39 Policy research jobs

Are you passionate about improving public services and developing bold, progressive ideas that can improve people’s lives? Do you have expertise in health, education, social care or childcare, and the ability to turn rigorous research into meaningful policy change? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is the UK’s leading progressive think tank. For more than three decades, our research and ideas have helped shape public policy and political debate across the UK.

About the role

We are looking for an Associate Director, Public Services to lead an ambitious programme of research and policy development spanning health, education, social care and childcare.

This is a senior role with responsibility for setting the strategic direction of our public services work, developing bold and ambitious policy ideas, and ensuring our research has real-world impact. You will lead and develop a talented team and work collaboratively with colleagues across IPPR to turn high-quality research into compelling policy proposals.

You will oversee a portfolio of research, from developing new ideas and securing funding through to delivering projects and influencing policy. You will build strong relationships with policymakers, practitioners, funders and partners, and represent IPPR with a wide range of audiences, including politicians and the media, and at high-profile events.

You will also play a leading role in securing the funding needed to deliver our public services ambitions, identifying new opportunities and building lasting relationships with funders and partners.

About you

We are looking for someone with strong expertise in one or more areas of public services and a track record of producing high-quality research and influencing public policy.

You will combine intellectual ambition, strategic leadership and political awareness with excellent communication, project management, fundraising and people leadership skills. You will be an inclusive and supportive manager, creating an environment in which colleagues can do their best work, develop their skills and deliver high-quality research.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping IPPR’s thinking on the future of public services and developing practical, progressive ideas that can make a difference across the UK.

The role is based in our London office in Westminster. We value the benefits of in-person collaboration and ask staff to spend at least 40 per cent of their working hours in the office, with the remainder able to be worked remotely. We support flexible working and are happy to discuss potential arrangements with candidates.

IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide.

Ready to apply?

For further information, including the full job description and application details, please click here: https://ippr.hrpartner.io/jobs/associate-director--public-services-4kad9

We’d be grateful if you could also complete our equity, diversity and inclusion monitoring form available here: https://forms.gle/ffZP5v73v7HpnK6h8 

Closing date for applications: 11:30 GMT, 13 November 2026

Interviews will take place in our London office on: 25 and 26 November 2026

Second interview: 9 December 2026 (if required)