Head of policy jobs

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

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

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

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

We're looking for someone who:

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

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

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

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

Prospectus is pleased to be partnering with a leading global anti-corruption organisation to recruit for a Head of Policy on a permanent contract, operating with a hybrid working model which will include UK and international travel.

The Head of Policy provides strategic direction and leadership to advance policy impact by translating evidence into systemic change to strengthen defence and security institutions globally. The postholder will lead policy and stakeholder engagement at regional and global levels and support nationally led efforts to influence decision-makers towards reforms grounded in evidence informed policy positions. As part of the leadership team, the postholder formulates and advances policy positions within budget and resource plans and manages a small team of advocacy and policy staff. 

The successful candidate will bring significant experience from within the defence and security space. You will bring excellent stakeholder engagement skills, leveraging your networks in this area. You will have demonstrable success in advancing policies, and with some experience of managing teams. With an empathy and passion for the mission, you will also have the ability to build strong internal relationships quickly. Experience of anti-corruption is not essential for this role – this knowledge can be developed over time.

To apply please click through to the vacancy on the Prospectus website, where you can also view the full job description. Please submit your CV only in the first instance. You may be asked to provide a supporting statement or further information as part of the recruitment process.

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

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client, the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, in its search for a Deputy Head of Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement.

The postholder will join the academy’s Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement Team at an exciting time for its international policy and engagement work. Reporting to the Head of Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement, this role will play a key part in shaping and delivering the academy’s international engagement strategy, strengthening relationships with key international partners, and contributing to the academy’s growing influence across global policy debates. The role will work particularly closely with a fellow Deputy Head leading on the Global (Dis)Order international policy programme and help lead the academy’s international engagement and partnerships portfolio, with particular responsibility for global relationship-building and engagement with international organisations and networks.

A key aspect of the role will be helping to develop and deliver the academy’s international policy activities in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. This will include identifying emerging opportunities and challenges, coordinating evidence-based policy outputs, convening expertise from across the humanities and social sciences, and ensuring the academy's work informs and influences decision-making at national and international levels. The role will involve fostering relationships with researchers, policymakers, governments, multilateral organisations, funders, think tanks and international partners to ensure the academy remains an influential voice within global policy discussions. The role includes the management of two Senior International Policy Advisers and candidates will be working with colleagues in the wider team in a matrix fashion requiring adaptability and flexibility.

The successful candidate will bring strong policy development and delivery experience, excellent stakeholder management skills and an ability to operate confidently across complex international environments. Experience of international engagement, diplomacy, multilateral organisations, international research policy or government relations would be particularly valuable. The academy is open to candidates from a range of backgrounds, including research funding organisations, government, think tanks, international bodies, academia or the wider policy sector, who can demonstrate the ability to work across multiple policy areas and thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving environment. The role requires candidates who enjoy working at pace, convening different stakeholders, and working in a versatile manner across a broad and various landscape of international engagement and policy issues.

Please apply in the first instance and we will contact suitable candidates for further conversations. Interviews will take place in person on 11th September. If you are not going to be available for an in-person interview on these dates, please make this clear within your application.

The organisation welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity, and addressing under-representation. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

At Prospectus, we are committed to supporting you throughout your application journey. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Catherine Bunting at Prospectus.

This role leads the development of evidence-based, equity-driven research, policy and legal interventions that advance a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK.

About us

Uplift supports efforts to create a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK. We urgently need to phase out oil and gas drilling to stay within safe climate limits. Yet, despite having renewable resources in abundance, the UK remains Europe’s second largest oil and gas producer. We can and must be ambitious about moving past oil and gas production, while empowering and supporting workers and communities who rely on the industry for their livelihoods. Working with everyone from policy-makers and Parliamentarians, to academics and campaigners, Uplift undertakes research, analysis and campaigning to support a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK.