Director of external affairs jobs

CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER

External Affairs Manager – Ageism and Inequality

· Permanent

· Salary £48,756

· Full time (37.5 hours per week) minimum 4 days a week considered

· Flexible working options will be supported

· Central London Office and Hybrid working

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

About the Role

We’re looking for a strategic, creative and proactive public affairs professional to lead our influencing work on ageism and inequalities, including our campaign for a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing; the development of an ageing society strategy; and work to address inequalities in experiences of ageing and support those groups who need it most .

In this role, you’ll shape and deliver an ambitious communications and influencing strategy that raises the profile of our policy issues in parliament and the media and builds support for our policy solutions among national and local government and wider sector leaders.

Working closely with colleagues in the ageism, inequalities and comms teams, you’ll design and deliver impactful communications activity across the channels most likely to increase our influence – from direct engagement and events to media, marketing and social content.

Central to the role will be supporting policy analysis and developing our national policy asks, drafting briefings and consultation submissions, and identifying opportunities to influence through monitoring the external landscape.

You’ll also lead the development of an effective stakeholder engagement plan, driving engagement across government departments, parliament, and other influential stakeholders.

About You

You’ll bring strong experience of working with government and parliament, and a track record of delivering effective policy, campaigning or public affairs activity. A confident communicator, you’re able to translate complex research and policy issues into compelling, accessible messages and present them persuasively to a range of audiences.

Highly organised and comfortable managing multiple priorities, you’ll combine strategic thinking with creativity and a proactive approach to spotting opportunities. You’ll have excellent relationship‑building skills, acting with diplomacy and credibility when engaging with senior stakeholders.

You’ll enjoy working both independently and as part of a small, supportive team, and you’ll be willing to work flexibly when needed to support key events or urgent issues.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

To Apply

To apply, please follow the link to complete an application and EDI form. 

Please address in your supporting statement how you meet the person specification for the role as fully as possible to demonstrate why you should be shortlisted for interview for this post.

Failure to do so will result in your application being automatically rejected.

The closing date for this role is 10th March, with in-person interviews to take place 23rd March.

ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to FEA on this appointment.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence at the Fair Education Alliance

We are proud to be a coalition of 300 organisations united behind a simple but powerful belief: that no child’s success should be limited by their socioeconomic background. We exist to shift the conditions that hold inequity in place through collaboration across schools, colleges, higher education institutions, charities, youth organisations, researchers, funders, and young people themselves.

Our 2025-30 strategy, From Neighbourhood to National: A Strategy to ensure every child and young person thrives, is rooted in systems change—tackling not just policies and practices, but also the resources, relationships, power and mental models that hold inequity in place. Our work targets root causes, deepens collective impact, and embraces the complexity—and opportunity—of true transformation.

We are now recruiting a Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence to strengthen the FEA’s external leadership at a critical point in our development. As we implement our strategy, we are placing greater emphasis on how we represent the collective insight of our members, and how we use our convening role to shape agendas at local, regional and national levels.  

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and working closely with the Co-Chief Executive Officers, this role will lead FEA’s policy positioning and public affairs activity and play a central role in representing the Alliance externally. The Director will be trusted to shape where and how FEA engages in public debate and decision-making, ensuring that our collective voice is credible and influential, and grounded in the experience of our members and partners across the system. This includes working closely with young people, recognising them as critical contributors and often the most powerful spokespeople for our work, and creating meaningful opportunities for their voices to shape our policy and public affairs activity.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who is comfortable operating through influence rather than formal authority, and who brings confidence in navigating complex policy environments. It offers the opportunity to shape how a large, diverse coalition contributes to public debate and policy thinking at a moment when joined-up, system-level approaches to educational equity are increasingly needed.

We hope you will consider applying.

Key dates

• Applications close: Monday 16 March (10 am)

• First round interviews: 26th and 27th March (online)

• Final interviews: 1st-2nd, 7-9th April (in person at the FEA office in London)

• Start date: as soon as possible, to be agreed with the successful candidate

Right now, millions of people across the UK are living with financial insecurity. Parents are choosing between heating and food. People who fall ill find themselves unable to work and without support. Countless others lie awake at night worrying about bills they cannot pay. At Turn2us, we believe none of us should have to face these challenges alone - and we exist to change the systems that allow them to persist.

