Head of research and programme policy jobs
L&W is growing our research team and looking for a Head of Research to lead innovative, impactful research and evaluation projects across our focus areas of employment and skills.
This role will expand our capacity to win and deliver evaluation and qualitative research, while strengthening our methodological capability. We’re open-minded about what that means—but we want people who can go beyond standard process evaluations and basic qualitative approaches. You might have experience mapping and evaluating complex system-level change, applying realist evaluation methods, or developing co-design and participatory research projects. You will have have applied these while working alongside the practitioners and policymakers who need these insights to make decisions.
You will join a team that is enthusiastic about learning and improving, and a peer group of experienced qualitative and quantitative research leaders who you will work alongside.
If you have research consultancy experience and want to join a purpose-driven organisation that delivers real impact locally and nationally, we’d love to hear from you. But you might come from a different professional background and still meet our criteria.
Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.
Team:Research and Development
Salary:£45,650-£59,080 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location
Duration:Permanent
Working hours:0.6 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (eg, condensed hours, flexible start and finish times
Main Purpose
The Head of Research: Evaluation and Qualitative Methods is a new post for L&W – as we seek to deepen our capability and expand our capacity.
The post-holder will direct research projects across all of our areas of work, providing specific leadership and expertise in programme and system-level evaluations, and projects mobilising innovative or advanced qualitative methods (such as system mapping, co-design methods, ethnographic methods, creative methods and/or theory-based/realist evaluation).
They will work with the Head of Research: Employment and Better Work to develop the wider qualitative and evaluative skills of the wider research team.
They will also play a key role in leading and writing responding to tenders and working with colleagues to develop pro-active research proposals that fill key evidence gaps and respond to the interests of our funders. They will be a good relationship manager – who can understand what commissioners are interested in, and shape projects to deliver meaningful insights that solve the problems practitioners and policymakers face across employment and skills.
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and management
- Line manage members of the R&D team
- Co-lead the qualitative methods group at L&W: supporting the wider research team to develop their skills.
Income
- Write and contribute to reactive and proactive funding proposals across L&W’s areas of work, with a specific focus on process and theory-based evaluations, and proposals using advanced/innovative qualitative methods
- Build relationships with current and potential funders
- Identify and build relationships with research partners
Impact
- Ensure that all projects under their direction generate meaningful insights and recommendations that respond to the real-world concerns and challenges faced by practitioners and policymakers
- Communicate insights clearly and effectively to funders and other stakeholders
Delivery
- Act as Project Director for research and evaluation projects: liaising with funders; shaping research proposals and plans; supporting project managers; leading project meetings; ensuring project margins are delivered effectively; carrying out research directly where appropriate
- Work with External Affairs team to develop appropriate comms and influencing plans for projects under your direction
- Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team
Person Specification
Expericence
Experience of delivering and directing high-quality programmes evaluation and policy-relevant research: shaping research plans, working with funders and delivering meaningful insights -Essential
Experience of responding to research and evaluation tenders and writing proposals. -Essential
Experience of managing, supporting and developing researchers and research managers -Essential
Experience of carrying out research and evaluation in the areas of employment and skills -Desirable
Skills
Advanced qualitative evaluation and research skills, eg. One or more of theory-based evaluation, ethnographic methods, creative/art-based methods, co-design methods, system-level evaluation -Essential
Effective and efficient relationship management -Essential
Clear and direct written communication style -Essential
Knowledge
Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose -Essential
Demonstrable knowledge in the areas of employment and skills policy and practice -Desirable
Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.
Job Title - Managing Director of Research Programmes (UK)
Contract – Permanent
Hours - 35 hours per week
Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum (negotiable)
Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional travel and some working from home as agreed
About Coram
Coram, which is the oldest children’s charity, is a group of specialist organisations; we help more than 1 million children and young people from infancy to independence, creating positive change that lasts a lifetime.
Established by Royal Charter in 1739, as the Foundling Hospital, and operating from its distinctive 3.5 acres headquarters in the heart of London, Coram has built a position of insight, influence, and research by working closely with other organisations and other sectors, universities and government, professionals, and families. We have ambitious plans for the future, to be the UK’s leading recognised research organisation, dedicated to improving life chances as the Institute for Children.
About the role
This role works directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team in achievement of this vision and strategy; it will lead the advancement of the Coram Institute for Children as a UKRI recognised independent research organisation (IRO), drive research capacity and capability, champion and deliver internal and external evaluations, advance Coram’s sector credibility and relationships, and inform and contribute to the group’s reach, relevance and results.
This senior position leads a large team of mixed methods researchers and data analysts and comprises an important opportunity for a credible research leader and experienced charity senior manager who is dynamic and multi-skilled with an entrepreneurial approach to lead the only IRO in the children and young people’s sector.
The successful candidate will have a strong business focus and commitment to translating research findings into policy and practice and direct experience of securing research council funding, or funding from sources such as What Works Centres, local and central government or Trusts and Foundations.
You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong critical thinking ability, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.
To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S will not be accepted.
Closing date: 18th February 2026 at 12 noon
Interview date: 26th & 27th February 2026
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
Coram changes lives, laws and systems to create better chances for children, now and forever.
We are looking for someone with excellent communication and organisational skills to support with developing and communicating policy positions that contribute to the charity’s key strategic objectives.
