Policy research jobs

Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?

Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.

You will:

• Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work

• Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals

• Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders

• Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

• Contribute as a full member of our leadership team

We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.

This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.

If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.

The Bevan Foundation is seeking a new policy and research officer to join our team. Could you support the Bevan Foundation in its mission to end poverty in Wales?

About the Bevan Foundation

The Bevan Foundation is Wales's most influential think tank. We create insights, ideas and impact that help to end poverty and inequality. Over recent years the Foundation has helped secure real and lasting change for people across Wales, from universal free school meals for primary pupils to increases in Education Maintenance Allowance. We’ve built a reputation for trusted, evidence-based insights and ideas that influence decision-makers and improve lives.

About this role

This is new and exciting role in our policy and research team. This role will have a particular focus on poverty, with the successful candidate working on a wide range of poverty issues from child poverty to housing. You’ll gather and analyse evidence, help to develop practical proposals for change and be involved in persuading decision-makers to take action.

About you

You will have an excellent grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods and a sound grasp of social and economic policies in Wales. You’ll be able to explain your work clearly and persuasively, with good written and oral skills. You’ll be able to engage effectively with a wide range of people, from stakeholders to people on low incomes. You’ll be well-organised and able to operate independently as well as collaboratively with a wider team.

Key terms

The role is available for 5 days per week, on a permanent basis. 

The salary for this post is £28,393 - £31,273 (Grade 5), with the appointment likely to be in the bottom half of the scale.

We work in a hybrid way, with staff expected be office-based for two to three days a week and to attend monthly in-person team meetings. The Foundation’s offices are in Merthyr Tydfil.

If you are interested and want to find out more and to find out how to apply download our application pack.

Closing Date: Wednesday 18 March 11:00 AM

Interview date: Monday 30 March 

The Bevan Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation towards this programme of work. 

ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to FEA on this appointment.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence at the Fair Education Alliance

We are proud to be a coalition of 300 organisations united behind a simple but powerful belief: that no child’s success should be limited by their socioeconomic background. We exist to shift the conditions that hold inequity in place through collaboration across schools, colleges, higher education institutions, charities, youth organisations, researchers, funders, and young people themselves.

Our 2025-30 strategy, From Neighbourhood to National: A Strategy to ensure every child and young person thrives, is rooted in systems change—tackling not just policies and practices, but also the resources, relationships, power and mental models that hold inequity in place. Our work targets root causes, deepens collective impact, and embraces the complexity—and opportunity—of true transformation.

We are now recruiting a Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence to strengthen the FEA’s external leadership at a critical point in our development. As we implement our strategy, we are placing greater emphasis on how we represent the collective insight of our members, and how we use our convening role to shape agendas at local, regional and national levels.  

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and working closely with the Co-Chief Executive Officers, this role will lead FEA’s policy positioning and public affairs activity and play a central role in representing the Alliance externally. The Director will be trusted to shape where and how FEA engages in public debate and decision-making, ensuring that our collective voice is credible and influential, and grounded in the experience of our members and partners across the system. This includes working closely with young people, recognising them as critical contributors and often the most powerful spokespeople for our work, and creating meaningful opportunities for their voices to shape our policy and public affairs activity.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who is comfortable operating through influence rather than formal authority, and who brings confidence in navigating complex policy environments. It offers the opportunity to shape how a large, diverse coalition contributes to public debate and policy thinking at a moment when joined-up, system-level approaches to educational equity are increasingly needed.

We hope you will consider applying.

Key dates

• Applications close: Monday 16 March (10 am)

• First round interviews: 26th and 27th March (online)

• Final interviews: 1st-2nd, 7-9th April (in person at the FEA office in London)

• Start date: as soon as possible, to be agreed with the successful candidate

About CoppaFeel!

CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.

We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.

Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.

The Role

CoppaFeel! is looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help grow our influence in the policy and public affairs space, and ultimately improve outcomes for younger people with breast cancer. 

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will sit within the CoppaFeel! Policy and Influencing team within the Education department and will work closely with the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager. They will support the implementation of our policy and influencing strategy that aims to build our policy expertise, influence the debate, grow our networks and drive system change. 

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that you will attend the London office 2 days per week (though we are open to flexible arrangements). You will be required to attend the office for quarterly team meetings, department meetings and in person training, we will provide plenty of notice for when you are required to be in for these purposes. 

