Policy and advocacy jobs
Protect, the UK’s leading whistleblowing charity, is looking for an exceptional public-spirited Policy & Advocacy Officer, who will lead our anti-corruption work. The role is currently funded by the Joffe Charitable Trust. The role is 3 days (22.5hours) per week; can be spread over 3-5 days.
The role is London based with hybrid and remote working options & occasional travel to Westminster.
The role will entail proactively looking for advocacy opportunities and working with the Policy Team in Protect to progress important public policies, which further the protection of whistleblowers, support safe speaking up and tackle corruption in the UK.
For 30 years we have provided legal advice to whistleblowers, campaigned for better legal protection for whistleblowing and supported organisations to create effective whistleblowing systems. With the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) turning their focus to whistleblowing, there could not be a more exciting time to join the anti-corruption fight.
We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, ambitious and a team player. The ideal candidate is a great communicator, with exceptional networking and stakeholder engagement skills. Those applying should have a degree in a relevant subject and work experience in a relevant field. Past or present experience working in Government, Parliament or for a regulator is highly desirable.
Protect offers a range of benefits to those that work for the charity including 30 days (pro rata) annual leave, a sabbatical scheme after 5 years service, and enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave.
You can find the full job description, person specification and the full list of work benefits on the vacancies page on our website.
You can apply through the Be Applied application portal. The webform will ask five questions related to motivation and competency. The closing date for applications will be Monday 8th September and interviews will take place on the week commencing the Monday 15th September.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £37,000 - £42,000 per annum, depending on experience
Remote: This role is homebased with travel for meetings, events and conferences and staff residentials.
What we do
As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.
We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of youth work in England. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the National Youth Agency (NYA), you’ll play a central role in influencing national policy and driving change that impacts young people’s lives.
We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic individual to join our Policy, Insights and External Affairs Directorate. You’ll work closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, line manage the Policy and Public Affairs Officer, and collaborate with colleagues and sector partners to deliver a bold and proactive policy agenda that champions youth work in policy making. Your work will ensure the voice of the NYA and the youth sector is placed at the heart of national policy and funding decisions.
This role is central to driving NYA’s policy impact: you will lead high-profile policy projects, build strong relationships with political and policy stakeholders, produce influential written outputs, curate strategic events, and represent the organisation at key external engagements. You’ll also be at the forefront of monitoring and interpreting developments across Westminster - from government consultations to parliamentary debates - using these insights to shape our influencing and advocacy efforts.
This is an exciting time to join the NYA. Your work will directly contribute to meaningful change for young people, helping to secure the recognition, investment and support that youth work deserves.
Key responsibilities for this role will include:
- Work with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Policy and Public Affairs Officer, and key internal and external stakeholders to help design, manage and deliver a cutting-edge policy agenda and stakeholder outreach programme
- Line manage the Policy and Public Affairs Officer, delegating work effectively and supporting their professional development
- Identify and build positive relationships with key political and policy stakeholders who are critical to advancing our mission and amplifying the voice of the youth work.
- Manage policy projects, including drafting project plans, timelines and budgets, in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders
- Monitor the shifting national policy and political landscape, including parliamentary inquiries, consultations, political briefings and government announcements, and advise internal and external stakeholders on opportunities and risks
- Provide the secretariat for the National Youth Sector Advisory Board (NYSAB), convening the youth sector with government departments
- Build strong relationships with peer organisations and stakeholders and identify opportunities for collaborative working to further NYA’s mission
- Organise high-quality events and policy seminars to raise the profile of the organisation
- Manage the creation of a range of high-quality written outputs for various audiences, including policy briefings, blogs and consultation responses
- Work closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and Local Policy and Partnerships Manager to connect and align our national and local policy influencing and work
- Represent the NYA at external meetings and events
- Please refer to our Candidate Pack for more information on the role and the requirements.
Why Work for NYA?
- NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
- NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
- A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
- NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
- We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Sunday 14th September 2025:
- A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
- A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
- We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.
Please note: the covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 30% AI generated content with be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.
The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.
At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.
We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.
REF-223415
Do you believe that it is possible to change the rules of the economy so that it works better for people and planet? Are you driven by a commitment to make the UK more equitable, sustainable and democratic? Are you an expert in social policy? If so, we have the job for you.
