Contract executive jobs in Liverpool

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*

Impatience Earth is a non-profit climate philanthropy consultancy founded in 2020 with a mission to educate, challenge and inspire wealth holders to take bolder funding decisions to address the climate emergency.

For the first time, we will be undertaking work to focus specifically on climate resilience in the UK. Currently this work sits with two existing team members, and a network of Associates and advisors. We are hiring a new team member to support this work on a fixed-term contract running from 2026-2027. 

Why UK resilience? We can see the impacts of climate change in the UK are rapidly increasing  - from direct impacts such as extreme heat, flooding and heavy rainfall, to direct knock-on effects such as increasing food prices. What is often hidden is the social, economic and racial injustice at the core of climate vulnerability in the UK. The people who are disproportionately impacted by climate change are also most likely to be excluded from the process to address it. This includes women and girls living  at the intersections of poverty, disability and race who remain overlooked by climate policy and interventions, even though the inclusion of women in environmental decision-making processes has been shown to have a positive impact on their outcomes.

Climate change is occurring at the same time as trust in British society, democracy and politics is collapsing. As recent research from Climate Outreach shows, voters in the UK feel overlooked, disillusioned about the present and fearful for the future, and many are yet to be convinced that net zero offers a positive way forward. 

Yet research also shows that the majority of the public do care about climate change and protecting nature, and we know from our work that there are individuals and groups across the UK who are taking action to create a more resilient future - often on a shoestring budget. When Impatience Earth convened funders around the topic of climate resilience in the UK, we had a lot of interest. We also heard that a common challenge is identifying resilience-building work to fund. A recurring question was ‘resilience-building work: how do we know it when we see it?”

This new role at Impatience Earth is designed to help us answer two key questions: 

1. How do we use our position and bird's-eye view of the philanthropy ecosystem to make climate philanthropy work more effectively for marginalised communities in the UK and withstand political headwinds?

2. How do we build the ecosystem for gender just climate action in the UK?

To answer these, it will be important to work in partnership and collaboration with other UK philanthropic support organisations (such as the Environmental Funders Network); help build bridges between the different organisations and groups doing this work across the UK; and shine a light on the opportunities for funders and policy-makers to support climate action that builds the resilience of the people who are most affected, but often overlooked. This role is an exciting opportunity to increase awareness and action in the philanthropic sector around the different dimensions of climate risk in the UK, especially as a result of gender inequity, poverty and other intersecting forms of marginalisation. 

About Impatience Earth

Impatience Earth is a non-profit climate philanthropy consultancy with a mission to educate, challenge and inspire wealth holders to take bolder funding decisions to address the climate emergency. Since 2020, IE has catalysed over £250 million in new philanthropic funding for climate action around the world, of which over £90 million has already been disbursed to impactful organisations working to mitigate climate change and build the resilience of communities in the face of increasing climate risk.

With a core focus on climate justice, Impatience Earth explores with funders how they can effectively resource and partner with the leaders and communities on the frontline of climate actions who are often overlooked and underfunded by mainstream climate philanthropy. Impatience Earth’s portfolio of work in the UK is increasingly focused on how funders can build the power of local communities to increase their resilience against increasing climate impacts - such as extreme weather events - that also exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. 

Requirements for this role

1. You live and are legally able to work in the UK (unfortunately we are unable to sponsor UK work visas)

2. You have a good understanding of the way that climate change will intersect with different forms of oppression and vulnerability in the UK, particularly gender but also: racism, poverty and class inequality, disability, discrimination due to sexual orientation, faith, migration status and other factors.

3. You have a good understanding of the ways that climate change is already impacting communities in the UK, as well as solutions relating to resilience-building.

4. You have a good understanding, likely through your own lived experience, of the difference in economic opportunities and investment beyond London and across the different parts of the UK. 

5. You have a demonstrated ability to build trusted working relationships with a range of stakeholders, which might include: community-based organisations, philanthropic foundations and local authorities. 

6. You are respectful of people with different backgrounds, cultures, faiths and lived experiences. 

7. You are curious and a good listener. 

8. You are highly organised and motivated to work in a fast-paced organisation. 

9. You enjoy working in-person with different stakeholders, and you’re happy to travel to other parts of the UK when required to attend in-person meetings, events and represent Impatience Earth (travel expenses will be covered).

10. You can lead, and contribute to, research and written reports that can be shared with funders and external audiences. 

11. You are highly competent with online working and online collaboration including: email, Zoom conferencing, and online documentation.

