Who we are
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.
What you’ll do
Reports to: Chief Executive
Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders)
We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.
Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.
You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.
This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.
Who are we looking for?
You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.
You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.
Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.
IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.
What we can offer you
- 5% employer pension contributions
- Healthcare cash plan
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).
To apply
Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.
Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.
First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Location: London (with hybrid working available)
Closing date: Thursday 10 September
Interview date: Thursday 24 September in London
Salary: £100,000 pa
Brook is a 4 Day Week employer
About Brook
Brook believes in a society where everyone is supported to live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. For over sixty years, Brook has been a pioneering force, transforming lives and communities. Brook fights for the right to excellent sexual health, mental health and wellbeing, offering lifelong support that is inclusive, non-judgmental and accessible to all. Our unique offer combines clinical services, relationships and sex education, outreach in community settings, wellbeing programmes and counselling. In 2025/26, we supported 1.45 million people through our frontline services. We delivered 4,053 mental health and wellbeing interventions, supported 111,931 people through our education and wellbeing work and supported 57,071 people through our all-age clinical services.
About the role
We’re looking for a Director of Engagement, Communications & Income to provide strategic leadership across income generation, service development, marketing, communications, policy and external engagement.
The role is key to strengthen organisational sustainability by securing diverse and sustainable income streams. You will provide strategic leadership for service development and oversee the identification, development and submission of high-value, complex bids and tenders for commissioned services.
You will oversee communications, marketing and brand activity ensuring communications effectively position the organisation to attract funders, donors, corporate partners and stakeholders. You will lead the organisation’s external engagement strategy to enhance profile, influence and reach.
About you
You will have significant senior leadership experience and be skilled at collaborative working. Your outstanding leadership, influencing and relationship-building skills will be evidenced through a track record of securing income from diverse sources. You will have extensive experience in in communications, brand development and stakeholder engagement.
Your ability to efficiently manage a complex and busy workload with conflicting priorities will enable you to work well under pressure and deliver to deadlines. You will have an in-depth knowledge of the charitable funding landscape, the public sector commissioning environment and a broad range of communications activities.
Benefits of working for Brook:
- 4 Day Week (Working 20% hours less without salary decrease)
- Annual leave – 28 days per annum, increasing up to 33 days plus 8 bank holidays
- Sick pay (from 3 up to 12 weeks fully paid)
- Flexible working
- Gratitude scheme
- Assisted purchase scheme
- Cycle to Work up to £1k
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Long service awards
- Maternity and paternity pay
- Pension scheme – Employee pension contributions matched by Brook up to 4% of qualifying earnings
- Training and development opportunities
- Coaching
Please note - this role requires the successful applicant to undertake an enhanced DBS check. Candidates must be able to provide paperwork demonstrating their right to work in the UK.
Please note: internal applicants with live sanctions will not be considered for this role.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy when we are in receipt of sufficient applications. Should you wish to apply for this post you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Due to the high number of applications for this post, it will not be possible to respond to every application. We will contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date if you have been shortlisted for the role.
Thank you for your interest in working for Brook.
Brook Safeguarding with Purpose
Working with People Safely. Safe Place, Safe People.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.