Policy research jobs

Do you have a good understanding of a range of qualitative research methods? Do you have a demonstrable understanding of, and interest in, health and social care policy in the UK? Are you a strong critical thinker, with good oral and written communication skills and an enthusiasm for further developing these skills?

The Nuffield Trust is looking for a Researcher to contribute directly to our mission by delivering high-quality research, evaluation, and policy analysis. You will work across a diverse range of projects and topic areas and have the opportunity to learn from colleagues who are experts in both content and methods.

In this role, you will work as part of project teams, undertaking research and policy analysis tasks to contribute to the successful delivery of our work. Supported by peers and more senior team members, you will contribute to writing and presenting work, disseminating findings and achieving meaningful impact.

We’d love to hear from you if you can bring:

• Skills consistent with experience of working in government, think tanks, or applied academic research – some of which may have been gained via a university-level qualification.
• Experience of qualitative research, evaluation, or policy analysis within health or social care.
• Strong analytical ability to synthesise evidence and turn complex information into clear, persuasive arguments.
• Proven reliability in meeting deadlines, producing high-quality outputs, and managing your time effectively.

Review the Application and Selection process in the attached Candidate Brief (page 11) for details on what your application should include.

The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is seeking a Researcher to support its Conservation Skills at Risk project, which is being generously supported by the Pilgrim Trust.

This project aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the conservation workforce by identifying areas where specialist skills are most at risk, informing future training provision and sector advocacy. 

Working closely with Icon staff, partners, and specialist groups, the Researcher will implement an established methodology to gather, analyse, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data across the conservation sector. Responsibilities include coordinating surveys, monitoring participation, maintaining accurate research records, analysing trends, and synthesising findings into clear, evidence-based outputs.

The postholder will also contribute to written reports, case studies, and public-facing communications, helping ensure the project achieves its milestones and delivers high-quality insights.

The postholder will report to the Policy and Programmes Director. 

About us

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) is a UK-wide charity that exists to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation. We’re here for everyone who needs us. We protect children by working with people who pose a risk and diverting them from causing harm. We support individuals and families who have been affected by abuse. And we help professionals who work with families to create safer environments for children through delivering risk assessments, interventions, training and consultancy.

About the role and you

We are recruiting for a Policy Officer within the Advocacy and Communications Team. You will report to the Director of Advocacy and Communications and work closely with all others in the team.

The purpose of this role is to strengthen LFF’s policy and advocacy efforts. You will be crucial in helping to develop strategic engagement, influence change and strengthen LFF’s impact on public policy, and in doing so, make a significant contribution to the prevention of child sexual abuse.

Bringing together your knowledge and experience engaging with various stakeholders, you will effect change by identifying opportunities to influence decision-making, analyse data to develop policy positions for the organisation, contribute to consultation submissions and provide advice on various policy matters.

Advocacy is one of three guiding principles in our 2025-2030 organisational strategy. It underpins all of our work – we advocate for a greater focus on preventing abuse before it happens, not just within the halls of parliament but through all aspects of our work from frontline practice to influencing national policy.

This role sits within the wider Advocacy and Communications Team which supports the promotion of all areas of our work across various channels: websites, social media, press and PR, marketing and digital advertising. Working with the wider team, we are striving to better showcase our advocacy work both internally and externally.

Our ideal candidate will have a strong track record of policy development, an understanding of the UK legislative process and a commitment to our mission to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation.

For a more detailed job description, please request a job pack.

What you’ll get from us

We offer the following benefits:

• Hybrid working (with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week; we ask for 3 days in the office per week for the first month)
• NEST pension
• 33 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days (inclusive of statutory bank holidays following qualifying period)
• Up to 5 days’ learning and development per year
• Flu jabs & eye tests
• Season ticket loans
• Charity discounts
• Employee assistance programme
• Option of private healthcare with Benenden

How to apply

We really welcome informal conversations with prospective candidates about the role and the charity in advance of the deadline.

To apply, please download the job pack and return your completed documents by Monday 24th November. Stage 1 interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 3rd December and stage 2 interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 10th December for shortlisted candidates.

If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date you have been unsuccessful with your application. Please note the successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check for this position.