Day-to-Day Activities 

Whilst this work is still being developed, and you will have an opportunity to shape it, the day-to-day activities will likely include the following. 

Strategy

• Support the development of Impatience Earth’s UK resilience strategy, by reviewing existing plans and providing feedback and suggestions.

• Throughout this role, share learnings and feedback with the Impatience Earth team, Associates and other stakeholders, aiming to ‘work in the open’.

• Help Impatience Earth to recruit and work with a group of advisors.

Relationship building and new collaborations

• Connect with the UK organisations and individuals that Impatience Earth has already built relationships with, identify opportunities to collaborate, and take plans forward. This could include convening a roundtable or co-designing an event.

• Make new connections with individuals and organisations outside of Impatience Earth’s existing network who are working to build the resilience of communities across the UK. This could be through attending conferences, community events, or cold outreach and calls. 

• Build bridges between organisations and funders working across different themes (such as climate and gender) to strengthen the ecosystem on intersectional climate resilience. 

• Develop and maintain excellent external relationships, always acting as an ambassador for Impatience Earth, to help build our reputation and profile.

• Manage the planning and execution of events, including developing an agenda, giving presentations, facilitating group discussions, and providing logistical support. 

Research and writing

• Support Impatience Earth to develop a taxonomy for gender-just climate resilience in the UK, that will later be shared with funders and other external stakeholders.

• Work with other team members  to conduct research and mapping that can form the basis of recommendations for funders.

• Draft high-quality written reports, blogs, presentations and other online materials on the topic of intersectional, gender-just climate resilience.
   

Internal knowledge management and communication

• Communicate across the Impatience Earth team, with colleagues working in different parts of the world, to share information and cross-check opportunities. As a remote team, our work is made possible by internal knowledge management and communication. This will include:

  • Timely writing up of notes and actions from meetings you attend and saving on our Google Drive

  • Sharing time-sensitive insights and opportunities with the team on Slack

  • Joining weekly online team meetings

Benefits

As part of this role, you will have a pro rata allowance of 25 days paid annual leave, individual coaching, a professional development budget and be part of a passionate team committed to advancing climate action. We have taken a range of steps to build an inclusive and welcoming work culture and we hope we will receive applications from people from a range of backgrounds.

How To Apply

We are not able to sponsor visas unfortunately and are not doing calls with candidates in advance of applications. 

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you have any access requirements or need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know so we can discuss how to support you.

Stage 1: Submit your CV plus either a cover letter (1.5 pages max), or a short video, that includes details about your relevant experience for the role and why you think you’ll be a good fit. Please consider the Requirements for this role section when you write your cover letter/record your video, particularly points 2-5. Please submit documents in PDF format as we are unable to open MS Word files.
 

Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial video interview carried out via Zoom to discuss your experience and what excites you about the role. We will send all candidates the interview questions in advance.

Stage 3: You will be asked to complete a short assignment at a time that suits you. At this stage in the process, we will offer candidates a £50 stipend to cover the time invested in this exercise.

Stage 4: As part of the final interview stage, you’ll be invited to a full interview and we will be sending all candidates the interview questions in advance. At this stage in the process, we will offer candidates an additional £50 stipend to cover the time invested in preparing for interview.

Who You Will Meet

As part of the interview process, you will meet our CEO Yasmin Ahammad, Director Sarah Farrell and People and Wellbeing Director, Heather Salmon. For more information, see our website impatience.earth.

Role Purpose:

The Clinical Director will provide strategic clinical leadership to the Restraint Reduction Network, ensuring that all initiatives, standards, and practices align with evidence-based approaches, human rights principles, and the goal of reducing restrictive practices across education health and social care settings. This role will champion best practice, influence policy, and support the implementation of RRN Training Standards nationally and internationally.

This role will also include delivering training, audits, working on projects that reflect areas of expertise and supporting organisations to restrictive practices through six core strategies.

Role Summary

· To be the clinical lead for RRN including leading our work supporting providers to improve via the six core strategies.

· To provide clinical leadership for the RRN  Partners Programme through acting as lead RRN consultant and delivering programmes.

· Working with the Director of Organisational and Workforce development to ensure programmes are effective and contemporary and evolves as practice evolves and improves with feedback

· Providing collaborative leadership of RRN in leading a restraint reduction movement across the British Isles and leading our RRN members community.

