Communications and policy officer jobs in Manchester

The National Society for Education (NSE) is both an NCI and a Royal-charter charity. It's aims are to support Church schools and the wider education sector by developing leaders, shaping policy and growing faith.

The NSE leads the Church of England's national work in education in partnership with 41 Diocesan Boards of Education and approximately 4,700 Church of England schools. We also support the national education work of the Church in Wales, which includes around 150 schools. Our presence extends to work with community schools and academy trusts, as well as higher and further education through numerous chaplaincies, providing spiritual support and guidance to children and young people, and to adults.

We are a dynamic team, working remotely from our homes around the country. We gather regularly online, and also have in-person team days through the year.

Team: Health & Safety and Environment 

Location: Remote with regular travel. Approx. two to three times a week, covering the South-West of England and South Wales region

Work pattern: Monday-Friday, 35 hours per week 

Salary: Up to £44,289.75 per year 

Contract: Permanent 

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Responsibilities of our Health and Safety Officer: 

- Conduct in-person health & safety and fire risk assessments across centres and shops, ensuring compliance with legislation and internal policies 

- Investigate accidents and incidents, analyse trends, and recommend preventative actions 

- Maintain accurate records of inspections, training, assessments, and incidents in line with data protection requirements 

- Work with colleagues across teams to implement remedial actions from inspections and audits 

- Promote completion of H&S e-learning and identify additional training needs

- Build strong relationships with staff and volunteers to foster a positive safety culture 

- Lead regional H&S Committee meetings and contribute to team discussions and continuous improvement of SHE practices 

- Support wellbeing and mental health awareness by signposting relevant resources 

- Collaborate with colleagues on H&S elements of projects and activities across the charity 

About the Health & Safety and Environment team: 

The team manages most Health and Safety functions in-house and works closely with departments across Cats Protection. It includes a head of department, senior officer, environment and sustainability lead, administrator, and four regional officers covering the UK. The team supports retail outlets, Cat Centres, accident investigations, DSE, and branch volunteer enquiries.

What we’re looking for in our Health and Safety Officer: 

-Lives in or around the South-West of England or South Wales

- NEBOSH general certificate (or equivalent) and membership of a relevant professional body 

- Significant experience (3+ years post qualification) in a similar health & safety role, ideally in public sector, facilities, or charity setting 

- Experience working across multiple sites 

- Strong knowledge of health & safety legislation and best practices 

- Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels 

- Able to work independently, manage workload, and perform under pressure 

- Organised, pragmatic, and professional with a flexible, positive attitude 

- Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel 

- Holds a full UK driving license and has access to a vehicle

What we can offer you: 

- range of health benefits 

- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service 

- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing 

- and much more, which you can learn about

Application closing date: 24th August 2026 

Virtual interview date: w/c 14th September 2026 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. anonymised application form 

2. video screening 

3. virtual interview 

Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey. 

The School for Social Entrepreneurs backs people with purpose — entrepreneurs building organisations that change their communities. We're looking for a National Partnerships Lead to work directly with our CEO, driving high-priority national funding partnerships, diversifying our income, and building the relationships that fund our impact. 

You'll identify major funding opportunities, negotiate with trusts, corporates and government partners, and lead complex proposals from first conversation through to a signed agreement — including the budgets, risk assessments and value propositions behind them. You'll also act as a sounding board for the CEO, pressure-testing ideas and sharpening how we tell our story to funders. 

We're looking for sustained experience supporting a CEO or senior leader, a track record of leading multi-million pound funding initiatives end-to-end, and the versatile writing skills to move between board papers and detailed funder tenders without losing accuracy under pressure. Sharp budgeting and numeracy matter for this role, alongside real comfort building trust with senior external stakeholders. 

This position is for someone who thrives on ambiguity, enjoys solving complex problems, and wants their work to directly fund entrepreneurs changing their communities. 

About Thrombosis UK

Thrombosis UK is the UK’s leading thrombosis charity, working to improve awareness, prevention and support for people affected by blood clots.

As part of our new organisational strategy, we are launching a major programme focused on raising awareness of blood clot (VTE) risk during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This programme will combine public awareness, healthcare professional engagement, patient advocacy and policy influence to improve understanding, encourage earlier action and contribute to longer-term system change.

We are seeking an experienced freelance communications professional to work alongside our team to help shape and deliver this programme.