Turn2us is working towards a future where everyone in the UK has financial security so they can thrive. We combine direct support and innovative digital tools, such as our online Benefits Calculator and PIP Helper, with influencing, policy and systems change. Across our organisation, colleagues bring deep expertise, compassion and ambition, united by a shared belief that financial hardship is not a personal failing, but a systemic issue that can and must be changed.

The Income & External Affairs Directorate plays a critical role in making this vision a reality. Through relationship-led fundraising, commercial partnerships, communications, and policy and influencing work, the directorate ensures Turn2us has the resources, profile and voice needed to maximise our impact. It connects our work with the people, organisations and institutions that can help drive lasting change. While we have built strong momentum and significant partnerships in recent years, we know there is far more potential to realise.

As Director of Income & External Affairs, you will be a key member of our Leadership Team, working closely with colleagues across the charity and with our Board. You will lead the growth of sustainable income, develop powerful and values-led partnerships, strengthen our public voice, and help shape a policy and advocacy agenda grounded in the experiences of people facing financial hardship. You will also play a vital role in building trust, credibility and influence across sectors to help shift the systems that keep people locked in financial insecurity.

We are looking for an exceptional and values-driven leader with a strong track record in relationship-based income generation, partnerships and influence. This experience may come from the charity sector or a commercial environment. We are not seeking a specific career path or background; instead, we actively welcome applications from people who bring new perspectives, transferable skills and different ways of thinking. What matters most is a deep commitment to our purpose, a willingness to learn and the confidence to lead with curiosity and humility.

This role calls for persuasive leadership, emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust across diverse teams and stakeholders. You will thrive if you enjoy working collaboratively, sharing power and leading in a way that is inclusive, supportive and ambitious.

This is a genuinely exciting and critical role - for our staff, our partners, and most importantly, for the people we exist to serve. We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of financial insecurity. If you share our values and feel inspired by our vision of a more just and financially secure society, we would love to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots. Applications should include a CV and covering letter. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.

Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?

Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.

You will:

• Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work

• Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals

• Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders

• Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

• Contribute as a full member of our leadership team

We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.

This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.

If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is an international non-governmental organisation which works to amplify the voices of rural women globally.  We are looking for an Executive Director for our small Central Office team which works with member organisations and individuals in the UK and around the world to ensure that rural women are represented, recognised for their critical importance in society, and have a platform to influence policy makers.  We combine advocacy and small-scale, women-led development projects designed by the local women who will implement them for the benefit of their communities.

This an exciting time to join ACWW in the lead up to our centenary and planning for the 32nd Triennial World Conference in 2029.  We are looking to appoint an Executive Director as our current Executive Director will be retiring this summer.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Board of Trustees and working with colleagues and trustees to foster relationships, partnerships and collaborations with individuals, funders and networks in line with the Association’s objectives, priorities and values. You will have an important contribution to make in all aspects of the Association.

We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This role is offered as full-time.  If you have successful charity sector experience, ability to build and maintain positive relationships and are looking to work for a charity focused on championing women’s empowerment and advocating for change, we’d like to hear from you. Please see application pack for further details and to apply.

Our client, a well-known anti-poverty charity is looking to recruit a Director of Policy & Engagement on a maternity contract of up to 12 months. This great charity provides front-line advice, advocacy and campaigning and policy work on behalf of people in London beneath pension age, who are experiencing issues around benefit payments, disability and housing or who are at risk of homelessness. The services they provide have become even more essential during the current cost of living crisis.

The role:
As Director of Policy & Engagement, you will lead the organisation’s policy, public affairs, and campaigns function, shaping and delivering local and national influencing to drive change on social security and housing issues. You will ensure the voices of people with lived experience are central to all of the organisation’s work, embedding meaningful participation across the organisation, in governance, services, policy and campaigns.

You will also oversee strategic external communications to support the organisation’s influencing, brand and fundraising objectives and will direct all fundraising for your department including managing funder relationships, identifying opportunities and leading on bid writing and reporting.
 