This is a fixed term contract for 18 months.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advance our policy expertise

• Research policy areas to support CoppaFeel!’s evidence-based policy work
• Monitor key policy developments in breast cancer and younger people
• Stay on top of new external research and data releases

Influence the debate

• Draft policy briefings on key policy issues for younger people with breast cancer
• Contribute to policy debates, e.g. by drafting consultation responses, briefings and statements
• Support the smooth running of policy events, including event organisation, stakeholder mapping and engagement

Reach the right people

• Engage a variety of stakeholders with CoppaFeel!’s work - from policymakers to journalists and other charities
• Support the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders, and maintain CoppaFeel!’s stakeholder database

Drive impact

• Support the implementation of CoppaFeel!’s policy and influencing strategy
• Support and coordinate policy and influencing campaigns
• Measure and report impact of policy and influencing work 

Work across the organisation

• Work with colleagues across CoppaFeel! to ensure policy messages are aligned and embedded across the charity’s work and audiences
• Undertake any other reasonable duties or responsibilities as required by the Charity, in line with the needs of the organisation.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• A good understanding of the UK political system and processes
• Experience working on an aspect of social policy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A passion for creating change
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work across teams
• Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders, from policymakers to the media and third sector organisations

Desirable

• Experience working on cancer or other health policy issues
• Event organisation or comms experience

Application information

Applications will close on Monday, 9 March with the aim to commence interviews in the W/C 16 March 2026.

CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.

Main benefits, Terms & Conditions

Annual leave entitlement: 22 days, plus office closure at Christmas, a day off on our Founders birthday, and a day off for your birthday.

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan; cash back on everyday health expenses, as well as a GP advice line and access to PerkBox.
• Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
• Core working hours of 10am to 4pm
• Flex Friday; every other Friday off, offering the time to recharge and ensuring work life balance, while remaining available in case of emergencies

All annual leave and benefits are pro-rata'd for part time employees.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At CoppaFeel! we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.

While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.

About the team​

The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.

The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
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About this role

The Research and Evidence Officer is a new and exciting role at Impetus, an organisation at the forefront of youth policy. Impetus is evidence led and impact focused and we take this approach to our policy and public affairs activity. 

The successful candidate will provide the robust data and insights needed to help us build a better understanding of young people’s experiences across education and employment, support colleagues by providing accurate data, analysis and insight that informs policy development and communication designed to improve their outcomes, and support the team to create compelling cases for change tailored to a range of audiences. They will be line managed by the Head of Education Policy but work across both employment and education policy domains. 

We are a busy team doing interesting and exciting work. Day-to-day you might be extracting insights from government published data, providing evidence for a policy briefing, drafting a report for a policy audience, or working with colleagues from across the team to communicate research findings in impactful ways, following agreed templates, processes and quality standards, and seeking clarification where needed.

We are looking for someone with a commitment to supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get the support they need for a fulfilling life, whatever that means to them. You will have good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, have the skills required to analyse a range of data sets, including confidence applying quantitative research methods to conduct primary and secondary analysis of large and complex datasets, and the ability to present research findings clearly.

This is an exciting time to join a rapidly growing organisation. We work on tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds including reducing the numbers losing learning though absence and exclusion, improving GCSE attainment in English and maths and ensuring youth employment provision reaches those furthest away from work. Your contribution to this work will have a tangible impact
on these and other areas.

We are keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.

We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find the link on the recruitment pack.

Key responsibilities
• Monitor monthly data releases and new research published across our areas of interest and record relevant information accurately following agreed templates and systems
• Use quantitative and qualitative research skills to support and contribute to the delivery of a range of research projects and reviews, conduct data analysis, and generate robust evidence across relevant policy areas and portfolio partner activity
• Translate complex data accurately into accessible reports, briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and other content ensuring accuracy, clarity and adherence to organisational templates and approval processes
• Use research findings to provide accurate evidence and summaries that support colleagues in developing policy positions, evaluating proposals, and proposing evidence-based solutions
• Prepare accurate briefing materials and background notes to support senior colleagues on relevant policy areas ahead of meetings and events (speaking events, roundtables, and senior-level stakeholder meetings)
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop content for external priority audiences to maintain and grow the profile of policy work, by preparing draft summaries, data points and visuals in line with agreed templates and style guides
• Support the policy team in gathering, organising, summarising and using evidence from portfolio partners
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing packs, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Support the Heads of Policy to build and maintain relationships with researchers, academics, and the education sector by writing briefings, maintaining a contact database, and representing Impetus’ interests at events
• Collaborate with peers to meet deadlines and deliver results, ask for clarification when needed, share information promptly, and work cooperatively to meet deadlines.