The opportunity

This is not a traditional PR brief. We are looking for someone who can think strategically while also delivering practical communications activity across multiple channels.

The consultant will work alongside Thrombosis UK staff who already deliver digital communications, social media, volunteer engagement and patient support. The role is to provide strategic communications expertise, lead specialist campaign activity and build the team's capacity, rather than replace existing internal functions.

The successful consultant will help us develop and implement an integrated campaign that includes:

· Public awareness campaigns

· Media relations and press activity

· Digital communications and content planning

· Website content and user journeys

· Stakeholder communications

· Support for public affairs and parliamentary engagement

· Campaign evaluation and learning

The consultant will work closely with our Chief Executive and wider team, bringing specialist campaign expertise that complements our existing clinical knowledge and patient support work.

The Communications Manager provides operational leadership for CLAPA's communications delivery, ensuring communications and marketing activity is effectively planned, prioritised and delivered in support of the charity's strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Marketing, the postholder is responsible for translating the communications strategy into coordinated day-to-day delivery. They will oversee the planning, scheduling and operational management of communications activity across the organisation, ensuring work is appropriately prioritised, resources are allocated effectively and projects are delivered to a consistently high standard. 

The role directly manages CLAPA's Communications Officers, embedding effective planning, briefing and workflow processes that enable the team to deliver proactive, creative and high-quality communications.

Acting as the primary operational lead for communications delivery, the postholder will ensure colleagues across CLAPA receive responsive, well-planned communications support while maintaining clear priorities and protecting the team's capacity to deliver its best work. 

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Hours: Full-time

Pay: Up to £42,440 GBP gross per annual (dependent on experience) with additional uplift applicable during deployment.

Duration: Permanent

Location: UK-Med Office, Manchester, UK (hybrid working) with an expectation of approximately 15% international travel/deployment, as required by UK-Med.

Want to put humanitarian crises on the front pages and shape the global conversation when it matters the most?

UK-Med is looking for an exceptional Media Manager to lead our press office and secure high-impact media coverage that brings the realities of humanitarian emergencies to audiences across the UK and beyond. UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years
towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

In the past 12 months, UK-Med has attracted significant media attention for our emergency responses in Gaza, Ukraine and around the world. Our work has featured as the lead story on BBC News at Six and Ten, across national and regional television and radio, on the front pages of national newspapers, on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, and in leading UK and international media outlets.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Fundraising & Communications team at a pivotal moment in UK-Med’s growth and reputation as the UK’s official Emergency Medical Team. As Media Manager, you will lead our media relations strategy, build strong relationships with journalists, identify opportunities to raise our profile, and ensure our stories reach the audiences that matter.

This is a high-profile role in a fast-paced, creative team where no two days are the same. You'll thrive under pressure, exercise sound judgement, and respond confidently to breaking news and media enquiries while helping colleagues tell powerful stories from some of the world's most challenging humanitarian crises.

You will lead the Press Office, acting as the first point of contact for media enquiries and ensuring requests are managed quickly, professionally and directed to the appropriate spokesperson.

We're looking for an outstanding communicator with excellent writing skills, a strong understanding of the UK media landscape, and the confidence to advise senior leaders and colleagues at every level on media engagement and reputation.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits along with a friendly working environment and the opportunity to make a real difference through humanitarian work.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack - Media Manager before applying.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday 4th of September 2026.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.

Who we are

Sabre Education is an international NGO which, since 2004, has been providing children in Ghana with the best possible early childhood education by partnering with government to implement play-based learning at scale. Sabre focuses on:

Influencing early childhood education (ECE) policy & practice.
Training teachers and school officials in quality early childhood education.
Transforming learning environments to facilitate positive play-based learning.
Sabre has directly trained more than 6,000 teachers and over 700 Ghana Education Service officials, transforming the early years education of more than 361,000 children through high-quality play-based learning. Our teacher training model has been successfully piloted and replicated across 17 districts in Ghana, with partners extending its reach to a further 48 districts.

Building on this success, the Ghana Government is now scaling play-based learning to every public kindergarten in the country, with Sabre as a technical assistance partner, training around 29,000 teachers and reaching an estimated 1.2 million children each year.

