Project manager common ground jobs
Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.
Key Responsibilities
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Policy and Research Leadership
- Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
- Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
- Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
- Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.
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Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
- Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
- Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
- Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.
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Internal Collaboration
- Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
- Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
- Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage junior staff or associates as required.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:
- Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
- Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
- Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
- Experience in income generation or bid development.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
- Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Politically aware and intellectually curious.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and inclusive.
- Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead innovative programmes that strengthen social cohesion and create lasting change. Join Belong and help communities thrive across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in delivering impactful, evidence-based programmes that bring people together and foster inclusion. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are expanding our reach and deepening our impact. The Programme Lead will be at the heart of this journey, shaping and delivering high-quality initiatives that respond to local needs and drive systemic change.
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Role
As Programme Lead, you will design and deliver innovative programmes that make a measurable difference to communities. You will lead the development of local strategies, co-create solutions with partners, and ensure programmes are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with Belong’s mission.
Key responsibilities include:
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Programme Design and Delivery
- Lead the delivery of Belong’s local programmes, ensuring they are evidence-based and responsive to community needs.
- Design and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community engagement activities.
- Apply strong research methods, including desk-based analysis, surveys, and social media insights.
- Manage programme budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure effective delivery.
- Monitor and evaluate programme outcomes, producing reports and insights for stakeholders.
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Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community organisations, funders, and commissioners.
- Co-design programme approaches with partners, ensuring shared ownership and relevance.
- Represent Belong at external events, meetings, and forums to promote our work and build new opportunities.
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Strategic Development
- Contribute to Belong’s organisational strategy through programme innovation and learning.
- Support business development by identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and contributing to bids.
- Share learning and best practice across the organisation to inform future programme development.
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Planning, Delivery, and Risk Management
- Demonstrate strong project management skills, including coordination of deliverables and budget tracking.
- Conduct risk assessments and map risks and opportunities to ensure programme success.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys working collaboratively, and is passionate about creating lasting change in communities.
About You
We are seeking a proactive and collaborative programme leader with:
- Proven experience in designing and delivering community-based programmes.
- Experience working in or with local government or voluntary sector organisations.
- Strong facilitation and engagement skills, with familiarity in participatory methods.
- Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
- Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with strong communication skills.
- Relevant qualification in community development, public policy, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of social cohesion and integration issues.
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
Desirable: Experience in Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Collaborative and solution-focused.
- Entrepreneurial and proactive in identifying opportunities.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape programmes that build stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
Premises Officer/Maintenance Person – Oasis St Martin’s Village
Fixed Term 1 Year Contract, full-time post, 40 hours per week (1 FTE), inclusive of breaks
Working Pattern: Some shift work may be required (across 7.30am until 9pm)
Salary: £30,766 per annum (including London Weighting)
Premises Officer/Maintenance Person – Oasis St Martin’s Village
Oasis’ mission is to build stronger communities. Oasis St Martins Village is a new and exciting project, working in partnership with other organisations in an integrated way, to provide opportunity and pathways for children and young people.
Our vision is to transform the life-chances of children, who are struggling in or not coping with mainstream education, by offering them and their families support and opportunity.
Our work is based around the principle that “it takes a village to raise a child”.
This role will help deliver the Oasis St Martins Village aims and mission by ensuring the provision of an efficient and effective site and facilities service, aligned with the ethos and values of Oasis St Martin’s Village.
What will you do?
This newly formed role will be embedded within the site management team. To be successful in this role, applicants will be required to:
- Assist the Senior Premises Officer with maintenance tasks as required to ensure a safe and effective working environment. Must be able perform basic repairs (plumbing, carpentry, painting, changing locks etc.)
- Assist with water testing, testing of alarms and other routine tasks as directed.
- Set and un-set the site alarm systems when required.
- Assist with the opening and closing, unlocking and locking of the site gates and buildings, including evening and weekend use.
- Be responsible for the security of the site when on duty including the locking of all doors and windows.
- Assist the events manager with delivery of events, particularly during evenings and weekends.
- Assist with the cleaning of the site as and when needed.
- Assist with room setup and moving of furniture safely. This includes preparing spaces to host events and functions, packing down and cleaning afterwards. And to service ongoing regular lettings.
What will you get in return?
- A network of peers and partners all sharing the same vision and an environment set up to ensure everyone is supported and included.
- A package of reward that includes a 7% employer contribution pension scheme, annual leave allowance starting at 25 days (plus Bank Holidays) increasing over time, eligibility to join the Green Commute cycle to work scheme and cash benefit health plan.
- Be part of an international network of Oasis charities offering opportunities to develop your career in new directions and locations.
To apply, please send your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) to the email address provided on our website or via Charity Jobs.
Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualifications you have that relate to the job description and person specification.
Completed applications should be returned by 12 noon on Friday 23rd January 2026.
We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.
The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.
Oasis supports Equal Opportunities. Registered Charity No. 1026487
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Social Media and Digital Engagement Lead
We’re looking for a proactive, innovative and collaborative Social Media specialist to manage and grow our brand presence across social media via content planning and creation, publishing, community engagement and reporting.
Position: Social Media and Digital Engagement Lead
Location: Swindon/Hybrid
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £32,538 to £35,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 26 January 2026
First-round interview date: 2 and 3 February 2026 (Online)
Second-round interview date: 11 February 2026 (Swindon)
The Role
Bible Society believes the Bible is God’s gift for God’s world. We share it because we believe it changes lives for good. We want Christians to be confident in the Bible’s truthfulness and reliability, and we want to change how people talk about it in wider society and invite them to see it as a source of wisdom and joy.
This role is all about bringing our strategy to life by delivering content that gives the Bible, and our brand, a voice in the digital sphere.
Key responsibilities include:
· Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy that increases brand awareness
· Lead our social media activity
· Lead the planning, creating, commissioning, editing and publishing of suitable content
· Advise and support colleagues on the management of online communities
· Be the social media expert for colleagues across Bible Society
· Identify new platform opportunities
· Support the Head of Communications in handling crisis communication and reputation management
· Monitor and analyse social media performance
About You
This role requires a mix of creativity, digital storytelling and a passion for communicating the Bible’s message as we inspire and equip our audiences to engage with the Bible.
You will have:
· Experience of leading the implementation of social media and/or digital marketing strategies, with a proven track record of increasing reach and engagement
· Extensive experience of using of using a wide range of social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest
· Understanding of digital fundraising strategies is desirable
Help us in our mission by matching your skills and experience with a job that really matters.
If you have the legal right to work and remain in the UK, are passionate about the Bible and know how to get the best from social media, we’d love to hear from you. Please provide your CV and a 250-word statement that sets out your interest in and suitability for this position.
In Return…
Commitment - As a Christian organisation, the charity believe you have gifts and abilities that are all your own. So they’re willing to explore how what you have might fit what’s needed.
The checklist – There’s no such thing as the perfect candidate. You don't have to tick every box on the job description before you apply!
It's personal - You have a life outside work, and the organisation want you to be able to live it well. So are happy to talk to you about flexible working hours and working from home.
Learn and grow - When you're trained in a new skill, or learn a different perspective, it benefits everyone. The organisation is committed to making it possible for everyone to flourish, with a huge variety of learning resources available.
Together and apart - The charity believe in home working where it’s appropriate, and during lockdown they made that work really well. But know how important it is to meet face to face, too and are committed to making the office an enriching environment, where people are glad to be.
Celebrating difference - Universal acceptance for everyone, everywhere is at the heart of the organisation and it promotes diversity of thought, culture and background. Diversity is valued and this is reflected in the workforce.
Level ground - We want you to bring your best to the application and selection process. If you need any adjustments to be made for that to happen, let us know and we'll be glad to help.
You may also have experience in areas such as Social Media, Digital, Marketing, Engagement, Social Media Officer, Social Media Lead, Brand Lead, Communications Officer, Communications Lead, Content Lead, Digital Marketing Lead.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Primary Teacher with Therapeutic Experience - Oasis Nurture – Oasis St Martin’s Village
Part Time – 2 or 3 days a week – Permanent Term Time Contract
Working Pattern: Either Monday, Thursday and Friday or two of those days: 8-4pm
Salary: £55,184 including London Weighting and pro-rated for term-time.
Oasis St Martin’s Village
Oasis St Martins Village is part of Oasis which is a group of organisations, committed to building stronger communities. Oasis St Martin’s Village, based in Tulse Hill, is a new and exciting project, working in partnership with other organisations in an integrated way, to provide opportunity and pathways for children and young people.
The vision of the Village is to transform the life-chances of children, who are struggling in or not coping with mainstream education, by offering them and their families support and opportunity.
Our work is based around the principle that “it takes a village to raise a child”.
Oasis Nurture
Oasis Nurture is a project that is carried out on the Village. It is a therapeutic intervention designed specifically for those children who might be described as the missing middle – those who do not meet the threshold for an ECHP but who nevertheless struggle to engage with the curriculum for a variety of reasons.
Oasis Nurture is in its pilot phase, working with four local schools, offering a two day a week intervention to a small group of children.
As a Teacher, you will be working with a maximum of six children supported by a key worker and a therapeutic practitioner. You will work alongside a therapeutic lead and a clinical lead.
In this role you will be:
· Working with the home school and parents/carers to understand the children’s needs and developing agreed goals for learning and emotional and social development
· Developing a basic curriculum for Key Stage 2 children for numeracy and literacy, related to their stage learning at their home school, so that they don’t fall behind.
· Providing a personalised, bespoke and restorative approach for each individual child to help address their challenges and fulfil their potential.
· Maintaining clear and accurate records for individual children on the designated online systems and reporting back to the home school and parents/carers on the agreed goals
· You will also be working with the Therapeutic Lead to provide opportunities for mindful therapeutic care to remove barriers to learning and provide emotional support to access the curriculum. While this role requires primary teaching experience it also requires someone who has experience of working in trauma responsive ways and understands the therapeutic needs of children who struggle to engage.
Oasis Nurture is not an Alternative Provision; it is a part time intervention designed to support local schools and children and their families. Oasis Nurture is not a statutory provision and does not therefore follow teachers’ pay and conditions. Oasis offers all the usual employment benefits including sick pay and pension.
As this is a newly created role, you will expect some evolution of the role as a result of the development of the project, your insightful input and our combined learning. At the same time, the role provides incredible opportunities for the right person.
To apply, please send your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) via Charity Jobs or see our website for details.
Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualifications you have that relate to the job description and person specification.
We will review applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the advert if we identify suitable candidates. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application as soon as possible.
If successful you will be invited to a formal interview. We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.
The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.
Oasis supports Equal Opportunities. Registered Charity No. 1026487
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you up for a new and exciting challenge, leading one of the most effective and nimble NGOs in the transport and environment sectors in England and Wales?
Transport Action Network (TAN) is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable CEO to lead its remote team of six.
Since it was set up in 2019, TAN has established itself as a thought leader on planning and transport matters, while providing hands-on support and advice to local communities seeking better transport solutions. It has successfully challenged government decisions and helped local communities fight off damaging road schemes. Some examples include schames that would have harmed Stonehenge World Heritage Site, South Downs National Park and Rimrose Valley Country Park in Liverpool.
TAN is currently supporting the Queensbury Tunnel Society, trying to stop the government blocking up an old railway tunnel so that it can be repurposed for a new greenway. It is also opposing the Lower Thames Crossing 'smart' motorway.
Fancy, getting involved and making a difference?
We look forward to hearing from you.
Deadline for returning completed applications is 23:59 (GMT), Sunday 1st February, 2026
First interviews: 27th February and 4/5th March
In addition to answering the above questions, please include a statement (max 1000 words) explaining why you want this job, what relevant experience you have and provide examples of how you meet the key responsibilities and essential person specifications.
To support local communities and individuals fight damaging or unfair transport proposals and to press for more sustainable and equitable solutions
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Sahir (formerly Sahir House) is the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region. We are dedicated to fostering a brighter, healthier future for our communities.
We provide practical and emotional support, camaraderie and connection to:
- LGBTQ+ people
- All people living with or affected by HIV
We actively confront injustice, combat discrimination, and address inequalities. By campaigning, we strive to create a fairer and more equitable society for those we serve. Our work is insight and data-driven and our programmes are co-developed with those we serve.
What It Is Like to Work at Sahir
We want people to enjoy working at Sahir and to feel supported, valued and able to thrive. As a health and wellbeing charity, we place strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, reflective practice and work life balance.
We offer a friendly, inclusive and supportive working environment, with access to regular supervision, training and development. Staff are encouraged to build their skills, confidence and experience in ways that support both personal growth and long-term career development.
About the Role
This is a community facing role focused primarily on delivering facilitated LGBTQ+ peer support groups and wider community engagement activity. You will create and sustain safe, inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ people can connect, build resilience and feel heard.
Alongside regular peer support delivery, you will support outreach, workshops and project specific activity in response to community need and strategic priorities. The role includes active promotion of groups and proactive engagement with under-represented and marginalised LGBTQ+ communities.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who brings:
- A genuine commitment to LGBTQ+ wellbeing and community empowerment.
- Experience of facilitating groups, engagement or community activity, or transferable experience that demonstrates these skills.
- Strong communication and relationship building skills.
- A willingness to work some evenings and occasional weekends.
- A relevant qualification at NVQ Level 3 or above in social work, health, education or similar is desirable, but equivalent experience and a commitment to learning are equally valued.
We are particularly keen to receive applications from people with lived experience of the issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, and from those whose voices are under-represented within the sector.
Equality, Inclusion and Accessibility
Sahir is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.
Lived experience is valued at Sahir, but it is not a requirement. We are interested in people who share our values and want to contribute positively to our communities.
You do not need to meet every requirement listed to apply. If you feel aligned with our values and excited by the role, we encourage you to apply.
We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.
Sahir stands as the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region. We’re also a proud support organisation for people living with HIV.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a respected and growing organisation, BPNA is looking for a highly motivated individual who can use their dedication, attention to detail and reliability to help us develop further. We are seeking to appoint a UK Short Course Co-ordinator to join our small team which is based across our Bolton and London offices. This is a full-time, permanent post based in Bolton, working 37.5 hours a week (7.5 hours per day x 5 days per week). The Short Course Co-ordinator will provide customer care as well as logistical and technical support to both online and face-to-face UK short courses.
ABOUT BPNA
The British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) is the professional organisation for doctors who specialise in the care of children with neurological disorders. The BPNA has developed a number of educational programmes for doctors in the UK and overseas both online and face-to-face. This role directly supports the education of healthcare professionals across the UK, impacting the care of children with neurological conditions.
ABOUT YOU
This role would suit an organised, efficient and practical person with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a good deal of common sense. You will also have diplomatic skills and the ability to build good relationships. You will need to be flexible, have an ability to problem-solve on-site, provide online zoom support, set up equipment such as computers and data projectors, and to organise highly educated people whilst remaining calm and maintaining a sense of humour. We are looking for someone to join our team who will contribute to maintaining and developing our customer focused ethos.
While this role is primarily based in Bolton, there will be some UK travel with overnight stays to support in-person courses. We offer time off in lieu or overtime paid for additional hours worked.
WHY COME AND WORK FOR US?
At BPNA, we value a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work culture. The BPNA is a small organisation with big ambitions, and we work closely together to make an impact. You'll join a welcoming team that values mutual respect, flexibility, and work-life balance. We believe in continuous learning and career progression. As a member of BPNA, you'll have access to ongoing training opportunities and support for professional development, ensuring that you can grow both within this role and across future career aspirations.
We offer 25 days’ annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays) plus an additional day leave for birthday, rising to 30 days after 10 years of service and access to the Nest Pension scheme, with 6% employer contribution.
LOCATION
While this role is based in Bolton, BPNA offers hybrid working arrangements, enabling you to balance time between working from our office and from home. Your line manager will agree with you how much time you will be required to work in the office and how frequently, to achieve productivity and service levels. This could vary week to week. You should anticipate spending an increased amount of time in the office during your probationary period.
JOB PURPOSE
This role provides hands-on experience with technology support for virtual courses and event planning for in-person courses for health care professionals, equipping you with skills in both administrative and event coordination settings. All course planning and logistics are arranged from the BPNA offices.
The purpose of this role is to:
• Support the organisation and delivery of virtual short courses
• Support the organisation and delivery of face-to-face short courses
For the full Job Description and Person Specification, see the attchment below
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) through CharityJob. Your covering letter should detail how your skills and experience meet the person specification. You must have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date: 1 February 2026
Interviews aimed for: 11 February 2026
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) through CharityJob. Your covering letter should detail how your skills and experience meet the person specification. You must have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date: 1 February 2026
Interviews aimed for: 11 February 2026
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To create a world where every child and young person with a neurological condition can access the care and support they
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.
As Director of Programmes, you will:
- Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
- Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
- Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
- Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
- Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
- Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.
This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.
About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:
- Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
- Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
- Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
- Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.
Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.
Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.
*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.
As Director of Policy & Research, you will:
- Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
- Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
- Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
- Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
- Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
- Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:
- Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
- Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
- Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and visionary thinker.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader.
- Politically astute and intellectually curious.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- 3% pension contribution
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


