Policy Assistant

Shape evidence-led solutions to tackle systemic racism

We are recruiting two Policy Officers to support the development of evidence-led approaches to tackling racial inequality.

Working as part of our Policy and Practice team, you will contribute to research, policy development and influencing work. This includes producing evidence reviews, leading and contributing to report writing, working with partners across the voluntary and statutory sectors, and helping to co-produce solutions with people with lived experience.

You will also support our wider influencing activity, including using social media and other channels to promote change and engage key audiences.

This is an opportunity for someone with experience of research or policy work, and a strong understanding of racial inequality, to play a direct role in shaping work that informs practice and policy at a national level.

Who we are

The Race Equality Foundation is a national charity working to tackle systemic racism and create the conditions for everyone to live healthy, secure and fulfilling lives and we are looking to appoint two Policy and Practice Officers. 

We combine evidence, co-production and practical action to address the root causes of racial inequality. Our work focuses not only on identifying inequality, but on challenging the structural racism, discrimination and unequal distribution of power that drive them. We work alongside communities, practitioners, policymakers and institutions to develop evidence-informed solutions that improve services, strengthen communities and promote racial justice. 

The Foundation has a long history of delivering innovative and influential programmes, research and policy change. This includes the evidence-based Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities parenting programme, pioneering work on the experiences of Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic young people with a disability to older people living Dementia.  At the same time, we established national collaborations to advance race equality and tools such as the Race Equity Maturity Index. 

Today, our work spans health and care, employment, housing and community wellbeing. Through partnerships, research, training and policy influence, we continue to demonstrate what meaningful anti-racist systems change can look like in practice. 

We are based in London but have a national remit. 

Job Description 

The overall purpose of this role is to contribute to the Foundation’s research, policy and influencing work by helping to develop evidence-informed and co-produced approaches to tackling racial inequality and advancing anti-racist systems change. The postholder will support projects that combine research, lived experience and practical action to influence policy, improve services and strengthen communities. 

The postholder will be expected to exercise professional judgement and initiative within agreed organisational priorities. The work will involve: 

• Supporting the development of policy, practice and social action that advances race equality and addresses structural racism 

• Working collaboratively with people with lived experience, community organisations, researchers, policymakers and practitioners to co-produce projects, policy positions and approaches to change 

• Managing, supporting and delivering policy, research and practice-based projects, including planning activity, coordinating stakeholders, monitoring progress and ensuring high-quality outputs 

• Identifying, analysing and communicating evidence relating to racial inequality and translating this into policy briefings, reports, consultation responses and other influencing materials 

• Supporting the Foundation’s wider influencing, communications and engagement activity, including meetings, workshops, events and stakeholder engagement 

• Maintaining effective project administration and accurate electronic records 

• Demonstrating a commitment to anti-racist practice and the values of the Foundation 

Person specification 

Skills, experience and knowledge required include: 

• Experience of contributing to or leading policy, research or practice-based projects, including taking responsibility for outputs, delivery and quality  

• Experience of working collaboratively with people with lived experience and community organisations to co-produce research, policy or influencing activity  

• Strong understanding of racial inequality, structural racism and anti-racist practice, and the ability to apply this understanding in policy and practice development  

• Experience of gathering and analysing evidence to support policy development  

• Understanding of how research, lived experience and community knowledge can be combined to inform systems change  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accurate and accessible content for different audiences  

• Strong organisational and project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines  

• Ability to work independently and use initiative within agreed areas of responsibility  

• Experience of building and maintaining effective working relationships with external stakeholders  

• Good digital skills and online research and communication tools  

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience, with at least two years’ experience in policy, research, community engagement or related fields  

Pay and Conditions of Service 

This post is available until end of March 2027, with the possibility of extension.  

The salary is £34,216, inclusive of LW, per annum, plus contribution to workplace pension. 

The post location will require attendance at our London office a minimum of two days per week.  

Applications will only be accepted via application form on our portal. We will not accept any applications via CV.

Please note, we can only accept applications from those already eligible to work in the UK.