Sabre’s new 2026–2029 strategy builds on these achievements by expanding its impact to other countries across sub-Saharan Africa, sharing Ghana’s experience of successfully scaling play-based learning nationwide. Alongside this expansion, Sabre will continue its work in Ghana, implementing a bold early childhood education system-strengthening strategy in close partnership with the government and wider sector stakeholders.

About the role

This is a senior strategic position within the organisation, sitting on the senior leadership team, reporting to the CEO and working closely with colleagues across the UK and Ghana.

As the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will lead on strengthening and building relationships with Sabre’s growing portfolio of key funders, including trusts, foundations, institutional and corporate donors. Working with leadership and the team, you will also deepen the charity’s profile, reputation and brand.

Key responsibilities include:

• Nurture excellent relationships with Sabre’s current donor community.
• Work with the fundraising team proactively to attract, cultivate, secure and steward grant funders.

• Work with the Senior Fundraising Manager to identify, cultivate and secure new institutional multi-year grants.
• Work closely with the CEO and SLT to develop other income streams when strategically beneficial.
• Provide strategic leadership for all of Sabre’s communications, profile-building and marketing agendas.
• Lead, develop and manage the fundraising and communications team of four.
• Contribute to the organisation’s overall strategic mission as a member of the SLT.

Who we are looking for

This is a leadership role for someone with a proven track record as a senior fundraiser with considerable experience in trusts, foundations and institutional funding and team management. Crucially, you will be passionate about our work in early years education and motivated by the opportunity to shape our fundraising and communications work.

We are also seeking someone with:

• Experience developing and implementing a growth fundraising strategy.
• Strong experience writing technical proposals.
• Outstanding leadership, mentoring and team-building abilities.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and dedication.

Sabre Education is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where individual differences and contributions are truly recognised and valued.

We offer a range of inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement opportunities and other methods to support staff from different backgrounds.

Sabre is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

Social Media Officer 

Hours: Full time (part time or job share considered), Permanent 

Salary: SCP 7 to 17 (£26,403 to £31,022 FTE, 2025/26 NJC rates), depending on skills and experience 

Based: Manchester, with regular travel to community events across the North of England and the Midlands (including Leeds, Liverpool, Wakefield and Coventry) 

BHA is a leading health and social care charity that works to challenge health inequalities and support individuals, families & communities to improve their health & well-being.We offer a range of unique services delivered at local, regional, and national level in the areas of health promotion, community health education and engaging and involving communities in health and social care decision making.

The Social Media Officer role is responsible for bringing BHA’s work to life across our social media channels. You will plan, create and post engaging content, manage our online community, and get out to events across the region to capture stories and content on the ground, working to a content plan and key messaging agreed with the Senior Management Team and Campaigns Lead. 

The successful applicant should bring a creative, organised and enthusiastic approach to social media content creation, confidence using Canva or similar design tools, and a comfortable, sensitive manner when engaging with people at community events. 

The post holder will have the following essential criteria: experience creating content for social media (personal, voluntary or professional); experience using Canva or a similar design tool; excellent written English with the ability to adapt tone and style across platforms; comfortable engaging informally with people at community events; and good organisational skills to work independently to an agreed content plan 

Benefits of working with BHA: 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays pro rata 

• Birthday leave 

• Employee Assistant programme (includes income protection) 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

• Cycle to work scheme

• Enhanced occupational sick pay 

• Flexible working 

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Aydin Djemal, CEO, to arrange an informal telephone discussion.

You can apply by completing the Application Form on our website and sending it to our recruitment inbox.. Your application MUST DETAIL how you meet the points asked for in the person specification. 

CVs will not be accepted, and applicants must be eligible to work in the U.K. 

The closing date for applicants is 31 August 2026 

Interviews will be held on the week commencing 7 September 2026  

Due to the nature of this post, a Disclosure & Barring Service search will be conducted on the successful applicant. 

Reasonable adjustment: 

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity, and inclusion.We welcome applications that represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve.As a disability confident employer, we actively seek to remove any barriers. Therefore, if you have a disability and have any particular requirements to enable you to participate in the application process, please email us. 

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks if relevant to their role.