#policy #advocacy #communications #engagement

The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager will play a key role in positioning Action for pulmonary Fibrosis as the leading voice in improving PF care. The postholder will take a leadership role within the Policy and Public Affairs team, providing strategic direction on our key policy priorities. Working with the Director of Policy, Research and Involvement, you will lead the development and implementation of policy initiatives that align with the organisation’s strategic priorities including OneVoiceILD, our movement to bring transformational systems change to how NHS services are delivered across the UK.

This is a highly visible position, working in collaboration with healthcare and allied health professionals, commissioners, researchers, voluntary sector partners and within the wider respiratory community. As a member of APF’s Organisation Leadership Group, the PPA Manager will collaborate to drive operational delivery of strategic priorities, coordinating cross-team activity, support organisational communication and culture, and review risks, procedures and operational performance.

Key Areas of the Role:

OneVoiceILD: Lead an effective OneVoiceILD movement, our vehicle for transformational systems change in the NHS.
Policy: Provide leadership on our policy priorities across all four nations of the UK.
Public affairs and influencing: Lead a strong programme that brings our policy and influencing priorities to life through targeted engagement with key stakeholders.

The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a purpose to advance social well-being through research. Our Strategy and Engagement team is responsible for ensuring this research has impact and influence, and we are now recruiting to the new role of Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator to support our communications, policy and public affairs activities.

The Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator will work with colleagues across the teams to support a breadth of activities. Acting as the owner of the Foundation’s engagement planning tools, you will ensure our communications policy and public affairs activity is forward planned, well organised and up-to-date. You will assist in the co-ordination and delivery of events, support the production and publication of content, and help with copywriting and curating a wide range of materials for internal and external audiences.

You will work with policy, public affairs and communications colleagues with preparing letters, policy briefings and stakeholder mapping, and keeping stakeholder lists up to date on Salesforce. This role will also support the communications and public affairs teams with proactive monitoring of the external policy, political and media landscape (at both a national and local level) and disseminate round-ups and relevant information to colleagues across the Foundation.

You will already have experience of working in an administrative and/or team coordination function, ideally in a communications, or policy and public affairs role. You will be a strong communicator (both in person and in your written outputs), able to work across a varied range of internal and external stakeholders, and manage competing priorities. You will have a collaborative and inclusive approach to working, with the ability to work well in a team and also independently. Some knowledge of social policy issues will be advantageous, and you will be committed to the Foundation’s mission.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career looking to build their skills and experience across the breadth of our communication and engagement functions.
 

About us

The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a mission to advance social well-being.

We achieve this by funding and undertaking rigorous research, encouraging innovation, and supporting the use of sound evidence to improve people’s lives. We tackle pressing, complex questions. Our aim is to open up opportunities and to improve lives for individuals, families and communities, within a just and inclusive society. Our work addresses the inequalities, disadvantage, discrimination and vulnerabilities that people face, and considers the social and ethical implications of scientific and technological advances.

We are the founder and co-funder of Nuffield Council on Bioethics, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and the Ada Lovelace Institute.

We value diversity in background, skills, perspectives and life experiences.
 

Further information and how to apply

For further information about the role, please click through to the vacancy listing on our website. The closing date for applications is 09:30am (GMT) on Monday 8th December 2025. Interviews will take place on the 7th, 8th and/or 9th January 2026.

We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to:

• As a Disability Confident employer, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the essential criteria for the job.
• making any reasonable adjustments – for example providing documents in different formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter for interviews etc
• reimbursing reasonable travel costs (and any childcare or care costs) for interviews where in-person attendance is required.

Our benefits package includes:

• Genuine flexibility - we are open to requests for part-time hours, compressed working weeks, or job shares.
• 28 days holiday per annum and all public holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days (prorated for part time staff).
• A salary exchange pension scheme that offers employer contributions of up to 11%.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Family leave policies that provide an enhanced level of pay.
• Cycle to work scheme and loans towards season tickets.
• Regular opportunities for learning and development – including coaching, mentoring, and dedicated reading days for personal development and reflection.
• Support with your physical, mental and financial wellbeing including an employee assistance provider, a private GP service, personal health reviews with Bupa, a will and funeral planning service and a staff network of trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• A warm and welcoming workplace culture, with active peer groups and social networks to help you connect and belong.

