Education policy specialist jobs

About the Church Commissioners

Established in 1948, The Church Commissioners works to support the Church of England's ministry.

The main aspects to the work of the Church Commissioners are as follows:

Managing the endowment fund

The Investments team of c. 85 colleagues manages the Church's permanent endowment fund. This £11.1 billion fund (as at 31st December 2024) is one of the largest in the country and has its origins in Queen Anne's Bounty, which was established in 1704.

The fund represents a diverse investments portfolio, which is managed with a strong focus on responsible and ethical investments that enable the funding support for the Church of England to grow in line with agreed investment return targets.

Church-Facing Commissioner Teams

There are three Church-facing Commissioner Teams:

• The Church Buildings team of c. 35 colleagues supports dioceses and parishes with the care, conservation and development of historic church buildings, advises on permissions for changes to church buildings and provides guidance on architectural and heritage matters. It helps churches adapt for worship and community use and works with government to advise on policies that affect church buildings;
• The Mission & Pastoral Services team of c. 10 colleagues supports the creation, merger and closure of parishes and benefices. It oversees the adjustment of parish boundaries, supports dioceses on the legal framework for pastoral change, and handles the legal steps when a church building is no longer required for public worship, including finding suitable alternative uses or disposal;
• The Bishoprics & Cathedrals team of c. 40 colleagues advises on the provision of suitable housing and office accommodation for diocesan bishops and archbishops, funding bishops' working costs, and supporting cathedrals in their governance and sustainability. It also oversees , the historic library and record office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and the main archive for the documentary history of the Church of England.

Central Support and Governance

Overall, there are c. 10 colleagues in the Central support and governance team:

• The Commissioners' Secretariat team supports the Chief Executive, senior trustees and Board in all aspects of their governance;
• The Engagement Manager is responsible for working closely with a wide variety of Commissioners' teams to help ensure that the Church Commissioners has effective engagement with a wide variety of Stakeholders;
• The Strategic Programme management team varies in size depending on the strategic projects currently underway (see below for further details).

Church of England Central Services (ChECS)

The Church Commissioners is supported by a number of key enabling teams which are part of the Church of England Central Services. This NCI consists of Finance, Assurance, Technology, Data, Project Management, Communications and Legal teams. The ChECS team is c. 150 colleagues.

The Church Commissioners is accountable to Parliament, General Synod and, as a registered charity, to the Charity Commission. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the Commissioners' Chair and the current Deputy Chair is the Bishop of Salisbury. Three of the Commissioners' trustees are known as Church Estates Commissioners (CECs), who will be key stakeholders for this role. The First CEC chairs the Assets (investment) Committee and the Second CEC is an MP who helps exercise accountability to Parliament. Both are appointed by HM The King on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Third CEC chairs committees that oversee the work of the Church-facing Commissioner Teams and is appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Director of Strategy and Engagement has direct responsibility for Central Support and Governance, comprising the Commissioners' Secretariat (4 colleagues), the Engagement Manager and the Strategic Programme Management team (c. 5 colleagues). Additional Strategic Programme team members may be added as further strategic projects are commissioned.

Strategic focus

• Support the Chief Executive and Board with the development, articulation and delivery of the Commissioners' strategic business plan to enable it to support the mission and ministry of the Church of England, engaging widely and authentically in so doing;
• Act as a close adviser and sounding board for the Chief Executive and leadership team, ensuring the provision of accurate and timely advice, briefings and presentations;
• Assist in developing and delivering plans and projects to give life to the business plan.

Communications and stakeholder engagement

• Advise on, and support, stakeholder engagement. Develop and implement engagement and communications strategies for key stakeholders and leaders, e.g., bishops, parliamentarians, dioceses and General Synod (the Church's legislative and deliberative body). This includes major projects and programmes of work and liaison with the Communications team;
• Champion the views of key stakeholders and beneficiaries within the Commissioners, helping to ensure that business plans and projects reflect the perspectives of the wider Church.

Project support

• Manage complex or sensitive strategic projects and issues, thinking through the consequences of those projects, decisions and communications, including considering reputation matters.
• Facilitate the implementation of change plans, working closely with the Commissioners' leadership team and other NCI executive team colleagues.
• Support the implementation of cross-NCI programmes from the Commissioners' perspective;
• Use the Project and Programme Methodology adopted by the Church Commissioners and participate in current project governance structures - working with the PMO to continue to improve this.

Provide leadership and support to project teams, including:

• the Programme Spire team (which is managing a multi-year research programme to understand and respond to the charity's historic links to African chattel enslavement);
• any changes to the organisational structure for the Church Commissioners, ensuring they are provided with appropriate performance targets and support. This should be done working closely with the appropriate Finance and People teams.

Leadership and wider context

• Keep up to date with current events, trends and concerns which might affect the work of the Commissioners, NCIs and the wider Church;
• Support the wider Church as a senior leader, contributing to the development of the NCIs. Draw connections between operational activities in different teams, and with other NCI activities where appropriate.

• A salary of c.£95,000 plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 30 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

The National Gallery is seeking a dynamic professional to lead the delivery of a responsive Information Systems Service Desk and ITSM platform, ensuring exceptional support for National Gallery employees and contractors across on site and remote environments.