Join Us as a Senior Stories Officer
The National Autistic Society helps create a world that works for autistic people and within National Programmes wechampion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policies and legislation reflect their needs.We have a rewarding opportunity for a Senior Stories Officer (London Marathon Charity of the Year) within the Communications Team.If you share our values and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit our website to find out more about who we are:

About the Team
This role sits within the Communications Team and works closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Content, Marketing, Media and Digital teams supporting the National Autistic Society's partnership as TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year 2027.

Together, we are delivering It's Time to Show Up, a national campaign that aims to improve understanding of autism, create a more inclusive society and inspire meaningful change.Storytelling will be at the heart of this campaign, helping us engage supporters, participants, autistic people and their families throughout the marathon journey and beyond.

About the Role
As our Senior Stories Officer, you will play a key role in bringing the National Autistic Society's 2027 London Marathon partnership to life through powerful, authentic storytelling.You will identify, develop and share compelling stories from autistic people, families, supporters, participants and celebrities that support our campaign, It's Time to Show Up.

Working across multiple channels, you will create engaging content including case studies, blogs, news stories, social media content and multimedia storytelling.Your work will help drive fundraising, increase awareness and build a lasting legacy of understanding and inclusion for autistic people.

What You’ll Do

• Identify, develop and produce compelling stories that bring the It's Time to Show Up campaign to life.
• Interview autistic people, family members, supporters, celebrities, participants and colleagues with empathy and sensitivity.
• Create engaging content including case studies, blogs, news stories, social media content and video scripts.
• Plan and deliver storytelling activity around key campaign milestones and fundraising opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in journalism, storytelling, copywriting or communications within a professional environment.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and channels.
• Experience interviewing people from diverse backgrounds and sharing authentic stories with impact.
• Experience creating multi-channel content, including digital and social media content.

This advert is for a full-time, fixed term position (9 months) at 35 hours per week.

This role is Homebased, with occasional travel to interviews, filming and photography shoots, team meetings and the TCS London Marathon event in April 2027.

What we can offer you

• Pension– Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
• AnnualLeave– 33 days (including public holidays). You can buy or sell leave each year.
• Training– Great induction and training, including autism training.
• Discounts– Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
• Healthcare– Cash plan for permanent staff.
• LifeAssurance– 2x your base salary.
• FlexibleBenefits– Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
• Support– 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
• Mindfulness– Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
• BlueLightCard– Eligibility for discounts.

About our application process

You will be required to upload your CV. If you are providing a supporting statement, please consider the following:

• Look at the job description and person specification.
• Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
• Give examples if you can.

We might close this job advert early if we get lots of suitable applications.

To protect our autistic adults & children at the National Autistic Society, some roles require employees to have a criminal background check.Possession of an Enhanced DBS Check either on the Update Service or conducted within the last 12 months would be preferable but not essential if its applicable to your role.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people.

We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.

Important Information

Agencies need not apply.

Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.

The National Autistic Society may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist our recruitment team with reviewing applications for this role. All application decisions are made by people and are not determined automatically by AI.

Research and Policy Officer 
Job Description 

About DigitalCare Hub 

Digital technology helps care services spend more time caring. It helps the people we support keep control of their lives, and of their care. Over the last few years, the need for information to be shared securely and efficiently between health and care services has become even moreapparent. But this introduces new risks – for example how information is kept safe and secure, and what happens if a digital system fails. 

This is a shared role across DigitalCare HubandtheBetter Security, Better Careprogramme which wemanage. 

Digital Care Hubis runwithsocialcare,for social care.The Digital Care Hub provides free information,guidanceand support to enable adult social care providers to make the most of digital technology – and to do it safely. 

We are an independent, not-for profit, Community Interest Company, guided by care providers, so we understand the needs and challenges facing the diverse range of organisations in our sector. 

Better Security, BetterCareis a support programme– funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and managed by Digital Care Hub -to help adult social care providers to store and share information safelyby using the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). The DSPT is a free, online self-assessment for health and care providers to evaluate and improve their data and cyber security. 

The programme is delivered by acentral team and our local support organisations across the country. Most of these support organisations arelocal care provider trade associations. We also work closely with colleagues from the NHS, ADASS, DHSC and local councils. 

About you and the role 

We're looking for an inquisitive, analytical and collaborativeResearch and Policy Officerto join our growing team. 

You'll play a key role in helping Digital Care Hub become the leading source of evidence, insight and practical guidance on digital transformation, data, AI and cybersecurity in adult social care. 

