Location: Stockport, with options for hybrid working
Department: Insight
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 28-35
Salary: £35,494
Who we are
NUS Charity is an exciting membership organisation, developing and championing strong students’ unions. We connect our members and curate services to deliver advice, guidance and crisis support to students’ unions across the UK.
We do professional differently. We are a progressive charity representing students’ unions. The sector is inclusive, fun, dynamic and representative and we put students and students’ unions at the heart of everything we do. We are challenging but are committed to creating a supportive and flexible environment which pushes your personal development in your everyday activity.
What we do
Students’ unions can be transformational hubs for students, staff, and wider society. NUS Charity support our member’s development to enhance their capacity and harness opportunities to maximise their positive impact. We do this in many ways, from managing a purchasing consortium to drive great value for our members, to our development activity, supporting the best potential in students’ unions – we strive to make a difference to our members.
The Insight Consultant sits within NUS’ Communications team, working closely with colleagues across campaigns, policy and membership. The Communications team plays a critical role in shaping how NUS tells its story, influences decision-makers, and amplifies student voices. Insight is central to this work, ensuring our communications and campaigns are grounded in robust evidence and a deep understanding of students’ experiences.
What we need
We are looking for an Insight Consultant to lead the design and delivery of research that strengthens NUS’ communications, campaigns and public narrative. This role ensures that our messaging, media work and influencing activity are informed by credible, timely and inclusive insight from students and students’ unions.
You will play a vital role in planning and delivering national student surveys, managing qualitative and quantitative research projects, and translating findings into compelling insight that supports communications and campaigning activity. You will work closely with communications colleagues to ensure research outputs are accessible, engaging and usable across a range of channels.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of research and communications, and who is motivated by using evidence to shape narratives, challenge power and create change for students.
You should have experience of designing and managing research projects, including surveys and other data collection methods, and of presenting insight in ways that resonate with different audiences. Experience of working with communications, campaigns or public-facing teams is highly desirable.
This position offers a unique opportunity to combine research expertise with communications and campaigning impact, helping to shape NUS’ public narrative and strengthen the collective voice of students and students’ unions across the UK.
We want to be as flexible as possible in this role, so we’re open to 28 – 35 hours across 4 or 5 days per week and would consider less hours and/or a job share. You can either do this role from our Stockport office or hybrid based partly in Stockport and partly at home.
Committed to Inclusion
We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability. You can be yourself here whoever you are, be proud of the work you do and build a career in a place that knows different is good.
We recognise that candidates from racialised backgrounds are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the minimum criteria for a role (at least 80% of the criteria in the person specification) and are from a racialised background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview. It is important to note that this scheme guarantees an interview for candidates who meet the minimum criteria and tell us that they'd like to be considered under the scheme. The selection decision at interview will be based on the most suitable candidate, regardless of any protected characteristic.
Why apply?
We aim to practice what we preach so we’re happy to offer a flexible person-centred working environment with a great benefits package including:
- Generous holiday entitlement (starting at 27 days per year rising with service to 30 days)
- Flexible working opportunities
- Valuable workplace pension
- Enhanced parental pay policies
- Employee assistance programme
- Paid volunteer days – three days per year for full time staff
- Health Cash Plan
Please apply via our online application form, we are unable to accept CVs. If you are unable to complete an application due to accessibility needs please contact us.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 10th February 2026 (23:59)
If you’re successfully shortlisted, we’ll see you at an interview on Tuesday 24th February 2026
REF-226 098
Thank you!
We have an exciting opportunity for experienced and skilled advocates to join the staff of a unique social enterprise. The core function of this role is to provide specialist advocacy to individuals who are navigating the NHS continuing healthcare assessment and complaints processes. With a long history in delivering skilled advocacy and training in NHS continuing healthcare, we want you to be part of a strong team committed to delivering excellence and achieving success in line with our objectives.
You will be an excellent communicator and skilled advocate with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working within the field of NHS continuing healthcare or a similar role with a transferable knowledgebase. A health, social care, advocacy or legal qualification is desirable but not essential. A proven ability to analyse complex matters, provide a clear and coherent rationale and deliver robust advocacy by presenting a persuasive, fact-based argument is essential.
The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders in challenging circumstances. You will be able to establish a good rapport with clients in a professional and caring manner and represent them in situations that may at times be highly emotionally charged, always upholding brand values.
In return, you can look forward to working with a highly-skilled and dynamic team and having influence over the future strategic direction of the company. We also offer a competitive salary with performance-related bonus and an excellent benefits package.
The nature of the role demands complete confidentiality and flexibility with regard to the needs of the business and its clients. Some evening and weekend work will be expected. The ability to travel long distances with overnight stays on a frequently (weekly) basis is a key requirement of the role.
MAIN DUTIES:
1. To provide advocacy and active case support in person or remotely to clients in England and Wales, throughout the NHS continuing healthcare assessment process.
IMPORTANT NOTE: a majority of assessments will take place in person at various locations across England. Therefore this role involves frequent (most weeks) long-distance travel and overnight stays within the UK, sometimes with only a few days’ notice. Applicants also need to be comfortable working from home in between traveling.
- To analytically examine all relevant care records and assessments in preparation for continuing healthcare assessments and reviews, to prepare clients for their assessment and provide robust advocacy at assessment meetings based upon a sound understanding of the facts, and referencing evidence compiled from such records.
- To manage personal travel arrangements in line with company policies and procedures.
- To provide advocacy and casework to clients who wish to make a formal complaint through the NHS complaints procedure about a continuing healthcare-related matter from a sound understanding of the facts, having prepared key arguments by researching relevant records.
- To prepare factual written submissions and reports for clients and relevant Integrated Care Boards.
