Head of policy research jobs
Are you an influential leader looking for a new challenge? Would you like the opportunity to take a leading charity through the next exciting phase of its remarkable journey?
Harrogate Neighbours exists to support and improve the lives of elderly and vulnerable people across the region, transforming lives and empowering the community on a daily basis! With over 50 years of experience, they provide a vast range of services ranging from residential care (at their homes in Starbeck and Boroughbridge) to meals on wheels in the community to The charity’s values focus on compassion, accountability, respect and excellence, and the incredible staff team deliver an uncompromised standard of care to all.
We have a career defining opportunity for a new CEO to lead this organisation, and community, and in doing so inspire and transform lives across the region!
The Role
The CEO will be accountable to the talented and committed Board of Trustees and be responsible for the overall strategic management, leadership, and development of Harrogate Neighbours. Duties will include:
- Ensuring the development and implementation of integrated strategies across care, housing, operations, finance, marketing and communications, human resources and workforce, information management and technology, estates and performance monitoring, management and reporting.
- Providing overall leadership for Harrogate Neighbours in line with the vision, mission and values agreed by the Board of Trustees.
- Providing strategic leadership for fundraising and income diversification, ensuring the organisation has a sustainable and mixed portfolio of income.
- Developing and maintaining positive collaborative partnership arrangements with commissioners, local authorities, local communities, MPs, the voluntary sector, communities and other key partners and stakeholders.
- Overseeing the financial processes for the organisation and leading delivery of the agreed budgets.
The Person
We are looking for a visionary leader - a creative, charismatic and influential individual who is passionate about the values, ethos and mission of the charity! The skills and experience we are looking for include:
- A demonstrable track record of working in a senior strategic leadership role
- Evidence of working with senior leaders and board members to ensure strong and effective financial management
- Strong networking and influencing skills with an ability to build excellent relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
- Strong and clear communication skills with an ability to lead internally, and also deliver messages to a variety of audiences externally.
This is a truly wonderful opportunity to lead a fantastic charity where you will directly influence the landscape for the communities across the Harrogate region, for the future. As CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, you will be leading a financially stable organisation with a strong board and talented staff team. The charity also promotes a supportive culture, has a generous pension scheme, offers a variety of wellbeing initiatives, 6.6 weeks annual leave and a range of additional benefits (including Blue Light Card and paid for massages!).
If you believe that you could be the right person to lead this charity through the next phase of its exciting journey then get in touch for more information, or apply here before Friday 27th February.
First stage interviews have been scheduled for Friday 20th March, and second stage interviews will be on 25th, 26th and 27th March 2026.
Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.
Please also be aware that Charity Horizons use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.
Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.
To lead charity recruitment because we’re the best at supporting individuals and organisations to achieve their ambitions and drive positive change


Position: Infrastructure Manager
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Contract: 12 months Fixed term contract
Location: Office-based in London N4 with flexibility
Salary: Starting from £35,825 per annum, plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 2, Professional & Technical
You’ll start at our entry point salary of £35,825 per annum, increasing to £38,065 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £40,304 after a further 6 months.
About us
We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.
Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.
Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.
Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.
About this job
This year, we’ve embarked on a bold, strategic initiative to enhance our data capabilities.
We’re aiming to improve our data use, integration and analytics to increase engagement, maximise impact and drive forward our strategic goals. With a key focus on: effective and efficient operations; collaboration; and continuous improvement in our Technology, Strategy and Business Intelligence teams.
To achieve this ambition, we’ve developed a new technology infrastructure which we are calling “Sage”. We’re implementing new technology infrastructure this year (such as our new CRM system and suite of data tools – Microsoft Dynamics).
We will be taking a structured and phased approach to transitioning and embedding our new team structures, infrastructure and ways of working as part of Phase 2 of this Project.
Our IT Infrastructure team cover the following areas:
- Fully responsible for managing the technology stacks
- Ensuring the underlying systems and data are secure and highly protected from malicious actors
- Ensuring the systems are available
- Managing 3rd party suppliers who assist us in supporting, developing and securing the systems
- Manage the technical and security risk registers and, with a risk based approach, mitigate risks to the best of our ability
- Embed principles of best value and money saving into all technology decisions
We’ve made a significant investment in our Microsoft suite and have transitioned services to Azure. We’re also building a cloud infrastructure to support the Organisation’s mission critical data use improvement project.
Our Infrastructure Systems Manager plays a crucial role in the development, support and maintenance of these systems, implementing the tools and technology we need as well as driving the reduction of IT costs where possible.