Working across our national programmes, you'll design and deliver research projects, analyse policy developments, engage with providers and partners, and translate complex issues into clear, practical resources that help the sector improve. You'll contribute to consultation responses, produce reports and briefings, support national events and webinars, and help us demonstrate the impact of our work. 

This is a varied role that combines research, policy development, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery. No two weeks will look the same—you could be facilitating a roundtable with care providers, analysing survey data, drafting a briefing for government, interviewing providers for a case study or helping develop new guidance on AI in social care. 

You'll work closely with colleagues across Digital Care Hub and our national partners, taking an entrepreneurial approach to identifying emerging issues, generating insight and turning evidence into action. You'll report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will have the opportunity to shape the development of our research and policy function as the organisation continues to grow. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research and Insight 

• Design and deliver research projects. 

• Develop surveys and analyse data. 

• Conduct interviews and focus groups. 

• Facilitate provider roundtables. 

• Review policy and academic literature. 

• Produce evidence summaries. 

• Identify emerging issues across digital health and adult social care. 

Policy Development 

• Draft policy papers and consultation responses. 

• Translate research into practical recommendations. 

• Produce briefings for government, boards and senior leaders. 

• Track developments across DHSC, NHS England, CQC and ICO. 

• Support Digital Care Hub policy positions. 

Programme Delivery 

• Support grant funded programmes. 

• Develop guidance and resources. 

• Produce webinar materials and case studies. 

• Coordinate advisory groups. 

• Support monitoring and evaluation. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build relationships with providers and representative bodies. 

• Collaborate with universities, government and sector partners. 

• Engage technology suppliers where appropriate. 

Communications 

• Write reports, briefings and newsletters. 

• Draft articles and presentations. 

• Support thought leadership. 

Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Develop outcome measures. 

• Analyse programme impact. 

• Produce evaluation reports. 

• Identify lessons learned. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Degree or equivalent experience. 

• Experience designing research projects. 

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills. 

• Excellent written communication. 

• Ability to explain complex subjects clearly. 

• Excellent organisational skills. 

Desirable 

• Charity experience. 

• Knowledge of digital transformation. 

• Understanding of AI and cybersecurity. 

• Experience evaluating programmes. 

• Experience working with government. 

 
Main terms and conditions 

• £36,000 per annum including pension. 

• Full timefixed term12 month fixed term contract 

• Homebased,withsometravelacross England 

• 28 days annual leave plus Bank holidays 

This is a pivotal senior leadership role with full strategic and operational accountability.  Leadership and exceptional communication skills will be critical as The DBR Foundation establishes and grows.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will have a proven track record and experience as a CEO or in a similar executive leadership position.  An extensive knowledge of the implementation of charity governance will be essential in this role. 

The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the drafting and implementation of policies and procedures, ensuring financial sustainability, overseeing activities, memberships, fundraising and advocacy.

The Chief Executive Officer will have responsibility for recruitment and establishing a new team, resources and managing key relationships in line with the overall strategic policies, direction, goals and budget, for the purposes of advancing The DBR Foundation’s objectives, purpose and identity worldwide.

The DBR Foundation’s objectives are:

• The improvement of health by furthering the advancement of the theory and practice of Deep Brain Reorienting ("DBR")
• The relief of emotional and psychological distress wherever it may arise by the provision of appropriate DBR training and therapy
• The relief of poverty and distress wherever it may arise by the provision of humanitarian aid, by supporting other like-minded charities

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy & Organisational Direction:

• Lead strategic initiatives and sustainable organisational long-term development
• Drive sustainable growth and measurable impact
• Lead organisational strategy and service development
  

Operations & Service Quality:

• Oversee all operational delivery
• Ensure members are equipped with relevant, up-to-date, and impactful resources

Financial Management, Corporate Governance & Regulatory Compliance:

• Provide strong financial oversight and sustainability planning
• Ensure regulatory, and governance compliance
• Performance and risk overview to the Board of Trustees

Business Development & Commissioning:

•  Income strategy and fundraising
• Grant applications and partnership funding
• Building relationships and funder partnerships

 People & Values:

• Build a high performing operational team
• Establish a culture that reflects the core values and culture of the Foundation

External Engagement & Stewardship:

• Act as senior ambassador and spokesperson
• Represent the Foundation across statutory, voluntary, education and health sectors
• Strengthen partnerships and influence

Essential Skills:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, public or social sector
• Strong organisational and operational management experience
• Experience working with a Board of Trustees
• Proven financial oversight and budget responsibility
• Experience delivering organisational strategy
• Fundraising or income generation leadership experience
• Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills
• Commissioning and contract delivery experience

Lead change. Shape policy. Amplify the voices of bereaved families.