This role is pivotal to maintaining the availability and reliability of user facing IT systems, aligning them with the evolving needs of the business. A strong emphasis is placed on service delivery excellence, driving continuous improvement through analysis of service call history, trends, and response rates. Insights from this data will shape resource allocation and inform enhancements to IT infrastructure, ensuring the National Gallery information systems continue to meet organisational requirements and deliver value.

The successful candidate will coordinate with various departments across the Gallery including the IS team, working closely with both technical and non-technical teams to provide a reliable, responsive, and proactive service experience.

This is a hybrid role, with on-site presence required in line with business needs.

We will always stand by people standing up to an unjust immigration system. We provide a safe haven for people to rebuild their lives and our Immigration Manager role is a key part of that. Leading our biggest team, you will manage the delivery of our immigration advice projects and work with our Senior Legal Aid Advisor to oversee our legal aid contract. 

Main Role:

• Manage and motivate the Immigration Team and supervise the client work.
• Manage and conduct a caseload of immigration advice and casework.
• Ensure that LRMN complies with all regulatory bodies including SRA, IAA, Legal Aid Agency and ICO
• To be responsible for the professional development of the Immigration team 

Please see the job pack attached for additional information.

Do you have a passion for organising workers? The ITF is seeking a Regional Organiser to deliver high-impact organising programmes.

About the Role

As Regional Organiser, you will play a hands-on role supporting organising projects, campaigns and capacity-building initiatives with affiliates across the Asia Pacific region.

You will work directly with organisers, union leaders and workers to support membership growth, workplace mapping, planning and delivering campaigns, and strengthening union structures at workplace and sectoral levels.

This role offers a mix of strategic thinking and field-level involvement, requiring initiative, resilience and a commitment to worker empowerment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting affiliates in planning and delivering campaigns.
• Conducting research to inform strategy.
• Supporting membership expansion initiatives
• Facilitating training sessions for organisers and leaders.
• Conducting site visits and capacity-building activities.
• Supporting cross-border cooperation.
• Developing campaign materials and reports.
• Monitoring and evaluating organising outcomes.
• Building relationships with affiliates and organisers.

About You

You are a motivated and committed organiser who understands how to build worker power and support affiliates in achieving sustainable organising outcomes.

You engage comfortably with workers in diverse environments, facilitate discussions, gather insights and support activists to develop skills and confidence.

You bring strong communication skills, cultural awareness and the ability to adapt your approach to different contexts.

• Experience in union organising or campaigns.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to build relationships across stakeholders.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Ability to analyse workplace or sectoral information.
• Strong administrative and reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly.
• Experience supporting workplace leader development programmes.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to building stronger unions and improving working conditions across the Asia Pacific region.

You will gain exposure to organising across multiple countries and sectors and work with committed colleagues and affiliates.

The ITF’s values-driven culture offers opportunities for professional growth, global collaboration and involvement in impactful campaigns.

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Warwickshire 
Salary: £15,859.03 per annum

Contract type: Part Time, Permanent

Hours: 23 hours per week

This is an exciting opportunity to join Refuge as a domestic abuse refuge worker, providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children living in our refuge accommodation in Warwickshire.

The post holder will work closely with survivors from the point of crisis and admission to the refuge, through to move on from the emergency accommodation. This involves providing a personalised, holistic support and safety plan, enabling survivors to access housing, welfare, benefits and legal advice.  

You will also work in partnership with both statutory and voluntary sector partners to ensure that the whole range of survivors’ needs are met.

A key requirement is to ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 12 January 2026

Interview Date: 20 January 2026

ob Title: Health Advocate Educator

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £12,928.56 per annum 
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent

Hours: 18.75 hours per week. Monday and Tuesday – 9am-5pm and Wednesday – 9am-12:45pm. Occasional late shift: 12:30pm – 8:30pm on a rota basis (approximately 2-3 days a month) 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.

The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors. 

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 5 January 2026

Interview Date: 12 January 2026

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

YMCA What is Sexual Exploitation (WiSE) is our child sexual exploitation project which works with children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. Our primary focus of work is supporting young people affected by exploitation through raising awareness, education and empowerment.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Male Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner. This role involves providing specialist support, working across Sussex and Surrey to provide case work support and group interventions to boys and young men at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation, as well as those exhibiting harmful sexual behaviour. You will deliver outreach sessions in various settings, collaborate with professionals to support interventions leading to prosecutions, and provide training on boys/young men and sexual exploitation.

Due to the sensitive nature of the client group and in order to ensure that the young people feel safe, supported and understood, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be male, as permitted under the Equality Act 2010.

