Policy Jobs

The vacancy

We are recruiting a Senior Policy and Delivery Manager who will support the development of a network of policymakers and officials across the government and arm’s length bodies.

About the role

As a Senior Policy and Delivery Manager you will:

• Work with colleagues across the organisation to develop policy positions, completing rapid analyses on policy developments and making recommendations to inform the Observatory’s strategy.
• Provide secretariat support to the RHO Stakeholder Engagement Group and provide leadership on the development of a new community participation model for the Observatory.
• Present the findings of research and other outputs to large and varied audiences, both digitally and in person, and represent the Observatory at conferences, working groups, and in other public forums.
• Write impactful policy briefings, blogs, and other outputs drawing attention to major policy initiatives, highlighting the potential impact of those changes for patients and the public.

About you

You will have a track record of delivering research or policy-related work that has led to change and have knowledge of the UK political environment contemporary health policy, including the workings of both DHSC and NHS England.

Your other skills and experiences will include:

• experience of working on inequalities policy or related field.
• well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• ability to write accessible and compelling policy outputs to a high standard.

Demonstrable communication skills and the ability to build strong personal relationships

Poverty is not part of God's plan. You are.

Are you a persuasive advocate, well versed in humanitarian policy with a passion to change government policy to better serve the needs of people affected by humanitarian crises?  Do you want to play your part in shifting humanitarian aid to be increasingly delivered by national and local actors, particularly the church?

At Tearfund, we know that in disasters and crises, the local church plays a critical role. Present before, during and after an emergency, churches can and do have a significant impact on disaster risk reduction and resilience building. 

The purpose of this role is to lead our global advocacy strategy so that governments and institutional donors adopt locally-led and faith based approaches to humanitarian responses through research, lobbying, coalition working, media and campaigning and by working closely with country programmes to support their national advocacy. 

Key areas of focus for the postholder would be:

• Strengthening our evidence base and developing policy positions
• Developing influencing relationships with policy-makers and representing Tearfund externally
• Building a network of allies and contributing to a wider coalition
• Collaborating closely internally with colleagues who are working to design, develop and implement humanitarian programmes
• Providing humanitarian policy support and advice internally

Do you have the following experience?

• Research, policy influence and/or campaigning
• Evidence of having scoped and developed a humanitarian advocacy strategy.
• Track record of working on humanitarian policy issues, particularly conflict resolution, peace building and work in fragile states.
• Experience of working in multi-agency consortia.
• Experience of writing reports and policy briefings 

Do you have the following skills?

• Ability to research and analyse information
• Ability to work strategically and on own initiative
• Ability to negotiate and collaborate within and outside the organisation
• Ability to influence others through articulate written and verbal communication
• Ability to write reports and policy briefs

If that's you, then we would love to hear from you!

This is a full time permanent role at 35 hours per week. Flexible working patterns can be considered.

We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and those from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds (in our UK workforce) as these groups are currently under-represented at Tearfund.

This role is eligible for hybrid working and you will be required to work from the Teddington Tearfund office and from your home by agreement with the line manager.

 All applicants must be committed to Tearfund's Christian beliefs.

The recruitment process will include specific checks related to safeguarding. In addition, personal identification information will be submitted against a Watchlist database to check against criminal convictions as a counter-terror measure. 

Greater Manchester Poverty Action (GMPA) is a recognised leader on poverty in the UK and exists to end poverty in Greater Manchester and beyond.

We deliver independent, evidence-based activities to address socio-economic disadvantage. These focus on maximising the financial resources available to households, amplifying the voices of people with lived experience of poverty, and working with our network to achieve meaningful change. This enables us to support organisations across sectors to effectively target resources and to achieve sustainable solutions to poverty through strategic, policy and programmatic responses.

With an extensive network of over 2,500 professionals and volunteers actively engaged in tackling poverty, we have a wealth of insights and understanding that allow us to deliver direct responses to poverty and provide valuable guidance and support to others.

GMPA is entering an exciting new period in our development, supporting strategic and policy responses to poverty at a regional and local level across several localities.

We are seeking a Policy and Research Officer to support the development and delivery of policy and research projects.

Title: Policy and Research Officer

Location: Combination of home working and working in our office (St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green N, Manchester M12 6FZ) two days per week.

Contract: 5 days per week with an initial 18-month contract. It is highly likely this will be extended.

Probationary period: 4 months.

