Business development and community engagement officer jobs

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Access Interns Programme, a partnership between The Kartik Foundation and Variety, provides disabled young people with meaningful corporate internship opportunities to support their career aspirations. For many disabled young people, accessing work experience can be challenging due to societal barriers, lack of support, and limited opportunities. Access Interns is designed to break down these barriers, ensuring that participants gain valuable work experience, professional skills, and industry connections to help them succeed in their chosen careers.

The Access Interns Programme Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of the ACCESS INTERNS programme, overseeing the internship placement process, employer engagement, and student support. This includes managing the selection process, coordinating placements, ensuring workplace accessibility, and tracking the programme’s impact.

The role also involves working closely with corporate employers to create inclusive work environments, supporting interns throughout their placements, and expanding engagement with schools, employers, and industry leaders to ensure disabled young people have equal access to high-quality career opportunities.

ABOUT VARIETY

In the UK, there are more than 1.3 million disabled children and over 4 million children living in poverty. Variety exists to improve their lives. We believe every child has a right to live their best life and reach their full potential, whoever they are. We fund and deliver life-changing programmes that enhance their quality of life and give children and young people across the UK a better future.

Over the past 75 years we have supported over one million children by funding almost 6,000 Sunshine Coaches, almost the same number of wheelchairs, and giving thousands of grants to individual children, schools, youth clubs and other organisations for specialist equipment.

In addition, each year thousands of children take part in day trips, special events and educational activities as part of our Variety Great Days Out programme and every single day we are improving more young lives. We do it with practical, tangible help, that makes a real and immediate difference.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Management

· Managing the Access Interns Programme, ensuring it is delivered to a high standard and in line with Variety’s policies and procedures

· Working with the Chief Executive Officer to set annual internship placement targets, manage the Access Interns budget and develop the Access Interns Programme.

· Overseeing the end-to-end process of the programme, from student recruitment and employer engagement to placement coordination and post-internship evaluation.

· Adhering to Variety’s Safeguarding policies and procedures and working with the Head of Programmes, by recognising that interns are vulnerable adults, and taking responsibility for their safety, welfare, and well-being throughout the programme.

· Identifying opportunities to expand and enhance the programme, ensuring it remains impactful, sustainable, and aligned with Variety’s strategic goals.

· Developing guidance materials, training sessions, and workshops to prepare students for internships and support their professional growth

· Working with the Programme’s team to input & manage programme data and reporting.

· Tracking and reporting on Programme Impact and analysing data to ensure continuous improvement.

Logistics and Coordination

· Coordinating interview schedule, employer meeting, and onboarding sessions to facilitate successful placements.

· Managing communication with interns, employers, schools, and other stakeholders, ensuring all parties are well-informed and supported.

· Organising online disability awareness training for corporate employers as part of the onboarding process, ensuring employers understand best practices for supporting disabled interns and creating accessible workplaces.

· Ensuring all necessary documentation, contracts and agreements are completed and maintained in line with Variety’s Policies and Compliance standards.

Budget and Income Generation

· Managing the Access Interns Programme budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost control.

· Generating income from the programme, including securing corporate partnerships and funding opportunities to sustain and expand Access Interns.

· Working closely with the fundraising team to assist in converting Access Intern partners into Corporate Donors for Variety’s wider work.

· Working with the Chief Executive Officer to set financial targets and explore additional funding streams.

· Monitoring expenditure, tracking income, and providing financial reports on programme performance.

Student Outreach & Support

· Manage the application and selection process, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment.

· Working closely with students to support their career development, including

- CV writing and cover letter workshops

- Interview preparation sessions

- Professional skills training (e.g. workplace etiquette, communication skills, and confidence-building)

- One-on-one mentoring and guidance

· Provide guidance and support to interns throughout their journey, from pre-placement preparation to post-internship follow-up.

· Responsible for marketing to schools and colleges to increase awareness and participation.

· Ensuring students understand their rights and workplace accommodations, advocating for inclusive and accessible internships.