Person specification

​Essential​
• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and how these can be applied to policy and practice
• Ability to support the development of research tools including surveys, interview guides, and tailored data collection plans
• Experience of analysing data and evidence (quantitative and qualitative), including working with large or complex datasets ensuring accuracy and following agreed guidance
• Experience using statistical or data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, R, Stata, SPSS, or similar)
• Ability to interpret research findings and translate complex data into clear, accessible outputs to improve clarity for non-technical audiences (e.g. briefings, reports, presentations)
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate, and well-structured content for policy or public audiences which are in line with agreed templates and processes
• Ability to gather and summarise evidence that supports colleagues in developing policy positions and decision-making
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously. Able to follow established processes, manage own tasks, and maintain accurate records
• A commitment to working with collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and to contribute positively to a team-based working culture
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Desirable​

• Experience working in a policy, university or research environment, think tank, charity, or public sector environment
• An interest in education and/or employment policy and the use of evidence to drive systemic change and a willingness to build understanding
• Knowledge of the UK government and policy-making process, including the roles of departments, Parliament, and external stakeholders, and how research and evidence contribute to policy development and decision-making
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​About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today: ​

- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

​

​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
​

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.​

You will need to:​

- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Since 1960 we have invested more than £500 million in blood cancer research in the UK. Where we’ve invested, survival rates and quality of life have improved. We’ve been working to beat blood cancer for over 50 years, and we won’t stop until we do. Be a part of our story and help us change the world.

We’re looking for a Senior Research Grants Officer to play a key role in delivering and strengthening our research portfolio spanning translational and clinical research. You’ll lead on the coordination and delivery of the Transformational Research Awards Scheme, support clinical trial review processes, and oversee a portfolio of active grants to ensure funding decisions and post-award management are rigorous, transparent and strategically aligned.

You’ll also play an important part in strengthening how we fund and manage research. From supporting the implementation of a new Grants Management System to refining processes and providing expert guidance to researchers, committee members and senior stakeholders, you’ll help ensure our investment delivers maximum impact. If you bring strong biomedical knowledge, grant administration experience and a passion for driving progress for people affected by blood cancer, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a hybrid role with regular anchor days in our London office, alongside attendance at key meetings, conferences and team events throughout the year.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Inclusion London is a leading disability equality organisation run by and for Deaf and Disabled people. We have built a national reputation for effective policy and campaign work and for providing innovative business and organisational support to local Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations (DDPOs) in London. Our mission is nothing less than full equality and inclusion for Deaf and Disabled people, with our communities leading the change we need to see.

About the roles

We have two exciting junior level positions for people who want to build a career in policy and campaigns. You will play a vital role in promoting Deaf and Disabled people’s rights to local and national decision-makers and raising awareness of the structural inequalities facing the Deaf and Disabled community in London and the UK.

You will be eager to support DDPOs to secure policy change at local and national government levels. You will do this by analysing national and local policy developments that affect Deaf and Disabled people’s lives, gathering evidence, drafting policy papers and briefings, and coordinating DDPOs to work together to design and implement influencing strategies.

One of the two new roles will focus on our campaigns for an adequate standard of living for all Deaf and Disabled Londoners, and one will work on our campaign to secure affordable accessible housing in the capital.

You will receive regular support from colleagues to develop your knowledge and skills across a range of policy areas.

About you

• Are you passionate about social justice and promoting Deaf and Disabled people’s rights?
• Do you have experience of working in policy or producing social policy research and analysis, whether through work, activism, or academia? Do you have good campaigning and influencing skills that you want to develop and use to bring about tangible social change?

Then this job might be for you! You can be a recent graduate, someone who is looking for a career change, or someone who wants to build on their existing policy skills. This job will give you the chance to work across a range of policy and campaigning disciplines, including media, activism, lobbying, research, and peer support, to make a real difference to the lives of thousands of Deaf and Disabled people in London and the rest of England.

IL is committed to equality, diversity and human rights. As a DDPO, we welcome applications from all Deaf and Disabled people, especially those from Black and racially minoritised communities and the LGBTQI+ community.