· Work with members of RRN Senior leadership team and board of trustees to ensure RRN is both sustainable and impactful in line with charities purpose

· Support RRN manager and associates to develop a range of resources ensuring that all RRN resources are:

o evidence based (linking with academics and universities)

o co-produced (with people with lived experience of restraint)

o protects human rights (linking with human rights organisations)

· Support and contribute to the continuous improvement of the RRN training standards and RRN Practice Leadership Diploma

· Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the RRN, ensuring positive relationships with key stakeholders including charities, civil servants, professionals, academics and people with lived experience

· Ensure RRN develops its reputation as leaders in restraint reduction nationally and internationally and ensure internal culture reflects trauma informed practice we promote

· Work collaboratively with CEO to ensure clear strategy and internal culture reflects trauma informed practice we promote

· Ensure all resources and work undertaken by RRN reflect best practice in co-production with people with lived experience of restraint

· Supporting RRN associates with lived experience with clear expectations of their role and putting in person centred processes to minimise the impact of trauma through the direct work they do  for RRN and the interaction with the organisation.

· Contribute to the development of a Community of Practice

 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the clinical vision for restraint reduction across education, health and social care, ensuring alignment with RRN’s mission and values.
• Provide clinical leadership in ensuring all RRN activities are trauma informed and people with lived experience are provided with support then need to minimise risk of retraumatising.

Policy & Standards

• Ensure RRN Training Standards and resources are co-produced, remain current, evidence-based, and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to national and international policy development on restraint reduction and restrictive practices.

Quality & Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including audits, research, and evaluation of restraint reduction strategies.
• Monitor and report on clinical outcomes and impact measures related to restraint reduction.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with NHS Trusts, social care providers, special schools, regulators, and self-advocacy groups.
• Promote co-production with people with lived experience of restraint and their families.

Education & Workforce Development

• Support the development and delivery of RRN Diploma
• Provide clinical leadership for webinars, conferences, and professional development initiatives.

Research & Evidence

• Collaborate with academic partners to advance research on restraint reduction and disseminate findings.
• Ensure all RRN resources are evidenced based reflecting best practice from both research and people with lived experience.

Prospectus is pleased to be collaborating with a UK charity founded by families who lost loved ones to gambling-related suicide to recruit for a Head of Public Affairs, Policy and Advocacy to join them on permanent contract to start in 2026. The charity operates as a fully remote working organisation however there will be significant London and UK travel required as part of this role.

The Head of Public Affairs, Policy and Advocacy is responsible for the delivery of the charity’s public affairs and lived experience advocacy strategy. This role is the most senior operational position within a small advocacy function and is accountable for ensuring that agreed strategy is converted into effective, timely and impactful advocacy action by and in support of bereaved families.

The post holder will feed in to overall organisational strategy and will play a critical role in shaping delivery plans, prioritising activity, and personally undertaking significant advocacy work — including drafting letters, briefings, parliamentary questions and amendments, co-ordinating political engagement, and ensuring policy asks are actively advanced within Parliament, government and regulatory processes. The post holder will support and enable bereaved family members to engage in meeting with MPs and Peers and in provision of evidence to committees

The successful candidate will have significant experience in political advocacy or public affairs influencing, with a proven track record of responsibility for delivering policy and political outcomes. You will bring drive and passion to the role, with an empathy for people with lived experience. You will bring experience of hands-on policy delivery and a strong understanding of the UK political system, parliamentary processes and policy-making cycles. You will also have excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive and politically astute documents.

To apply please submit your CV and a two page supporting statement, preferably in Microsoft Word/PDF format. The statement should outline your motivation for joining the charity and why you feel you would be a good fit for this role. You should also demonstrate your experience and skillset with examples relating to the Person Specification section in the Job Pack. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about this opportunity please contact Steven Fraser from Prospectus.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

Company Description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end of life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

The Senior Strategic Communications Manager will shape how the charity tells its story to the world. This person ensures our messages, campaigns, and content aligns with our mission and resonates with the audiences we serve. You’ll work across the organisation to turn complex priorities into compelling narratives, guiding teams to communicate with clarity, consistency, and purpose. It’s a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy and storytelling - translating organisational goals into communications that inspire and influence.

This is an exciting, newly created role that offers the opportunity to shape our strategic communications approach from the ground up. You’ll play a key role in ensuring our external communications are cohesive, impactful, and aligned with our organisational strategy - strengthening Marie Curie’s public image and brand. If you're looking for a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference and leave your mark, we’d love to hear from you!

