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Who we are
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.
What you’ll do
Reports to: Chief Executive
Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders)
We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.
Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.
You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.
This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.
Who are we looking for?
You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.
You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.
Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.
IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.
What we can offer you
- 5% employer pension contributions
- Healthcare cash plan
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).
To apply
Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.
Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.
First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE.
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Fundraising Executive- National Events
Location: Central Bristol or flexible with home working
Salary: £27,000 (pro-rata)
Contract: 9-month fixed-term contract from start date
**All applications must be sent with a CV and cover letter to be considered**
Join us and help make a difference
At Meningitis Research Foundation, we’re working towards a world free from meningitis. Every day, our teams support people and families affected by the disease, while driving research, awareness and global change. We are looking for a passionate and motivated National Events Executive to join our friendly and dedicated fundraising team.
About the role
We are hiring for this role to expand our capacity to deliver our National Events for a fixed period. You will support a portfolio of successful national events. You will be involved in all aspects of the event cycle from marketing and participant recruitment to supporter stewardship and race day logistics. Full training will be provided to help you succeed in this role.
Responsibilities include:
· Deliver best-in-class stewardship (across phone, email, SMS and post) to ensure supporters have the best experience with Meningitis Research Foundation
· Deliver marketing and recruitment strategies to ensure we reach our targeted number of participants for each event
· Lead on a selection of national events – plan, deliver and evaluate these with the support of your line manager
· Inspire individuals with a connection to the cause to take on events for Meningitis Research Foundation to support our vision of a world free from meningitis
About you
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, organised and motivated by making a difference. To be successful in this role, you will need to:
· Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be a strong networker and be confident speaking over the telephone
· Have good organisational and administrative skills
· Be able to prioritise, juggle multiple tasks and work to deadlines
· Be an effective team player with an ability to build strong working relationships
· Be able to demonstrate our organisational values in all areas of your work
Why join us?
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment with opportunities for development.
· 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
· 6% employer pension contribution
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Employee volunteering opportunities
· Flexible working
· Full training provided to support your success in the role
Application process
All applications must include a cover letter and up-to-date CV. Please link your skills and experience to the person specification in the job pack.
Our internal recruitment team will review your application and reach out to you if they feel you are suitable for the role to organise an interview.
Application closing date: Sunday 9th August 9pm
We advise you to submit your application early - early applications have the strongest chance of securing an interview.
Interview format: 1-stage interview
Interviews will commence the week commencing the 17th of August.
To defeat Meningitis wherever it exists