This role is responsible for:
- Maintenance of technical infrastructure based on Microsoft technologies
- Automated process creation to ensure systems are monitored and managed
- Migration of remaining on premise systems to Microsoft cloud based solutions
- Maintenance of legacy systems and processes where necessary
- Ensuring systems are highly accessible and available
- Advice to the Organisation on best practice on technology
For this role we’re looking for:
- Broad expert technical knowledge of IT Infrastructure based on both cloud and on premise Microsoft technologies
- Knowledge of Dynamics CRM 365 and associated technology
- Knowledge of Azure services, PowerApps, DataVerse
- Knowledge of sound backup and security protocols
- Experience of managing external stakeholders and 3rd party suppliers
- Service Management experience
- IT provision expertise
- Knowledge of MS Intune
Please note this role is a 12 months fixed term contract.
Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Friday 27th February 2026
Interested?
PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Equal Opportunities
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.
We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application.
Disability Confident Employer
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.
You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.
If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.
More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to):
Encouraging work life balance
- 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
- More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
- Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us)
- Flexible working options
Caring for you and your family
- Generous sick pay entitlement
- More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment
- Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year
- Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis
- Enhanced leave for new parents
- Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
- Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
- 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Death in service scheme
- New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
- In the event of miscarriage or still birth
- To support fertility treatments
- For antenatal appointments for both parents
Thinking about your finances
- Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
- Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
- New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing
Enriching your life at work
- Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
- Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
- New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely
- Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups)
- Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community)
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal
Safeguarding
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.
This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.
We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.
We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.
Your right to work in the UK
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.
You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.
No agencies please.
To fund world-leading research, share the latest information and campaign for everyone's rights. Together we are a community. Together we can stop MS
The Videographer and Photographer role sits within the Brand team. This role captures and edits high-quality video and photography to produce marketing, fundraising and brand assets for the organisation - working independently or collaboratively across multi-team projects.
Overall objectives:
- Create visual assets for our brand portfolio and for marketing materials, working closely with the Creative Manager.
- Support departments with video and photography needs, including Income Generation. This includes assisting partners and external creative agencies and production companies with on-site shoots and coordinating with Operations teams as needed.
- Work collaboratively with the Brand team on large or multi-team projects leading on technical video and photography production.
What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
- Discounted gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
- Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans.
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.
Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.
We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. If you would like to talk more about this, please contact us. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.
More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
Acceptable use of AI:
At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.
To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.
Closing date: 1st March 2026
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Interview Date(s):
First round (online) - 11th March 2026
Second round (in person) - 18th March 2026
For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack from our Careers website.
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to 1371. While custodians of a remarkable heritage, we are firmly focused on the present and future. Our enduring purpose is to empower young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities.
Today, the Company is a thriving membership organisation of more than 1,000 members from a wide range of professions, united by a shared commitment to service and social impact. We are a modern, values-led funder, committed to flexible, relational and transparent grant-making, working in partnership with our schools, churches, communities and charity partners to create lasting change.
Central to our approach is the Haberdashers’ Advantage, a distinctive funder-plus model that combines grant funding with member-led governance support, volunteering, mentoring and capacity building. Each year, the Company distributes over £5.6 million to support schools, young people, churches and charities across North London, Southeast London, South Wales and the West Midlands, with a primary focus on education and community resilience.
The Role
We are seeking a Director for Charities to lead and further develop the Company’s grant-making, philanthropy and fundraising. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering charitable strategy and ensuring the Company’s resources create meaningful, long-term impact for young people and communities.
The Director for Charities will oversee our grant-making, steward key funding relationships and play a central role in developing fundraising with members, including growing individual giving, legacies and events-based income. The role is inherently relational, working closely with charity partners, schools, dioceses, Company members and colleagues. You will support and advise grant-making committees, convene learning and engagement events, and represent the Company within external funder networks to remain connected to best practice in modern philanthropy.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a values-driven leader with strong experience of flexible and responsive grant-making and fundraising in the charitable sector, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities. You will have excellent communication skills, a warm, engaging and reflective leadership style, and will thrive in a small but highly collaborative organisation. You will be comfortable engaging with grassroots charities, senior stakeholders, Company members and robust governance structures, combining an appreciation for heritage and service with a commitment to modern, progressive philanthropy.
To read more about the opportunity and our work, please download the full appointment brief.
Closing Date: 3 March 2026
People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 9-18 March 2026
The Haberdashers’ Company Panel Interviews:
- First Stage: 27 March 2026
- Second Stage: 13 April 2026