Our client, a well-known anti-poverty charity is looking to recruit a Director of Policy & Engagement on a maternity contract of up to 12 months. This great charity provides front-line advice, advocacy and campaigning and policy work on behalf of people in London beneath pension age, who are experiencing issues around benefit payments, disability and housing or who are at risk of homelessness. The services they provide have become even more essential during the current cost of living crisis.

The role:
As Director of Policy & Engagement, you will lead the organisation’s policy, public affairs, and campaigns function, shaping and delivering local and national influencing to drive change on social security and housing issues. You will ensure the voices of people with lived experience are central to all of the organisation’s work, embedding meaningful participation across the organisation, in governance, services, policy and campaigns.

You will also oversee strategic external communications to support the organisation’s influencing, brand and fundraising objectives and will direct all fundraising for your department including managing funder relationships, identifying opportunities and leading on bid writing and reporting.
 
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for influencing policy and practice locally and nationally and representing the charity as a spokesperson in the media, with government ministers, MPs, and other senior stakeholders. 
 
You will manage a small multidisciplinary team of four, ensuring integrated effective delivery across the organisation. 
 
The role will cover strategic leadership, policy, public affairs & campaigns, stakeholder & media engagement, external communications, embedding participation, fundraising leadership, team leadership and cross-organisational Integration.

The person:
The successful candidate will be a strategic, politically astute leader with experience of leading policy, public affairs and campaigns at a senior level. They will have experience of integrating research campaigns, participation, external communications and fundraising to deliver impact locally and nationally. They will have excellent media stakeholder and political engagement skills, with experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation. This person will value and embed lived experience in all aspects of their work and will have a strong understanding of social security and housing policy. 

This person will also have substantial experience of leading on research for social policy influencing purposes in addition to having developed and shaped policy  for an organisation in a charity which works towards combatting poverty and other social justice issues. Having managed political and media engagement and external influencing activities in the past, this person will be an effective relationship manager both internally and externally, in addition to having provided knowledge based leadership to small teams in the charity sector. In addition to being a highly effective project manager, this person will be a very strong communicator both verbally and in writing, and will be fully committed to the aims and objectives of this anti-poverty charity.
​​​​​​​
This organisation is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of poverty, from global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and disabled people are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome evidence of experience from both work and non-work settings such as volunteering and personal life. 
 

Battersea is entering an exciting phase of innovation and transformation as we embark on our new five-year strategy. With increased investment in income generation from 2025, we are expanding our team to drive the growth necessary to achieve our organisational goals. Our fundraising team bridges the journey of the animals in our care with the wider public, demonstrating how their contributions enable us to support every dog and cat.

This is a new role working across Battersea’s Philanthropy, Partnerships and Commercial (PP&C) fundraising team, to help drive income growth and maintain strong funder relationships.

The primary focus of your work will be prospect identification and qualification for an upcoming capital campaign. This will include new major donor prospects and charitable Trusts that support capital projects.
You will also be responsible for undertaking due diligence on individuals, corporations and trusts that are supporting Battersea in order to inform our colleagues about potential financial and reputational risks, empowering them to make informed decisions about our partnerships.
You will be an integral part of the capital campaign, managing the prospect pipelines, tracking prospects as they move through the cultivation cycle and supporting the fundraisers with their cultivation. You will also write and contribute to event biographies for our Special Event program during particularly busy periods.
You will ensure that all research output is compliant with GDPR and will share data protection expertise with other team members.

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:

• 36 days of annual leave (inclusive of 8 days Bank Holiday leave allowance) per year for full time employees (pro-rated for part-time employees).
• Discounted gym memberships 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.

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.

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. 

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.

If you are successful to the interview stage of the recruitment process, we ask that you follow the below guidelines on the use of AI at interview stages:

Acceptable use:

• Researching sector trends, company information, or general interview tips.
• Practicing interview questions with AI tools to improve communication skills.
• Using AI to support with structuring your responses.

Please do not:

• Submit AI-generated responses as your own during the interview.
• Use AI to impersonate or misrepresent your experience or skills.
• Use AI tools during real-time interviews.