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for influencing policy and practice locally and nationally and representing the charity as a spokesperson in the media, with government ministers, MPs, and other senior stakeholders. 
 
You will manage a small multidisciplinary team of four, ensuring integrated effective delivery across the organisation. 
 
The role will cover strategic leadership, policy, public affairs & campaigns, stakeholder & media engagement, external communications, embedding participation, fundraising leadership, team leadership and cross-organisational Integration.

The person:
The successful candidate will be a strategic, politically astute leader with experience of leading policy, public affairs and campaigns at a senior level. They will have experience of integrating research campaigns, participation, external communications and fundraising to deliver impact locally and nationally. They will have excellent media stakeholder and political engagement skills, with experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation. This person will value and embed lived experience in all aspects of their work and will have a strong understanding of social security and housing policy. 

This person will also have substantial experience of leading on research for social policy influencing purposes in addition to having developed and shaped policy  for an organisation in a charity which works towards combatting poverty and other social justice issues. Having managed political and media engagement and external influencing activities in the past, this person will be an effective relationship manager both internally and externally, in addition to having provided knowledge based leadership to small teams in the charity sector. In addition to being a highly effective project manager, this person will be a very strong communicator both verbally and in writing, and will be fully committed to the aims and objectives of this anti-poverty charity.
​​​​​​​
This organisation is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of poverty, from global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and disabled people are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome evidence of experience from both work and non-work settings such as volunteering and personal life. 
 

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland)
£41,278 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based with regular meetings in Belfast
35 hours per week, full-time
Fixed-term, 12 months

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our work in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to shape policy, influence decision-makers, and ensure the voices of paediatricians and child health professionals are heard at the highest levels.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs / Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations), you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity in Northern Ireland. You will develop and communicate policy positions that reflect the national context, engage senior stakeholders across government and the health sector, and maximise the College’s influence to improve child health outcomes.

You will work closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure our four-nation advocacy is aligned, while remaining responsive to the specific needs of our members in Northern Ireland. You will also line manage a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, supporting their development and overseeing external-facing outputs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of policy positions and public affairs outputs specific to Northern Ireland
• Engaging with Ministers, MLAs, government officials, statutory services, and third sector stakeholders to influence policy and practice
• Producing and overseeing consultation responses and policy briefings
• Acting as a source of expertise on the Northern Ireland political and health landscape
• Supporting College Officers with high-level stakeholder engagement through briefings and policy advice
• Drafting media content including quotes, press releases and opinion pieces in collaboration with communications colleagues
• Managing the College’s presence at the Northern Ireland Assembly and party conferences
• Line managing and developing the Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Northern Ireland)

Essential skills and experience include:

• A primary degree and/or extensive relevant experience in policy and public affairs or a related field
• Proven experience of developing and delivering a measurable and successful public affairs strategy
• Experience of preparing high-quality briefings for political stakeholders and senior leaders
• Strong understanding of the political and health policy landscape in Northern Ireland
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• Demonstrable stakeholder management skills, including engagement at senior level
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider UK team

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows and employs around 200 staff, most of whom work in our London office in Holborn. We have a Devolved Nations team operating from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our College values: Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire, are important to us. These values ensure we bring out the best in each other, strive forward together to make the College a positive and dynamic place to work. 

The RCPCH champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our workplace is inclusive, offering a supportive environment where staff can thrive. The College is keen to accept applications from people with protected characteristics. We believe that our staff should represent all of the diverse communities we serve. Join us to help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.

The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with in the exercise of its functions and responsibilities. The RCPCH expects all staff to share this commitment – we place a high priority on ensuring only those who do so are recruited to work for us. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. 