For 40 years NEF has turned bold ideas, robust research and community power into real-world change to build a new economy that works for people and planet. At this critical moment in global and domestic politics, we are looking for someone to head up our social policy team, leading visionary flagship programmes on public service reform, housing and social security. NEF has always been a pioneer of cutting-edge research, big ideas and effective campaigning. We work at the interface between economic, social and environmental policy and we are looking for a Head of Social Policy that can help us push this frontier.
Working with a talented team of researchers and economists, directors and other heads, you will develop a strategy to steer NEF’s social policy work, lead the development of and fundraising for programmes of research, policy and influencing and help ensure new and existing work delivers clear, high quality and rigorous outputs and outcomes.
You will need a strong track record of leading research, policy development, a keen sense of how change happens and strong relationships with partners across politics, civil society, trade unions and business. And you will need a passion for economic, social and environmental justice and a belief that we can make change happen.
Role: Head of Social Policy
Hours of work: Full Time
NEF operates a Shorter Working Week, with a full-time equivalent of 32 hours per week. As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant, which can be discussed at interview stage.
Salary range: £56,477 to £68,268, depending on qualifications and experience
Location: London (in-office min two days per week)
Contract type: permanent
Responsible to: Deputy Chief Executive
The Head of Social Policy leads the development of our thinking across public service reform, social security and housing. This role develops - and is responsible for the effective delivery of a NEF-wide social policy strategy and of projects that are delivering on this strategy. The Head of Social Policy acts as a key spokesperson for NEF and promotes our work at a local, regional and national level.
As NEF has a particular strategic focus on transforming the way policy is made so that it better reflects the lived experience of the people, communities and movements that most need change, we look to heads across our different themes to help develop and test new approaches to policy and advocacy.
The Head of Social Policy generates project ideas, oversees the development of quantitative and qualitative research, leads funding bids and manages day-to-day funder relationships. This role leads a team which both develops our thinking on social policy and provides expertise to other teams at NEF.
Deadline for applications: midnight on 14th September 2025
Interviews: 23rd and 25th September 2025
Start date: ASAP
To apply, please send your CV and Covering letter (no longer than 2 pages) outlining how you meet the person specification in Word format.
Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring from.
You must be eligible to work in the UK, we are unable to sponsor visas.
NEF is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in research and policy making and we’re committed to doing what we can to correct this. We are particularly keen to receive applications from black, asian and minority ethnic people; people with disabilities; people who identify as being LGTBQIA; people who have a mental health condition; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past. We are also aware that many highly capable prospective candidates nonetheless rule themselves out of work in research and policy because they underestimate their own ability to do the role. With this in mind, we strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and grow on the job and would like to stress that past experience of working in think tanks is not required.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. We make use of positive action to select between candidates of equal merit as a way to address under-representation in our workforce.
NEF believes in diversity
Registered charity number 1055254
The New Economics Foundation works with people igniting change from below and combines this with rigorous research to fight for change at the top.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Job Title: Head of Policy and Engagement
Location: London, (The Foundry, Vauxhall)
Type: Permanent, hybrid
Hours: 4 days/28 hours a week
Salary: £50k pa (FTE)
About Equally Ours
Equally Ours (previously the Equality and Diversity Forum) is a UK charity that brings together people and organisations working across equality, human rights and social justice to make a reality of these in everyone’s lives.
Through our members and networks, Equally Ours joins up research, policy and communications to shift public opinion and policy in positive and powerful ways. This is an exciting and pivotal time for us. At the end of 2022, we launched a 10-year strategy, 'Together for social justice', which sets out our bold agenda to increase equality and strengthen rights at scale.
We are a voluntary membership organisation dedicated to supporting networks, communities and grassroots groups across the UK to influence public policy and decision-making processes.
This important new role aims to support London-based members and our wider networks in shaping meaningful, structural public policy changes that address climate action, social justice, and economic opportunity. This role will work at the intersection of national and London government agendas, ensuring that the diverse experiences of Londoners shape a more socially just London and the UK that protect and advances people's equality and human rights.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Head of Policy and Community Engagement to lead our policy advocacy and community engagement initiatives. This role is crucial in helping our members develop a collective voice, influence policy at both local and national levels, and drive long-lasting, systemic change. The successful candidate will work closely with London-based members and grassroots organisations, convening and facilitating opportunities to develop a unified and impactful voice and advocate for systemic change on key issues such as climate justice and resilience, employment inequality and economic inclusion, particularly in the context of public sector investment and the green economy. They will have a passion for human rights, equality and social justice, and strong policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement experience.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Advocacy & Engagement
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Support Member Voice: Facilitate opportunities for our members (and their networks) to develop a unified and impactful voice on key policy issues.