Closing date: 28th November 2025
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): Week commencing 8th December 2025

For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack.

To apply for the role, click on the "Apply" button below

We're looking for an enthusiastic Research and Engagement Officer to plan and deliver engagement and research for our core and project work. This role involves listening and reaching out into communities to understand the experiences and concerns of local people using health and social care services and presenting this feedback to those planning and running services.

An ideal candidate is someone who walks into a room full of strangers and comes out with contacts, stories and having built a trusting connection. This role will include going out to geographical and communities of interest with an aim of making sure that we hear from all of the diverse communities of Wakefield District.

We recognise that research can be a term that puts people off, but we want to make research accessible and manageable for everyone. So, put simply, our research projects are always focussed on hearing from a specific community and we use different methods to reach them effectively and to capture their comments in ways that resonate and have impact. 

Purpose

To plan and deliver engagement and research for Healthwatch Wakefield’s core and project work. To understand the experiences and concerns of people using health and social care services in Wakefield District and represent this feedback to service providers and commissioners. The role involves some analysis of data and intelligence to influence change and improve services.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

This is a dynamic role with lots of opportunity to make it your own. We have a small team of Research and Engagement Officers, and each works slightly differently to achieve the shared goal of reaching out and exploring ways to capture and interpret the experiences of people who use local services. The main functions are:

• Engagement
• Research and Project Management
• Data and Intelligence Analysis

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of engagement, particularly with seldom heard groups and communities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Capable of working independently and managing a varied workload.
• Experience of using various engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Experience working with, networking, and developing partnerships with a range of people, including project stakeholders, diverse community groups, and other organisations.
• Experience using various research and engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Word.
• Commitment to the principles and values of Healthwatch.
• Demonstrates empathy, integrity, and a drive to influence positive change in health and social care.
• Willingness to travel within the Wakefield area.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Experience producing impact-focused reports and summary documents.
• Familiarity with local services and community needs.
• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector, especially in Wakefield District.
• Good understanding of health and social care sectors, especially within the Wakefield area.

This is a key role in fulfilling CEASE’s aim to drive legislative reform that strengthens accountability, scrutiny and regulation of all parts of the commercial sex industry and other vested commercial interests, which are driving sexual violence, abuse and exploitation. It is about holding the UK government accountable in its duty to protect citizens from high-harm industries, appealing to robust evidence, survivor testimony and a careful critical analysis of the ideological justifications that uphold it. 

The work crosses multiple different areas, from policing, online safety and child protection to violence against women and girls (VAWG). It involves close collaboration with experts and partner organisations through strategic partnerships and coalitions, and the building of trusted relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants and other decision-makers.

This role sits within the Activism strand of CEASE’s strategy, alongside media outreach and commercial advocacy, and works closely with the Chief Executive and Strategic Director 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership

• Work closely and effectively with the Chief Executive, Strategic Director and Trustees to advise on priorities and opportunities within this space.

• Develop both short- and long-term political strategies to engage key stakeholders with CEASE’s policy solutions.

• Identify and formulate strategies for gathering robust evidence on key issues where needed.

• Shape policy recommendations in line with CEASE’s strategic priorities and emerging trends.

• Ensure all external engagement reflects CEASE’s values and core messaging.

• Contribute political intelligence and insight to CEASE’s wider strategic planning and organisational development.

B. Policy

Goal: To ensure CEASE’s policy recommendations are robust, evidence-based, survivor-informed and coherent.

• Gather and present evidence on commercial and cultural drivers of sexual abuse and exploitation, and on systemic failures in regulation and enforcement.

• Identify evidence gaps and devise effective means for CEASE or partners within our networks to fill them.

• Produce policy briefings and consultation responses for parliamentarians and civil servants, often in collaboration with allies.

• Monitor parliamentary business in Westminster, analysing legislation and proposing amendments grounded in evidence and framed for maximum impact.

• Develop CEASE’s positions on new and emerging issues and technologies in line with our mission.

• Prepare speeches and statements for the Chief Executive or Strategic Director to deliver to parliamentarians, committees and inquiries.

• Integrate survivor insight and lived experience into policy and advocacy materials wherever appropriate.