Closing date: 4 March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Purpose

This role will report to the Executive Director, Finance and Operations, and will be responsible for providing executive assistance to three Executive Team members; the Executive Director, Finance and Operations (EDF&O), the Director of Communications and External Affairs (DCEA) and the Director, London (DL). The main duties include scheduling meetings, handling correspondence and assisting with the management of projects that all Directors are involved in. To be successful in this role, you will be able to initiate, meet deadlines and communicate effectively. Ultimately, you will be identifying and addressing the needs of the Executive Director/Directors, performing management and administrative tasks and building good working relationships to increase the effectiveness of the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

Working as the Executive Assistant & Project Manager to three Executive Team members for Citizens UK, reporting to Executive Director, Finance and Operations, your main responsibilities will include:

Contribute towards CUK’s mission and strategic objectives through Executive Support function

· Manage Executive Director/Directors diaries including booking meetings, scheduling attendees and organising venues, in person and online.

· Manage Executive Director/Directors correspondence including prioritising and responding to emails.

· Schedule Appraisal and Supervision meetings and visits: ensuring Executive Director/Directors time is well used through proper preparation and follow-up with direct reports, other local staff and external stakeholders.

· Process expenses for Executive Director/Directors as well as processing of invoice payments.

· Maintain an electronic filing system, ensuring processes and software are up to date and in working order.

· Provide management and administrative support to assist Executive Director/Directors in their workload.

- Lead coordination of monthly financial budget calls, including scheduling and managing diaries for approximately 17 chapter meetings each month, alongside quarterly budget review sessions.

- Provide live meeting support for all budget calls, including screen sharing, documenting key points, managing attendance, and ensuring smooth delivery of all administrative aspects.

- Serve as Secretariat for the monthly Operations and Organisational Development (OOD) Team Meetings, including drafting agendas, circulating papers, taking accurate and timely minutes, and producing post-meeting action logs.

- Maintain and manage the OOD SharePoint site, ensuring documents, actions and meeting materials are updated, accessible, and appropriately organised.

- Act as the primary administrative point of contact for the OOD team, responding to queries, managing workflows, and ensuring effective communication across the team.

- Work closely with the Director of Organisational Development, providing proactive support in planning, preparing and running the OOD meetings they chair.

- Oversee action tracking and follow-up for all meetings, ensuring progress is monitored, deadlines are met, and information is escalated where appropriate.

- Support wider departments of each of Executive Director/Directors, as well as wider organisational and project administration, as required, to ensure smooth operational functioning during the maternity leave period.

Build and manage projects and achieve work targets effectively

· Co-ordinate projects and ensure follow-up with team members where required.

· Create and manage systems to monitor performance of the Chapters, Projects and staff supervised by Executive Director/Directors: e.g. through reporting mechanisms and supervisions and appraisals.

· Maintain an action log Executive Director/Directors including following up with those responsible to ensure actions are taken. Manage their workflow and to-do list, assisting with prioritisation and the delegation of tasks to staff.

Learning, expertise and inclusion

· Undertake appropriate personal and professional development.

· Provide others with relevant and helpful advice and technical support.

· Proactive in maintaining own wellbeing at work.

Develop and manage internal and external relationships

· Build and maintain good working relationships with staff and stakeholders.

· Schedule meetings as required, setting agendas and circulating any papers.

· Work collaboratively across Citizens UK to ensure that interactions meet the expectations of our network and stakeholders.

· Take minutes at meetings as requested at other meetings where necessary e.g. Executive Team, CUK Leadership Team, staff meetings and external meetings.

· Manage and coordinate work within team and colleagues across CUK.

· Effectively liaise with external stakeholders, suppliers etc.

Communications

· Assist with drafting and producing communications e.g. newsletters, emails and other media, liaising with the Comms Team.

· Attend/dial in and take minutes of meetings.

· Provide team and stakeholders with regular, timely communications.

· Attend meetings and represent CUK effectively to audiences in meetings and at events.

Knowledge Management

· Ensure data is handled and managed in a GDPR compliant manner.

· Maintain an electronic filing system, ensuring processes and software are up to date and in working order.

Managing income and resources

· Ensure careful use and stewardship of CUK’s resources when booking venues, travel and incurring other expenses.

· Create and manage admin systems to track income resources effectively.

Contribute towards the CUK mission & strategic objectives Demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to the function and the core mission of CUK. Reliably implements and participates in the development of policies, procedures, and values in the delivery of work across the team.

Build and manage

projects and achieve

work targets

effectively Identifies opportunities, initiates and manages projects; incl. planning and organising work effectively. Delivers on functional KPIs and targets. Delivers to time and budget.

