For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.
Research and Policy Manager
Contract: Fixed-term, 24-months
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £40,855 per annum
Location: Northern Ireland. (NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the Belfast BT15 office).
The Vacancy
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research and Policy Manager to make a significant contribution to the design, delivery and management of research and evidence projects at NCB, and to ensure that this evidence is used to influence national policy development and decision making.
The postholder will work across a range of projects, bring research and policy development and influencing together on topics including social care and the transition to adulthood; education; mental health & wellbeing; child poverty; youth violence and early years.
About NCB
For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.
Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.
The Benefits
- 30 Days Annual Leave
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible Working
- Winter Holiday Closure & Break
- Employee Assistance Programme
Closing date: 08:00am, Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Assessment and interviews to be conducted on 23rd and 24th June 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.
No agencies please.
Thank you!
About NCT
NCT is a charity with a clear mission: to support people as they become parents, through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
With a 65-year history of transformative change, we are a vibrant community of volunteers, practitioners, peer supporters, members and advocates. We are the largest parenting charity in the country and over the decades we’ve supported millions of people on their unique journey into parenthood.
While many know us for our antenatal classes, we also do much more. We campaign on issues that matter to parents, provide infant feeding support, and run thousands of free community events and activities led by our amazing volunteers. We also support families facing challenges like social isolation, feeding difficulties, and poor mental health. We offer support in communities, in hospitals and online.
About the role
Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families. Your role will include:
- Provide line management and support to direct line reports and leadership for the project.
- Develop and maintain a strong understanding of Hackney’s parent demographics and local support services, enabling effective signposting for marginalised communities.
- Build strong partnerships with local VCOs and stakeholders to engage underrepresented communities, working collaboratively to support meaningful co-production.
- Create and lead welcoming parent focus groups that amplify local voices and help shape the project to be inclusive, accessible, and responsive to families’ needs.
- Data collection and reporting appropriate to the project for monthly/quarterly review with commissioners.
About you
You will be a compassionate, collaborative leader, committed to supporting parents and strengthening communities. You will provide effective line management and project leadership, creating inclusive, supportive environments where teams can thrive.
Build a strong understanding of the diverse families in Hackney, taking an empathetic and proactive approach to engaging parents—particularly those whose voices are less often heard. Developing trusted relationships with local organisations and services, helping families access the support they need. Champion listening and co-creation, shaping accessible programmes through meaningful parent engagement, including focus groups. You will confidently use data to track progress, share learning, and demonstrate impact.
Above all, you will be driven to ensure every parent feels supported, connected, and heard.
Our Benefits – What we offer you
We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth:
- 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays)
- Pension matched up to 5%
- Flexible working options to suit your lifestyle
- Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more
- Cycle to work scheme to support sustainable commuting
- Life Assurance for peace of mind
- Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts
- Blue Light discount card
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We are the charity supporting people as they become parents. Here through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
