20 Policy researcher volunteer jobs in Edinburgh

About Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is the UK’s leading patient charity dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis. Our mission is underpinned by values of compassionate, bold, expert and collaborative. We believe in creating a supportive environment in which both our employees and beneficiaries can thrive.

Founded in 2013 by people affected by PF and clinicians, APF has grown into a respected national charity rooted in community and evidence. We provide trusted information and support, help a growing network of support groups, campaign to improve access to care and invest in research to bring hope of new treatments. APF strives to be an organisation of equity and inclusion, welcoming people from all backgrounds – our team and volunteers aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

We have just launched an ambitious five-year strategy (2025–2030), co-created with the PF community, which focuses on expanding support, transforming care, and accelerating research. This strategy marks a step change with a clearer focus, stronger delivery model and greater ambition to ensure no one faces pulmonary fibrosis alone.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a Senior Information and Education Manager to lead our patient information and education work, ensuring people affected by pulmonary fibrosis can access clear, accurate, trusted and accessible information when they need it most.

This is a strategic and hands-on role. You will shape APF’s information and education offer across digital, print and live formats, develop and improve patient information, lead a review of our website content, and ensure our resources remain evidence-based, accessible and shaped by lived experience.

You will also oversee our education programme and line manage our Education and Events Co-ordinator, helping us deliver high-quality events and education that respond to the needs of people affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

We are looking for someone with strong experience in health information, patient education or health content. You will be an excellent writer and editor, able to make complex information clear and accessible, with the strategic thinking and project management skills to turn insight and evidence into practical improvements.

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in ensuring people affected by pulmonary fibrosis have the information, education and support they need throughout their journey.

To apply, please submit a CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages outlining your suitability for the role and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the job description.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser

Bethlehem Care & Hospice Trust

Salary: £34,000-£40,000 FTE, pro rata depending on experience  |  Hours: 14.8-18.5 hours per week (0.4-0.5 FTE)  |  Location: Home-based anywhere in the UK  |  Contract: 12 months initially, with a view to extension subject to funding and performance

Help sustain Palestine's first and only licensed palliative care service

Bethlehem Care & Hospice Trust (BCHT) is a small UK charity supporting the development of specialist palliative and hospice care in Palestine. In August 2023, the service we support became the first licensed palliative care service in Palestine. Since then, its specialist nurses have cared for more than 350 patients and their families and delivered more than 5,000 home visits.

The service has demonstrated what can be achieved. Our challenge now is to secure its future. We are investing in professional fundraising for the first time and are looking for an experienced Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser to help us build the sustainable income needed to protect and strengthen this pioneering service.

The opportunity

This is an unusually autonomous role in which you will work directly with BCHT's Trustees and colleagues in Palestine. You will take responsibility for developing income from charitable trusts, foundations and grant-making organisations: identifying prospects, developing compelling propositions, preparing high-quality applications and building long-term funder relationships.

We currently raise approximately £60,000-£80,000 each year against a core service requirement of around £150,000. Your initial focus will therefore be sustainability of the existing service, with opportunities subsequently to support its development and growth. Our Year 1 income target for this role is £70,000.

This role could be for you if you have proven experience of successful trusts and foundations fundraising; can demonstrate success in preparing grant applications; write persuasively; can research and develop a strong prospect pipeline; are highly organised; can work independently; and would value the opportunity to use your professional expertise to make a direct and measurable difference.

Experience of healthcare, hospice or palliative care, international development, small charities or faith-based organisations would be useful but is not essential.

BCHT is inspired by Christian values of compassion, dignity and service. Applicants should be sympathetic to the values and mission of the charity. The palliative care service we support is provided to people regardless of faith, ethnicity, background or ability to pay.

What we offer: flexible home-based working; 25 days' annual leave plus UK public/bank holidays, pro rata; and a workplace pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, subject to scheme rules. You will have considerable scope to shape BCHT's approach to trusts and foundations fundraising and direct access to Trustees and decision-makers.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience meets its requirements. Please download the Recruitment Pack for further information.

Closing date: Friday 25 September 2026  |  Interviews: Week commencing 5 October 2026  |  Start: As soon as possible by agreement

Farm Discovery Programme Manager

Salary: £40,170 | Home-based | 35 hours per week | Permanent

This is a varied senior role combining programme leadership, team and contract management, quality assurance, safeguarding, data and financial oversight, partnership development and programme improvement.

You’ll ensure our Farm Discovery team has the clarity, support and resources they need to deliver consistently high-quality educational experiences for children from disadvantaged communities. You’ll also use data, feedback and evaluation to improve the programme, develop partnerships and contribute to its future growth and development.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record in programme management and leading complex delivery
• Is outstanding at enabling and leading educators and dispersed teams
• Understands the primary education context in England
• Can build strong relationships with schools, farmers, funders and partners
• Has experience of quality, safeguarding, health and safety and risk management
• Is confident using data, managing budgets and improving systems and processes
• Can communicate effectively and work collaboratively across an organisation
• Shares our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for children experiencing disadvantage

The role is home-based, with regular travel across England and North Wales, including overnight stays, an essential part of the role. Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses are covered.

Hours: 35 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements considered, including slightly reduced or compressed hours for the right candidate.

Closing date: Thursday 8 October 2026, midday.
CVs not accepted for this role. Please see our website for more information.

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage is seeking to engage an experienced Learning and Engagement Consultant to support their project Preserving Jewish Heritage, Promoting the Hidden Jewish Story in the year-long Development Phase of its project and for the first six months (of a five-year programme) of the Delivery Phase of the project. The Consultant will support and advise the Synagogues in this first pilot on activities/outreach and education, ultimately creating a framework for future use as a core part of this programme. The role will report to the Project Development Officer.  The Project Development Officer is currently being recruited and will be responsible for the set up and day to day running of the project.

The Foundation’s work to date has demonstrated a significant gap in provision for historic synagogues. There is a clear need for a more defined and comprehensive support function for the UK synagogues sector: one that offers a professional, accessible and user-friendly service; guides and empowers synagogue communities; helps ensure synagogue buildings are well maintained, resilient and future-proofed, including in response to the climate emergency; and supports synagogues to engage more effectively with wider society. This project aims to address that gap.

The Delivery Phase project is subject to a successful funding application to NLHF and there will be a break clause between the Development and Delivery Phases.