• Analyse, distil and present research findings to provide credible, compelling evidence for policymakers and stakeholders.

• Track engagement outcomes and evaluate the impact of CEASE’s policy work, sharing learning internally.

C. Public Affairs

Goal: To ensure CEASE’s policy recommendations are seen, heard and acted upon.

• Create opportunities to promote CEASE’s policy solutions in Westminster through roundtables, drop-ins and parliamentary events.

• Engage directly with decision-makers, building trusted relationships across parties and with key officials.

• Identify and support parliamentarians who can champion CEASE’s issues through speeches, strategic questions, debate briefings and Private Members’ Bills.

• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants and officials in relevant government departments (Home Office, DCMS, DfE, etc.); participate in select committees and APPGs.

• Monitor the political landscape to identify alignment between CEASE’s goals and current government priorities, debates and legislative timetables.

• Collaborate with colleagues to nurture relationships with key stakeholders such as charities, public bodies, academic institutions, industry figures and experts.

• Lead or contribute to policy-focused coalitions and alliances aimed at influencing government and legislative reform.

• Support wider campaigns that leverage coalition backing (e.g. petitions, iParls or media initiatives), aligning messaging across CEASE’s team to amplify impact.

• Track and evaluate the reach and influence of CEASE’s public affairs activities to inform ongoing strategy.

D. Research

• Maintain awareness of political and legal developments in other countries and international bodies such as the UN.

• Commission or collaborate on research that strengthens CEASE’s evidence base and credibility.

• Distil complex research and policy information into accessible formats for internal and external audiences, in collaboration with the Chief Executive and Strategic Director.

• Work with the wider CEASE team to “demystify” the political process and support civic and grassroots engagement.

E. Fundraising

• Identify potential donors and funding opportunities through policy networks.

• Contribute to the development of compelling funding cases linked to CEASE’s policy impact and advocacy outcomes.

General Responsibilities

• Represent CEASE externally to promote its work and values.

• Uphold CEASE’s ethical and professional standards at all times.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Chief Executive.

Please see Job Description for full details.

We are seeking our first Head of Fundraising to join our Senior Leadership Team, build the function and leave a legacy.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will lead on developing and delivering our fundraising strategy, with primary focus on trusts and foundations and corporate partnerships, with the potential to grow individual philanthropy in the future.

You will be a key ambassador for the organisation, building and managing strong, long-term relationships with funders who share our mission. You’ll bring vision, strategic clarity and emotional intelligence to developing compelling cases for support, always ensuring alignment with organisational goals and understanding that for us, income is a vehicle to impact.

You’ll manage and develop one Senior Officer initially, with the possibility that we may be able to expand the team as income grows. The Senior Officer post is currently empty, so we hope that you’ll be able to be involved in the recruitment of this post enabling you to shape your own team. You’ll also play a wider role in shaping the organisation’s strategy and culture as part of a collaborative and ambitious leadership team.

Key responsibilities:

Strategy and Leadership

• Lead development and execution of a fundraising strategy focused on trusts,foundations and corporates (with a possible addition of individual philanthropy further down the line).
• Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, planning and culture, and supporting the Chief Executive to report to the board on fundraising.
• Manage, develop and grow the Senior Officer role; build a high-performing team.

Fundraising and Relationship Management

• Create and manage a pipeline of funding opportunities, securing multi-year grants and strategic partnerships that support our research, policy and delivery ambitions, and reflect our values.
• Lead the development of major funding bids - including drafting proposals and coordinating input from SLT colleagues and other relevant team members.
• Cultivate, steward and deepen relationships with existing and prospective funders, acting as a confident and credible ambassador.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to develop strong proposals, cases for support and pitch materials, including engaging in depth with some of the complex research that we seek to fund.
• Represent the organisation externally — in meetings, networks and events.

Innovation, Growth and Sustainability

• Develop and test models to diversify income to enable impact – building on our current strategy, but bringing an open mind to exploring new activities.
• Embed fundraising monitoring, evaluation and performance reporting into the organisation; ensure transparency with senior leadership and trustees.
• Maintain close alignment between fundraising strategy and organisational strategy, ensuring funder relationships are ethical, values-aligned and sustainable.