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Drive structural change: Advocate for systemic, rather than piecemeal, policy reform on issues relating to climate action, law and economic opportunity.
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Policy research & analysis: synthesize research data, commission research, and stay informed on the priorities of national government, Greater London Authority and local borough councils, as well as those of funders, to provide members with strategic analysis and support in developing and influencing policy.
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Focus on intersectionality: Promote the adoption of an intersectional, pan-equality, and human rights-based framework in policy areas such as the equality and human rights legal framework, climate justice and social investment.
Community & Network Development
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Develop and strengthen membership model: Lead efforts to develop and adapt our membership and engagement model, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of our London network and the wider movement.
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Equip grassroots groups: Work closely with grassroots organisations to build their capacity and influence on key issues, supporting them to engage directly with policymakers and participate meaningfully in policy debates.
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Promote collaboration and capacity building: Promote collaboration among members, encouraging the sharing of best practice, strengthening their collective voice, and enhancing their effectiveness in advocating for their communities.
Strategic Initiatives & emerging trends
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Horizon scanning and trend analysis: Monitor emerging trends in the climate, social justice, and community development sectors, ensuring strategies are adapted to address these developments.
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Network expansion: Identify opportunities to grow our network and extend our reach, ensuring more grassroots organisations are empowered to engage with policy agendas and drive systemic change.
What skills and experiences we’re looking for:
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Strong policy expertise: demonstrable experience of analysing evidence from a range of sources (lived experience, think tank and academic reports,) and working collaboratively with communities to identify the root causes of inequality and create policy solutions. Ideally in one or more of the areas of climate justice, economic opportunity, and social inclusion.
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Community Engagement: Experience of working with grassroots organisations and local communities, with a focus on building capacity and amplifying their voices at local borough, London and UK government levels.
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Advocacy Skills:
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Strong understanding and demonstrable experience of public policy change processes at the intersection of UK and London government agendas
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Proven ability to develop, lead, implement and monitor influencing strategies that drive systemic change
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Strategic Thinking: Ability to think creatively and strategically about developing engagement models and responding to emerging trends in social and environmental justice movements.
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Commitment: commitment to and a sound understanding of how to apply equality, intersectionality and human rights principles to public policy development, and the credibility to build trust with communities.
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Network Building: Demonstrable experience in growing and supporting membership networks or coalitions, ideally in the voluntary or charity sector.
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Emotional intelligence: High levels of emotional intelligence and resilience, including the understanding and ability to manage how lived experience of our privilege and inequality can impact in the workplace for yourself, colleagues and external stakeholders.
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Managing staff: Experience managing at least one staff member, providing both task centered and pastoral support. The ability to hold and manage difficult feelings and conversations with tact and sensitivity.
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Anti-racism: Commitment to embed anti-racism across all aspects of our work.
Desirable:
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Experience of commissioning different types of research
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Experience of working with impact monitoring and evaluation frameworks, for example theory of change methodology.
Would you like to help create a brighter future for nature?
Wildlife and Countryside Link is a coalition of 90 environmental charities. We are looking for a Policy Officer to help develop, advocate and win policy improvements for nature.
The Government has promised to halt the decline of nature by 2030 and to net zero by 2050, committing to decarbonising our energy systems as a core government mission. Such commitments have been made within the backdrop of a challenging economic environment. The next few years will be critical in securing nature based solutions as part of the drive to reach net zero and in developing our understanding of and engagement with private investment for nature’s recovery as these fledging funding streams evolve.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Policy Officer to convene environmental policy experts to agree bold shared policy positions. This role will focus on economic systems change, including innovative work on ways to drive private investment in nature; and on the role that nature must play in helping us to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. There will be lots of thinking, lots of writing, and lots of opportunities to shape shared campaigns with excellent opportunities to engage with and work alongside some of the leading experts in these policy areas. You will also play a key role in delivering those messages to key influencers in Government and in Parliament.