You will be responsible for: 

• Working closely with the Director and Head of Communications to develop, manage and optimise Marie Curie’s external communication strategy.
• Leading strategic communications planning, translating organisational goals into actionable, audience-led communications plans. 
• Developing and overseeing key messaging frameworks and thematic narratives based on insight and research. 
• Evaluate performance, generate insights, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Advising and working closely with senior management, internal communications, teams across our income and innovation directorate and external agencies.
• Ensuring team, channel, campaign and product strategies are aligned and support the departmental, directorate and organisational strategy.
• Line managing the Strategic Communications Manager and leading matrix teams on key projects.

Key Criteria:

• Extensive experience in a senior external communications role, with a strong track record of delivering integrated, high-impact strategic communication campaigns from start to finish.
• Experience translating organisational strategy into compelling structured key messages for our audiences.
• Experience advising and influencing leadership and stakeholders at all organisational levels. 
• Proven track record of leading projects across teams and managing agency partnerships.  
• Confident and persuasive communicator with excellent writing, planning, and leadership skills.
• Highly capable of prioritising tasks and managing multiple projects and campaigns to meet deadlines. 
• Experience managing agencies and overseeing high-profile campaigns.
• Confident working in changing environments.
• Passion for purposeful communication that makes a measurable difference.
• Experience working in a charity, not-for-profit, or health-related organisation (desirable).

Please see the full job description. [LINK]

Additional Information

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary details. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: 9 Jan 2026.

Salary: £45,000-50,000 & £3,500 London weighting allowance where applicable.

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Based: Fully remote (work from home) or hybrid working (Embassy Gardens office in London).

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

Bradbury Fields enables blind, partially sighted and people with dual sensory impairments to achieve their potential, giving them the ability to contribute to the social and economic fabric of their local communities. The organisations' overarching aim is to provide advice, support, and guidance from the point of diagnosis and subsequently for as long as people need and require their wide range of services. 

Following a period of significant change, Bradbury Fields is entering a new and exciting chapter underpinned by a clear commitment to long-term sustainability. Currently, Bradbury Fields is predominantly funded by statutory sources, the organisation is keen to grow unrestricted income to provide greater flexibility, support core costs, and enable service development for blind and partially sighted people. With core services funding relatively secure in the short term, Bradbury Fields is investing thoughtfully in fundraising growth and is seeking an enthusiastic Head of Fundraising and Marketing – a brand-new role for the charity - to help build a strong, sustainable foundation for the future. 

This role has wide ranging appeal. Bradbury Fields are happy to consider candidates for whom this role might be an exciting step up to managing multiple income streams beyond one specialist area, but equally this would be an engaging role for an experienced manager or Head of looking to work for a well established, local charity making a difference to people across Liverpool, ultimately taking their income success to the next level.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please contact THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 18th January 2026 

About SCEC

SCEC was founded over twenty years ago to provide learning enrichment opportunities to primary school children in disadvantaged communities in south London. Together with our partners, several leading independent schools, we currently operate four schemes in math, literacy, science and art. Children learn through fun, engaging group activities like science experiments, storytelling and mathematical treasure hunts, all taught by qualified teachers with added support from student mentors. Through the schemes, children explore their curiosity, build knowledge and develop their confidence as learners.

Your Role

The Scheme Director is a newly created role that will be pivotal in helping SCEC extend its reach. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will help SCEC design and implement an expansion programme as well as coordinating the delivery of the existing schemes via our school partners. You will also serve as a trusted partner to the Board in the administration of the charity.

Similar to a COO, this role straddles the operational and the strategic. We are looking for a confident communicator and relationship builder who can work across varied stakeholder groups. You will have project management experience that can be applied to challenges like process design and change management. You should be able to grasp the big picture and have an eye for the details needed to deliver successful outcomes.  This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join SCEC on a transformational journey working with excellent learning partners and established leaders to improve educational outcomes for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee scheme operations including pupil recruitment, enrolment and attendance to ensure the smooth running of schemes and maximum impact
• Promote the charity to prospective partners and donors
• Support the Board in developing, implementing and monitoring an expansion programme
• Monitor and report on scheme performance and impact
• Prepare and manage budgets and disbursement of funds 
• Build and maintain systems and processes to support scheme operations, compliance and monitoring

Key Qualities

• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of children
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organisational goals
• Track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation
• Committed to working collaboratively to build strong relationships with business partners and colleagues and proactively engaging stakeholders when making decisions
• Self-motivated and highly organised, you have a strong sense of initiative and take a hands-on approach to planning and administration

Child Protection

SCEC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is the responsibility of the whole organisation (trustees and staff).  An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this role.

For more information, please see the attached Job Description below

We’re looking for a marketing all-rounder with strong social media experience, alongside an understanding of web, newsletter and search marketing. You’ll be supported in testing new approaches as the digital landscape evolves, and you’ll have direct access to people across the charity to develop your content plans. This role would particularly suit a social media specialist with a desire to develop those skills across the full user journey.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Location: Home-based with regular travel to the London office
Department: Behaviour Change and Development
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £48,083 – £53,426
Benefits: 27 days holiday bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), healthcare cashplan scheme access, life assurance, paid compassionate leave, enhanced sick pay, Cycling UK membership plus many more staff benefits.

There’s never been a better time to join Cycling UK. As we continue to grow our impact and ambition, we are looking for an experienced and driven Head of New Programmes and Business Development to help shape the next phase of our work.

Cycling UK is committed to creating healthier, happier and more sustainable communities through behaviour change. Whether or not you cycle yourself, our work contributes to improved public health, reduced congestion, cleaner air and more inclusive transport systems.

As Head of New Programmes and Business Development, you will lead the development, mobilisation and delivery of new restricted programmes across the Behaviour Change and Development Directorate and, where required, the wider organisation. Working closely with senior leaders and specialist teams, you will design compelling, fundable programme models, write high-quality bids and secure new income from trusts, foundations and statutory funders.

You will be responsible for building and managing strong relationships with prospective and existing funders, while ensuring that newly secured programmes are mobilised and delivered effectively, compliantly and to a consistently high standard.

The role has end-to-end responsibility for programme management across new workstreams, including planning, budgets, reporting, risk and performance. You will ensure that Cycling UK’s behaviour change models and evidence frameworks are applied consistently, and that robust data is captured to demonstrate impact and value, including social, transport and health outcomes.

This is a fast-paced and highly fulfilling role, ideal for someone who thrives on delivery, collaboration and impact. If you are motivated by creating meaningful change through well-designed, evidence-led programmes, we would love to hear from you.

Explore the attached job description for full details on this exciting opportunity. Please complete the application form, clearly setting out why you are the right candidate for this role. Your supporting statement should demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, directly referencing the person specification. This will help the selection panel assess your suitability against the criteria.

This role is home-based with expected regular travel to London.

Applications close at 9:00am on the closing date shown.

You may also have experience in the following: Programme Development, Business Development, Funding and Partnerships, Bid Writing, Trusts and Foundations, Statutory Funding, Programme Management, Behaviour Change Programmes, Public Health Programmes, Transport and Mobility Programmes, Head of Programmes, Head of Business Development, Funding Manager, Partnerships Manager, Programme Director, Impact and Evaluation Lead.

REF-225 847

This role manages the BSI’s Clinical Immunology Professional Network, and drives partnerships to secure funding and support. You will also lead the BSI’s work on vaccines, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of effective and affordable vaccines that deliver patient benefit.

This is a highly visible role requiring extensive engagement with partner organisations including the NHS, charities, funders, government bodies and industry, alongside a strong understanding of the relevant policy landscape. Acting as a primary interface with clinical and research communities, funders and other key stakeholders, you will also secure external funding to support project delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to build strong relationships and successfully deliver projects both within and beyond the BSI.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and innovative science and health membership organisation, delivering impactful projects, and building important partnerships in the dynamic field of clinical research.

Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy and Research Leadership

  • Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
  • Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
  • Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
  • Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
  • Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
  • Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
  • Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
  • Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.

• Internal Collaboration

  • Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
  • Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
  • Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
  • Line manage junior staff or associates as required.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:

• Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
• Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
• Experience in income generation or bid development.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Politically aware and intellectually curious.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and solutions-focused.
• Collaborative and inclusive.
• Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Committed to personal and professional development.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

BIND UK is a specialist team offering expert advice and guidance to organisations that are determined to deliver practical, positive and permanent impact to the UK’s Food Waste Challenge. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose here. 

About Eat Smart 

Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness.

Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level. 

As we expand our delivery across the UK, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Development Manager to lead the expansion via a franchise model, build partnerships, and oversee the operational excellence of our growing network.

This is a pivotal leadership role focused on scaling the Eat Smart model nationally. The postholder will drive growth by developing regional and national partnerships, securing funding streams, recruiting and onboarding delivery partners, and ensuring quality and impact across all Eat Smart schools and organisations. 