Learning, expertise

and Inclusion Keeps up-to-date with functional good practice, incl. within third sector. Tains and coaches others giving relevant advice and technical support., incl. ensuring team have access to training and development opportunities. Displays self-awareness of DEI issues and good practice. Considers the impact on direct reports. Acts as a role model for DEI awareness and implementation. Is alert to and manages the impact of DEI issues for direct reports and stakeholders.

Develop and manage

external

relationships Proactively develops and nurtures new and existing relationships that further CUK goals; manages a diverse range of relationships. Seeks feedback and acts to ensure that stakeholders are having a good experience of working effectively with CUK.

Develop and manage

internal

relationships Manages and coordinates their work within team and with colleagues across CUK. Effectively line managers and develops staff. Encourages a culture of transparency and sharing across CUK.

Communications Provides stakeholders with regular comms; ensuring their needs are met with timely, appealing, communication materials. Represents CUK effectively to audiences in meetings and at events.

Knowledge

Management Responsibility for ensuring team members record and store data accurately and GDPR compliantly.

Generate income

and resources Contributes to plans and proposals to grow sources of income/ manage resources. Negotiates with suppliers/ third parties to reduce cost base. Participates in the development of funding proposals.

Safeguarding, Health Proactively undertakes risk assessment and responsibility for team wellbeing.

& Safety & Wellbeing Proactive in maintaining own wellbeing and supporting direct reports in managing their own wellbeing at work.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

· Degree or Diploma in Business Administration or associated subject (D)

EXPERIENCE

· Provision of administrative and diary assistance to Executive level (E)

· Experience of handling a wide range of correspondence (E)

· Project management skills to track and monitor progress across teams (E) (D)

· Taking and writing minutes, developing reports and presentations (E) (D)

KEY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

· Able to build relationships with a range of people and communicate clearly (E)

· Advanced level Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook (E)

· Diplomatic approach and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. (E)

· Previously developed time management and prioritisation skills. (E)

PERSONAL QUALITIES & VALUES

· Ability to take initiative and work independently (E)

· Self-motivated and adaptable (E)

· A positive enthusiasm for working within third sector and aligned with Citizens UK’s values (E)

About the application process

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

We welcome applications from people who have significant legal aid experience in public law, housing law, and/or community care law, and who have undertaken strategic litigation. If this is you, and you meet the minimum criteria for the Legal Director role, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: We do not expect the postholder to generate legal aid income at a multiple of their salary. While we do aim to grow legal aid income across the team to an initial target of £25,000–£30,000 per annum, the focus of this role is on developing high‑quality legal aid practice and building sustainable income collectively, as part of a mixed‑income organisational model. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black and minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from working-class backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the issues we work on. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve, and we know that lived experience and diverse perspectives strengthen our legal practice and our work for systemic change. 

The Legal Director is a newly created senior leadership role and will lead and shape Release’s legal services, setting the strategic direction and ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, client‑centred representation. The role will expand access to justice through strong legal aid provision, embed harm reduction principles across all legal work, and uphold rigorous regulatory and ethical standards. It will also play a key role in sustaining Release’s commitment to training and developing the next generation of social justice lawyers.

This pivotal post combines oversight of a multidisciplinary legal team with movement‑driven advocacy and strategic litigation. The Legal Director will identify and pursue high‑impact cases to challenge unlawful policies and drive systemic change, while building strong external relationships with affected communities, policymakers, and partners. Working collaboratively, the role will co‑create innovative models of legal support that respond to emerging needs and amplify the voices of people most affected by drug laws and wider structural injustice.

As Legal Director, you will:

Set Strategic Direction: Define and implement strategies to expand legal aid provision, improve access to justice, and embed harm reduction principles across all legal work.
Lead and Inspire: Oversee a multidisciplinary team of solicitors, legal advisers, and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Ensure Excellence and Compliance: Maintain rigorous regulatory standards whilst driving forward progressive, client-centred approaches to legal practice.
Advance Systemic Change through Strategic Litigation: Identify and pursue high-impact cases to influence legislation, challenge unlawful policies, and dismantle barriers to justice for people who use drugs and other marginalised communities.
Engage Externally: Build powerful coalitions by engaging with affected communities, policymakers, stakeholders, and advocacy networks to drive legal and social reform.
Co-Create Innovative Service Solutions: Develop new models of legal support that respond to emerging needs, leverage technology, and amplify the voices of those most affected by drug policy and laws by working in partnership with them. 