About you: 

We’re seeking someone who is ambitious, driven and emotionally intelligent — a relationship-builder ready to step into a senior leadership role and leave a legacy.

Essential

• A proven track record of securing significant income from trusts, foundations and/or corporate partners.
• Experience in managing complex relationships with funders, with excellent stewardship and retention skills.
• Experience of running reliable due diligence processes to assess funding opportunities.
• Able to translate research, policy or innovation-led programmes into compelling funding propositions.
• Excellent project management skills, including the capacity to coordinate colleagues in developing complex fundraising bids.
• Some experience of line management, team development or mentoring.
• Excellent written, verbal and influencing skills, able to engage funders, senior leaders and colleagues.
• Strategic mindset, with capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• A genuine passion for the mission of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, and the empathy to engage with lived experience perspectives.
• Alignment with our collaborative and flexible working culture — able to work in a high-trust environment, collaborate openly with colleagues across multiple teams and contribute positively to team wellbeing and culture.

Desirable

• Experience of major donor fundraising, or exploring new income streams.
• Experience of reporting to a board, including of producing high level board papers and working with high profile stakeholders.
• Knowledge or networks within the essential services, health, research, policy or grant-giving sectors.

Terms:

• Reporting to: Chief Executive
• Staff supervised: One team member, who we hope you will be able to be involved in recruiting
• Annual Gross Salary: £64,800 (employees who are not London-based receive the same salary, including London weighting, but cover their own travel costs to the office, typically twice a month)
• Location: Either London-based, with two days per week in Money and Mental Health’s East London office, or home-based with the ability to travel to London at least twice per month. The role will also require some travel for meetings.
• Hours: Both full-time and part-time applicants considered, at a minimum of four days per week. Job shares, consolidated hours and other flexible working arrangements will be considered. Please indicate your preferred working hours on application.
• Contract type: Permanent
• Holidays: 28 days per year (including 3 days between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed), plus bank holidays
• Pension: Opportunity to be enrolled in the workplace pension scheme (subject to meeting standard auto-enrolment qualifying criteria). After enrolment, the charity contributes the equivalent of 5.5% of monthly gross salary, subject to an employee contribution of at least 2.5%.
• Other benefits:
  • Every team member has a personal training budget, with many internal training opportunities.
  • Cycle to Work and season ticket loan schemes.
  • Enhanced maternity/paternity/parental leave terms, offered at an equal rate: employees eligible for statutory maternity/paternity/shared parental pay receive 90% of earnings for up to 12 weeks.
  • Rental deposit loan scheme.
  • A flexible working culture: core working hours are 10am–3pm, with flexibility outside these times (agreed with management) for employees to distribute working hours across the week.

About Global Canopy

Global Canopy is a data-driven not for profit delivering real transparency and accountability for market impacts on nature and people. Our special focus is on ending deforestation – an essential step in achieving urgent global goals on climate, nature and human rights.

About Corporate Performance

A growing number of companies and financial institutions are seeking to mitigate their impacts on nature. But many have made commitments that are not being met, and others are failing to take any action at all. We hold to account through our Forest 500 project, assessing the policies and performance of influential companies and financial institutions. With our suite of Deforestation-free Finance Guidance and a forthcoming new tool, DEFT Pathway, we provide tools and data for financial institutions and investors to support effective engagement with high-risk companies. We support the finance sector, policy makers and other stakeholders by providing market-leading data on deforestation and ESG metrics through Forest IQ.

Role Overview

This is an exciting and pivotal role for an experienced research and project lead. As Research Lead for the Corporate Performance Programme, you will have oversight of all aspects of research relating to three of Global Canopy’s flagship projects: Forest 500 (including Floresta 250), Forest IQ and DEFT Pathway as well as associated Guidance. You will be part of an effective team in a fast-growing and dynamic non-profit delivering on complex and impactful projects around the world.

You will manage a team of researchers, building on the strong and collaborative atmosphere already in place. You will have a vital role across the organisation with visibility of other research projects too, including how they complement each other and interact, and work with other experts such as those from communications or Human Rights.

The Research Lead contributes to strategy developments and innovations in our approach and in the data products and tools we provide. You will work with colleagues to help secure funding for the continued impact of our research as the world changes.

You will lead methodology updates in line with the Accountability Framework initiative and in the context of world events relating to forest risk commodities, and interpret methodologies for annual assessment cycles led by the team.

The impact and audience for this data will be a key focus for you. You will distill the resulting data into findings and insights for content creation and publications and will work with colleagues to ensure the data is well understood by media and assessed entities. By speaking and representing Global Canopy at events you will ensure our methodology and data is shared openly and delivers impact.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Corporate Performance (CP) research team, maintaining accountability for technical quality assurance of our data, process and findings across three of Global Canopy’s flagship projects: Forest 500+ (including Floresta 250), Forest IQ and DEFT Pathway, as well as Deforestation Free-Finance Guidance
• Lead and manage the research team, supporting Research Associates and Researchers to own and succeed in their respective projects and with the workflows they manage
• Build strong teamwork and technical excellence with a focus on impact
• Stay abreast of methodological updates, research methods and best practices across the assessment cycles, based on ongoing NGO alignment and external developments in line with our Theory of Change
• Lead cross-function collaborative team working and communication to ensure a focus on impact in research strategy and delivery, with seamless end-to-end processes up to and including data and content releases
• Strongly contribute to the management and strategy of the CP programme during a pivotal year by driving and developing new innovations
• Contribute to new fundraising proposals that strategically progress research needs and ensure continued funding.
• Deliver commitments to donors and in the CP annual plan related to research and help maintain donor relationships by reporting on Research-led deliverables
• Connect the CP programme with its target audiences and extend impact by engaging with NGOs, working with the Communications team to create public-facing content, and representing Global Canopy externally, particularly on technical elements of the methodology, best practice and findings

About You

To be successful in this role, these are the things that will matter the most:

• Strong background in research and research methods related to forest-risk commodities
• Ability to set realistic goals in planning research and data development, and managing a team to meet agreed timings for public releases
• Ability to lead, manage, and develop a research team
• Ability to identify strategic opportunities and innovations

Essential behavioural competencies:

• Attention to detail and accuracy through data, communications outputs, and engagement
• Ability to problem-solve and identify opportunities for improvement of existing systems
• Ability to think creatively and identify innovative ways to use existing and new data and metrics to reach audiences and deliver impact

Skills and experience:

• Leading a small team
• Strong data literacy and analysis skills, including qualitative data collection and analysis
• Demonstrable experience of applying research methods and practices, including both quantitative and qualitative data and statistical analysis, and programming and/or use of tools related to research techniques
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and methodologies to non-expert audiences

Desirable:

• Specialist technical knowledge on one or more of the following: deforestation, agricultural commodities, ESG, supply chains, sustainability or financial services
• Knowledge/experience working on the human rights and social dimensions of commodity-driven deforestation and environmental degradation
• Experience contributing to programmatic strategy to create impact and develop funding opportunities
• Experience of working across functions
• Experience of how data is delivered to target audiences

Benefits

Salary: £60k full time equivalent. This role sits within Band C on Global Canopy’s remuneration framework.

Nature of contract: Full-time, fixed-term (24 months), with possibility to extend dependent on funding. We are a flexible employer and welcome candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Base: Our office is in Oxford, with flexible home-working arrangements in place. Ability to attend the office fortnightly at minimum would be desirable.

Holidays: 36 days (including bank/public holidays) for discretionary use across the annual leave year. Option to purchase up to an additional 5 days or equivalent of one week’s leave.

Pension: Employer pension contribution of 8%.

Healthcare cashback plan: Covering dental fees, eye-care, wellbeing, physiotherapy, chiropody and much more – for you and any children.

Group Life Assurance: Paying a lump sum of 3 times annual salary

Group Income Protection: Paying 75% of annual salary for up to 2 years (for long term sickness).

Employee Assistance Programme: Which provides free, confidential advice on personal and legal matters.

Other: Huge range of discounts and cashback deals at gyms, restaurants, holidays, and much more.

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please follow the link and submit an up-to date CV and covering letter.

The covering letter should explain your motivation for the role, and how your skills and experience fit the person specification. (Please no more than 1 side of A4).

The closing date for applications is 8 December 2025 at 9am GMT. Early application encouraged as we will be conducting rolling interviews. We may close applications early if suitable candidates are identified.