So, we are looking for someone with a keen eye for detail, a good networker with the ability to listen and negotiate, and a reasoned and convincing style of written and verbal communication, with a passion for nature conservation.
Please find the full job description and how to apply here. To apply, please send your CV, with a short covering letter and a completed diversity monitoring form by 9am on Monday 15 September.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Land Use Policy Manager
Salary: up to £40,000
Location: Hybrid with occasional travel to London, Newark (Nottinghamshire) and rest of UK
Full time (35 hours per week)
Permanent contract
Closing date for applications: 7th September 2025
First interview: 19th September 2025
Second interview: 1st October 2025
About Us
The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 944,000 members, over 38,000 volunteers, 3,600 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work.
Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.
The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities.
About You
Are you a strategic communicator with a passion for policy, public affairs and making a real difference? Do you dream of using your skills to make a real difference in conservation and farming? We have an opportunity at the heart of The Wildlife Trusts for someone keen to ensure that natures’ recovery is at the heart of UK farming, food and land use policy? If you have experience in UK farm and land policy, with excellent advocacy and communication skills, and would like to work for one of the UK’s bestloved nature charities, then we have an exciting opportunity for you
Working within our small but highly impactful team, the Land Use Policy Manager will work to influence the development of land use and farm policy, to improve the quality of decisions taken at a project and strategic level to deliver The Wildlife Trusts’ ambitions for natures recovery and nature friendly, climate resilient farming and food systems.
You will develop and manage strategic relationships to position The Wildlife Trusts as key instigators of change, building climate and nature’s recovery into rapidly changing farm, land and policy. You will also be supporting the Federation of Wildlife Trusts’ work on farming and food.
We are looking for an organised and resourceful individual who has proven experience of working with various sectors to influence farm policy and strategy. You will have a commitment to wildlife conservation, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and be confidence in communicating to diverse audiences.
The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgmental and are inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.
As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible. RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and will put any ethnic minority applicants that meet all the essential criteria for the post through to the next stage of recruitment.
Please do not use artificial intelligence tools to assist you to complete the application form. We may not accept applications that have been completed utilising AI tools. If you would usually use tools such as these to assist you in filling in a form, please contact us to discuss this further and understand other options.
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!
Job Title: Policy and Influencing Manager
Organisation: Kids
Location: Remote (with travel to London up to once a week for meetings)
Salary: £33,000–£35,000
Contract: Full-time or 4 days/week (Flexible working available)
Make change happen – for every child.
At Kids, we believe every child should have the opportunity to thrive – regardless of disability or circumstance. As our Policy and Influencing Manager, you’ll play a vital role in making this a reality. You’ll help shape policies that amplify the voices and experiences of disabled children and young people, turning insight into influence and ideas into action.
This is a unique opportunity to lead bold, evidence-based policy work that reflects the lived experiences of the families we support. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation and sector, you’ll inform decision-makers, respond to developments in the SEND landscape, and ensure that young people’s voices are at the heart of the change we seek.
We’re looking for a passionate and proactive policy professional who’s ready to help build something powerful – and lasting – at a critical time for SEND reform in the UK.
What you'll do
Policy & Influencing
- Develop accessible and compelling policy briefings, consultation responses, reports, speeches, and presentations for a range of stakeholders, including MPs, government officials, and sector partners.
- Translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive communications that support positive change.
- Collaborate with our Youth Voice Manager to ensure our policy positions reflect the real experiences of the young people and families we support.
- Help deliver and monitor our policy and influencing strategy in collaboration with the Head of Policy, Voice and Influencing.
Research & Evidence
- Carry out high-quality research and analysis from both internal and external sources.
- Centre the experiences and insights of disabled children, young people, and their families in policy solutions
- Monitor policy developments across the SEND landscape and lead on timely, evidence-led responses.
- Track progress against our influencing goals and ensure our actions remain targeted and impactful.
Engagement & Relationship Building
- Build strong relationships with decision-makers across government and the public sector.
- Support the Head of Policy, Voice and Influencing to plan and deliver our strategic external engagement plan in order to focus and drive our wider influencing work
- Represent Kids at meetings and events, including engaging MPs, civil servants, and other key influencers.