In this dynamic role, you’ll work as a core part of the team and across the wider organisation to coordinate and draft responses to consultations and lead on responding to policy enquiries.
Your ability to influence and work together with others will help you to succeed as Policy Officer to learn from colleagues and external networks in order to contribute to policy positions, confidently represent Diabetes UK and influence others appropriately.
You will also be keen to seek out opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills and have an appetite to develop expert knowledge in particular policy areas.
Join us and be a part of something truly transformative. Together, we can change the narrative around diabetes and make a positive difference to the lives of people impacted by the condition.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
Leading national policy strategy
As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan. Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall.
You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:
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Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services
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Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits
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Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups
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Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people
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National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level
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Professional development standards for school inclusion
Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier
In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders. You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.
Building the evidence base
In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.
Raising your voice
This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post, you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas. You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will:
Design and execute an impactful influencing plan
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Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones.
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Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.
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Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks.
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Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.
Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation
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Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives.
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Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert.
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Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic.
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Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change.
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Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.
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Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus.
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Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact.
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Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference.
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Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following:
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Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice.
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Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).
We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply.
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a dynamic Senior Research & Analysis Officer to manage and deliver information, data, and analysis to help Youth Futures build evidence for impact.
This is an opportunity for a researcher with excellent data analysis, trial design and data skills to work widely across a busy and ambitious directorate, helping us understand and address youth unemployment in England.
Working with two teams in the Impact and Evidence Directorate, you will gain experience and contribute meaningfully across a range of research and evaluation activities.
- You will work with the Head of Evaluation and Principal Economist to support the design, delivery and management of data systems; scope, commission and manage high-quality evaluations; and conduct data analysis and quantitative social and economic research.
- You will also use your analytical expertise to extract insights from data, identify trends, and liaise with policy and communication teams to prepare outputs for external use.
- You will support the work of YFF’s evaluation team in generating new evidence for employment support programmes and Employer Practice through impact evaluations, including Randomised Controlled Trials.
- The role also offers opportunities to work on data visualisations for effective communication of data and research insights.
This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.
For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.
Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.
We are the national What Works Centre for youth employment, with a specific focus on marginalised young people.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About WeProtect Global Alliance
Who we are
WeProtect Global Alliance is a global movement dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation and abuse of children online. We bring together governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to create a safer digital world where every child can thrive.
Our Alliance connects over 300 members from across the globe, uniting diverse expertise and resources to protect children from harm, no matter where they are.
WeProtect Global Alliance is supported by a small, high-performing Secretariat of remote working staff based in the UK/Ireland and is overseen by an influential Global Policy Board drawn from our membership.
Our vision
A digital world free of child sexual exploitation and abuse
Our mission
To work together to build, engage and support a diverse, child-centred global network with the commitment, knowledge and skills to tackle technology-facilitated child sexual abuse and exploitation.
What we do
We focus on driving policy change, fostering international collaboration, and promoting cutting-edge research to combat online child abuse.
Through shared data, insights, and best practices, we empower our members to develop more effective solutions and inspire a coordinated global response.
With a steadfast commitment to child safety, WeProtect Global Alliance stands as a catalyst for change, advocating for a world in which technology empowers and protects children, not endangers them.
Together, we’re creating lasting impact and building a future where every child is safe online.
More information on who we are and what we do can be found on our website.
Job description
Key responsibilities
· To lead the Strategy team, ensuring the research and policy portfolios are informed by best practice to achieve our mission and vision, while embodying our values. This includes working across the Secretariat to deliver the existing strategy.
· To be a thought leader, keep abreast of external trends and developments and changing circumstances to ensure the WeProtect Global Alliance Strategy remains relevant, targeted and focused on improving outcomes for children and young people in a rapidly changing legislative, operational and technological landscape.
· To be accountable for strategy, research, policy and cross organisational projects and work streams. This includes planning and organising relevant performance and delivery areas, being mindful of cross-cutting impacts and priorities.
· To be accountable for the commissioning, delivery and impact of strategic projects, ensuring they are led and informed by participatory principles to reflect the diversity of our membership, embed lived experience, and deliver the WeProtect Global Alliance mission.
· To ensure the effective delivery of the WeProtect Global Alliance Strategy in a fast paced, politically sensitive and rapidly changing external environment, including participating in and leading (where relevant) annual business planning, forecasting, setting, monitoring, reviewing and reporting on budgets and relevant donor requirements to support effective decision making throughout the year.
· To provide exemplary leadership and line management to staff, including appraisals, supervision, team meetings, delegating, managing, engaging, developing and supporting staff to be the best they can be and achieve our strategic objectives in accordance with our vision and values.
· Lead and develop effective working relationships with external partners, stakeholders, members and staff to maximise the collective impact of WeProtect Global Alliance (governmental, public, private, civil society and advocacy communities).
· To take accountability for preparing papers, reports and presentations for internal and external meetings including senior management meetings, executive team, trustee, board and reference groups meetings. To attend, chair, and contribute to meetings, briefings, reviews, due diligence and auditing and compliance activities.
· Represent the Executive Director at internal and external events, share peer responsibility for problem solving challenges, creating a ‘one team’ approach to delivery and deputising were appropriate.
· To be an ambassador, spokesperson and representative of WeProtect Global Alliance Secretariat at external events.
Expectations
Senior Management Team (SMT)
As a member of SMT, you will also have a pivotal role to play in supporting and improving the organisations effectiveness as we implement the WeProtect Global Alliance new strategy, operating model and ways of working to ensure we remain effective, responsive and relevant in an increasingly polarized political landscape as we enter the fourth industrial revolution.
Cross-Functional Operational Collaboration
Contribute to WPGA operational processes and systems, working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver cross-functional projects that strengthen the reach and impact of the Secretariat.
Building an inclusive culture
Play a proactive role in ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in everything we do.
Embrace diversity and recognise different perspectives within collaborative working to create a more impactful and effective organisation.
Commit to ensuring all employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, feel like they belong and promote equality in physical and mental health for all.
Other
· To attend and contribute to meetings, training and other events as required.
· To actively participate in our supervision and appraisal process.
· To ensure that all responsibilities and activities within this post are delivered in accordance with WeProtect Global Alliance core values and relevant corporate, organisational, financial and compliance policies.
· To travel to meetings which may require the need to work unsociable hours, for example attending evening or weekend meetings.
· To adhere to relevant legal and statutory requirements including Data Protection Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
· To use WeProtect Global Alliance resources responsibly.
As a global, multi-sector alliance, ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in everything we do is a critical priority. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to be impactful and effective. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equality in physical and mental health for all.
Person specification
Essential criteria
Experience
· Significant senior experience and demonstrable record leading a Strategy Team to deliver an ambitious child centred mission on the global stage.
· Outstanding leadership and team management experience, including experience coaching and line managing direct reports.
· Demonstrable effective influencing and negotiation skills and political judgment with a proven track record building productive and impactful professional relationship and partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organisations.
· Proven experience leading change and transformation with demonstrable qualities as a change agent.
· Demonstrable senior management level experience in project management, financial, donor and budget management, monitoring, evaluation and lesson learning across the fields of strategy, research and policy.
· Significant experience commissioning high quality, high value research and policy projects and able to demonstrate the use of insights in long term planning and impact frameworks.
Skills
· Outstanding communication skills and ability to effectively engage and build meaningful relationships with internal and external staff and stakeholders at all levels.
· Excellent self-management skills to work independently, autonomously and as part of a team, using own initiative and being flexible and adaptable to deliver as ‘one team’.
· Exemplary IT, project management, financial management and donor engagement skills.
· Demonstrable excellent planning and organisation skills to deliver work to agreed timescales and standards.
Knowledge
· Knowledge and understanding of WeProtect Global Alliance mission, vision, values and ambition and how it applies to this post.
· Knowledge and understanding of a child centred approach to participation, advocacy and EDI and how it applies to this post, with a focus on embedding effective policies and processes.
· Awareness of global child protection policies and procedures within the digital arena and a genuine passion for child protection.
Other
· Right to work in the UK.
· A willingness to travel and work unsocial hours (time in lieu can be claimed).
· Commitment to your own continuing professional and personal development.
· To uphold high standards of work, standards and conduct in line with WeProtect Global Alliance values.
Diversity, inclusion and equity
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those of different ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities and lived experiences. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are part of communities that are under-represented in our sector.
Safeguarding and values
As a child-focused organisation, we have a strong commitment to child safeguarding and rigorous procedures. The successful candidate will be required to provide two referees and to undergo a criminal record check.
All staff are expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with our values and in compliance with our policies and procedures, including our Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
Our values are:
Empowerment – collaboration, innovation, challenge
Accountability – responsibility, delivery, safeguarding
Respect – honesty, feedback, inclusion
Applicants should provide an up-to-date CV as well as a covering letter of no more than two pages setting out why you want to work for WeProtect Global Alliance and summarising how you meet the person specification.
WeProtect Global Alliance is driven by a single mission: to protect children from the pervasive dangers of sexual exploitation and abuse online.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will help ensure London Youth is a credible, influential voice on issues affecting young people and the organisations that support them. Sitting within the Fundraising and Communications Directorate, you will work closely with the CEO, senior leadership, and youth participation, communciations, fundraising and delivery colleagues to deliver demonstrable external influence and impact.
You will craft clear, evidence-based policy positions that shape debate and influence decision-making at London and national level, ensuring the policymakers understand and respond to the realities facing young people in London. Through effective internal engagement, you will also ensure colelagues and our members are well-informed and equipped to respond to key policy developments.
You will successfully represent the voice of London Youth's members and the young people they support, helping to secure greater recognition, investment, and support for youth services. By building strong relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, and sector partners working to address the issues affecting young people inthe capital, you will help position London Youth as a trusted and respected contributor to relevant policy discussions.
At a time of significant change across the youth sector, you will play a central role in campaigning for systematic change and in building the profile of London Youth and the wider voluntary sector as the Government's 10-year National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, is implemented. You will help ensure commitments translate into meaningful outcomes for young people, particularly in relation to youth services, enrichment opportunities, and support for young people not in education, employment, or training, and strengthen long-term investment in youth provision.
What you will be doing
You will lead the development and delivery of London Youth's policy and public affairs work, building a clear and consistent understanding of the London and national context for young people and youth organisations. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, including communications, fundraising, delivery, and MEL, you will help develop a clear and compelling case for support and influence.
You will work in close partnership with the CEO and CEO's office, acting as a trusted policy adviser, supporting the CEO's external policy engagements, positioning, and relationships with senior policymakers and influencers.
You will monitor emerging political and policy developments and relevant funding announcements, providing insight and analysis to identify opportunities for engagement. You will draft swift organisational responses to key policy announcements, in collaboration with the CEO and communications team, and ensure relevant intelligence and opportunties inform the work of the fundraising team.
You will develop, maintain, and communicate evidence-based policy positions, insights, and priorities, convening our members regularly to inform clear policy asks and advocacy. You will shape briefings and consultation responses that reflect the needs of London Youth's members and the young people they support. You will shape policy positions and provide high-quality briefings ahead of key senior-level engagements.
You will oversee and track our policy influencing activity, identifying emerging policy developments, coordinating internal input, engaging stakeholders and representing London Youth in external policy and public affairs forums, and reporting on the impact of our policy work.
You will strengthen policy work through insight and engagement, analysig relevant data and research from our membership and working with the Learning and Impact Lead to ensure insights from London Youth's network inform policy development. You will also identify opportunities for members and young people from our Youth Board to engage in policy work, including through consultations, networks, and events.
You will build and maintain strong relationships with key London and national stakeholders, identifying opportunities for partnership working with other organisations and ensuring London Youth has a visible, credible voice in debates affecting young people.
You will contribute to London Youth's communications, campaigns, and profile, working with colleagues to shape policy activity across digital channels, produce engaging written content including articles and speeches, craft organisational messaging, support youth-led engagement, and contribute to London Youth's thematic networks, influencing events and media opportunities.
What you bring to the role
Knowledge and Experience:
- Strong understanding of how policy is developed in the London and national context, and experience of engaging with political agendas on behalf of a charitable or membership organisation.
- Experience in developing robust policy positions, responses, and solutions, and influencing politicians and decision-makers.
- Up-to-date, proven experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement or a related policy-influencing role, with a clear track record of driving meaningful change.
- Good understanding of UK parliamentary and government processes, and of current policy areas impacting young people in London and across the UK.
- Experience of producing a range of briefings and written materials, including research findings, public statements, consultation responses, and briefings for senior colelagues.
- Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with opinion-formers and other key stakeholders.
Attributes and Behaviours:
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially when it comes to policy partners.
- Demonstrate confidence to engage and build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including those at senior level.
- A confidence verbal communicator and presenter able to represent London Youth within policy forums, consortia, and networking events.
- Demonstrate ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team, with proven ability to innovate and deliver change.
- Demonstrate ability to analyse, summarise, and present evidence to different audiences.
- Demonstrate a commitment to ensuring young people have prominent platforms to voice their views directly on the issues that affect them.
- Demonstrate a commitment to strengthening London's Youth sector.
- Be willing to work some evenings and the occasional weekend.
- Understanding and supporting the vision, mission, and aims of London Youth.
Demonstrate living our values of being:
- Ambitious
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Accountable
Why work at London Youth
- Generous holiday allowance - 39 days paid holiday each year (including bank holidays and closure days). Pro-rata if you work part time.
- Employer 4% pension contribution
- Additional leave granted to support voluntary activity
- Free Health Care Cash Plan
- Free access for you and your family to the Employee Assistance Programme
- Free access to the 'Headspace' app for you and your family
- Flexible working opportunities considered
- You'll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth
- You will be making a difference to the lives of young people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Head of Clinical Governance will lead and enhance the organisation’s commitment to delivering high-quality, safe care for children. This role is pivotal in overseeing clinical governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, managing clinical risks, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. The postholder will work collaboratively across teams to promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement, aligning with The Children’s Trust’s strategic objectives. Whilst the post directly reports to the Director of Nursing and Quality, the remit of the role spans the whole organisation and works across all clinical directorates.
Interview date: to be confirmed
This role is not open for sponsorship.
Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Governance
- Develop and maintain an effective clinical governance framework that supports safe and high-quality care.
- Facilitate regular clinical governance meetings to discuss performance, incidents, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensure that clinical pathways and practices are aligned with best practice guidelines and evidence-based standards.
Patient Safety
- Lead initiatives to enhance patient safety across all services, promoting a culture of transparency and reporting.
- Implement and maintain the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), ensuring that learning from incidents is captured and shared.
- Monitor and report on patient safety metrics, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring appropriate action plans are developed.
Clinical Risk Management
- Identify, assess, and manage clinical risks within the organisation, ensuring effective risk mitigation strategies are in place.
- Conduct regular reviews of incident reports and risk assessments to inform organisational learning and development.
- Oversee the management of serious incidents, ensuring thorough investigations and appropriate follow-up actions are completed.
Quality Improvement
- Develop and implement quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and experiences.
- Lead quality impact assessments for new initiatives or changes in practice, evaluating potential risks and benefits and manage the organisational governance in relation to these.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to promote a culture of continuous quality improvement.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, standards, and guidelines, including CQC regulations and national safety frameworks.
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of regulatory changes and ensure organisational policies and practices reflect these updates.
- Coordinate and draft the annual organisation quality account.
Clinical Audit
- Design and implement a comprehensive clinical audit program that evaluates the quality of care and compliance with clinical standards.
- Analyse audit findings to identify trends and areas for improvement, facilitating the development of action plans.
