ad-hoc communication on safeguarding or other urgent matters. Contact with young people is more regular and varies depending on their casework support needs.
Community events take place every three months and offer a space for all young people and volunteers to come together and celebrate the work they are doing on JUMP. You will need to attend these events, which can take place on the
weekend, and liaise with your cohort of befriending pairs to ensure everyone has the correct information.
JUMP also has Hardship Fund (HSF) available to young people who need financial support with travel, clothing, food vouchers, and phone contracts. We also have a small budget for miscellaneous payments, which in the past has included paying for emergency accommodation for young people facing homelessness.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Supporting the running of our JUMP project in London, and overseeing and supporting up to 15 pairs, by:
Supporting young people and the JUMP Community
· Managing a caseload of young people;
· Offering casework support (e.g., related to housing, education; day-to-day needs; arranging legal intervention etc.);
· Where necessary arranging and attending appointments with the young person (GP, Home Office, Job Centre, and Legal appointments);
· Signposting young people to available support and intervening where necessary.
· Assisting in the planning and organising of group trips and events every 2- 3 months;
· Conducting initial assessments with young people to understand their needs, and once paired with a volunteer, hosting befriending initial meetings;
· Facilitating Hardship Fund payments to young people, including applications and approvals.
Supervising and supporting volunteers
· Organising and delivering JUMP core training to new and existing befrienders;
· Recruiting, interviewing and onboarding new befrienders;
· Supporting befriending volunteers through regular supervisions, meetings, emails and phone calls;
· Responding to applications from new volunteers and actively recruiting volunteers as required;
· Ensuring that volunteers uphold JUMP’s policies and boundaries for
befriending;
· Responding promptly to safeguarding concerns raised by volunteers.
Publicising JUMP, and engaging with key stakeholders
· Publicising the project to existing and potential referral agencies working with young asylum seekers and refugees who have been separated from their families;
· Establishing and maintaining excellent close working relationships with referral organisations;
· Representing HIAS+JCORE and JUMP in the refugee sector as required, for example at the Refugee and Migrant Forum meetings..
Project monitoring, evaluation and record keeping
· Working with experts and the Frontline Support Manager on supporting the project and its evaluation;
· Keeping accurate records in the JUMP database, including for safeguarding and impact evaluation purposes.
Other Duties
· Ensuring that JUMP informs our campaigns, communications and education work. As the project develops, there will be opportunities for the post- holder to contribute to and support these areas of our work;
· Undertaking any other related tasks as required.
ABOUT YOU
· Ability to support, develop rapport and trust with, and motivate both young people and volunteers from a range of backgrounds and ages in challenging circumstances, including the ability to facilitate and engage in cross cultural communication;
· Knowledge of issues facing separated asylum seeking and refugee children and young people, and the rights and entitlements of ‘Looked After’ children and young people;
· Understanding of the current context surrounding immigration, asylum and welfare issues facing children and young people in the UK today;
· Understanding of Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding, and ability to communicate this to volunteers;
· Understanding of youth work principles and methods, including the benefits and challenges of befriending and other participatory methods;
· Ability to network in the refugee sector and develop strong working relationships;
· Ability to work independently and to self-motivate;
· Commitment to HIAS+JCORE values, social justice and antiracism;
· The ability to communicate in languages other than English, in particular Arabic, Spanish and French (desirable).
Necessary Experience
· A track record of working directly with asylum seeking and refugee children and young people;
· Experience of social work, youth work, or other relevant methods of supporting people in challenging circumstances;
· Experience of training, coordinating and supporting volunteers;
· Experience of juggling commitments and responding to relevant stressful situations.
Desirable Experience
· Educated to at least undergraduate degree level, or equivalent background or experience;
· Working knowledge of Local Authorities’ responsibilities for Looked After
Children and Care Leavers;
· Experience of project management including administration, monitoring, evaluation and report writing.
Applicants must be UK based either in London or be willing to relocate. We are only able to consider applicants who have the right to work in the UK. HIAS+JCORE is unable to sponsor working visas to the UK.
We particularly encourage applicants from people with lived experience of the asylum system.
We work for a UK where refugees and people seeking asylum have a fair chance to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Programme Support & Knowledge Director
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: The role can be based in the London, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.
UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.
Salary: Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.
UK: £75,916 - £79,912 per year with excellent benefits.
Ethiopia: ETB 13544181 - 19864798.8 per year with excellent benefits.
Tanzania: TZS 217215222.3 - 304101311.22 per year with excellent benefits.
Nigeria: NGN 81860262.3 - 106418340.99 per year with excellent benefits.
Ghana: GHS 1200723 - 1681013 per year with excellent benefits.
Rwanda: RWF 95234280.3 - 133327992.42 per year with excellent benefits.
Salaries and benefits for other countries will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.
Change starts with water. Change starts with you.
Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.
About WaterAid
We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the team
The Programme Support & Knowledge (PSK) team is a critical and dynamic unit within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD), working across 17 countries in Africa and Asia. PSK is a diverse and motivated group of over 20 technical specialists and advisors committed to bringing sustainable WASH to the world’s poorest and most marginalised people.
About the role
As our Programme Support and Knowledge Director, you will play a key role in delivering our mission by providing strategic leadership to the PSK team and the wider IPD, as part of the department’s SMT. You will also input into organisation-wide initiatives, external collaborations and global networks to drive sustainable change.
In this role, you will:
- Provide strategic and technical leadership to WaterAid UK’s programmes
- Lead the Programme Support & Knowledge Team
- Lead programme learning and knowledge management
- Oversee programme support and capacity development
- Support fundraising, external engagement, partnerships and communications
- Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.
Requirements
To be successful, you will need:
- Extensive and deep experience in WASH development across multiple contexts
- Strong technical WASH skills – e.g. sustainable rural and /or urban water supply service delivery and management, climate resilient WASH,
- Systems-thinking capability to support transformational WASH programming
- Proven ability to lead strategic, impactful initiatives in large organisations
- Strong understanding of planning, monitoring and evaluation in development
- Experience in knowledge management, learning and capacity development
- Proven experience of developing propositions and donor engagement and
- A track record of leading high-performing teams and supporting change
Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:
- Working knowledge of French, Portuguese or Spanish
- Experience leading or managing applied research
- Experience establishing and promoting technical standards.
Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on December 21st 2025. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.
How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?
At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre‑employment screening
To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits
As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process
Our Global Commitment:
Our people promise
We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Together, we’ll change the world through water.
Join us and be part of the change !
Our vision is a world where everyone, everywhere has sustainable and safe water, sanitation and hygiene.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why this role exists
We deliver practical legal support that changes lives. To grow responsibly, we need a COO to build operational excellence and keep systems ready to scale.
What you will lead
• Financial leadership — Build, manage and monitor the annual budget; lead forecasting and cashflow; produce reports; oversee accounting, payments, payroll and invoicing; maintain strong controls and compliance; track restricted funds; support grant bids and donor reporting.
• Day-to-day operations — Maintain efficient systems across casework, admin and volunteers; design policies, SOPs and QA; oversee IT, digital tools and case management; ensure GDPR-compliant data handling; lead operational responses to risk and regulation.
• Strategy and organisational development — Work with the Executive Director on strategy; lead service development, scaling projects and national expansion; improve volunteer pathways, client experience and internal processes; provide data-driven insight for the Board.
• People, volunteers and HR — Support recruitment, onboarding and retention; develop clear HR processes and documentation; ensure supervision, wellbeing and safeguarding frameworks.
• Governance, risk and compliance — Manage risk registers and mitigation plans; lead internal audits and quality reviews; prepare Board papers; ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and charity requirements.
You’ll thrive here if you show
• Ownership and follow-through: you take responsibility and land the work.
• Planning under pressure: you bring order, rhythm and clarity.
• Bold, informed judgement: you improve systems based on evidence, not habit.
• Entrepreneurial drive: you simplify, standardise and scale what works.
• Inclusive practice: you design operations that are easier to use and safer to deliver.
• Clear communication: you turn complexity into simple actions and updates.
• Team-building and collaboration: you help staff and volunteers succeed together.
• Constant learning: you refine processes and leave usable documentation.
What you will bring
• Significant operational leadership in a non-profit, legal, community or mission-driven setting.
• Strong financial management across budgeting, forecasting, reporting and controls.
• Ability to build robust systems in a small but scaling organisation.
• Strategic, organised and analytical working style.
• Confident people leadership and clear communication.
• Understanding of governance, safeguarding, risk and regulatory compliance.
• Commitment to trans equality, dignity and client-centred practice.
Helpful extras
• Experience in legal services or legal operations.
• Managing grants or donor-funded programmes.
• Experience scaling an organisation or building new infrastructure.
• Knowledge of trans community needs and support services.
Practicalities
• Hours: part time, with occasional evenings or weekends around live moments.
• Location: Central London base with sensible hybrid flexibility.
• Reporting line: Executive Director.
• Salary: based on experience and time commitment.
The Co-Founders Mindset
We are building a trans rights revolution at the Trans Legal Clinic. We deliver work that changes outcomes for people, case by case and system by system. That calls for a particular mindset. We call it the co-founder mindset. Co-founders take the mission personally, set the pace, turn ideas into working services and campaigns, bring others with them, and make change you can point to. Co-founders are entrepreneurial: they spot openings others miss, move decisively, and create momentum. Co-founders build teams, drawing in volunteers who believe in our mission, care deeply about our clients, enjoy working with us, and keep one another going. Co-founders are bold: they are willing to innovate, to be first, and to change the status quo; they check the source, avoid assumptions, solve problems, make firm, collaborative, evidence-based decisions, and take responsibility for results. Co-founders are pioneers. If you want responsibility, pace, and the chance to pioneer new routes to justice and public impact, this is the place to build your career.
Our Recruitment Criteria
Ownership and follow-through
You are a self-starter who owns tasks and takes responsibility without waiting to be asked. You carry your work through to a tangible result. You define the problem, set a course, keep the right people informed, and deliver what you said you would.
Bold, informed judgement
You are willing to change accepted practice when the evidence supports it. You check primary sources rather than rely on assumptions, weigh real options and risks, make a clear, evidence-based, collaborative decision, and stand behind it.
Entrepreneurial drive
You spot openings other people miss and turn ideas into useful services, processes or campaigns. You move decisively and get others working on the plan alongside you with clear roles and timelines.
Planning under pressure
You keep priorities straight when time is tight. You organise people and tasks, set simple checkpoints, communicate early when plans shift and always deliver.
Inclusive practice
You design work that is easier for others to take part in with people who face barriers in mind. You identify what is getting in the way, make practical changes that remove those barriers, and check the effect with the people involved.
Clear communication
You write and speak in plain English and adjust tone and detail to suit clients, volunteers, partners and the public. You choose the right format for the moment and make it easy for people to act on what you say. You like feedback, don’t get offended and see it as a chance to improve.
Team-building and collaboration
You bring people with you and help groups perform well together. You draw in volunteers who believe in the mission and care about our clients, set shared expectations, handle disagreements well, and leave relationships stronger.
Constant learning
You improve your own practice and the system around you. You reflect honestly on what worked and what did not, learn quickly, and turn that learning into simple tools or habits that make future work better.
• Team-building and collaboration: you lead creatives and volunteers well.
• Constant learning: you test, measure and iterate.
What you will bring
• A strong portfolio showing strategy-led creative across static, motion and copy.
• Three or more years in creative communications or campaigns (agency, newsroom, charity or in-house).
• Confident in Adobe Creative Cloud and either Figma or similar; comfortable with short-form video editing and basic motion.
• Platform literacy across Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube, and working knowledge of analytics and paid promotion.
• Clear writing and an ear for tone; calm leadership and useable feedback.
• Sound judgement on reputation, privacy, GDPR and consent.
• Commitment to trans-led practice and the communities we serve.
Helpful extras
• Clinic or not-for-profit experience.
• Familiarity with gender recognition, healthcare advocacy, discrimination, housing and employment.
• Basic SEO and email automation.
Practicalities
• Hours: full time, with occasional evenings or weekends around live moments.
• Location: Central London base with sensible hybrid flexibility.
• Salary: £25,000.
• Reporting line: Executive Director.