- Work closely with internal teams and front-line colleagues to ensure our influencing work is grounded in practice and informed by those delivering services.
Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships
- Work alongside the Head of Policy, Voice and Influencing and Youth Voice Manager to deliver our external engagement strategy including deputising at meetings when required.
- Support collaboration across teams to bring in parent, carer, and young person voices.
- Contribute to external coalitions and alliances – attending meetings, aligning with others’ work, and championing Kids' policy priorities.
What you'll bring
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a policy role and demonstrable experience of using policy and evidence to influence outcomes– ideally within the disability sector.
- Strong understanding of the SEND system and related policies and legislation (through lived or professional experience).
- Excellent writing skills – able to craft persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses, and reports with clarity and purpose.
- Confident communicator, able to engage a range of audiences in person and in writing.
- Strong research and analytical skills – able to sift through evidence and develop insight-driven policy recommendations.
- Ability to build and manage relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners.
- Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Passionate about inclusion, equity, and social justice – with a strong motivation to elevate the voices of disabled children and young people.
Why work at Kids?
We’re a mission-driven organisation, building a fairer world where all children have the opportunity to flourish. You’ll join a growing team in a pivotal role, helping to shape the future of policy and advocacy at Kids.
We’re committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We’re especially keen to hear from people with lived experience of disability or SEND, either personally or within your family or community.
Ready to create change that counts?
Apply now and help us influence a better, more inclusive future for disabled children and young people.
Note: We may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please apply promptly
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Drive the policy agenda for a high-profile, mission-led charity representing over 1,150 schools in the North East and a futher 400 specialist schools nationally. Influence education strategy and shape national debate from the heart of the North East.
Make a Difference with Schools North East
Schools North East is a dynamic, purpose-driven charity that champions the education sector across the North East. Representing a collaborative community of over 1,150 member schools, we are recognised nationally as the Voice advocating for North East schools, the Glue fostering collaboration, and the Bridge connecting education with the wider world. Now approaching our 20th year, we are entering an exciting new phase of development, strengthening our influence, expanding our reach, and enhancing the value we deliver to our members.
As Policy Manager, you will be a senior leader responsible for working with Directors to deliver our strategic policy and public affairs agenda. You will ensure alignment between policy, research, stakeholder engagement, and events, using evidence and insight to influence decision-makers at the highest levels. This is a pivotal, high-profile role requiring a dynamic, politically astute, and highly experienced strategic thinker with a deep understanding of how policy is shaped and implemented.
We are looking for a values-led leader who can anticipate long-term trends and align strategies with the organisation’s vision, taking account of the political, economic, and educational policy landscape. You will make bold yet considered decisions, taking calculated risks where appropriate, and responding promptly and effectively to critical events. You will lead by example, actively promoting SNE’s values and vision both internally and externally, and influencing our strategy, direction, and culture to increase organisational effectiveness.
You will bring a collaborative, resilient, and adaptable approach, fostering a culture of learning and development that helps your team grow and succeed, while sharing your own expertise to support others. With exceptional communication skills, you will engage stakeholders with purpose and conviction, and ensure that policy work is evidence-led, impactful, and aligned with member needs. This is an opportunity to join a respected and ambitious organisation at a key point in its journey – and to play a personal role in shaping its next chapter of success.
Salary: Senior Leader Band 5 – £40,775–£52,196, depending on experience
Location: Central Newcastle (with flexibility to work from home on Fridays)
Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week
Holidays: 30 days plus Bank Holidays
Travel: Some regional and national travel, as required
Closing Date: 5pm Wednesday 27 August 2025
Interview Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025
Key Responsibilities
Organisational Leadership
- Contribute to the strategic leadership of Schools North East as a senior manager, ensuring policy work supports the organisation’s long-term mission and values.
Strategic Policy Leadership
- Lead the development and delivery of Schools North East’s policy agenda, ensuring it reflects member needs and is grounded in robust evidence.
- Anticipate and respond to emerging political and policy developments, both regionally and nationally.
Public Affairs & Influence
- Build and maintain high-level relationships between the organisation and government, political stakeholders, and sector influencers to maximise SNE’s influence.
- Represent Schools North East at external events, inquiries, and meetings, speaking with authority on behalf of our members.
Research & Intelligence
- Undertake research where appropriate to inform strategic priorities.