Child Bereavement UK is looking for an accomplished Head of Policy & Research to lead our evidence and policy agenda at a pivotal time for the charity.

You'll bring a strong track record of leading policy and research activity, developing influential partnerships, and translating evidence into meaningful change. With an established understanding of the policy landscape and the credibility to engage senior stakeholders across health, social care, government and the voluntary sector, you'll play a key role in shaping policy and practice for bereaved families across the UK.

You'll lead our research programme, develop evidence-based positions, build strategic partnerships, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are reflected in policy and practice across the UK.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience and established networks in policy and research.
• Can translate complex evidence into compelling recommendations for change.
• Is an exceptional relationship-builder, communicator and strategic thinker.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents.

This is a rare opportunity to shape national conversations, influence decision-makers and ensure lived experience is at the heart of policy and practice.

Please note, the role will involve regular travel to London based conferences, events and network meetings as required, plus occasional travel to team meetings in Birmingham.

Join us and help create lasting change for bereaved families across the UK.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Context of role:
The Outreach Officer plays a key role in raising awareness of services, strengthening community
partnerships and supporting the delivery of high-quality bereavement support activities across the
region. The postholder will engage with local networks, coordinate events, and support volunteers while ensuring effective monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement.
This role sits initially within Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, but will expand to support phase 3 of the expansion which will include the West Midlands, Warwickshire and
Staffordshire. 

Key responsibilities:
Support Service:
1. Event Coordination and Delivery
1.1: Coordinate and deliver regular community engagement activities, including; coffee mornings and
support events.
1.2: Organise and facilitate regular wellbeing and social activities, such as; walks or group sessions.
1.3: Represent the organisation at regional events, including supporting fundraising and CYP teams
when required.
1.4: Co-lead on bookings and coordination of Ty Uchaf, our respite house.
2. Awareness, Training and Engagement
2.1: Lead on regional awareness training delivery for non-emergency services and community-based
organisations.
2.2: Deliver additional 2wish training programmes as required, including Children & Young People
(CYP) and Bereavement in workplace support training.
2.3: Lead awareness and advocacy activities with local ‘support champions’, including professionals
within non-emergency services.
3. Partnership and Network Development
3.1: Actively engage with local bereavement networks through attendance at meetings, hosting
information stands and building strong professional relationships across the region.
3.2: Develop and maintain effective links with community partners to expand reach and awareness of
services.
4. Volunteer Support
4.1: Act as a key local contact for volunteers.
4.2: Support the recruitment, training and retention of volunteers in collaboration with the wider
team.
5. Administration, Monitoring and Reporting
5.1: Maintain and take ownership of relevant systems and spreadsheets, including those used for:
52: Event planning and delivery
5.3: Marketing and communications
5.4: Contact and engagement tracking
5.5: Professional and family engagement records
5.6: Accurately record interactions with stakeholders, including; families, professionals, champions
and referral partners.
5.7: Monitor and manage posts/content on Facebook family accounts.
6. Quality Assurance and Improvement
6.1: Support quality audits and contribute to continuous improvement processes.
6.2: Collect and review feedback from events and training sessions to inform future development.2.0 General:
1.1: To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration
1.2: To keep clear and up to date records on database of activities with families and any ensuing
action
1.3: To promote the on-going work and continued support that 2wish can offer
1.4: To work as part of a team providing support to suddenly bereaved families
1.5: To work alongside support team and maintain a seamless approach to service delivery
1.6: To maintain a high degree of confidentiality in accordance with the charity’s policies
1.7: To show respect and sensitivity for the cultural and religious beliefs of families
1.8: To undertake learning opportunities and seek them out for the team
1.9: To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality,
Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working
practices as appropriate
1.10: To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary
1.11: Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and
undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to
the role
1.12: To contribute to the evaluation and monitoring processes to ensure effectiveness of
services and activities provided
1.13: Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish
It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances
unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and
tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.
This role is subject to a DBS check.