Employer: Greater Manchester Poverty Action Limited.

Purpose: To support the delivery of GMPA’s policy, research and advocacy work. 

Salary range: £26,000 to £29,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Paid annual leave entitlement: 25 days pro-rata (excluding bank holidays)

Line management responsibilities: None

Managed by: Senior Policy Officer.

Key responsibilities

· Supporting the development and delivery of policy and research projects.

· Drafting policy briefings and reports, newsletter articles and other written materials detailing GMPA’s policy positions and the key evidence base around poverty.

· Developing and maintaining knowledge of how local and regional public sector bodies, including health bodies, can address poverty.

· Helping to influence local approaches to poverty in Greater Manchester and other parts of the country. 

· Supporting the development and delivery of the Greater Manchester Poverty Monitor.

· Supporting the delivery of training and presenting GMPA’s work as required.

· Undertaking qualitative and quantitative research and drawing on existing research and literature to support GMPA’s policy and advocacy work.

· Working with colleagues to ensure GMPA’s work is informed by the voices, views and experiences of people with lived experience of poverty.

· Being a key and responsible member of GMPA’s team.

· Supporting other aspects of GMPA’s work as appropriate.

Person specification

Essential:

· Policy and research skills evidenced through a previous role and/or through a degree.

· The ability to develop and contribute to high quality policy and research projects.

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to use a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide robust evidence in support of policy and advocacy priorities.

· A high level of confidence in interpreting and analysing quantitative data.

· Good written communication skills, with the ability to condense complex information for policy briefings, newsletter articles, web copy and other outputs.

· The ability to develop confident speaking and presentation skills.

· Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.

· A willingness to work outside of normal working hours as required.

· Excellent IT skills – Outlook, Word, Excel.

· The ability to work independently, with strong time management, organisational and planning skills.

· A good understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty in the UK.

· A commitment to the values of GMPA.

Desirable:

· Experience of poverty in your personal and/or professional life.

· Experience of delivering research projects involving both quantitative and qualitative data.

Health Equals is a collaboration of people and organisations who want equal opportunity for health and wellbeing for everyone. Through powerful and evidence-based campaigns, we want to start a conversation about health and wellbeing that recognises the importance of the building blocks of health – and together make sure action is taken to prioritise these in policy, to ultimately create better health for people.Whilst embedded in and funded by the Health Foundation, Health Equals members and supporters are central to our reach and credibility.   

Could you develop and maintain society-changing relationships across sectors, ensuring that Health Equals members are engaged and active in supporting Health Equals public awareness campaigns and policy goals? 

Could you lead on developing and implementing a strategy and engagement programme to ensure that Health Equals has a high-calibre membership that is balanced across sectors, and provides influence with policy makers and reach into the public?

We’re looking for an experienced policy professional who is excellent at stakeholder engagement across all levels.With a keen interest in delivering change through collaboration, this role includes engaging with members to develop well-evidenced policy asks, developing and delivering influencing plans and campaigns collectively, and informing the development of public facing campaigns to promote policies which will improve health and reduce inequalities across the UK.

To find out more about the role and what we are looking for, please click on the link below to be redirected to our careers website.

We are seeking to recruit a skilled, highly motivated, and versatile professional to play an important role in our highly effective Campaigns, Justice and Policy (CJP) policy, voice and engagement work.

Inclusion London( IL) is a leading disability equality organisation run by and for Deaf and Disabled people. We have built a national reputation for effective policy and campaign work and for providing innovative business and organisational support to local Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations (DDPOs) in London. Our mission is nothing less than full equality and inclusion for Deaf and Disabled people with our communities leading the change we need to see.

We are committed to equality, diversity and reflecting the communities we serve and we particularly welcome applications from Deaf or Disabled people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Job purpose: As Policy and Campaigns Manager, you will lead and develop Inclusion London's (IL) policy and campaigns focusing on the issues of poverty and inequality. You will facilitate effective co-ordination of London Deaf and Disabled People Organisations (DDPOs) ensuring DDPOs are able to work together to collectively influence key areas of policy and practice locally, regionally and nationally. You will also develop, represent and build support for IL policy positions across a range of strategic partnerships and stakeholders. You will lead on establishing and maintaining relationship with parliamentarians.

Closing date for applications: 23:59hrs, Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Candidates invited to interview will be informed by: Friday, 31 May 2024

Interviews will take place via zoom on:  Friday, 7 June 2024 on Zoom

Job Title: Programme Quality and Policy Manager

Function: Strategy & Impact Team

Reporting to: Head of Programme Quality

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £29,500 (plus £3,000 Inner London Weighting where applicable)

Location: Remote (with regular travel to London Office as required)

Closing Date: Monday 26th May

About The Access Project

We support students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access top universities, through a unique combination of tuition and in-school mentoring. We work with them to make good applications, get the grades and transition to university. Our volunteers are trained and supported to be effective tutors who work with our students for an hour a week to raise their grades. In addition, a dedicated school-based staff member mentors the students so they have the knowledge and support to make strong university applications. Our results show this approach works.

The Access Project Values

Empowerment: We support students and our people to develop the skills and knowledge to accomplish their goals.

Courage: We encourage our students and our people to be authentic, innovative, and ambitious in order to reach their full potential and deliver our mission.

Impact: We evolve our programmes through an evidence-led approach, supporting our students to achieve their best outcomes.

Inclusion: We respect and value individuality and engage diverse voices to achieve our mission.

Ownership: We hold ourselves accountable in all our actions and efforts. We ask, “What can I do to improve my results?”

About the role

This role is available at an important time for The Access Project as we expand our mission, seek to pilot a new programme model, and move into new school contexts. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with the skills for programme improvement, a strong interest in research, and a deep passion for our mission to support students to place and succeed at selective universities.

The ideal candidate will be a strong leader who is comfortable working across teams to make change. You’ll be the lead and expert on The Access Project’s in-school university readiness work with responsibility for designing and quality assuring the provision, supporting the learning and development for our school-based staff to effectively deliver the programme content. This position is integral to ensuring The Access Project is delivering a high-quality programme that supports the needs of our students and drives the outcomes of the programme across all regions and schools. The postholder will also be responsible for amplifying The Access Project’s voice in the sector and responding to policy updates; with a focus on bringing their knowledge of the Higher Education sector and the experiences of our students to decisions about the direction of our own programme. They will also support further development of our programme-level Diversity and Inclusion work, to ensure that the programme is tailored where feasible to the needs of all students.

Duties and responsibilities

1) Design & Development

• Act as a senior collaborator to the annual programme design process. Work with the Head of Process Improvement & Programme Quality to incorporate University Access Officer, Programme Leadership, school, and student feedback on how best to drive our short term and long-term outcomes across our programmes.
• Project manage the implementation of changes driven out of programme design. This includes the creation of or changes to delivery resources and training materials, as well as to our university readiness framework and the Salesforce system that supports delivery.
• Work with Programme Managers to understand their delivery challenges, develop solutions and answer questions around university admissions, widening access and The Access Project’s own University Readiness Programme.
• Act as a senior contributor to the development of The Access Project’s programmatic Diversity and Inclusion work, working closely with the University Access Officer D&I Lead. This includes strong engagement with the D&I working group and designing and implementing systems and support to better serve our students with inclusion needs.
   

2) Research and Policy

• remain critically engaged with the widening participation/social mobility sector, and able to synthesise key changes/challenges and ensure that they are applicable/actionable by the organisation.
• Ensure that any relevant widening participation sector developments and trends are fed into The Access Project’s way of working. For example, this might be changes to resources for the programme or working with colleagues to communicate with students (e.g. on plans for A Level Results Day).
• To be an ambassador of The Access Project’s work and impact externally in the widening participation sector, including speaking at conferences, writing articles on our work, and engaging in external relations.
• Holding responsibility for The Access Project’s policy and research workstream, including contributing to the strategic direction of this work and undertaking research to drive the delivery of this workstream to promote The Access Project’s voice in the widening participation sector.
• Liaising closely with the Communications team to ensure that The Access Project’s responses to sector information and updates are timely and relevant to our Mission.
• Provide nuanced insight about the widening participation/Higher Education sector, with a clear take / coherent view on the landscape and how it’s changing, which would then enable us to make informed choices about our programme.

3) Quality Assurance

• Take responsibility for the operational implementation of the university readiness strand of the quality assurance strategy, to drive the quality of the activities The Access Project delivers to young people in schools.
• Participate in The Access Project’s quality assurance processes, including performing drop-ins on University Access Officers’ programme delivery, and coordinating with other members of the team to perform drop-ins in an efficient and effective manner.
• Embed learning from The Access Project’s quality assurance process into our standard practice. This will include delivering training and development sessions for University Access Officers, updates to resources and guidance for what best practice looks like.
• Contribute research on wider pedagogical best practice into our quality assurance work to ensure the highest quality in our delivery of educational programmes.

4) Student Voice

• Maximising student voice within programme design through the organisation and facilitation of student Delivery Review Meetings.
• Lead the development and administration of The Access Project’s annual student survey, considering the needs of key stakeholders across the organisation.
• Hold and contribute to The Access Project’s overarching Student Voice strategy.
• Continue to drive improvements in The Access Project’s student voice work through research and engagement with sector leaders.

5) Any other duties as required

Person specification

Essential

• Confident leader and collaborator: ability to work positively and collaboratively across functions to drive continuous improvement.
• Strong communicator: demonstrable success at giving feedback and clearly communicating your perspective.
• Strong facilitation skills: an experienced and engaging meeting, training, and workshop facilitator.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills: and a proactive and creative approach to problem solving.
• Experience of programme design and development: committed to and confident in using data to make evidence-based decisions.
• Project management skills and experience, particularly in planning and monitoring.
• Deep knowledge of and passion for youth mentoring.
• Strong understanding of the UK education system and the challenges facing learners from widening participation backgrounds.
• Strong research skills in sector analysis and writing

Desirable

• Experience of using Salesforce (or another Client Relationship Management system) as a case/student management system.
• Knowledge of Diversity & Inclusion issues related to education and motivation to adapt The Access Project programme to make it more inclusive.
• Experience of project/programme evaluation.
• Line management experience.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave p.a. (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure.

• PerkBox – offering nationwide shopping discounts, gym memberships, holidays, learning and much more.

• Employee Assistance Programme, a 24-hour helpline for staff

• Online Medical assistance – access 24/7 to a qualified GP within minutes, with referrals and prescriptions available same-day.

• Interest-free travelcard loans

• Cyclescheme loans

• 3 paid Volunteering Days

• Employer’s pensions contributions (3%)

• CPD options

• The Access Project welcomes requests for flexible working arrangements

Safeguarding Statement

The Access Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The Access Project is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We are working towards improvements with equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Disclosure of a Criminal Record

The Rehabilitation of Offenders 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986 applies to posts where there is access to children. This means that applicants for employment that involves working with children and young people must disclose anything listed in their criminal record, with the exception of protected cautions and convictions. All Disclosures are carried out in the strictest confidence and are made only in connection with your application for employment and for no other purpose. The application for a DBS check at a level appropriate to the job role will be activated before your first day of work. Members of staff who are not eligible for a standard or enhanced DBS check are required to undertake a basic DBS check only in line with legal requirements. If you are selected for appointment to the role, you will be subject to this procedure.

Present or most recent employment

It is important to give full information, including the organisation you work in, or most recent employment if not currently working, full dates, address and explanation of any gaps in employment.

References

All appointments are subject to verification of employment and suitability of the candidate for the post applied for. We reserve the right to approach any previous employer for a reference and to verify their identity but will request your permission before doing so. If you have experience of working with children, please include this as one of your references.

Education, Qualifications and Training:

● Ensure you give all the information requested, including dates, establishment where you studied and make clear the level of any examinations e.g., GCSE, GCE 'O' Level or 'A' Level or equivalents etc. and the grades you obtained. Also include any skills training you have had. You will be required to produce original documentary evidence of any qualifications relevant to the job, and these will be detailed on the person specification.

● Proof of qualification is required before the appointment is confirmed.

Senior Policy Officer - Protected Areas & Nature Recovery
Reference: FEB20247208
Location: Edinburgh
Salary: £38,389.00 - £41,212.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

The successful candidate can be based remotely, and will be expected to travel to Edinburgh regularly (at least once per week, sometimes more) for meetings, and elsewhere in the UK occasionally.

Use your policy skills to help nature’s recovery!

This is a critical time for nature. Biodiversity is in crisis. More than ever, we need to keep rigorously protecting the best places for nature we have left. But we also need to do much more to restore nature and to help it recover within and beyond these places.

European sites, SSSIs and other protected areas have been vital strongholds for nature in Scotland.

This role will lead our work making sure these protected areas, our best places for birds and wildlife, continue to be properly protected, monitored, and managed.It will also lead our work to make sure these places are bigger, better, and more joined up in future, helping nature’s recovery and tackling climate change.

About this role:

This role will lead the development of RSPB Scotland policy positions and advocate them effectively to decision makers at a senior level, influencing government policies and legislation to strengthen and deliver better outcomes for nature through networks of protected areas across Scotland. You will also play a key role in protected sites policy development and advocacy, working directly with government, public bodies, and businesses, as well as with RSPB colleagues and our partners across the UK. You will have the opportunity to work closely with RSPB Scotland’s policy, campaigns, communications and on-the-ground conservation staff, putting policy into practice.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent ability through work experience.
• A good understanding of environment/biodiversity legislation, public policy and its implications for conservation practice in relation to protected areas and protected landscapes.
• A good understanding of Scotland’s governmental and political institutions relevant to protected areas and landscapes.
• A good understanding of the role of public facing communications/campaigns in supporting policy advocacy.
• Able to analyse complex issues in a fast paced environment coupled with well-honed political acumen.
• Effective negotiation and influencing skills relevant to role.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational), including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences, including those with opposing views.
• Strong time management, prioritisation and organisational skills.
• Able to form effective teams (both internal and external) and work effectively as a team leader and as a team player.
• Proven experience of operating effectively in a policy and or advocacy role.

This is a permanent post within the RSPB Scotland Policy Team and this will be a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and motivated person to develop expertise in this hugely rewarding area of work.

Closing date: 23:59, Sun, 26th May 2024

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from week commencing 10th June 2024.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

No agencies please.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is a grassroots movement working for nature’s recovery and to bring people closer to nature.

‘Our vision for a wilder future is beautiful and vital!’

Our future has to be wilder!

We are seeking a Policy & Advocacy Officer to join our cause.

We are looking for a highly motivated person with a passion and energy for politics to join our team and help us develop compelling policy solutions and advocacy campaigns to engage, inspire and influence decision makers in the run-up to the 2024 General Election and beyond to ensure nature’s recovery is kept at the heart of the public and political conversation.

You will play a key role in securing nature’s recovery across the two counties and beyond. Our recent campaign, such as our joint Tipner West Campaign with the RSPB successfully mobilised over 30,000 people to take action to oppose a development on legally protected habitats. We are soon launching an advocacy campaign to get legal protections in local and national policy for all our iconic chalk streams.

This is an exciting time for nature policy locally and nationally and you will be working to shape policy and how it is delivered on the ground, for example working on the Local Nature Recovery Strategies and driving councils to integrate the Strategy into their plans, policies and delivery.

Wild About Inclusion!

As an inclusive employer we recognise that our workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work.  We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector, including people from black, Asian, minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

We are happy to discuss the possibilities of hybrid and flexible working

This role will be based at our office in Curdridge, however, we are happy to accommodate a hybrid working routine, and discuss a pattern of work which is mutually suitable for the right candidate. Officially, office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with an hour lunch break.

We offer a wide range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave allowance, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning and development support, 24-hour access to our employee assistance programme and more.

Closing date: 31 May 2024

For more information and to apply, please visit our website. 

Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is our belief. It drives us. 
 
It drives our award-winning Policy and Public Affairs team to shape law, policy and practice to ensure children can grow up free from abuse and neglect.
 
To help us achieve even more for children, we are recruiting six Policy and Public Affairs Officers across the UK. We are looking for: 

• 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Northern Ireland
• 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Scotland
• 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Wales
• 3 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers based in England, with one focused on online safety 

These will be key roles in a high-performing team with an inclusive, supportive and empowering team dynamic. Post-holders will support the delivery of a range of policy-focused projects both within their respective nation policy team, and across our UK-wide team. 
 
The successful candidates will be: 

• committed to our mission to prevent child abuse; 
• able to demonstrate good policy development and policy research skills; 
• a strong communicator and effective network builder; and 
• have experience of influencing policy change in England/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales, as the specific role requires. 

 Join us and you'll become part of a team that cares about the work they do and the people they work with. You'll discover opportunities to grow, along with challenges and a shared purpose that'll bring the best out in you. And you'll get to find your own way to make a difference that means more, and that impacts millions of young lives.

Job Title: Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Reports to: Policy Manager

Line reports: None

Contract terms: Full time

Salary: £36,065-£37,013

Location: London-based, with hybrid working

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,000 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job purpose

Part of the Communications and Engagement department, the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategic policy initiatives and engaging with key stakeholders to advance our policy priorities across the four UK nations. Working with colleagues, members and external stakeholders, you will deliver high quality analysis and research, produce evidence-based policy positions and outputs, and employ effective public affairs approaches to influence change on behalf of our members.

Main responsibilities

Strategic planning and reporting

• Contribute to developing, implementing and evaluating policy and public affairs (PPA) strategies, campaigns and plans aligned to member priorities and our wider strategic aims.
• Lead and manage the delivery of specific PPA workstreams, working in partnership with other organisations as needed.
• Monitor and report on performance against organisational and departmental objectives.

Policy development

• Monitor and analyse the external policy, political and parliamentary landscape across the four UK nations to identify influencing opportunities and relevant developments – summarising these for internal audiences.
• Contribute to the design and analysis of member surveys, drafting reports and presenting findings to inform the College’s policy agenda.
• Work with colleagues to research and draft evidence-based policy positions, consultation responses and briefings for politicians, civil servants, NHS and other key decision makers.
• Maintain an accurate evidence library of data and information to support the development of policy.
• Provide policy-related support to relevant committees to enable their effective contribution to the College’s work, including ensuring agreed actions are implemented.

Public affairs

• Build new and strengthen existing relationships with policymakers, government officials, clinicians and other relevant stakeholders across the four UK nations to advance the College’s policy objectives and maintain a thought leadership position within the eye health sector.
• Draft briefings and presentations to support events and senior-level meetings with politicians, civil servants, NHS and other key decision makers.
• Arrange and represent (as appropriate) the College at events, conferences and external stakeholder meetings.
• Build and maintain the College’s stakeholder database, tracking progress and advising on how to engage with different stakeholders.

Communications

• Work closely with the communications team to support the delivery of communications strategies and plans, ensuring the accuracy of policy information contained in College outputs and contributing to our press activities, member magazine, newsletters and website as required.
• Draft, implement and evaluate the impact of strategic engagement plans for policy publications.
• Support the communication of College policy positions internally, including by proposing lines to take for inclusion in our messaging house and assisting in briefing colleagues and volunteers – including the Chief Executive and President – on these.

To undertake other duties as required

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the College.
• Working outside normal hours and/or overnight stays may be necessary to support the delivery of key organisational events.

How to apply

Please submit your CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum one page). The cover letter must explain what makes you suitable for the role. Please use the job description for reference.

Interviews will be held at our office in Euston, the week commencing 3 June 2024. Please indicate if you are likely to need any reasonable adjustments to successfully complete this interview.

Applicants must already have the right to work within the UK without restriction. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The closing date for applications is 27 May 2024.

ABOUT US
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crises helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

THE ROLE
The Lead Policy Advocate – Planning will focus on influencing and shaping planning policies to protect woods and trees from development and promote biodiversity and public access. They will lead efforts to develop and implement evidence-based policies and influence strategies, coordinating with colleagues and partners to align these policies with the latest conservation research.  

The role involves collaboration with stakeholders across the UK to ensure widespread understanding and support. 

This is a hybrid working role, where you’ll work part of your time at home and part of the time working from one of our regional offices, with regular UK travel. Our Hybrid Working Policy is flexible, and the frequency of time spent in your contracted office will vary across teams and job roles. 

THE CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate has a proven background in policy advocacy, particularly in areas relevant to environmental and conservation goals. You will be a skilled communicator and negotiator, adept at engaging diverse audiences and stakeholders, with robust project management skills, and the ability to adapt to changes and seize opportunities.  

The role demands effective leadership to drive cross-organisational teams in executing dynamic strategies and a vision to integrate planning policy with broader environmental and conservation objectives.  

Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of UK devolution's impact on policy, and the importance of public campaigns in policy advocacy. Familiarity with UK, EU, and global institutions related to environmental policy and expertise in planning policy, supported by an RTPI, CIEEM qualification, or equivalent experience, is required. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Explore’, ‘Focus’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

WHAT TO EXPECT BY JOINING A TEAM AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE
There’s no other organisation like the Woodland Trust. Joining the team you will be making your contribution to tackling the nature and climate crises. In return, we recognise and value our people. You'll have our full support, training and opportunities for professional development, along with a contributory pension, life assurance, good holiday allowance and the opportunity to work flexibly from home.  

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION  
At the Woodland Trust, we want to reflect and represent the full richness of diversity in the UK. Fewer of our employees are Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; from lower socio-economic backgrounds or under 25; so we are particularly keen to receive your application if you are from one or more of these groups. We can also discuss anything you may need to achieve your full potential at any stage of the process. We assess your application solely on your demonstrated suitability for the job. Nothing else. 

To ensure anonymised recruitment, if you have uploaded your CV, shortlisting panels do not see your CV until shortlisting has been completed. Before submitting your application, please ensure you have completed the supporting information section with details of experiences that clearly evidence as many aspects of the job description as possible. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. If you are interested, we'd encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. 

Home based within Northern Ireland, with travel to UK team away days, staff conferences and 1-2-1

Through management of the policy and public affairs function in Northern Ireland, the Policy & Public Affairs Manager will ensure the Trussell Trust strengthens its influence in Northern Ireland and helps bring about the policy changes required to end the need for food banks. 

Using specialist policy knowledge about the structural causes of poverty and hunger in Northern Ireland and the UK, and sound political and procedural knowledge, the Policy & Public Affairs Manager will ensure our policy influencing has a robust evidence base and manage advocacy strategies to achieve policy change at different levels of government, with a particular focus on national government in NI (Stormont) and ensuring close alignment with the Trussell Trust’s work to influence the UK Government (Westminster). 

Role responsibilities 

• Strategy: Support the Northern Ireland Network Lead in the development and delivery of the Changing Policy strand of the Trussell Trust’s organisational strategy, with a specific focus on the role of key stakeholders in NI in ending the need for food banks, and supporting the alignment of policy advocacy across the UK nations and regions. 

• Policy advocacy plans: Establish and maintain momentum in policy advocacy plans for the Trussell Trust in NI, and inform wider influencing across audiences, through strong internal networks. 

• Policy and public affairs:  Support the Northern Ireland Network Lead with developing and implementing the Trussell Trust’s policy positions on priority issues and public affairs activity in support of our changing policy goals, including impact measurement. 

• Research and analysis: Undertake research and analysis and disseminate research findings to a range of audiences through written and verbal briefings, working collaboratively with the Research and Operations teams to build a robust evidence base for the organisation’s policy and public affairs activity in NI. 

• Partnerships and networks: Build collaborative external partnerships and develop networks to strengthen policy and public affairs activity in NI and represent the Trussell Trust and promote the organisation’s policy positions to external stakeholders and audiences, including NI Government and the media. 

• Campaigns: Work with OLM colleagues and the Northern Ireland Network Lead to ensure campaigning activity supports and strengthens policy and public affairs work, and the organisation amplifies the voice of the food bank network and people with lived experience of poverty. 

Person Specification 

Technical skills and minimum knowledge: 

• Policy expertise: Demonstrates a detailed understanding of policies that affect poverty and hunger in NI and the UK. Can explain policy motivations of the main political parties and can advise on how most effectively to influence them. Track record of developing policy positions and recommendations based on robust evidence, and delivering strategic policy and public affairs activity from development to evaluation. 

• Public affairs expertise: Can explain components of effective political influencing, including detailed knowledge of the machinery and structure of government (UK, NI, local) and experience of informing campaigns activity to mobilise support for policy change. Track record of successfully influencing politicians and key decision-makers across the political spectrum, building broad based support to achieve strategic goals at different levels of government. 

• Managing projects, particularly for policy and public affairs purposes, with a clear understanding of key steps in the project cycle. 

Behaviours and competencies: 

• Demonstrates a commitment to the values of the Trussell Trust. 

• Demonstrates empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds.  

• Role models inclusive behaviour, values and leadership 

• Shows outstanding interpersonal skills; is communicative and approachable; written communication is succinct and convincing. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects, identifying conflicting demands and establishing clear priorities in order to meet agreed objectives demonstrating excellent decision-making ability. 

• Demonstrates resilience, resourcefulness, flexibility and perseverance. 

Thank you for considering a Research and Evaluation manager role with Redthread. We are a team of compassionate, collaborative and courageous professionals committed to empowering young people to change their lives.

Please check out our website for more information on the services we provide and learn more about us, including our commitment to safeguarding, equity, diversity and inclusion. Here is an animation that was created with our Youth Ambassadors, and these clips, C4 News- Young Women's Service, BBC News - YVIP and ‘A day in the life’ will give you a taste of what we do every day.

Job Description

Post Title: Research and Evaluation Manager

Location: Hybrid working from Redthread Head office (London Brixton), with flexibility to work some days from home. Regular site visits in London and Birmingham are required.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week.

Salary: £41,916 per annum + benefits

Contract type: 12-month fixed term, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

DBS Check Required: not required

Responsible to: Head of Policy and Research

Purpose of the Post

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Research and Evaluation Manager. The primary focus will be on leading our research and evaluation to demonstrate and maximise our impact for young people, funders and wider sector stakeholders, along with driving our journey towards becoming a gold-standard learning organisation.

We are committed to putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do and making sure we learn from and continuously improve the impact of our services. This role is critical to our ability to demonstrate our impact, innovation, and thought leadership and to support our strategic goals.

We need someone who can think analytically and creatively, works collaboratively, and has a good hands-on understanding of research and evaluation methodologies and approaches. To succeed in this role, you will need to be a confident leader, experienced in a range of research approaches, have excellent project management skills, and be able to engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

You must also be a skilled communicator, as comfortable building a relationship with a team member as you are liaising with our clinical colleagues, academic evaluators and funders.

Day to day, this role is pivotal to Redthread as it engages and underpins all our functions, from services, fundraising, and policy, to external communications. They will report to the Head of Policy and Research and provide expertise and specialist guidance across the organisation.

How to apply:

If this sounds like the right role and organisation for you, please go to our website where you will find a downloadable job description with a person specification, including details of the terms and conditions of the post.

We encourage you to read through the job pack and the person specification carefully, as we will shortlist applications using the essential criteria.

We are recruiting a Stories Manager to develop and drive our strategy to put the stories of our volunteers, callers and fundraisers at the front of our communications and fundraising work. 

This role is an exciting opportunity for a candidate experienced in working with case studies and storytellers who can efficiently manage a range of different stories sensitively and with confidence. If successful, you will lead the Samaritans case study function, support the organisation with its handling of real life stories and manage the relevant systems and processes. 

Storytelling is not only central to the way we communicate but it is central to our theory of change. We know that in sharing personal stories we can help others who are struggling find courage to seek help. We can tackle the stigma surrounding suicide. Storytelling and lived experience cuts right across media and campaigns, fundraising, events, policy and influencing work and support.​

This role will develop and implement a strategy to support the organisation (primarily the media, fundraising and individual giving teams) to champion the voices of those who have used our service, or have experience of suicidal feelings within our press activity, cash appeals, fundraising events and campaigns and policy work. This role will help bring Samaritans brand and work to life.

The Offer

• Permanent Contract 
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• £39,000 - £44,000 per annum
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid working model, linked to our office in Ewell, with a mix of home and office based working

Skills and Experience 

• You’ll be a compassionate and talented story-teller, with a journalistic or similar background. 
• Experienced in case study management and stewardship, ideally in the charity sector, you’ll be passionate about our cause and keen to utilise your expertise in sourcing, interviewing and presenting people’s stories in a range of engaging ways and through different channels, including feature articles in the mainstream media, social media content and videos.
• A passion for People with adept interpersonal and communication skills, you’ll build new relationships with sensitivity and an understanding of the lives of those affected by suicide 
• Along with the principles of safeguarding and ethical storytelling practice. 

What’s in it for you – our benefits 

So, you want to work for us? Good choice. We like it here too. We offer competitive salaries, flexible and hybrid working to suit your needs, family-friendly policies, 28 days annual leave inclusive of wellbeing days and a matched pension contribution up to 5%. You’ll have a structured induction and ongoing projects, secondments & learning opportunities. We also have colleague-led affinity groups made up of people with shared identities. 

Your health and wellbeing is our priority. We have a staff community of Mental Health First Aiders, a Health Cash Plan and an Employee Assistance Programme. You’ll have free subscriptions to Headspace (your personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, focus, movement, and more) & Perkbox (an employee benefits platform with online exercise classes). That’s not all. We listen to your ideas and have staff forum and social committee networks.

Being Inclusive 

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from Disabled, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

Application 

If this role sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and provide a Cover Letter (2 pages maximum) tailored around your motivations for applying and your skills and experience in relation to the job outline. Please include reference links to 2 of your favourite pieces of story-telling work. 

This role will close for applications at 5pm on Wednesday 05 June 2024, with interviews scheduled to take place on Monday 17 June 2024.