What we offer

We know our organisation flourishes because of our committed staff. We value initiative and will encourage and support you to develop your talents and skills, including accessing relevant training. You will learn a lot on the job and will be supported by senior colleagues to develop your skills. We provide a flexible working environment to enable our employees to enhance their personal and professional development.

We support flexible/homeworking with a mix of home and office at our fully accessible office in Vauxhall.

To apply

Please click on the Redirect to recruiter tab which will guide you to our webiste for more information including BSL videos of all the contents of this recruitment.

Closing date for applications: 5pm, Sunday 15 March 2026

Candidates invited to interview will be informed by: Thursday 19 March 2026

Interviews will take place in person on: Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March 2026

Please note: This role is for residents of the UK with permanent right to work status.

Call for Expressions of Interest

Title: RAD-P Project: Policy Review Consultancy

Anticipated timeframe: 8–10 working days

Location: Zambia (with remote preparation)

Budget: To be submitted by applicants as part of the financial proposal

Start date: As soon as possible (to be agreed)

BACKGROUND

The Realising the African Disability Protocol (RAD-P) project seeks to strengthen the participation of persons with disabilities – particularly the most excluded – in governance and decision-making structures in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The project aims to ensure that persons with disabilities influence inclusive policies and local development processes in alignment with the African Disability Protocol (ADP).

RAD-P focuses on building the capacity of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), particularly OPD umbrella organisations, to undertake policy analysis, advocacy, and effective engagement with government duty bearers. The project places strong emphasis on women’s leadership, youth participation, and gender equality within the disability movement, and promotes collaboration between OPDs, civil society organisations, and government institutions.

As part of this work, OPDs in Zambia have pre-identified key national policies for review. Sightsavers is therefore seeking a consultant to support OPDs to review these policies, strengthen understanding of disability-related policy frameworks, and develop clear policy messages to influence disability inclusion.

What the consultant will be focusing on: Policy review & OPD Capacity Building

The consultancy will support OPDs in Zambia to:

• Review selected national policies through a disability inclusion lens
• Strengthen understanding of global, regional, and national disability policy frameworks
• Build practical skills to conduct policy reviews independently
• Develop evidence-based policy messages and advocacy strategies to influence stakeholders

The assignment is designed to be highly participatory and capacity-building in nature.

Responsibilities

The consultant will:

• Design and deliver training sessions for OPDs on policy review methodologies
• Facilitate practical, hands-on policy review exercises using pre-identified Zambian policies
• Provide an overview of relevant global, regional, and national policy frameworks, including UNCRPD, SDGs, and the African Disability Protocol
• Support OPDs to identify gaps in reviewed policies and develop disability-inclusive recommendations
• Work with OPDs to develop key policy messages and an engagement strategy for influencing duty bearers and stakeholders
• Document the process and produce a comprehensive final report
• Key policies to be reviewed include:
• Citizens Economic Empowerment Act, 2006
• Mental Health Act, 2019 (Section 4)
• Persons with Disabilities Act, 2012

DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be expected to provide:

• Training materials on policy review methodologies tailored to OPDs
• A summary of identified policy gaps and recommendations to strengthen disability inclusion
• Key policy messages and an engagement strategy for OPDs
• A final report covering the training delivered, policy review process, findings, and recommendations

Skills and Experience

The successful consultant will demonstrate:

• An advanced degree in Social Policy, Development Studies, Law, Disability Studies, or a related field
• Proven experience in policy analysis and review, particularly relating to disability inclusion
• Strong knowledge of international and regional frameworks, including UNCRPD, SDGs, and the African Disability Protocol
• Experience designing and delivering training workshops for OPDs or civil society organisations
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate participatory processes and capacity building for marginalised groups
• Experience in advocacy and engagement with OPDs, civil society organisations, and government duty bearers
• Strong research, analytical, and report-writing skills
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• A clear commitment to gender equality, women’s leadership, and youth participation within the disability movement

PAYMENT TERMS

The agreed budget will be discussed at interview.

Next Steps

To express your interest to undertake this assignment, please read the complete ToR, and complete our Expression of Interest (EoI) which can be found via the application link by 1 March 2026.

The EoI response should include a proposed workplan and indicative budget, including daily rates for the assignment and any other anticipated expenses.

Interested bidders are also requested to include an example of previous similar consultancy work.

The deadline to submit your EoI is 1 March 2026.