This role is ideal for a visionary and inspiring leader who combines legal expertise with a commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and systemic transformation.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 9 years + post qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate, and
• Minimum 7 years + significant experience in legal aid supervision and regulatory compliance, and
• Minimum 3 years + proven leadership and team management skills, and
• Minimum 3 years + strategic litigation or test cases, and
• Strong commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable

• Experience working in a charity or non‑profit organisation.
• Experience supporting, contributing to, or developing test case work, policy‑linked casework, or other legal work aimed at achieving wider systemic or community impact, including through indirect, collaborative, or emerging roles.
• Understanding of the impact of drug policy and criminalisation on marginalised communities.
• Experience in developing new services, partnerships, or funding‑linked delivery models.

The BRIT School is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Communications to lead an evolving communications strategy that ensures the School remains the first choice for young, diverse artists.

This senior role has strategic responsibility for marketing, digital and social media, PR, alumni engagement, and brand management. You will be working directly with Principal Stuart Worden and be his voice in press releases, communications with industry, fundraising and lobbying environments. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Development Team, Trustees, and industry partners, the postholder will play a pivotal role in driving student recruitment, strengthening industry relationships, supporting fundraising ambitions, and enhancing the School’s national and international profile.

You are an experienced strategic marketing and communications leader with a passion for arts and education at senior level, you know how to build powerful brands, lead talented teams, and deliver campaigns that inspire, engage and drive real impact. Collaborative, adaptable and values-led, you bring strong digital, PR and storytelling skills, commercial awareness, and a genuine commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion—thriving in a creative, fast-moving environment.

Lead an organisation that transforms lives through literacy
Executive Director - Adult Literacy Trust
Time Commitment: 3-4 days per week
Location: Primarily home based, with regular meetings across London
Salary: £75,000 FTE (pro rata), plus pension and holiday entitlement

About Adult Literacy Trust
The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) believes that reading is a right, not a privilege. Today, more than 8 million adults in the UK struggle with functional literacy, limiting their access to education, employment, independence and opportunity. ALT exists to change that.

Founded in 2021, ALT provides personalised, one to one reading support for disadvantaged adults across some of London's most deprived communities. Volunteer Reading Coaches help learners build confidence, unlock opportunities, and rewrite the narrative of their lives. Retention among learners and volunteers is exceptionally high, and demand for the programme continues to grow.

Why This Role Matters
As Executive Director, you will shape a charity with the potential to change many lives.

You will:
- Drive strategic growth by leading an exciting expansion that will see ALT scale its programme across London and beyond.
- Champion the cause nationally, raising ALT's profile and influencing the policy landscape around adult literacy.
- Strengthen organisational foundations to ensure robust governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence.
- Build powerful partnerships with funders, adult learning providers, policymakers, and community organisations.
- Lead and empower a small, talented team - cultivating a culture of collaboration, commitment and learner centred impact.
- Amplify learner and volunteer voices by ensuring that those directly affected help shape our work.

What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring
- Improving literacy delivers life changing outcomes: employment, wellbeing, independence, confidence and community connection. Every adult who learns to read improves their own life chances and that of their family.
- ALT has a proven model, a solid funding base, excellent evaluation, a committed volunteer base, and a highly engaged Board (including trustees with lived experience).
- ALT is poised to expand rapidly and influence systemic change within the adult learning ecosystem.
- This role combines strategic leadership with hands on delivery. Perfect for someone who thrives in mission driven, entrepreneurial environments.

Ideal Candidate Profile
Skills and Experience
- Strategic leader with experience spanning operations, external affairs, and organisational growth.
- Proven fundraising track record, especially securing multi year grants; experience with major donors beneficial.
- Skilled relationship builder able to represent an organisation with credibility and warmth.
- Experience of financial management, governance, and compliance within a charity setting.
- Understanding of adult learning, literacy or education is desirable, but not essential.