- Interpret and communicate external research to help support strategic priorities and inform policy work.
- Oversee the production of high-quality policy briefings, consultation responses, and position papers.
Campaign Leadership
- Design impactful campaigns that raise the profile of key education issues and strengthen SNE’s role as a thought leader.
- Ensure alignment between policy priorities and marketing/communications activity.
Stakeholder Engagement & Networks
- Develop stakeholder networks, forums, and roundtables to inform policy positions and enhance influence.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and mentor direct reports, setting clear KPIs and fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
- Work closely with the Directors, Business, Events and Marketing teams to ensure policy activity supports and enhances core functions.
Organisational Leadership
- Contribute to the strategic leadership of Schools North East as a senior manager, ensuring policy work supports the organisation’s long-term mission and values.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thanks to funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, TransActual are recruiting a Policy Officer to join our growing team. You’ll both be working alongside our Policy Lead, Director of Policy and Director for Healthcare to advocate for trans people’s needs in a range of policy areas.
This is role is offered on the initial basis of a 3 year contract, with any extension of that subject to funding.
As a Policy Officer at TransActual you will:
- Engage with elected representatives and civil servants.
- Support with the research for, writing and distribution of TransActual’s Parliamentary briefings.
- Research and write responses to consultations, reviews and calls for evidence.
- Keep our policy database up to date.
- Support the Policy Lead in creating and coordinating a Trans Policy Network.
- Support the delivery of a programme of work to support activists to develop their develop skills and expertise in policy work.
- Work collaboratively with others in the LGBTQ+ sector and beyond on policy matters.
- Work with TransActual’s programmes officer to create information and training resources for trans people on rights and protections.
- Coordinate TransActual’s policy volunteers to ensure they’ve got what they need to be able to support our work.
An in depth understanding of trans people’s lived experiences and an ongoing commitment to bringing about positive change for all trans people in the UK is absolutely essential for this role. This understanding can come from your own lived experience. You will demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to equity, particularly in relation to race equity and disability equity.
We particularly welcome and encourage applications from trans people, Black People and People of Colour, neurodivergent people and disabled people.
The successful applicant will be required to attend regular meetings in Central London, but must be able to work from home as well.
Terms and salary: 30 hours a week, a total salary of £21,840 per year (the full time equivalent salary would be £27,300).
The closing date for the position is Friday 5th September 2025 at 5pm.
The job pack and application form are available via our website.
TransActual are working towards a world where trans people can live safely, in dignity and with access to the healthcare that we need.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director of Policy, Influencing and Change
Location: London, hybrid working
Contract: Permanent, full time
Salary: £82,000 to £90,000 per annum plus benefits
Reports to: Executive Director, Impact on Urban Health
Impact on Urban Health works to tackle the deep-rooted health inequalities that affect people living in cities. As part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation, the organisation focuses on a small number of complex health challenges that disproportionately affect urban communities. These include air pollution, access to healthy and affordable food, financial security, and children’s mental health.
The work begins in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, among the most diverse areas in the country. Here, Impact on Urban Health supports and tests new ideas in real-world settings. The insights gathered locally are used to shape national and international conversations and influence lasting change. The organisation works in partnership with communities, local authorities, government, the NHS, other funders, and civil society to build healthier urban environments.
Impact on Urban Health is now recruiting a Director of Policy, Influencing and Change. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s policy and influencing agenda, ensuring that its programmes lead to broader systems change. The Director will lead a skilled and committed team, strengthen strategic partnerships, and play a central role in scaling proven approaches to health equity.
The ideal candidate will bring:
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A strong track record of influencing decision-makers and shaping public policy at both local and national levels, with demonstrable experience driving change through engagement with a broad range of stakeholders
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Experience of strategic leadership in complex settings, including securing large-scale partnerships to scale and sustain what we know works
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Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence working across government, local authorities, and the voluntary and community sector
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A clear and long-standing commitment to advancing health equity, racial justice, and inclusive leadership
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of urban health and to play a meaningful part in building a fairer, healthier society.
To find out more about the role and how to apply, please view the dedicated microsite.