A full driving licence and access to a car are essential due to the wide geographic area covered by the service. You will be required to visit head office in Hove once a week for an anchor day. The other days will be across Sussex and Surrey in the community

In delivering the role, the key responsibilities are:

• Carry a caseload of boys and young men identified as exhibiting harmful sexual behaviours and/or being sexually exploited
• Work collaboratively with other professionals to provide intensive and holistic support
• Maintain detailed case notes and contribute to reports
• Facilitate group work interventions in schools, accommodation projects and youth groups
• Deliver detached sessions in various settings to engage at-risk boys and young men
• Provide expertise and increase awareness of harmful sexual behaviour and sexual exploitation
• Contribute to WiSE Child Exploitation training and awareness campaigns

About You – If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we are looking for.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Proven experience in safeguarding young children
• Experience providing casework support to boys and young men
• Group work experience with young people
• Safeguarding children and young people at risk of serious harm
• Delivering and risk assessing outreach work with young people
• Knowledge of risks posed to vulnerable young people through sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour
• Significant knowledge and understanding of boys and young men and their lives

Qualifications:

• Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 4 January at midnight. We reserve the right to close this advert early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider. 

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider. 

Job Title: Health Advocate Educator - Maternity Cover

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (from 1 March 2026 until 1 April 2027 - Maternity cover)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.

The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors. 

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 6 January 2026

Interview Date: 15 January 2026

GADN is recruiting for a new Director (Job share – Funding, Finance and Governance)   

GADN brings together NGOs and individual experts committed to achieving gender equality and the rights of women and girls in all their diversity across the world.  Our Secretariat is a small but highly respected team coordinating advocacy towards the UK Government and supporting our members to promote best practice. 

This new position will work alongside the existing Director to provide strategic direction and vision to the network and oversee the organisation’s operational work. In addition, the primary purpose of this role will be to bring in new sustainable sources of funding for the network in an increasingly difficult funding climate, and to ensure the smooth running of financial and administrative systems and Board governance.

We are looking for someone with leadership skills and vision who is passionate about our work and able to enthuse others. The ideal candidate will have a track-record in securing new funds and experience of external representation at senior levels with donors. You will bring experience in management, ideally at a senior level, and an understanding of budgets and financial planning.

This is an 18-month fixed-term position, for 14 hours a week.

If you are interested in applying, please review the job description and complete the application form by 9pm GMT on Wednesday 7 January 2026.

GADN values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences to join our team. As we continue working to decolonise our practice and build an anti-racist organisation, we actively welcome applications from Black women and Women of Colour who we recognise are under-represented in the UK international development sector. Selection will be based on skill, experience and suitability for the role. If you share our core commitments, we would love to hear from you!

Job Title: Health Advocate Educator - Full Time

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.

The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors. 

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 7 January 2026

Interview Date: 19 January 2026

Your role will be to support women practically and emotionally as they go through the criminal justice system.

Overall Objectives

To work within a multi-agency setting to provide a proactive service to adult victims of sexual violence within and outside the criminal justice system to:

Risk assess and maintain client safety

Help clients access their rights

Monitor and keep clients informed of case progress and provide support through the criminal justice system

Help clients access health and other services they require

Build ongoing relationships with loved ones of a victim/survivor engaged in the ISVA service

Provide an information point for loved ones on the CJS

Social Development Direct is a mission-driven, international development consultancy with a global reputation for excellence in gender equality and social inclusion. As a social enterprise subsidiary of Plan International UK, we combine commercial agility with a deep commitment to social change.

We are seeking a Managing Director who will lead the next phase of SDDirect’s development, advancing the organisation’s influence and impact. 

The Managing Director will report into the CEO of Plan International UK and the SDDirect Board, and will provide inspirational leadership to SDDirect’s talented and motivated executive and staff, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver excellent technical quality alongside sustainable commercial performance.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a dynamic, values-led and engaging leader, with drive, resilience and commercial acumen.A high level of commercial awareness combined with a social justice technical background, and a proven track record of successfully leading and managing a commercial enterprise, consultancy or similar organisation or unit in the international development sector, is highly preferable for this position.

For more information about the company, role and responsibilities, please find the full job description and person specification below. 

How to Apply: Please click 'Redirect to recruiter' for details on how to apply for this position.

If you would like a confidential discussion about the role, please get in touch with Sue Griffiths, Managing Director, to arrange this. Contact details can be found in the job description.

Use your strategic human resource leadership skills to help bring freedom from slavery and violence.

At IJM, we’re seeing the impossible become reality: entire justice systems transformed, violence reduced by up to 85%, and thousands of lives transformed. Now we’re stepping into a new season—scaling to rescue and protect millions.

To get there, we’re looking for an HR Business Partner to support the growth of our Programme Offices and Advancement Offices in Europe and Africa. You will serve as a bridge between regional and global leaders, ensuring we are aligned to our ambitious global mission and priorities. You will develop a strategic HR function for the region that supports talent acquisition and development, embeds our culture of agility and partnership, data-driven decision-making and spiritual formation.

You will bring outstanding HR business partnering experience at progressively senior levels, ideally within complex, matrixed and global organizations, a passion for justice and a mature Christian faith.

If you’re ready to put your strategic HR leadership skills to work so that all may be free, please see the job pack attached and prayerfully consider joining us. Closing date 7th January.

The post-holder will be based at GMRC but work alongside TRC and MASH women’s services and work within the pathfinder partnership, across all partner organisations, providing high quality, evidence based, low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based interventions using a guided self-help model, to clients with who have experienced sexual trauma but also have additional mental health needs.