Incident Management
- Oversee the incident management process, ensuring that incidents are reported, investigated, and learned from effectively.
- Develop strategies to communicate learning from incidents across the organisation to promote a culture of safety.
Professional Standards
- Promote adherence to professional standards and best practices among clinical staff, ensuring high levels of accountability and professionalism.
- Monitor compliance with organisational policies and procedures, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Policies and Procedures
- Develop, review, and update clinical policies and procedures to ensure they align with current best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure all staff are trained and knowledgeable about relevant policies and procedures.
Medical Records
Ensure that medical records are maintained accurately and confidentially, supporting patient safety and care continuity.
Medicines Management
- Line manage the lead pharmacist and wider pharmacy team
- Oversee medicines management processes, ensuring compliance with best practices and safe medication administration.
Complaints and Patient Experience
- Manage the complaints process, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately, and lessons learned are disseminated.
- Work to enhance patient experience through feedback mechanisms, ensuring that patient voices are heard and acted upon.
General
- Undertake other or additional duties that are within your skills and abilities, as the organisation may reasonably require from time to time.
- Act as a critical member of the Nursing and Care senior leadership team.
Health and Safety
Adhere to all Health and Safety guidelines, principles and regulations required to perform your role and comply with The Children’s Trust policies and procedures.
Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience
- Maintains a positive approach and outlook when dealing with change and overcoming challenges and problems.
- Recognises own limitations, develops realistic goals, and uses support network resource when or if necessary.
- Treats challenges and problems as a learning experience.
- Remains organised and focused when under pressure.
- Responds appropriately and effectively to all constructive feedback.
- Motivates self and other.
Education & Qualifications:
- Active NMC membership
- Educated to Masters degree level in a relevant area (or relevant experience), and / or with relevant post graduate teaching or leadership qualifications.
Experience:
- Evidence of significant operational leadership experience at AfC band 8a equivalent or above
- Experience working with children with learning disability
- Experience of working within quality and clinical governance dedicated roles
- Experience within training/education/practice-based education and presenting effectively to a variety of audiences
- Experience managing significant budgets
- Experience writing business cases for service proposals
- Experience of effective partnership working with internal and external stakeholders
- Management of change
Skills & Abilities:
- Dynamic, passionate, open, participative, and supportive leadership style
- Strong influencing skills
- Ability to develop and deliver innovative training programmes
- Clinically credible in own area of practice
- Able to deliver a multi-faceted service balancing the capacity of each area to meet service needs and priorities.
- Effective communicator
Knowledge:
Strong understanding of:
- Health care educational framework and of developing training strategies
- Clinical and operational audit data and analysis/presentation methodology
- Multidisciplinary team working
- Care of children with learning disabilities
- Safeguarding
- Quality improvement programmes and methodologies
Personal Qualities:
- Commitment to the vision and values of The Children’s Trust.
- Flexible and ‘can do’ attitude to competing commitments in workload.
- Highly motivated and reliable.
- Ability to cope working in a demanding environment.
- Commitment to maintaining personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of colleagues.
About Us
The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.
Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.
Staff Benefits
The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits on our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.
We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.
Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Rehabilitation of Offenders
Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected. The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.
Online Searches
In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
By providing finance and support, at SIB we enable charities and social enterprises to exist, grow and thrive. We have disbursed £0.8bn to thousands of organisations since 2002. Our team believes in the power of the social economy, champions the charities and social enterprises we support - and we are all working together to build stronger communities and a fairer society.
It is a hugely exciting time to join the organisation. We are growing, investing in our expert team, and building on the successes of the last few years.
Find out more about our values and what we do by visiting our website.
Our values are: People First, Curious, Bold, Collaborative, Accountable
About this role:
Reporting to the Head of Policy and Communications, the Policy and Communications Coordinator will support SIB’s track record of sector, government and media engagement, notably the high standard of publication set through its media partnerships with Tortoise and the Financial Times, its contributions to the policy landscape in the social sector, and its in-house data analysis and insight generation. This new post will contribute to SIB’s ongoing communications and public policy work and its reach and influence, building on a growing base of expertise across SIB’s three strategic priority areas: Green Transition, Infrastructure and Services.
Key responsibilities
1. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to deliver the Policy and Communications strategy for SIB.
2. Making use of media and parliamentary tracking software keep abreast of SIB’s strategic policy areas, sharing accessible updates and digests of relevant legislation and central and local government programming and media coverage.
3. Attend / watch online relevant parliamentary committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and Commons and Lords sessions, capturing relevant outcomes and identifying MPs and Lords that SIB should seek to work with / influence.
4. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to identify a key parliamentary contacts list. Create tailored communications for these key contacts which share relevant statistics and case studies from SIB’s portfolio, alongside policy influencing lines. This will include drafting questions and briefings where relevant, and ensuring that regular contact is maintained.
5. Support the drafting of consultation responses and press releases using SIB’s core messaging, reporting, research and data.
6. Support SIB’s annual party conference attendance with coordination and administration in advance and in person.
7. Support the Head of Policy and Communications with attendance at influencing meetings and webinars with, for example, the Association of Decentralised Energy, Community Energy England, Locality, Better Society Capital, the Access Foundation and others.
8. Draft internal and external copy for newsletters and the SIB intranet and website.
9. Monitor the press email address and support correspondence with journalists on reactive and proactive stories.
10. Attend and provide oversight to the Social Investment Forum, as part of SIB’s secretariat and hosting.
11. Write, edit and produce engaging and relevant content at pace for web, social media and e-newsletters, as well as earned and paid channels.
12. Management of external suppliers of communications and policy activities, including agencies, designers, consultants and think tanks.
13. Work with the Marketing Manager, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Business Development Manager and wider team to deliver successful external events with customers, stakeholders and partners including attendance at Party Conferences.
14. Work in line with the organisation's values, principles and processes to achieve operational excellence.
15. Adopt our continuous improvement and learning ethos
16. Support and embed equality, diversity and inclusion into day-to-day behaviours and activities within your role as well as contributing more widely across SIB’s commitment to E, D & I
17. Support and contribute to the implementation and delivery of SIB’s strategy
18. In agreement with manager to undertake other tasks and work on cross team projects that support the objectives of SIB as required
Core competencies
- Previous experience of working in a public policy, PR, marketing, external affairs or communications role
- Excellent writing skills
- Good research skills, with an ability to absorb large amounts of information at pace, including in unfamiliar policy areas and produce cogent syntheses
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively teams across functions in an integrated way
- Good established networks through experience in a similar role, and a commitment to expanding those networks to support SIB’s strategic aims
- Experience of building effective media partnerships
- Good working knowledge of data-driven storytelling in a variety of outlets from organisation websites to mainstream media and confidence in interpreting data and understanding the key points to be drawn from it to gain traction in media and campaigning environments
- Experience of developing and delivering effective communications campaigns, including through a range of digital channels
- Strong planning skills and an ability to multi-task, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong understanding of UK political context, especially as it concerns the social economy, and parliamentary process
- An understanding of how to promote research, policy papers, data analysis and other activities of a think tank and consultancy
- Excellent IT skills and the ability to learn new programmes quickly
Desirable competencies
- Data visualisation skills
- Data storytelling
- A good aesthetic eye and ability to shape images, visuals and formatting, and to liaise confidently with designers
- Understanding of the UK charity and social enterprise sectors
Education / Professional experience
- Experience in policy, research and media
- Experience of collaborative working across teams
- In-depth digital communications expertise
We believe in the power of the social economy to build a more equal society.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
Salary: £85k-£90K DOE
Hours: 37.5 per week
Reports to: Director of Policy and Oversight
Location: Harlow, Essex. Regular travel required to London and Scotland. Harlow is Easily commutable from London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale Station. We offer a free minibus service to/from Harlow Town Train Station as well as free parking and EV charging on site.
Extra Information: Open to conversation on hybrid, flexible and compressed working arrangements. Regular travel to London and Scotland is required including Government meetings.
About the role:
Lead the Scheme Oversight function to ensure the Motability Scheme consistently delivers choice, value for money and excellent customer service for disabled people. The role includes setting the Oversight strategy, developing the Scheme’s performance management framework, reporting on performance to internal/external parties and assisting/managing key stakeholder relationships across Motability Foundation, Motability Operations and Government departments.
What you will be doing:
Policy and Planning:
- Monitor UK Government policy and proposals with material impact on the Scheme; coordinate Motability’s position and implications for Oversight.
- Lead annual Oversight strategy refresh and contribute to Motability’s Strategic Plan.
- Chair (or deputise for Director at) Scheme Oversight governance forums and ensure well‑prepared agendas, papers and decisions flow to Governors and SOC.
- Undertake ad hoc projects to develop Motability or Scheme services as required.
Governance & Performance Monitoring:
- Manage the contractual relationship between Motability Foundation and its service providers in a collaborative manner.
- Own the Oversight performance framework (KPIs, targets, thresholds) and coordinate performance reporting activities to provide monthly updates to key stakeholders.
- Lead operational reviews of Motability Operations’ delivery, commissioning deep dives where issues or opportunities are identified.
- Sponsor customer satisfaction and experience measurement across Scheme services, ensuring findings inform improvements.
Leadership:
- Act as a liaison between Motability Foundation and Motability Operations, ensuring collaborative & effective oversight.
- Own key relationships within the Motability Operations executive leadership, Motability Foundation
- Board and key Government officials.
- Build a high‑performing oversight team culture of openness, integrity, and collaborative challenge; set and monitor KPIs.
Your experience:
Must haves:
- A successful track record at senior executive level.
- Experienced in strategic planning and performance management within a customer focussed organisation.
- Experience of working with Government departments or regulators.
- Experience in negotiating and managing commercial contracts.
- High level of financial and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative performance standards.
- Experienced in preparation of complex reports.
- Awareness of current government including European, economic and business issues.
- Strong communication skills, written, verbal, presentation.
- Inspirational individual, passionate about customer service.
- Strong planning skills. Commercially astute. Thoughtful.
- High level influencing skills, with excellent team skills and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Understands the importance of personal mobility for disabled people.
Nice to haves:
- Experience within automotive or consumer finance businesses. ·
- Previous experience with consulting or advisory role.
- Understanding of consumer credit and the economics of car financing (leasing and hire purchase).
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still encourage you to apply.
Benefits
Who are we?
We are building a future where all disabled people have the transport options to make the journeys they choose.
We fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.
Why choose us?
We want working for the Motability Foundation to be the best career move you’ve ever made. When you join the Motability Foundation you will join a group of people who are supportive, innovative and motivated to improve the lives of our beneficiaries.
We value everyone’s unique qualities and celebrate having a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. This is embedded into our values, Collaborative, Respectful and Evolving.
We bring our people together through our People Forum, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Social Squad and our Wellbeing Champions and our employee Spotlight Awards help us recognise the excellence and dedication of our staff.
We are proud to be recognised as Disability Confident Leader, have attained Platinum Level Award for Investors in People and are members of the Business Disability Forum.
A career with Motability Foundation can offer you so much more than earning potential, we pride ourselves in offering some fantastic benefits. Some of these include:
- 26 days annual leave, plus the option to buy/ sell up to five days.
- One wellbeing day for extra flexibility.
- Pension scheme - Up to 20%, including a 10% non-contributory contribution and matched contributions up to 5%.
- Life Assurance of four times your salary.
- Private healthcare through BUPA for you and your family, along with a Medicash Health Plan.
- Employee assistance programme: GP appointments, eye tests, flu vaccinations, sick pay and free gym and yoga sessions.
- Enhanced Parental Leave, including Adoption Pay.
- Free parking, EV charge points and a minibus service to/from the town centre and train station.
- Fresh fruit, breakfast snacks, and a Dress for Your Day dress code.
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, and we aim to be an employer of choice for candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we have committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to perform their best when interviewing and when working with us, so if you require any reasonable adjustments that would make you more comfortable, please let us know so that we can do our best to support you.
To help us create an inclusive workplace we are committed to offering to interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances, we may need to limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates.
We are building a future where all disabled people have the transport options to make the journeys they choose.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the learned society and professional body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. We use high‑quality research, data and insight to empower our members and strengthen the impact of psychology. By championing rigorous evidence, high standards and best practice, we raise the profile of the discipline and its contribution to society.
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join us as Head of Research and Analysis. This pivotal role will strengthen the evidence base for psychological practice, enhance member value and inform policy and strategic decision‑making across the organisation.
You will lead a multi‑disciplinary team of researchers, insight specialists and data analysts to deliver high‑quality research, analysis and evaluation. Your work will shape our understanding of the psychological workforce across the UK, support the development of products and services, and generate the evidence needed to influence policy and the wider research landscape.
This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader who can combine methodological expertise with the ability to translate insight into meaningful impact.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the development and delivery of the BPS Research and Analysis strategy.
- Oversee research standards, quality assurance processes and learned society functions, including awards and grants.
- Design, commission and deliver complex mixed‑method research and evaluation projects.
- Analyse internal and external datasets to generate actionable insight for policy, workforce planning and strategic development.
- Provide research, ethics and evaluation advice to member networks.
- Deliver market research and behavioural insights to inform member engagement.
- Build a horizon‑scanning function to identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities.
- Lead and develop a high‑performing team, manage budgets and oversee commissioned research.
- Build strong relationships with universities, research funders, learned societies and other key partners.
- Support the Research Board, Ethics Committee and associated groups.
About You
You will be an inspirational leader with extensive experience in research, analysis and insight generation. You will have:
- A degree in psychology, economics, statistics or a related quantitative field.
- Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary research and analysis teams.
- Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, mixed methods and workforce analytics.
- Strong knowledge of statistical analysis, forecasting and horizon scanning.
- Experience using research and insights to drive strategic and commercial outcomes.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills.
- Experience managing budgets and external suppliers.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of psychological research and practice across the UK. We offer professional development opportunities, flexible working, and a supportive, inclusive environment where your work will have meaningful impact.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria. Please note that applications without a supporting statement may not be considered.
The closing date for applications is 6th February 2026. Interviews will be held remotely and will include a short practical exercise.
The British Psychological Society is committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of your background or circumstances. We are only able to accept applications that can demonstrate a right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.
Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible to update you on the progress of the application until after the closing date. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Building a world where psychology transforms lives
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Barrow Cadbury Trust is an independent, endowed charitable foundation that has been working with others to drive structural change that leads to a just and equal society for more than 100 years.
We want to effect long-term structural change through influencing, advocacy, campaigning, convening and research. We work in deep collaboration with partners, with a focus on helping build and sustain alliances and ecosystems for social change. We are also committed to supporting those directly affected by injustice to play a central role in advocating for change.
This is an exciting time to join the Trust. As Head of Migration you will manage an established grants programme that aims to support a fair and just immigration system and a more balanced migration debate. We are entering the final year of our current strategy and are looking for someone who will both manage the existing grants and partnerships and oversee an evaluation of our migration work to date, so that this learning can feed into the development of a new organisational strategy. This role will be of interest if you are committed to social justice and want to help the Trust build on our work to make a real difference in tackling long-term structural inequality.
We have a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from people with personal experience of the social justice and human rights issues we seek to address. All staff have the right to request flexible working and to have this considered by their manager.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Communications to come and join our team providing maternity cover until January 2027 during a period of organisational growth.
Location – This role is mainly working from home with one day a week in our London office (usually a Monday). Occasional travel to our other programme sites (currently Stoke-On-Trent, Redcar, Middlesbrough and Scotland) will also be required.