Recruitment Timetable
Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 8th September
Interviews with IoUH: w/c 22nd & 29th September
We are recruiting for a Senior Policy and Research Officer to join our team in London; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: Senior Policy and Research Officer
Location: Homeworking with the requirement to occasionally attend our Head Office (Vauxhall)
Salary: £34,093.64 per annum (this is inclusive of a London Weighting allowance of £3,000 which may be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement).
Contract type: Fixed term (12 months), Full-time
Hours: 37.5
Refuge is recruitment for a Senior Policy and Research Officer to join it's successful Policy and Public Affairs Team.
The Senior Policy and Research Officer will be responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative research on issues affecting survivors of domestic abuse and propose robust, evidence-based policy recommendations as well as analysing policy developments and producing briefings, reports, and consultation responses to influence public policy. The successful candidate will bring excellent policy analysis, data analysis and research skills as well as strong communication and project management skills.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with survivors of domestic abuse to shape Refuge's policy programme to drive system change to end Violence Against Women and Girls.
This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing date: 9.00am on 1 September 2025
Interview date: 10 & 11 September 2025
Benefits
Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
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!
Coventry Women’s Partnership (CWP) is looking for a Policy, Voice, and Influence Lead to support our 2-year place-based systems change programme, funded by the Smallwood Trust. The programme aims to reduce gendered poverty in Coventry by tackling the systemic barriers faced in securing a safe home. This work will focus on understanding and transforming housing systems. Seeking to and improve outcomes for women experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and multiple disadvantage.
CWP is partnership made up of Central England Law Centre, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, CRASAC, FWT and Kairos. The contract will be with Kairos, but you will provide support across all partners.
· The Policy, Voice and Influence Lead (PVIL) will play a pivotal role in driving forward the Coventry Women’s Partnership’s (CWP) systems change agenda to improve housing and homelessness options for women to reduce gendered poverty.
· You will be confident in taking the lead in this work while remaining in regular communication and collaboration with the partnership.
· You will help us analyse the systems, policies, practices and strategy around housing for women and their impact on poverty and create a delivery programme to influence and collaborate with stakeholders for change.
· Your attitude will be pragmatic and ‘can do’ as you carve a realistic path between confidence and caution when planning projects and delivery.
· Integral to this work will be drawing on members’ experience and expertise and the voices of women with lived experience (supported by a Women’s Engagement & Participation Coordinator) to ensure the partnership’s activities are delivered on time and to budget.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a skilled policy professional ready to take the lead on major policy initiatives and influence change at the highest levels? Do you combine policy expertise with the ability to inspire, motivate, and deliver results?
We have an exciting opportunity for a Policy Manager to lead a portfolio of work that shapes our influencing agenda across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In this pivotal role, you will drive forward high-profile projects, developing policy that makes a tangible difference to the lives of people living with and affected by motor neurone disease (MND).
Working closely with colleagues in Campaigns and Public Affairs, you will ensure our voice and the voice of the MND Community is heard. You will identify and develop strong policy positions, engage with key decision-makers, and navigate health and social policy structures to achieve meaningful change. Your proactive, solutions-focused approach will help turn ideas into impact.
We're looking for someone confident in taking a position, inspiring a team, and influencing policy from concept through to delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for you to shape policy, build influential relationships, and deliver improvements that matter most to those living with and affected by MND.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of policy, research and analysis to strengthen the Association's position in key debates.
- Analyse public policy to identify barriers and develop practical solutions for campaigns, briefings and submissions.
- Write and oversee the production of high-quality policy papers, reports and speeches.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government, academics and other sector stakeholders.
- Co-ordinate updates on policy developments for internal teams and share information in accessible formats.
- Represent the Association at meetings, seminars and conferences.
- Line manage a team of three Policy Advisers, providing effective supervision and clear objectives.
- Organise policy-related consultations and events.
About You:
- Strong knowledge of UK political systems, including government departments, Westminster and devolved nations.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Skilled in planning and managing multiple projects to tight deadlines.
- Proven track record in outcome-focused policy development and analysis.
- Confident in interpreting complex issues and presenting them clearly.
- Collaborative team player who can also work independently.
- Experience of managing staff or external consultants.
- Willingness to travel within the UK, with occasional evening or weekend work.
About Us:
Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.
What We Offer:
- 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
- Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
- 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
- Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
- Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
- Enhanced pension scheme.
- Opportunities for training and personal development.
- Hybrid working.
The full job description is available in the candidate pack.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.