- To provide specialist information and advice to our clients tailored to their specific situation and needs regarding the interpretation of a primary health need from a thorough understanding of relevant criteria, assessment frameworks and legal tests which are based upon case-law.
- To keep informed of issues, policies, guidance and legislation affecting clients ensuring that the information provided is relevant, current, complete and accurate.
- To respond to new referrals by making prompt initial contact with the client within the timescales specified by company policies.
- Work closely and efficiently with health professionals from relevant Continuing Healthcare (CHC) teams with the aim of resolving client issues at the earliest possible opportunity so as to provide an efficient and cost-effective service, and to minimise stress for the client.
- To develop and maintain working relationships with health and social care colleagues within the field of Continuing Healthcare in order to influence best practice.
- To work with partner organisations and stakeholders to share knowledge, make appropriate referrals, maintain consistency and draw upon each other’s expertise, always striving to improve the quality of both services and provide a better customer experience.
- To keep relevant and sufficiently detailed case records at each stage and as the case progresses; ensuring that all client information is kept up to date in line with Beacon’s systems and procedures, including data protection (GDPR) policies. This applies to case files, database entries, authority forms, client correspondence, use of the project management system, filing and archiving.
- To minimise business costs and maximise income for the company by meeting chargeable time targets, working efficiently, charging clients appropriately and in a timely manner.
- To uphold the principles of paralegal casework as specified by the Institute of Paralegals, providing a good standard of client care by working with skill and competence thereby ensuring clients are able to place their trust in you.
- To uphold organisational values, promoting Beacon’s social goals through each area of your work.
- To manage your own caseload and work independently within the boundaries of Beacon policies.
- To foster an atmosphere of continuous learning and development.
- Attend line management, supervision and team meetings as appropriate, and to play a full part in the development and success of Beacon.
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your developing role and the overall objectives of the company.
This post may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Baring Service check or equivalent.
STAFF BENEFITS: Pension Scheme, Generous Annual Leave Entitlement, Company credit card, Death in Service Benefit 4x salary, Flexible Working, Health & Dental Care Plan, Professional Development Plan, Employee Rewards Scheme (Perkbox) and Performance-Related Bonus.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is the name given to a package of care that some people need to receive due to disability, accident or illness. People who are eligible for CHC have the full cost of their care and residential accommodation funded by the NHS. This relieves families of sometimes astronomical care bills.
The criteria for determining who is eligible for CHC are highly complex and can be very difficult for the public to understand, and for professionals to apply consistently. The assessment process is lengthy and detailed. Likewise, the appeal process can be very daunting and perplexing.
About our organisation
Beacon was established in May 2014 for the purpose of providing independent and high-quality support to individuals and their families in England who need help navigating the NHS Continuing Healthcare process.
Beacon is a registered social enterprise and a proud member of Social Enterprise UK. We operate with a core set of ethical social objectives and values through which all of our work is delivered.
Social enterprises are businesses. Like any other business, they seek to make a profit and succeed commercially. But how they operate, who they employ, how they use their profits and where they work transforms lives and communities across the UK. At Beacon, we donate any surpluses to supporting charitable objectives that are in line with our aims.
Through expert advocacy, advice and training, Beacon enables people to be heard and to enact real and positive change in their lives. We help people to understand their rights and the realistic options available to them, equipping some of those most vulnerable in society with the knowledge and practical support to make meaningful and transformative decisions.
Our Values
At Beacon, we employ people who want to do things differently to other organisations working in this field. Five values sum up our culture and how we treat our clients and our staff:
- Ethical
Commitment to our clients
We operate with honesty and integrity. We are transparent about our funding set-up and our fees, which we keep as low as we sensibly can. We never ‘hard sell’ our services, we keep you informed at every step, and we always give our honest opinion of your chances of success. As a social enterprise, we donate any profits to charity.
Commitment to our team
We operate with honesty and integrity, and always work hard to get the best results for our clients and the business. We work to high standards, and trust our people to respectfully speak out if we fall short.
- Expert
Commitment to our clients
We pride ourselves on being recognised as leading independent experts in NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). We apply our knowledge and experience to help every case and caller. We also strive to improve CHC for everyone, by training health and social care professionals.
Commitment to our team
We are the leading experts in our field. We encourage and value innovation and evolution in what we do, and how we do it. We are united in developing the business and its services.
- Personal
Commitment to our clients
By listening carefully to you and the people who really know about your care needs, we can provide excellent advice and powerful advocacy tailored to your unique situation.
Commitment to our team
We get results by getting to know our clients. We do the same with our people, offering flexible working options to suit your circumstances, and taking time out to have fun as a team.
- Compassionate
Commitment to our clients
We are mindful of the immense stress that our callers and clients can be under, at what is often a really tough time. We do our best to lift some of that burden by providing a quality service that you can trust, and by being compassionate and courteous at all times.
Commitment to our team
The nature of the work can be stressful and emotionally draining. We take care and time to look out for each other, and encourage healthy work habits.
- Rewarding
Commitment to our team
We take the time to celebrate success and are inspired by one another’s achievements. We provide a generous and varied suite of benefits that can be enjoyed by our people and their families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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.
An exciting opportunity to help turn a new national initiative into reality as it moves from planning into delivery. Over the next year, we will be launching a new, national Foundation Degree while building the foundations of a wider programme of work. This role will play a key role in shaping and delivering our communications during a critical launch phase. The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, spanning external positioning, marketing for the Foundation Degree, and building the Centre for the Children’s Workforce's longer-term communications capacity. Working closely across the team, delivery partners and external suppliers including our university partner, the role will help ensure that our work is communicated effectively as we grow.
To apply for this role, please submit a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining why you are interested in this role at the Centre for the Children’s Workforce, and how your skills, experience and approach would help you succeed in the role at this stage of the organisation’s development.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Building the workforce that children deserve.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.