Salary – Circa £60,000
Employment Type – Fixed term until January 2027, 35 hours per week
Team – Communications team
About you
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:
· Strong experience in strategic communications, ideally within a start-up, growing, complex or place-based organisation.
· Experience setting up and embedding communications functions, including establishing foundations and building approaches as priorities evolve.
· Significant experience in people leadership, including developing others and building a strong, collaborative working culture.
· Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working with an SLT, including supporting government policy, media, funding and influence related activity.
· Strong content, storytelling and copywriting expertise and the ability to communicate a clear organisational narrative.
About the role
The responsibilities of this role include:
· Overseeing and ensuring the delivery of national and local communications strategies and plans, including national content activity and priority local campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
· Leading the set-up and embedding of new place-based communications functions.
· Leading and overseeing the planning and delivery of Thrive at Five’s 2026 Impact Report, communications relating to evaluations and learning, and our fifth-year anniversary, working closely with evaluation and fundraising colleagues.
· Maintaining and strengthening relationships with key national and local stakeholders in line with our communications strategy and goals.
· Providing professional and operational leadership and coaching to the wider Communications team to ensure they deliver to a high standard.
About us
Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.
Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities.
About our benefits
· Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST.
· Hybrid working with one anchor day a week in our central London office near to Victoria train station, coach station and underground.
· 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.
· In addition to your laptop and phone provided by us, you can also receive a £100 contribution towards your home-working set up.
· £100 contribution towards your professional body membership
Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK.
To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are received. While the closing date is midnight on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, we may close the vacancy earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.
Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Salary: £42,000 - £48,000 depending on experience
Contract Type: Permanent
Full Time: 37.5 hours per week
Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal.
Closing date: Wednesday 18 February 2026
Telephone interviews will be held week commencing 23 February 2026
Interviews will be held week commencing 2 March 2026
No agencies please
Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.
To achieve this, we are harnessing the power of data science and AI to accelerate research and deliver meaningful patient benefit. This is an exciting opportunity to join Kidney Research UK at a pivotal time as we develop and deliver a bold Data Science and AI Strategy that will position us at the forefront of innovation.
As data science programme lead, you will champion data science both within the organisation and externally. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the clinical, research and industry communities to develop and drive impactful projects. Internally, you will be the go-to person for the data science programme, supporting the development of our strategy and enabling collaboration across teams including fundraising, communications and partnership development. You will also engage with funded researchers to capture and promote outputs, identify opportunities for investment and ensure our work translates into real benefits for patients.
We are looking for someone with a strong background in health sciences, life sciences or data science, combined with excellent programme management skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly. You will have the confidence to build relationships, influence stakeholders and manage multiple projects simultaneously. If you are passionate about making change happen and want to play a key role in shaping the future of kidney research, we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
About Kidney Research UK:
Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.
At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.
Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.
Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.
Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.
You may also have experience in the following: Data Science Programme Lead, Head of Data Science (Healthcare / Health Research), AI Programme Lead (Health or Life Sciences), Director of Data Science, Data & AI Strategy Lead, Health Data Science Lead, Clinical Data Science Lead, Research Data Science Manager, AI in Healthcare Programme Manager, Life Sciences Data Science Lead, Health Informatics Lead, Biomedical Data Science Lead, Data Science Research Programme Manager, Digital Health & AI Lead, Data Innovation Lead (Healthcare / Research), Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.
REF-226 231
This flagship programme, delivered in partnership with TDS, GMCA and the Nationwide Foundation, uses action research and behavioural‑insight‑informed interventions to understand and reduce unintentional non‑compliance among private landlords, with the aim of improving renting standards and supporting people in housing need.
We have a new 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity to join our Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter/Landlord Support Hub team as a Research and Evaluation Manager.
Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Lead the project’s research and evaluation activities, including insight gathering, participatory research, and continuous testing of behavioural or supportive interventions.
- Design and evaluate behavioural interventions, assessing impact, outcomes and what works to inform future policy and operational practice.
- Collaborate closely with the Behavioural Insight Specialist and Landlord Support Manager, ensuring research is rigorous, ethical, and generates meaningful learning.
- Engage landlords, tenants, letting agents, and local authorities to gather data, understand barriers to compliance, and capture lived experience.
- Produce high‑quality reporting, including findings, recommendations, and insights to support both internal decision‑making and external stakeholders such as GMCA and the Nationwide Foundation.
- Represent the Research & Evaluation function at meetings, workshops and advisory groups, contributing to the wider aims of improving standards across the private rented sector.
To be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate:
- Strong experience in research, evaluation or insight‑gathering, ideally within housing, social policy, behavioural insights or community‑focused projects.
- Ability to design and apply research methods, including interviews, behavioural diagnosis, qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.
- Excellent communication and reporting skills, able to turn complex insights into clear recommendations.
- Confidence managing relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Based in/near Greater Manchester, and able to travel across the region as needed.
TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:
- 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
- BUPA Private healthcare
- BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
- Pension Scheme
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Plus many more!
If you have any questions or would like to find out more information, please feel free to contact me directly.
Applications for this position will be accepted until 10 February.
TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers
Please ensure you send both a CV and cover letter for your application.
Help tenants, landlords, and agents deal with deposit protection and dispute resolution as quickly and easily as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.