Personal Attributes
- Visionary and adaptable, with strong strategic insight.
- Empathetic, collaborative and grounded in purpose.
- Excellent communicator, comfortable representing ALT publicly.
- Practical, hands on leader with a positive, solutions focused mindset.
- Deeply committed to equity, inclusion and community empowerment.

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold ALT's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 4th March 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 18th March 2026
First Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026
Final Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026

How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to ALT on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance.

For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in suicide prevention policy? We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team at Samaritans.  Join our team and help influence public policy to achieve our vision: fewer lives lost to suicide.

This is a meaningful, high impact role where your work will directly contribute to safer, more compassionate public policy.

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Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change in legislation and policy.  

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About the Role

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As Policy Officer, you will lead the development and influencing of policy positions on suicide prevention, using research and evidence to produce high-quality briefings, consultation responses and reports. You will build strong internal and external relationships, monitor the policy environment, and work collaboratively across the charity to communicate and advance our policy work.

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Contract

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• £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full Time (35hrs per week)
• Permanent
• Hybrid working with link to Ewell office
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

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What You’ll Do

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• Support the development of Samaritans’ policy positions on suicide prevention.
• Produce clear briefings, consultation responses and policy reports.
• Analyse complex evidence to inform policy development.
• Spot emerging policy issues and support research needs.
• Keep teams updated on policy changes across the UK and Ireland.
• Represent Samaritans at policy events and support external communications.
• Work closely with colleagues across nations to ensure cohesive policy approaches.

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What You’ll Bring

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• Experience in policy or public affairs and understanding of influencing national/local change.
• Strong ability to turn complex info into clear policy insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Understanding of mental health or suicide prevention issues.
• Knowledge of mental health/suicide prevention policy, charity sector experience, familiarity with Samaritans, or experience in research processes (desirable).

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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Apply now

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer short application questions (please keep your answers to max 300 words) and to upload your CV (please avoid special characters in the file name).

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We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

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​Applications close: Tuesday 3rd March

Interviews: w/c Monday 9th March

About the team​

The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.

The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
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About this role

The Research and Evidence Officer is a new and exciting role at Impetus, an organisation at the forefront of youth policy. Impetus is evidence led and impact focused and we take this approach to our policy and public affairs activity. 

The successful candidate will provide the robust data and insights needed to help us build a better understanding of young people’s experiences across education and employment, support colleagues by providing accurate data, analysis and insight that informs policy development and communication designed to improve their outcomes, and support the team to create compelling cases for change tailored to a range of audiences. They will be line managed by the Head of Education Policy but work across both employment and education policy domains. 

We are a busy team doing interesting and exciting work. Day-to-day you might be extracting insights from government published data, providing evidence for a policy briefing, drafting a report for a policy audience, or working with colleagues from across the team to communicate research findings in impactful ways, following agreed templates, processes and quality standards, and seeking clarification where needed.

We are looking for someone with a commitment to supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get the support they need for a fulfilling life, whatever that means to them. You will have good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, have the skills required to analyse a range of data sets, including confidence applying quantitative research methods to conduct primary and secondary analysis of large and complex datasets, and the ability to present research findings clearly.

This is an exciting time to join a rapidly growing organisation. We work on tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds including reducing the numbers losing learning though absence and exclusion, improving GCSE attainment in English and maths and ensuring youth employment provision reaches those furthest away from work. Your contribution to this work will have a tangible impact
on these and other areas.

We are keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.

We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find the link on the recruitment pack.

Key responsibilities
• Monitor monthly data releases and new research published across our areas of interest and record relevant information accurately following agreed templates and systems
• Use quantitative and qualitative research skills to support and contribute to the delivery of a range of research projects and reviews, conduct data analysis, and generate robust evidence across relevant policy areas and portfolio partner activity
• Translate complex data accurately into accessible reports, briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and other content ensuring accuracy, clarity and adherence to organisational templates and approval processes
• Use research findings to provide accurate evidence and summaries that support colleagues in developing policy positions, evaluating proposals, and proposing evidence-based solutions
• Prepare accurate briefing materials and background notes to support senior colleagues on relevant policy areas ahead of meetings and events (speaking events, roundtables, and senior-level stakeholder meetings)
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop content for external priority audiences to maintain and grow the profile of policy work, by preparing draft summaries, data points and visuals in line with agreed templates and style guides
• Support the policy team in gathering, organising, summarising and using evidence from portfolio partners
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing packs, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Support the Heads of Policy to build and maintain relationships with researchers, academics, and the education sector by writing briefings, maintaining a contact database, and representing Impetus’ interests at events
• Collaborate with peers to meet deadlines and deliver results, ask for clarification when needed, share information promptly, and work cooperatively to meet deadlines.

Person specification

​Essential​
• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and how these can be applied to policy and practice
• Ability to support the development of research tools including surveys, interview guides, and tailored data collection plans
• Experience of analysing data and evidence (quantitative and qualitative), including working with large or complex datasets ensuring accuracy and following agreed guidance
• Experience using statistical or data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, R, Stata, SPSS, or similar)
• Ability to interpret research findings and translate complex data into clear, accessible outputs to improve clarity for non-technical audiences (e.g. briefings, reports, presentations)
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate, and well-structured content for policy or public audiences which are in line with agreed templates and processes
• Ability to gather and summarise evidence that supports colleagues in developing policy positions and decision-making
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously. Able to follow established processes, manage own tasks, and maintain accurate records
• A commitment to working with collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and to contribute positively to a team-based working culture
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Desirable​

• Experience working in a policy, university or research environment, think tank, charity, or public sector environment
• An interest in education and/or employment policy and the use of evidence to drive systemic change and a willingness to build understanding
• Knowledge of the UK government and policy-making process, including the roles of departments, Parliament, and external stakeholders, and how research and evidence contribute to policy development and decision-making
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​About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today: ​

- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

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​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
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How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.​

You will need to:​

- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

This important role supports the operational delivery of the charity’s busy events programme and supports the team and running the office.

The events programme is diverse - from drinks receptions and report launches to events at agricultural shows across the UK - and support on administration for the wider charity, including some communications activity. Through these events, we drive awareness of our work supporting family farms and rural communities. In doing so we also garner support from funders to tackle the issues facing the countryside, ensuring our work reaches a diverse audience to raise awareness.

Under the direction of the Head of External Affairs, and with support of the wider staff team, you will be responsible for coordinating and running all the charity’s events, including full administrative support, booking venues, the invitation process and guest lists, organisation of collateral (including marketing and promotional information), catering arrangements and researching and inviting speakers. You will be also ensuring effective follow-up to each event such as wider dissemination of event content, evaluation, and reporting.

Working on events will account for approximately 75% of the role. The remaining time will be spent working across the charity undertaking a variety of administrative tasks. This will include supporting the team with mailings, coordination of specific activities and some general office management. Whilst reporting to the Head of External Affairs, this role will work closely with several team members, particularly the Executive Support & Governance Manager, providing a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and experience of different aspects of the charity’s work.

What we are looking for

This is an important role, and we’d like you to have a sound working knowledge of end-to-end event management and office experience within a charity or other professional environment.  To be successful you will be required to demonstrate a confident attitude supported by good written and verbal communication skills.  You must be comfortable using Microsoft office suite, events management platforms and our CRM system (currently Salesforce). You will be able to manage your time and prioritise your workload.  An ability to engage with a wide range of people is also advantageous. Most of all is the desire to provide first class customer service.

This position requires you to be a reliable individual with a detailed, methodical and organised approach who can work independently as well as part of a team. You will enjoy detail and managing data, all this supported by an interest in our work and the desire to develop a successful programme of events. You must be able to handle confidential information with discretion.

If you are organised, detail-oriented, and enjoy providing support in a fast-paced office environment, we would love to hear from you. This is an exciting role that would suit someone looking to gain wide-ranging experience in the charity sector and who is keen to have an outward-facing position enjoying regular contact with our supporters and those who benefit from the RCF’s support.