First-round interviews calls will be conducted remotely via a video call. Following rounds consist of a take-home technical test and a final interview (in person at our Oxford office where possible; we will reimburse reasonable travel expenses to attend interviews).

The right-to-work in the UK is required for this role.

Applicant data will be managed in accordance with the candidate privacy policy available on our website.

About us

The Runnymede Trust is the UK’s leading race equality think tank. We generate research to challenge racial inequality in Britain.

For more than 50 years, we have worked tirelessly to build a Britain in which we all belong. Proudly independent, we speak truth to power on race and racism without fear or favour. We are not swayed by political agenda, profit or popular opinion. We are authentic, led by an ethnically diverse team, and we draw from our lived experience and that of our wide and inclusive community and partnership networks.

The Role

We are seeking a talented and motivated Researcher to join our growing team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact research that shapes public understanding and policy on race and inequalities in the UK.

You will lead and support a range of research projects from inception to delivery, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to generate rigorous, accessible and influential outputs. Working closely with colleagues across research, policy and communications, as well as external partners and funders, you will play a key role in ensuring that Runnymede’s work remains at the forefront of the national conversation on race and social justice.

This position is ideal for someone with strong analytical and project management skills, a deep curiosity about racial and social inequalities, and a passion for producing evidence that drives systemic change.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll be the right person for this role if you’re passionate about using research to tackle racial and social inequalities. You will bring experience in both qualitative and quantitative research, strong project coordination skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and accessibly.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift and collaboration is key. With an eye for detail and a commitment to quality, you’ll ensure that every piece of research you deliver is robust, ethical, and impactful.

If you’re ready to contribute to research that informs and inspires action towards racial justice, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply

To apply please click the apply button below. 

This will take you to our online recruitment platform, BeApplied, which is a platform that aims to facilitate an unbiased and inclusive hiring process.

On BeApplied you will be asked to upload your CV and answer some skill-based application questions instead of a traditional covering letter.

Runnymede Trust is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are  under-represented in research and policy making and we’re committed to doing what we can to correct this. We are particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; people with disabilities; people who identify as being LGTBQIA; people who have a mental health condition; and people who identify as working class now or in the past.

We are also aware that many highly capable prospective candidates nonetheless rule themselves out of work in think tanks because they underestimate their own ability to do the role. With this in mind, we strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and grow on the job and would like to stress that past experience of working in think tanks is not required.

Interview Schedule

Candidates will hear back about their application status on 26th November, and interviews for shortlisted candidates will be conducted on 2nd and 4th December.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with 
muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

Main purpose of role:
This is a unique opportunity to lead Muscular Dystrophy UK’s policy work to improve access to treatment and shape life science policy for people living with muscle wasting conditions.

With exciting progress in treatment development but challenges with NHS system readiness, you’ll be at the forefront of efforts to ensure everyone in the UK can access the best available therapies—quickly and equitably. 

You’ll build strong relationships with governments, regulators, charities, and industry, lead our technology appraisal work, and grow our influence in life sciences policy, particularly around clinical trials and the implementation of the UK Life Sciences plan, drawing on Muscular Dystrophy UK’s rich history in medical research.

Working collaboratively across teams—including Policy and Campaigns, Research, Marketing and Communications, and our devolved nation leads in Services and Support—you’ll help deliver key strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Campaigns and working within a matrix structure with the Director of Research and Innovation, you’ll play a vital role in driving change and improving lives.

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

Cover Letter Guidance for Applicants
When submitting your application, please ensure your cover letter provides clear evidence of the following:
• Experience in research, policy, public affairs, or a closely related field
• Proven ability to influence government, decision makers, or public policy — ideally within the health, life sciences, or disability sectors
• Strong understanding of NHS structures, regulatory frameworks, and health technology assessment (HTA) policies and processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences
•  Robust research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, interpret, and present information persuasively

Your cover letter should demonstrate how your background aligns with these criteria, using specific examples where possible

Location: Head Office, London, SE1 (with flexibility for homeworking with regular travel to Westminster)
Closing date: Sunday 23rd November 
Interview dates Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd December 2025

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities​