Advocate jobs in Lewisham, london
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BACKGROUND
Ashiana started operating in 1989 and specialises in helping young women, aged 16 - 35 years, from South Asian, Middle Eastern & Iranian communities who are at risk of domestic violence and sexual violence.
OUR SERVICES
Ashiana runs three refuges with a total of 29 bed-spaces; specifically for women aged 16-35 fleeing forced marriage. This multi award winning project is the only service of its kind in the UK and is highly innovative in terms of addressing an area of significant need not met in other refuge provision. Within these refuges we designate a number of bedspaces for women with no recourse to public funds. We offer an advice and support service to women and girls who are experiencing VAWG (Violence against Women & Girls), enabling them to make informed decisions and exit abusive relationships. We provide counselling for women and girls affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. We also deliver an immigration service to women who have insecure immigration status with the aim to support them with access to specialist legal advice in order to resolve their immigration status. .. We deliver harmful practices training to professionals from the statutory and voluntary sector in addition to awareness raising workshops for women and girls in the community.
PRIMARY TASK
To be responsible, alongside the Management Committee, the Senior Management Team and other workers for the effective running of the Project, in accordance with Management Policy. Ensuring that it meets the needs of South Asian, Middle Eastern and Turkish women and girls who have been made homeless as a result of VAWG (Violence against Women & Girls).
Please see the attached the full job description
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
AMR Action UK is the United Kingdom patient organisation for people impacted by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our legitimacy comes through our small-scale research projects, our engagement with patients and their families, and from our direct support of patients through our information service and peer-support activities.
AMR Action UK seeks to empower patient, families, and carers to have their voices heard on matters that affect their lives and to be able to influence research priorities, policy and implementation changes at government level, and changes in NHS practices across the four nations of the UK.
The Policy and Advocacy lead will ensure that AMR Action UK is both well-informed across the broad-spectrum of topics relating to AMR and is impactful in its influencing work.
To be successful in the role you will need energy and enthusiasm to hit the ground running in order to make an immediate impact on appointment.
Closing date 12th January 2026, with a view to holding interviews week beginning 19th January 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Mind in Croydon is seeking to recruit a full time Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) to join our small, dedicated team of Independent Mental Health Advocates working to provide advocacy services to adults subjected to detention under the Mental Health Act in the London Borough of Croydon to ensure they understand, express and exercise their rights, and to enable them to access essential services. The advocacy team also provides Community Mental Health Advocacy for people who are informal patients in psychiatric hospital or living in the community and provides weekly advocacy service at two InMind Healthcare Group hospitals in Croydon.
This role is suitable for a fully qualified Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) with a proven ability to support people under the Mental Health Act. We are not considering trainee positions at this time.
In December 2024 the team was awarded the Quality Performance Mark in Advocacy, a testament to their quality of service providing safe and life-changing support.
SALARY: £30,404 per annum
plus pension contributions (above 4% by salary sacrifice)
REPORTS TO: Advocate Service Manager
TERM: Permanent, subject to funding, full time (36 hours pw)
BASED AT: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham BR3 3BX. Advocates are also required to meet clients at different sites throughout Croydon and neighbouring boroughs.
This role supports hybrid working. Other flexible arrangements can be discussed however please note that specific flexible working arrangements such as staggered hours may not be feasible due to operational constraints set by the Hospital.
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV and a cover letter no longer than 2 A4 pages, outlining your reasons for applying and demonstrating how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification above.
Mind in Croydon is working to promote good mental health. It seeks to empower people to lead a full life as part of their local community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you fiercely dedicated to Indigenous peoples’ rights, a fluent Spanish speaker, and ready to put your networking, analytical, and strategic skills to use as part of a dynamic international campaign team? Survival International is offering a rare opportunity to join our Research and Advocacy Department, working primarily on our campaigns for the rights of uncontacted Indigenous peoples in Spanish-speaking South America.
This is a chance to join a deeply committed Indigenous rights campaigning organisation that regularly takes on powerful targets and wins. We are looking for a creative, strategic and focused research and policy person to join us at either Officer or Assistant level. You can be part of combating the violent colonialism and land theft that is threatening Indigenous peoples worldwide – one of the most urgent crises of our time.
For further details and how to apply, please see the job description and application form. The application form is downloadable via the 'How to apply' button.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Circa £66,000 per annum
Permanent
Part home/Part office (London) based
UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.
This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as Head of UK Policy and Advocacy and shape and lead the direction of our child rights work in the UK.
In this role you will oversee our domestic/UK-facing child rights policy work with an overarching focus on improving early childhood outcomes and reducing disparities between children across the UK. You’ll be joining at an exciting time for the team as it develops the next phase of our cross-organisational Early Moments Matter campaign and deepens its policy influencing work through the production of new evidence, briefings and engagement across the sector and government departments. You will play an active role in the Advocacy Leadership Team, ensuring our work is underpinned by robust strategies and analysis, and is undertaken in a way that reflects our organisational values.
To succeed in this role, you will have an in-depth understanding and experience of policy-making processes and influencing strategies in the UK. You will have an excellent understanding of the policy context of child rights in the UK, and be able to translate that knowledge and expertise into support for team members to deliver ambitious change for children. You will be passionate about centering lived experience, and be able to lead the team in strengthening engagement of rightsholders in the development and delivery of our policy work.
Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 19 January 2026.
Interview date: Week beginning 02 February 2026 via video conferencing (MS Teams).
In return, we offer:
· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)
· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role
· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.
· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world
Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.
We are gradually moving back to our offices on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and we anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office and the rest of the time from home. We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.
We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.
UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.
We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.
If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.
If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.
Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)
The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), a charity funded by supporters, raising funds for UNICEF’s work for children.

We have an exciting opportunity for Independent Witness Advocates to join the Pre-trial witness support service, working 37.5 hours a week.
This role requires working from our Victim Support London office on Tuesday & 4 days home based, however travel to London courts will be required throughout the week to attend Pre-trial visits.
Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?
Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?
If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…
What we offer:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
- Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
- Welcome Bonus: £500 on successful completion of probation period.
- Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
- Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
- Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
- Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
- Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
- Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
- Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
About the role:
These roles are offered on a hybrid working basis, 1 day per week from our London Singer Street office (every Tuesday). The remaining 4 days per week will be home-based but there will still be the requirement on these days to travel to London courts to deliver pre-trial visits. Therefore, it is essential the travel distance from surrounding counties outside of London is within 30 minutes to London.
As an Independent Witness Advocate you will:
- Lead on providing pre-trial, outreach & post-trial support for witnesses; ensuring their pre and post-trial needs are assessed and a plan for support is put in place so they can attend court to give their best evidence
- Provide advocacy, support in court, and emotional/practical support around their physical, mental, social or financial wellbeing
- Liaise with criminal justice partners to ensure witnesses are kept up to date with arrangements for attendance at court and where applicable, ensure special measures have been granted
- Provide practical and emotional support in a way that is approachable, flexible and caring, showing empathy at all times
- Need to be tenacious in support of your clients and being able to solve problems and surmount the challenges posed by the criminal justice system
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
About Us:
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
- £30,419 (FTE), pro-rata for part time hours
- 28 hours a week
- Part time, up to 12 months fixed term Maternity Cover
- Homebased (with some travel required for in person events)
- Closing date: Sunday 21st December 2025
- Interview date: Thursday 8th January 2026
Change lives in a life-changing career
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.
The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. And that impact can be felt by entire family. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer.
We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time
About the role
We’re looking for a Voice Officer with experience of working with children, young people and their families and amplifying their voices to help create positive change to join our Voice Team.
The Voice Officer is a key member of the Voice Team, responsible for enabling Young Lives vs Cancer to shape the children and young people’s cancer system with and for young people with cancer and their families. You will enable young people affected by cancer and their families to have a stronger voice inside and outside the organisation - not just to contribute, but also to challenge, giving the power to them to amplify their voice and make positive change.
You will work with the Voice Manager and Head of Voice to deliver our Voice work to a high quality. Responsible for managing incoming enquiries and communications with our volunteer Voice Board Members, Voice Champions and Voice Hub network, working with the team to plan and run meetings and events both online and in person. With excellent organisational skills, you will help plan and coordinate our voice work, building strong working relationships with colleagues and our voice community with volunteer management responsibility for Voice Board Members and Voice Champions.
This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application an Enhanced criminal record check will be completed.
What will I be doing?
No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.
Main responsibilities
Communication and Organisation
- Delivering effective internal communication regarding the Voice team and playing a pro-active and leading role in Voice team meetings
- Supporting with correspondence, record-keeping and tracking leading on communications with our voice volunteers and internal communications
- Effective project management of voice activity - for example, planning events, setting goals and impact measurements for the activity, managing risks and reporting on progress
Voice Activities
- Working with the Voice Manager and Head of Voice to deliver the organisation’s Voice approach, enabling children, young people and parents/carers to shape the organisation and the system it is situated within, maximising our Voice opportunities
- Delivery of the Voice Board so it is an effective model for the Board of Trustees to listen to and act upon the voices of young people with cancer, their parents/carers and siblings.
- Travel and occasional overnight stays to attend in person events with our voice volunteers.
- Developing and supporting the growth of our Voice Hub bringing voice opportunities to our wider community
- Act as the key contact and support for our Voice Champion Volunteers
- Working in partnership with the Voice Champions team on the development and dissemination of voice guidance and training for staff and volunteers across the organisation, designed to equip them so that they can confidently work alongside young cancer patients and their families
- Working with the Voice Manager and Head of Voice to ensure that we are able to amplify voices of all our beneficiaries across the whole of the UK, from the widest range of backgrounds and cultures
Working relationships and contacts
- Volunteer management of our Voice Board Members and Voice Champions Team.
- Building and maintaining relationships and influencing others. Both internally working with colleagues to equip them to work alongside young people and families and externally working with young people and families to understand their views and opinions, ensuring that they feel heard as well as building connections with partners across the sector.
- Develop and sustain sector relationships, staying up to date with external developments in voice and participation and identifying opportunities for innovation and partnership
Additional responsibilities
Alongside your specific job duties, every member of Team Young Lives needs to make sure they also:
- Make safeguarding a priority
- Take care of your own health and safety and that of others
- Actively challenge injustice and inequality and promote Young Lives vs Cancer’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging agenda to create a better, more diverse and inclusive organisation.
- Ensure that you treat information and data professionally, using it only for the purposes that Young Lives vs Cancer has said it would; respecting the confidentiality and privacy of its supporters, service users and staff.
- Accept that you are personally responsible and accountable for ensuring you understand and adhere to all Young Lives vs Cancer policies and procedures
- Be an active team member, regularly attending team meetings and contributing to shared learning and development
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by or agreed with your line manager.
What do I need?
Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully.
What will I gain?
For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
- Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Great family/caring leave entitlements
- Enhanced pension
- Access to our employee savings scheme
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.
We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.
Accessibility
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
Interviews will be taking place on Thursday 8th and Monday 12th January. They will include a brief presentation task and questions which we'll share ahead of the interview.
#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome
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!
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.
Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Employer: Muslim Charities Forum
Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)
Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.
Location: London SE1.Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North
Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.
About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)
Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy.
We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society.
Role Purpose
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors.
The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making.
They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy and Leadership
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Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives.
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Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks.
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Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture.
2. Policy, Research and Insight
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Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society.
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Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions.
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Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements.
3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement
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Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks.
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Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders.
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Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums.
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Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector.
4. Sector Capacity and Member Support
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Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy.
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Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity.
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Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
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Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work.
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Provide regular progress reports to the CEO.
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Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
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Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector.
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Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change.
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Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment.
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Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape.
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Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work.
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Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy.
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Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen.
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Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society.
Desirable Criteria
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Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations.
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Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities.
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Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks.
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Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives.
Values and Behaviours
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Strategic and forward-thinking leadership.
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Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders.
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Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments.
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Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector.
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Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices.
Additional Information
This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel.
What We Offer
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The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks.
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A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
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Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation.
Application Information
To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.
We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.
If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).
No agencies.
UK residents only.Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks.
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!
Join the leading UK network for British Muslim-led charities and community organisations! Building on your passion for social justice and sector improvement, support the growing sector, advocate for change for minority communities and the user-led organisations who support them.
Job role: Junior Policy and Advocacy Officer
Employer: Muslim Charities Forum
Salary: £29,000 –£32,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)
Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.
Location: London SE1. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Lambeth North
Closing date for applications: 16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.
About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)
Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy.
We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society.
Role Purpose
The Junior Policy & Advocacy Officer will support the delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research work. Working closely with the Head of Policy & Advocacy, they will contribute to policy monitoring, research projects, member engagement, and influencing activities across government, civil society, and the wider third-sector ecosystem.
This role is ideal for an early-career professional with strong analytical skills, a passion for social justice, and an interest in policy, research, and advocacy relating to the Muslim-led voluntary and community sector.
Key Responsibilities
1. Policy Monitoring and Research Support
• Track and summarise relevant UK policy, regulatory, parliamentary and sector developments related to civil society, charity regulation, funding, equity, inclusion and climate-related legislation or sustainability policy, reflecting MCF’s commitment to sector-wide awareness of climate action.
• Assist in drafting policy briefings, consultation responses, evidence submissions, and research summaries.
• Support the Head of Policy & Advocacy in compiling data and insights for reports, position statements and strategic documents. • Conduct desk-based research on thematic issues affecting Muslim-led and minority-led organisations.
• Monitor media commentary relevant to the British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector and contribute to the preparation of responses, in collaboration with the Policy and Communications teams.
2. Advocacy and Influencing Support
• Support engagement with government stakeholders by preparing meeting briefs, background notes, and follow-up materials.
• Help coordinate MCF’s involvement in roundtables, APPG sessions, consultations, and external events.
• Maintain databases of stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, think tanks, regulators and sector partners. • Support public affairs monitoring, including parliamentary questions, debates and committee activity.
• Contribute to MCF’s work on climate action awareness and sustainability by supporting advocacy messaging, stakeholder engagement or policy monitoring relating to sustainable practice across the Muslim charity sector.
3. Engagement with Members and Sector Stakeholders
• Assist in organising policy workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building resources for MCF’s members.
• Help collect insights, feedback and lived experience from member organisations to inform MCF’s policy positions.
• Respond to member enquiries relating to policy, regulation or advocacy support.
• Contribute to resources that help Muslim-led charities navigate regulatory and structural barriers.
• Support member-facing materials and capacity-building related to sustainability, climate awareness, or environmental good practice where required. 4. Communications and Content Support
• Draft accessible summaries of policy developments for newsletters, blogs, briefings or social media (in collaboration with the Communications team).
• Ensure policy messages are communicated consistently and clearly to internal and external audiences.
• Help prepare slides, visuals or short reports for senior-level advocacy engagements.
• Work with the Communications team to cntribute to external messaging that aligns with MCF’s media monitoring, research findings and sector commentary.
5. Administration, Coordination and Reporting
• Provide administrative support for the policy and advocacy workstream, including scheduling, minutes, organisation of meetings and events. • Maintain systems for tracking policy work, research outputs and stakeholder engagement.
• Assist with monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the impact of policy activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal processes and external regulatory requirements (e.g., lobbying regulations).
Person Specification
Essential
• Experience (including internships or volunteering) in policy, research, public affairs, community advocacy or a related area.
• Strong understanding of UK political, charity or social policy landscapes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex information clearly.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data and produce evidence-informed insights.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening underrepresented communities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, fast-paced team.
• Sensitivity to issues affecting Muslim-led, minority-led or faith-based civil society.
• Awareness of key issues, legislation or trends relating to climate change or sustainability affecting civil society.
• Interest in media monitoring, public messaging or analysing public commentary related to the sector.
Desirable
• Experience working or volunteering within the voluntary sector, community organisations, or advocacy projects.
• Understanding of intersectionality and structural inequalities affecting minority and marginalised communities.
• Experience producing policy briefs, research notes or advocacy materials.
• Familiarity with parliamentary processes or government engagement.
• Lived experience relevant to the communities MCF represents.
Values and Behaviours
• Collaborative, inclusive and respectful approach to diverse stakeholders. Proactive, organised and self-motivated, with willingness to learn.
• Integrity and professionalism when representing MCF.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ability to amplify underrepresented voices with care and accuracy.
What We Offer
• Opportunity to develop skills in policy, research, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Mentorship and learning from experienced senior leaders.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Chance to contribute to meaningful, systemic change within the UK’s Muslim led charity sector.
Application Information
If you are a change maker who wishes to help us empower the sector, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.
If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).
No agencies.
UK residents only. Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.