As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.
Hybrid Working and Flexibility: This role offers hybrid working, with the expectation to attend the office at least 1 day per week. We are open to part-time applications or job shares - please indicate your preferred working arrangement in your application.
How to apply:
Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas
- Strong understanding of UK political systems, including government departments, Westminster and the devolved nations, with the ability to influence and engage effectively at all levels.
- Proven track record in outcome-focused research, policy analysis and policy development, supported by strong analytical and communication skills.
- Commitment to the vision and mission of the MND Association, with the ability to work collaboratively to deliver the Public Affairs and Campaigns Strategy.
Important Information:
- We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so early submissions are encouraged.
- If you require sponsorship for this role, please clearly indicate this in your application.
- Depending on the role, a DBS check may be required.
- If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us for support.
- We are happy to consider alternative application formats for those who find the online form challenging.
This is a rewarding opportunity for you to make a lasting impact and ensure the voices of those affected by MND are heard. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lumos is an international children’s charity founded in 2005 to end the harmful practice of institutionalisation of children. Lumos’s mission is to fight for every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world. Our vision is for all children to grow up in safe and loving families.
Despite clear evidence of the harms of institutionalisation, an estimated 5.4 million children worldwide continue to live in institutions. Separated from their families and communities, these children are deprived of the love, attention and opportunities they need to thrive. Our three-pronged approach is to prevent family separation, to protect children and to promote care reform. We’ve made important progress in closing harmful institutions and reuniting children with their families. And where children are unable to live with their birth families, we promote alternative family-based care, such as kinship care and quality foster care. Thanks to our tireless efforts alongside many other champions of care reform, the harms of institutionalisation are now more widely understood. A global movement is underway and the UN, the EU and some large development agencies have joined individual countries in pledging to change how they care for vulnerable children. We are committed to ensuring that global policy commitments are translated into local action, leading to sustainable change for vulnerable children.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note that feedback will only be provided to candidates who attend an interview.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can discuss your needs.
Please submit your application by the closing date of 27th August 2025.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note that feedback will only be provided to candidates who attend an interview.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can discuss your needs.
Please submit your application by the closing date of 27th August 2025.
To realise every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world.
Can you make data tell a story?
We are looking for a new analyst who can help us get to grips with complex issues and produce clear, incisive evidence for decision makers.
Thought leadership is one of Green Alliance’s defining activities, initiating debates and bringing new perspectives to challenging environmental issues. We do this by exploring issues from original angles and presenting information in compelling and relevant formats. Our analysts conduct research and interpret data from a range of sources to inform our insights and recommendations on environmental policy.
You will work on a variety of projects across the organisation, completing technical, economic or social analysis, primarily in the areas of power, energy and industry.
Curious and inquiring, you will want to seek out and interrogate the best, most credible evidence. You will have excellent attention to detail, a rigorous approach to problem solving and accuracy, and the ability to work on several projects at once. You will have strong writing skills and be able to create copy that explains concepts to a non-scientific audience clearly and concisely. Your data analysis and synthesis skills might have been developed in another field, but you will have a deep interest in environmental issues and Green Alliance’s policy themes.
Green Alliance is a charity, independent think tank and advocate, committed to achieving a greener future. We believe that ambitious political leadership is the route to change at the speed and scale necessary.
We play a central role in shaping the natural environment, energy and resources policy agendas in the UK and are known for our cross party influence and the clarity of our insights.
The high quality of our work, our experienced team and our collaborative approach have enabled us to develop excellent relationships at the highest levels, with political parties, businesses, NGOs and academia.
We are a dedicated team, passionately committed to achieving positive outcomes for the environment. We aim to create a supportive and collaborative culture that allows people to reach their full potential, we aim to provide an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued and everyone is able to thrive.
At Green Alliance we believe that a diverse team leads to higher quality policy development and advocacy for the environment. We value the breadth of lived experience of our staff and support people to thrive. We encourage applications from all sections of society, particularly those from working-class backgrounds and people of colour who are under-represented in the environment and think tank sectors, to help us achieve our vision of a green and prosperous UK for all.
Please note that we can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor working visa applications or renewals.
Please see the job pack on our website for more details and how to apply.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 18 August 2025. The first round of interviews is scheduled to be in person on Wednesday 27 August.
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.