You will combine strong operational management with strategic business development — ensuring Eat Smart continues to grow sustainably, aligning with Bind’s aims and values. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Growth & Project Development 

• Co-develop and deliver a UK-wide expansion strategy for Eat Smart
• Develop and manage the franchise/licensing model for national delivery partners
• Lead on the recruitment, onboarding, and support of partner organisations to deliver the Eat Smart programme effectively 

Funding & Partnership Development 

• Identify, establish and nurture partnerships with national and local government agencies, policy makers, school bodies and funders
• Build strategic relationships with relevant education, environment and community organisations 
• Research relevant funding opportunities for delivery partners and Bind
• Support delivery partners with the submission of funding applications 

UK Network Management & Evaluation 

• Co-design/develop the Eat Smart monitoring and evaluation system to monitor KPIs and the environmental and social impact of Eat Smart across the UK
• Lead on the management of the monitoring and evaluation system, supporting delivery partners where necessary 
• Create local and national impact reports for Eat Smart and use insights to inform improvement and growth 
• Manage the support network of UK delivery partners, ensuring they are able to deliver the programme effectively 
• Assist delivery partners with meetings with Local Authorities and catering organisations 

Marketing & Communications 

• Co-design and lead on delivery of annual Eat Smart conferences
• Represent Eat Smart at events, conferences, and networking opportunities across the UK 
• Manage Eat Smart UK social media channels 
• Develop digital and print materials to support programme promotion and recruitment

Person Specification

Essential: 

• Align with Bind’s values. If you are this, we can teach you the rest!
• Understanding of third sector grant funding landscape and experience in successful bid writing 
• Strong project management and organisational skills 
• Experience in partnership and stakeholder recruitment and management
• Ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams of partners remotely
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for improving environmental and education outcomes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communicator and proficient in IT systems (shared documents, spreadsheets, Zoom/Teams/Meet, social media, website editing and emails) 

Desirable: 

• Interest in, and awareness of, food waste on a local and global level
• Experience in business development, franchise management, or operational leadership
• Experience working in education, environment or social impact sectors
• Knowledge of primary school systems 
• Experience of community engagement in the UK 
• Full driving license and access to own vehicle 

** A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Check will be required for the post, but a clean DBS certificate is not essential for the role - we will review employees with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. **

What We Offer 

• Opportunity to shape and lead the national growth of an amazing educational programme 
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment with real social and environmental impact 
• Flexible working arrangements and supportive leadership. Many of our Eat Smart staff choose to work term-time only 
• Remote working, with an office in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley 
• Being part of a small and passionate team, who believe in a positive disruptive mission to change the food waste landscape across the UK. 

Key Information

• Deadline for all applications is Mon 12th January 2026 at 9am – applications received after this date will not be considered.
• In-person interviews will take place on 21st January 2026 in Newcastle.
• Based in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley but this role can be worked remotely/hybrid (some UK-wide travel required incl. a trip to Newcastle minimum monthly)
• Contract: 30-32 hours per week (with the option of increased hours during term-time and reduced hours in school holidays). 
• The start date will be end of February 2026, but start dates will be discussed at interview.
• We will contact all applicants as soon as possible to inform them of the status of their application.

This new role at Young Sounds UK will lead on securing grant income from and coordinating relationships with Trusts and Foundations. This will include identifying and researching funders, submitting compelling applications and completing timely and accurate reports.

You'll need to be comfortable with managing budgets, using CRMs, and demonstrating our impact through writing case studies that bring our work to life. You'll also need to have excellent communication and relationship building skills, and be organised, flexible and with a great attention to detail.

We're looking for someone who has at least three years experience of fundraising in a charity, especially if they’ve focused on fundraising from Trusts and Foundations, and who is looking for an opportunity to take the next step in their career.

For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the job pack.

The closing date for applications is Monday 19 January 2026 at 12 noon.

About Young Sounds UK 

Young Sounds UK exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:

• We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help 
• We support music education through training, advocacy and research.

Established in 1998 we work across genres and across the UK. Our four programme areas are: 

• Discover: training teachers in how to spot young people’s musical potential 
• Connect: targeting and sustaining young people’s emerging talent through strategic support
• Thrive: funding young talent UK wide through annual grants and tailor-made help for individual musicians
• Innovate: leading new thinking and action on talent development