Please note: We intend to conduct on site interviews at the Zambia country office week commencing 9th of March onwards. The interview will last up to one hour and will be the only stage in the recruitment process.

Please note due to the high volume of applications it is possible, only successful applicants will be contacted. We reserve the right to close this ad early.

Selection Criteria:

Sightsavers is committed to running a fair and transparent tender process, and ensuring that all bidders are treated and assessed equally during this process. Bidder quotation responses will be evaluated against Essential Criteria, Capability Criteria, Sustainability Criteria and Commercial Criteria. These criteria have been especially created to help SCI determine which bidder is able to offer the best quality and most commercially competitive solution to meet our needs and deliver the most effective programming to our beneficiaries.

Job summary including context 
Young Women’s Trust champions young women aged 18 to 30 on low or no pay. We’re here to create a more equal world of work and raise young women’s incomes. 

We offer young women free coaching, feedback on job applications and information to help them get where they want to be. We bring together a network of thousands of young women to support each other, build their self-belief, and have their voices heard. We work with young women to campaign for equality in the workplace. And our research provides insight into what young women’s lives are really like, fuelling our campaigns for change. 

About the role
The Policy and Campaigns Lead is responsible for creating and delivering high-impact campaigns to build young women’s visibility, voice and power and achieve changes to policies, practices and attitudes which will bring about an equal world of work for young women.

You will play a critical part in delivering our 23-28 strategy, and will build Young Women’s Trust’s policy expertise and campaigning capability and our alliances with others who can support us to achieve our purpose. 

You will bring a track record of leading campaigns which have demonstrably contributed to policy or other social change. You’ll be passionate about working with people with lived experience to develop policy solutions and campaigns, and will have the ability to build influential relationships and to represent Young Women’s Trust with a range of external audiences.

You’ll be joining the organisation at an exciting time. The Employment Rights Act, which has the potential to improve job security and strengthen rights at work for young women, has just been enacted and there are significant opportunities to influence its implementation to ensure it truly works for young women. Young Women’s Trust has seen a recent growth in our campaigning momentum and political relationships, and we have active networks of young women working alongside us to shape and deliver our campaigns. Over the next 18 months, you’ll have the opportunity to take us to the next level – turning our increased profile, evidence, and supporter base into genuine impact for young women in low-paid and insecure work. 

EDI statement and sense of flexible working and workplace culture 
Young Women’s Trust strives to be an inclusive and representative organisation. We are committed to appointing individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, lived experiences and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from racially minoritised candidates and working-class candidates who are currently under-represented in our staff team. 

You’ll be joining a team that will embrace your ideas and support and encourage you to bring your whole self to work. 

We can make reasonable adjustments throughout the application process and on the job. If you have particular accessibility needs, please get in touch and let us know any requirements you may have. 

Young Women’s Trust is a Living Wage employer and we commit to Show the Salary for every job we advertise. Non-graduates are welcome and we offer a wide range of flexible working options including job share, part-time and compressed hours, different start and finish times and working from home. 

We offer: 

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays – rising annually to a maximum of 30 days;   
• Enhanced parental leave irrespective of length of service: 
  • Up to 52 weeks maternity leave - 26 weeks at normal rate of pay, 13 weeks statutory maternity Pay, 13 weeks unpaid; 
• 2 annual wellbeing days;
• Employee Assistance Programme;
• Learning and development budget; 
• Flexible working which is fully embedded in our working culture. 

Deadline to apply: 9am, Monday 9 March 
You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role. We are not able to sponsor work visas for non-British applicants.

ABOUT SAFETY4SISTERS

Safety4Sisters (S4S) is a specialist Black and minoritised by and for women’s organisation based in Manchester. Our aim is to promote the human rights of migrant women experiencing a spectrum of gendered violence by providing a trauma informed, specialist, holistic and integrative programme of support to Black and minoritised survivors with NRPF. Support is underpinned by the following strands of services and activities; culturally competent advocacy, welfare and destitution support, a specialist refuge dedicated to migrant women with NRPF, therapeutic activities, groups and training, social activities, a helpline for both professionals and women, grassroots campaigning, and strategic advocacy. 

JOB PURPOSE

To support the development and delivery of Safety4Sisters’ policy, campaigning, and influencing work to advance the rights, safety, and wellbeing of Black, minoritised and migrant women and children experiencing violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The post holder will contribute to influencing local, regional, and national policy and decision-making on VAWG, honour-based abuse, harmful practices, immigration and asylum policy, and no recourse to public funds (NRPF). This work will be rooted in survivor voice, frontline practice, and Safety4Sisters’ feminist and anti-racist values.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1.To contribute to the planning and delivery of Safety4Sisters’ policy, campaigning, and influencing work in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities.

2.To undertake policy research and analysis on issues affecting Black, minoritised and migrant women experiencing VAWG, including immigration, asylum, and NRPF.

3.To draft policy briefings, consultation responses, reports, statements, and other written submissions to influence decision-makers and statutory bodies.

4.To work closely with frontline staff, partners, and where appropriate victim-survivors, to ensure that policy and campaigning work is informed by lived experience and practice-based evidence.

5.To support parliamentary, local authority, and regional influencing activity, including engagement with MPs, councillors, civil servants, and statutory agencies.

6.To assist in organising and delivering policy events, roundtables, seminars, conferences, and briefings for external stakeholders.

7.To represent Safety4Sisters at external meetings, networks, events, and forums as required, promoting the organisation’s policy positions and values.

8.To contribute to raising public and professional awareness of VAWG, honour-based abuse, and the specific barriers faced by migrant women, including institutional racism and hostile immigration policies.

9.To manage Safety4Sisters’ social media platforms, ensuring content supports the organisation’s policy, campaigning and advocacy work and reflects S4S values and safeguarding principles.

10. To support Safety4Sisters’ partners and stakeholders to engage with policy advocacy, communications, and campaigning activity, including providing guidance and resources where appropriate.

11. To contribute to training, learning, and community engagement activities delivered by Safety4Sisters, including sessions for professionals and community organisations.

12. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policy developments, research, and sector best practice.

13. To contribute to monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning activities, ensuring accurate records and data collection for policy and campaigning work.

14. To assist in developing strong links with key partners and networks at local, regional, and national levels to strengthen Safety4Sisters’ influencing work.

15. To undertake campaigning and influencing activity arising from frontline services and policy priorities, which may include occasional evening or weekend work.

16. To undertake any additional duties that contribute to the effective delivery of Safety4Sisters’ services, projects and campaigns.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.To contribute to the smooth running of Safety4Sisters’ services, projects and organisational activities.

2.To assist in maintaining high standards in all aspects of the organisation’s work, including conduct with colleagues, external agencies and partners.

3.To comply with and promote issues of confidentiality, safeguarding, equality, diversity and other Safety4Sisters policies and procedures.

4.To attend supervision, appraisal, training, staff, management and team meetings as required.

5.To promote equality and diversity in all aspects of Safety4Sisters’ work.

6.To maintain clear and accurate records and provide information for monitoring, evaluation, policy, research and funding purposes.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.To be fully compliant with all Health and Safety legislation and Safety4Sisters’ Health and Safety policies.

2.To ensure that work is carried out safely and that no risk is posed to self, colleagues, service users or visitors.

FLEXIBILITY CLAUSE

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties will fall within the scope of the post at the appropriate grade.

This job description will be reviewed with the post holder to ensure it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post and supports the delivery of high-quality services for Black and minoritised women.

When necessary, the post holder may be expected to work evenings and weekends. This time can be claimed back as Time Off In Lieu (TOIL).

THIS POST IS:

·Subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure

·Subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure will be required from the Disclosure and Barring Service regarding any previous convictions.

·Open to women only* (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1).

PersonSpecifications:ImportantInformationforApplicants 

Your application needs to demonstrate clearly and concisely how you meet each of the criteria. If you do not address the criteria fully, you will not be shortlisted. Please give specific examples wherever possible.

CRITERIA

ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE

Knowledge/Qualifications

Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Black, minoritised and migrant women, particularly in relation to violence against women and girls, immigration, asylum, NRPF and institutional racism.

Essential

Understanding of honour-based abuse, harmful practices and other forms of gendered violence.

Essential

Understanding of policy influencing, campaigning and advocacy as tools for social and systemic change.

Essential

Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in policy, research, campaigning or a related field.

Essential

Experience

Experience of working in a policy, research or campaigning role, or demonstrable transferable experience.

Essential

Experience of producing written policy outputs such as briefings, reports, consultation responses or submissions.

Essential

Experience of working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, partners or teams.