· Visiting schools and colleges to promote the programme, engage with students, and increase participation from disabled young people.

Employer Outreach & Support

· Building and maintaining strong relationships with corporate employers to ensure a positive and productive experience for employers participating in the programme.

· Acting as the primary point of contact for employers, providing guidance and support throughout the internship process.

· Working with employers to develop meaningful internship opportunities, ensuring placements align with both business needs and student development goals

· Addressing any challenges or concerns that arise during placements, acting as a mediator where necessary.

· Delivering pre-placement briefings for employers, setting expectations and promoting inclusive hiring practices

· Gathering feedback from employers to continuously refine and improve the programme.

Customer Service and Administration

· Working with Operations Team and external partners to devise and deploy scalable on-boarding and internship management systems.

· Providing excellent customer service to applicants and prospective applicants, giving advice and guidance over the phone, in person and via email.

· Collecting and collating impact and monitoring data.

· Providing administrative support for other Programmes depending on workload, capacity and department demand.

Other Duties and Partner Support

· Assisting with events, reporting, and stakeholder engagement related to Variety’s wider mission and partner organisations.

· Collaborating with internal and external teams to support strategic initiatives that align with the goals of the Access Interns Programme.

General Responsibilities

· Negotiate placements and work collaboratively with employers to ensure meaningful learning experiences for interns.

· Applying knowledge of disabilities, relevant laws (e.g. Equality Act 2010), and reasonable adjustments to ensure that both interns and employers receive the necessary support for a successful and inclusive internship experience

· Expand the programme’s employer network, targeting organisations in corporate sectors to enhance placement opportunities.

· To work cross functionally with other departments, regions and countries.

· To achieve the highest standards of safeguarding for the young people who complete a corporate internship by Variety by complying with all appropriate Policies and Procedures.

· Working within Variety’s Data Protection policies at all times.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential:

• Proven experience in managing programmes or projects, including planning, delivery, and evaluation.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (e.g., employers, schools, students).

• Knowledge of disability rights, accessibility requirements, and the Equality Act 2010.

• Understanding of safeguarding principles and experience working with vulnerable adults or young people

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively.

• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities effectively.

• Competence in collecting, analysing, and reporting data to measure impact and inform improvements.

• Confident using Microsoft Office and CRM or database systems.

Desirable:

• Delivering or coordinating training sessions for employers or staff.

• Experience managing budgets, monitoring expenditure, and reporting on financial performance.

• Familiarity with employability skills training, CV writing, and interview preparation.

• Experience organising workshops, meetings, or onboarding sessions.

• Ability to promote programmes to schools, colleges, and employers.

• Using impact data to drive continuous improvement.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your CV with a cover letter explaining why you’d make a great candidate for this role. Applications will close on Friday 9th January 2026 at 5pm with interviews taking place week commencing 12th and 19 January 2026.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.

MAIN BENEFITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Location: Variety HQ, Camden Town, London (hybrid working, 3 days in the office per week)

Hours: 9am to 5pm

25 days holiday (we also normally give between Christmas and New Year off, but this is not contractual). In addition, after one year's continuous service, there will be an extra 2 days annual holiday for every complete year of service, up to a maximum of five days' extra holiday.

Pension 7% ER contribution, Life Assurance 4x annual salary, Company sick pay scheme, medicash benefit.

EQUALITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

 Inclusion is one of our key values and it is our ambition to recruit great people from diverse communities. We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment/identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity and or marriage/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief.

As our Union Operations & Admin Co-ordinator, you’ll be the friendly face and steady heartbeat of JMSU. From welcoming students at reception to helping them find the support they need, you’ll make every interaction feel positive, accessible, and engaging.

Behind the scenes, you’ll keep our operations running smoothly - supporting day-to-day processes, ensuring our spaces remain welcoming, accessible and safe and, guiding our brilliant team of part-time student staff. With a focus on excellence, you’ll recruit, develop, and support them, empowering our students to grow in confidence, build new skills, and deliver exceptional service across JMSU in a positive, inclusive environment.

You’ll bring strong administrative experience, excellenaddt organisation, and a keen eye for compliance. If you’re proactive, people-focused, and energised by the buzz of a student-led environment, this is your opportunity to make a real impact at the heart of JMSU.

To find out more about this role, working for JMSU and to apply, please visit the 'work for us' section of our website.

Interviews will be held on either 28th or 29th January 2025

About JMSU

It’s our job is to make sure students get the most out of their University experience.  We put our students at the heart of everything we do – whether it’s empowering the student voice, planning events, helping to develop campaigns, providing them with opportunities to make friends and learn something new, and everything in between.

I IIf you’re on the lookout for a role in a friendly, hard-working environment which offers bucketloads of autonomy, support and fun, we want to hear from you. 

Taking Action on Inclusion  

At JMSU, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We're proud to be a welcoming, friendly and inclusive team and want all our people to feel safe and confident to be themselves and feel they belong.  

We are also not scared to admit this is a work in progress! We know the importance that students see themselves reflected by our staff team and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We particularly encourage applications from Ethnically Diverse candidates who are under-represented within our core staff team and operate a Guaranteed Interview where the minimum essential criteria are met.

You can read more about this and our commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion on the 'work for us' section of our website.

Don’t meet every single requirement? 

If you are excited about this but there are criteria you don’t match exactly, please don’t be put off applying. It may not be a deal breaker - just make sure you get across why you think you're right for it and how the gaps may be approached. Even if not right for this role, you might be perfect for another.

We have some great staff benefits 

• Location, Location, Location: We’re right in the centre of Liverpool and surrounded by everything the City has to offer
• Commuting made easy: Our main office is a few minutes walk from both Lime Street and Liverpool Central train stations
• Office goals: Our modern, open-plan office offers good space, staff chat and city views

• Hybrid Working: Enjoy the best of both worlds - mix up your working week between the office and your home space
• Annual leave aplenty: Make the most of 32 days of annual leave (plus public holidays) and enjoy regular time off
• ‘Tis the season to be off work: We’re closed for Winter break, so you can take a rest or enjoy some seasonal activities
• Flexibility: We offer a range of flexible working options for when life gets in the way of working 9-5, Monday to Friday, and are happy to consider any specific needs
• Every day is a school day: There’s plenty of learning and development opportunities to explore and help you grow, and we have access to all LJMU staff development
• Carer perks: We offer enhanced parental leave and pay options, including grandparents leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave, maternity and paternity leave, paid emergency time off for carers and paid Carer’s Leave
• Paid Volunteer Leave: Support your cause with 3 days of paid leave for volunteering
• Get active for less: All staff can make the most of reduced LJMU gym membership, which includes classes too
• Discounts aren’t just for students: Save extra pennies with access to student discount schemes including Student Beans, Unidaysand others
• Wellbeing covered: We offer an Employee Assistance Programme, a Voluntary Healthcare Scheme, Individual wellbeing plans and a day one sick pay scheme to help take the extra stress out your life
• Nest Pension Scheme: We will contribute 6%
• Cycle to Work Scheme; good for sustainability, your pocket and your healthy lifestyle goals!

The Senior Evidence & Evaluation Manager sits within the Impact & Evidence directorate at the heart of Youth Futures Foundation.

You will play a central role in building the evidence base on what works to support young people into good jobs.

Working with three Heads of Evaluation, the Deputy Director and the Director, you will help ensure our evaluations are designed to generate credible evidence of what works.

• You will work closely with independent evaluators and delivery partners and colleagues in our Programmes & Grants and Policy & Communications directorates, you will assess the evaluability of interventions, and lead the design and delivery of large-scale, complex impact evaluations.
• You will manage a portfolio of projects, leading some directly, and overseeing others while supporting more junior colleagues.
• You will also contribute to strengthening our ‘evaluation architecture’, leading projects that enhance data infrastructure and access to administrative datasets, and set standards for methodological rigour in the sector.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.