The Co-Founders Mindset
We are building a trans rights revolution at the Trans Legal Clinic. We deliver work that changes outcomes for people, case by case and system by system. That calls for a particular mindset. We call it the co-founder mindset. Co-founders take the mission personally, set the pace, turn ideas into working services and campaigns, bring others with them, and make change you can point to. Co-founders are entrepreneurial: they spot openings others miss, move decisively, and create momentum. Co-founders build teams, drawing in volunteers who believe in our mission, care deeply about our clients, enjoy working with us, and keep one another going. Co-founders are bold: they are willing to innovate, to be first, and to change the status quo; they check the source, avoid assumptions, solve problems, make firm, collaborative, evidence-based decisions, and take responsibility for results. Co-founders are pioneers. If you want responsibility, pace, and the chance to pioneer new routes to justice and public impact, this is the place to build your career.
Our Recruitment Criteria
Ownership and follow-through
You are a self-starter who owns tasks and takes responsibility without waiting to be asked. You carry your work through to a tangible result. You define the problem, set a course, keep the right people informed, and deliver what you said you would.
Bold, informed judgement
You are willing to change accepted practice when the evidence supports it. You check primary sources rather than rely on assumptions, weigh real options and risks, make a clear, evidence-based, collaborative decision, and stand behind it.
Entrepreneurial drive
You spot openings other people miss and turn ideas into useful services, processes or campaigns. You move decisively and get others working on the plan alongside you with clear roles and timelines.
Planning under pressure
You keep priorities straight when time is tight. You organise people and tasks, set simple checkpoints, communicate early when plans shift and always deliver.
Inclusive practice
You design work that is easier for others to take part in with people who face barriers in mind. You identify what is getting in the way, make practical changes that remove those barriers, and check the effect with the people involved.
Clear communication
You write and speak in plain English and adjust tone and detail to suit clients, volunteers, partners and the public. You choose the right format for the moment and make it easy for people to act on what you say. You like feedback, don’t get offended and see it as a chance to improve.
Team-building and collaboration
You bring people with you and help groups perform well together. You draw in volunteers who believe in the mission and care about our clients, set shared expectations, handle disagreements well, and leave relationships stronger.
Constant learning
You improve your own practice and the system around you. You reflect honestly on what worked and what did not, learn quickly, and turn that learning into simple tools or habits that make future work better.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Policy Specialist (children and young people)
Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!
We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership.
This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers.
This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.
You will:
· Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
· Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
· Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.
· Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
· Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
· Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
You will bring to this role:
· Experience of working on public policy issues.
· Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
· Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
· The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
· Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
· Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system.
· Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability.
If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This advert has been extended and will now close on Sunday, 4th January, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 12th January 2026.
Benefits
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.
Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!
About Mencap
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.
At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.
Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.
We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
READY TO HELP BUILD SOMETHING THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE?
LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND GROW WITH A START-UP?
WE’RE RECRUITING AN ASSISTANT TO THE FOUNDER…
Can Do is a start-up using digital technology to create social change. We work across addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty and justice to help people access the support they need.
We are looking for an assistant to work closely with founder Mark Johnson. This is a hands-on role which could be for someone early in their career who wants a chance to learn, take on real responsibility, and be part of building something meaningful. It will suit someone who is organised, curious, and keen to develop.
This is a varied role in a start-up environment. Things are still being built, processes are developing, and we need someone who brings order, accuracy, and a calm, positive attitude.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong academic ability and can pick things up quickly
- Is organised, meticulous, and takes pride in keeping things in order
- Is interested in social justice and wants to understand our sector
- Has an open, willing attitude to learn and develop
- Can use digital and AI tools to simplify tasks
- Communicates clearly and can write simple, accurate notes and emails
- Is based in the South of England and willing to travel
This role may not be the right fit if:
- You prefer large, structured organisations with established systems
- You are mainly looking for visibility, status, or a defined career track
- You are not comfortable with varied tasks or learning as you go
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Communication support: Draft emails, prepare short notes, and help keep Mark up to date with actions and priorities
- Organisation: Keep diaries, documents, and information in meticulous order
- Meeting support: Join conversations, take clear notes, track actions, and ensure follow-up happens
- Research: Collect short summaries, stats, and key information about our sector (addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty, justice)
- Fundraising and bids: Assist with drafting, formatting, and preparing proposals and applications
- Documentation: Prepare simple business cases, summaries, or briefing papers
- Operations: Support basic bookkeeping tasks, receipts, and expense organisation
- Learning and development: Take on a variety of new tasks as skills grow
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY.
Can Do welcomes applications from people with lived experience of social challenges. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in our recruitment process and workplace culture.
Can Do is a start-up using digital technology to create social change.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.