Essential

Experience of managing organisational social media accounts. 

Desirable

Experience of engaging with statutory bodies, local authorities or government. 

Desirable 

Skills and Abilities

Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively.

Essential

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Essential

Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

Essential

Ability to prioritise workload, manage competing demands and meet deadlines.

Essential

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, values-driven environment.

Essential

Personal Attitude and Commitment

Commitment to Safety4Sisters’ Black feminist, anti-racist values and survivor-led approach.

Essential

Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.

Essential

Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Essential

Commitment to ongoing learning, reflection and professional development.

Essential 

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Policy Advisor (maternity cover) to join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University. At a time of big changes in the world of work, we are looking for a talented individual who shares our goal to tackle structural inequalities in the UK labour market.

About you

The ideal candidate will be able to undertake research and policy analysis, help secure and manage funded research projects and clearly communicate complex issues to a range of audiences. Experience of building effective internal and external relationships with a wide range of groups including civil servants, academics, politicians, business leaders and workers will be a particular advantage.

The Policy Advisor will support the research team to deliver valuable new quantitative and qualitative evidence and insights. We are ambitious about delivering research that has a positive impact in society, and work closely with workers, employers and policymakers to realise that goal.

Working with us

We are a small, friendly and collaborative team. Flexible working is important to us at the Work Foundation and we’re open to candidates who would like to work flexible hours, part-time, or job share.

This role can either be London based at our office in Fetter Lane or based at the Lancaster University campus, with a hybrid working arrangement. Our team tend to work part of the week at home, and part of the week on site.

Benefits include a defined benefit pension with the USS Scheme, generous holiday entitlement (25 days plus five university closure days between Christmas and Easter), a Cycle to Work Scheme, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and a range of other benefits and discounts.

Further information

This is a maternity cover position for 10-months with a potential to be extended, but this is not guaranteed. Please note: it is the normal expectation of Lancaster University that the chosen candidate will be appointed to the minimum point of that grade. Key details:

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (+ £3,506 London Weighting, pro-rata - if applicable)
Contract: Full time, 10-month fixed-term contract
Location: London or Lancaster
Closing Date: 23.59, Thursday 5 March 2026
Interview Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Reference: 0020-26

If you would like to discuss this role before applying, please contact Alice Martin (Head of Research), with any questions.

To view the full Job Description and apply, please visit our website.

About the Work Foundation at Lancaster University

We believe everyone should have access to secure, rewarding and high-quality work. By engaging directly with workers, employers, policymakers and leading academics, we deliver rigorous applied research to tackle structural inequalities in the labour market and improve working lives across the UK.

About Lancaster University

Lancaster University is among the best in the UK. A top 15 university in the three major UK league tables, we are also highly ranked in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings. It has been recognised as a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Disability Confident employer, and holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award for advancing the careers of women in higher education. The university has several networks focussed on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including a Race Equality Network, an LGBT+ staff network and a Parents and Carers’ network.

Terms and conditions

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. No agencies please.

Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager

Position Type: Maternity Cover

Reports to: Founder/Chief Executive

Based at: School Food Matters, Blackfriars Settlement 9 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB

Salary: £40,500

Working Hours: 9am-5pm (flexible)

Pension: School Food Matters pays pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings

Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays

School Food Matters is closed between Christmas and New Year

Job Purpose

· To lead and shape School Food Matters’ policy and advocacy strategy, ensuring our voice influences national and local decision-making on school food and food education

· To design and deliver campaigns that support and advance SFM’s mission

· To line manage the Policy and Communications Assistant and Press and Communications Officer

Key Tasks

· Lead and provide strategic input to campaigns, convene groups and partnerships

· Represent SFM at external meetings and coalitions such as the School Food Review

· Monitor, analyse and interpret relevant research, policy developments and news, identifying implications or opportunities for SFM

· Oversee the strategic direction of SFM’s external affairs and communications, ensuring all policy, campaigns, and public messaging align with the charity’s mission and priorities

· Provide policy research and analysis to support the activities of the School Food Review

· Oversee meetings and governance for the School Food Alliance

· Provide policy and communications expertise for the Food Education Network workstreams

· Represent SFM at relevant policy consultations, meetings and conferences to influence and inform policy discussions, and deliver presentations as required

· Lead drafting of responses to government consultations

· Working closely with the Press and Communications Officer, provide insights to inform timely media responses to policy developments

· Ensure colleagues are regularly briefed on policy activities, priorities and messages, and run internal workshops to keep them up to date with the school food sector

· Provide strategic input to meeting content for the School Food Review, and support the Policy and Communications Assistant to organise meetings for workstreams

· Oversee the development web content, articles, blogs and newsletter content by the Press and Communications Officer and the Policy and Communications Assistant

· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures

· Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times

· The Policy and Advocacy Manager will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time.  Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!

Person Specification

Essential

· Experience of research and analysis, ideally in a policy environment

· General knowledge of issues around school food, children’s health and food education

· Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s political system

· Experience of coordinating policy/research-based projects

· Experience designing, coordinating and delivering campaigns

· Experience of working in coalitions

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain relationships with a range of individuals and organisations

· Confident and competent IT skills across Office suite of programmes

· Exceptional oral and written communication skills in fluent spoken and written English, with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex data and policies into accessible language and engaging stories and communication materials

· Strong understanding media landscape and social media platforms to oversee the communications activity of the organisation

· Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation

· Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

· Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity

Desirable

· Strong knowledge of the public health, food and education policy landscape

· Experience managing others

· Experience managing projects

· Experience managing meetings

· Experience of working with Drupal CMS

· Experience of working within a network or coalition of campaigning organisations

· Established contacts with media outlets/journalists/bloggers

· Digital campaigning and social networking skills

· Experience writing news articles and blog posts with clear structure, purpose and an engaging narrative

· Experience managing or supervising team members to deliver communications projects effectively

About The Job

Contract: Permanent, full time contract.

Hours: 35 hours per week (1 FTE)

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000

Location: This is a hybrid role, anchored to the London Carers Trust office 1-2 days a week. It will require travel across England and occasionally the UK.

The Policy and Practice Officer will help drive Carers Trust’s priority to improve support for young carers and young adult carers. You will strengthen our growing policy and parliamentary work, coordinate the ever-growing Young Carers Alliance, and act as the main contact for the Young Carers Covenant.

You will work with a wide range of stakeholders including civil servants, MPs, local carer services and other charity partners, local authorities, health organisations, senior colleagues, and most importantly, young carers and young adult carer services themselves. In this role, you will champion young carers’ voices through public campaigning and private influencing, becoming an expert in the issues they face and the support organisations that work with them.

As the postholder you will:

· Proactively support young carers, young adult carers and local carer organisations to become involved in policy and external affairs activity.

· Build strong links with other organisations across areas such as education, health and social care to ensure that young carers are proactively being considered within policy, research and practice.

· Produce engaging reports, briefings, digital copy and articles for external use outlining and evidencing the need for change and potential solutions.
 

Please download the attached recruitment pack to find out more. 

Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in suicide prevention policy? We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team at Samaritans.  Join our team and help influence public policy to achieve our vision: fewer lives lost to suicide.

This is a meaningful, high impact role where your work will directly contribute to safer, more compassionate public policy.

​

Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change in legislation and policy.  

​

About the Role

​

As Policy Officer, you will lead the development and influencing of policy positions on suicide prevention, using research and evidence to produce high-quality briefings, consultation responses and reports. You will build strong internal and external relationships, monitor the policy environment, and work collaboratively across the charity to communicate and advance our policy work.

​

Contract

​

• £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full Time (35hrs per week)
• Permanent
• Hybrid working with link to Ewell office
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

​

What You’ll Do

​

• Support the development of Samaritans’ policy positions on suicide prevention.
• Produce clear briefings, consultation responses and policy reports.
• Analyse complex evidence to inform policy development.
• Spot emerging policy issues and support research needs.
• Keep teams updated on policy changes across the UK and Ireland.
• Represent Samaritans at policy events and support external communications.
• Work closely with colleagues across nations to ensure cohesive policy approaches.

​

What You’ll Bring

​

• Experience in policy or public affairs and understanding of influencing national/local change.
• Strong ability to turn complex info into clear policy insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Understanding of mental health or suicide prevention issues.
• Knowledge of mental health/suicide prevention policy, charity sector experience, familiarity with Samaritans, or experience in research processes (desirable).

​

​

Why Samaritans?

​

At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

​

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

​

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Apply now

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer short application questions (please keep your answers to max 300 words) and to upload your CV (please avoid special characters in the file name).

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We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

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​Applications close: Tuesday 3rd March

Interviews: w/c Monday 9th March