Lead policy officer jobs

We are looking for an Education Officer to take up this exciting opportunity to educate on and develop our leading educational programmes, reaching thousands of students and teachers in the UK. 

Education Officers support all aspects of the Trust’s educational work, to ensure that the programmes we offer are high quality, based on sound educational practice and are historically accurate, authentic and engaging.

They are responsible for delivering our programmes in schools and other institutions throughout the year. In addition to delivery, they are responsible for ensuring our content is innovative, educational and memorable, and in line with our strategy and mission of teaching about the Holocaust and antisemitism.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Programme delivery
• Programme development, innovation and resource production
• Partnerships and External Relations
• Impact, Evaluation and Learning
• Safeguarding

This post requires regular travel within the UK and abroad, (including a minimum of three one-day Poland visits per year as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz Project) and to work on occasional evenings and weekends. HET has a Time Off In Lieu policy, as well as additional systems of support to ensure that there is a realistic, sustainable and fair schedule of travel across the Education Officer team. 

For more information, please see the full Application Pack and our website for details on how to apply. 

As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will help ensure London Youth is a credible, influential voice on issues affecting young people and the organisations that support them. Sitting within the Fundraising and Communications Directorate, you will work closely with the CEO, senior leadership, and youth participation, communciations, fundraising and delivery colleagues to deliver demonstrable external influence and impact. 

You will craft clear, evidence-based policy positions that shape debate and influence decision-making at London and national level, ensuring the policymakers understand and respond to the realities facing young people in London. Through effective internal engagement, you will also ensure colelagues and our members are well-informed and equipped to respond to key policy developments. 

You will successfully represent the voice of London Youth's members and the young people they support, helping to secure greater recognition, investment, and support for youth services. By building strong relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, and sector partners working to address the issues affecting young people inthe capital, you will help position London Youth as a trusted and respected contributor to relevant policy discussions. 

At a time of significant change across the youth sector, you will play a central role in campaigning for systematic change and in building the profile of London Youth and the wider voluntary sector as the Government's 10-year National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, is implemented. You will help ensure commitments translate into meaningful outcomes for young people, particularly in relation to youth services, enrichment opportunities, and support for young people not in education, employment, or training, and strengthen long-term investment in youth provision. 

What you will be doing 

You will lead the development and delivery of London Youth's policy and public affairs work, building a clear and consistent understanding of the London and national context for young people and youth organisations. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, including communications, fundraising, delivery, and MEL, you will help develop a clear and compelling case for support and influence. 

You will work in close partnership with the CEO and CEO's office, acting as a trusted policy adviser, supporting the CEO's external policy engagements, positioning, and relationships with senior policymakers and influencers. 

You will monitor emerging political and policy developments and relevant funding announcements, providing insight and analysis to identify opportunities for engagement. You will draft swift organisational responses to key policy announcements, in collaboration with the CEO and communications team, and ensure relevant intelligence and opportunties inform the work of the fundraising team. 

You will develop, maintain, and communicate evidence-based policy positions, insights, and priorities, convening our members regularly to inform clear policy asks and advocacy. You will shape briefings and consultation responses that reflect the needs of London Youth's members and the young people they support. You will shape policy positions and provide high-quality briefings ahead of key senior-level engagements. 

You will oversee and track our policy influencing activity, identifying emerging policy developments, coordinating internal input, engaging stakeholders and representing London Youth in external policy and public affairs forums, and reporting on the impact of our policy work. 

You will strengthen policy work through insight and engagement, analysig relevant data and research from our membership and working with the Learning and Impact Lead to ensure insights from London Youth's network inform policy development. You will also identify opportunities for members and young people from our Youth Board to engage in policy work, including through consultations, networks, and events. 

You will build and maintain strong relationships with key London and national stakeholders, identifying opportunities for partnership working with other organisations and ensuring London Youth has a visible, credible voice in debates affecting young people. 

You will contribute to London Youth's communications, campaigns, and profile, working with colleagues to shape policy activity across digital channels, produce engaging written content including articles and speeches, craft organisational messaging, support youth-led engagement, and contribute to London Youth's thematic networks, influencing events and media opportunities. 

What you bring to the role 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Strong understanding of how policy is developed in the London and national context, and experience of engaging with political agendas on behalf of a charitable or membership organisation. 
• Experience in developing robust policy positions, responses, and solutions, and influencing politicians and decision-makers. 
• Up-to-date, proven experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement or a related policy-influencing role, with a clear track record of driving meaningful change. 
• Good understanding of UK parliamentary and government processes, and of current policy areas impacting young people in London and across the UK. 
• Experience of producing a range of briefings and written materials, including research findings, public statements, consultation responses, and briefings for senior colelagues. 
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with opinion-formers and other key stakeholders. 

Attributes and Behaviours: 

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially when it comes to policy partners. 
• Demonstrate confidence to engage and build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including those at senior level. 
• A confidence verbal communicator and presenter able to represent London Youth within policy forums, consortia, and networking events. 
• Demonstrate ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team, with proven ability to innovate and deliver change. 
• Demonstrate ability to analyse, summarise, and present evidence to different audiences. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to ensuring young people have prominent platforms to voice their views directly on the issues that affect them. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to strengthening London's Youth sector. 
• Be willing to work some evenings and the occasional weekend. 
• Understanding and supporting the vision, mission, and aims of London Youth. 

Demonstrate living our values of being: 

• Ambitious
• Collaborative 
• Inclusive 
• Accountable 

Why work at London Youth 

• Generous holiday allowance - 39 days paid holiday each year (including bank holidays and closure days). Pro-rata if you work part time. 
• Employer 4% pension contribution
• Additional leave granted to support voluntary activity 
• Free Health Care Cash Plan 
• Free access for you and your family to the Employee Assistance Programme 
• Free access to the 'Headspace' app for you and your family
• Flexible working opportunities considered 
• You'll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth 
• You will be making a difference to the lives of young people

We’re recruiting a Training Lead (Employment Law)

Salary range: £38,000 - £40,000 FTE (per year, depending on accreditation and experience)

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week) or part-time, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (2-month probation)

Location: London hybrid (with possibility of remote for an exceptional candidate)

The Work Rights Centre is looking for a motivated employment law expert to  lead  our growing training programme, and support the wider development of the charity.

Over the last few years our legal teams have delivered a number of successful training and capacity building programmes to other advice charities and local authorities - from short teaser sessions, to in-depth programmes that walked attendees through the core pillars of employment law over the course of several weeks.

We are now looking for an experienced trainer to join the charity, drive the development and delivery of our new exciting training programme, and support the ongoing growth of the charity.

This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with a strong sense of justice, who values impact, and the autonomy of working in a diverse and agile team. We can accommodate part-time, flexible and remote work, and offer 28 days of annual leave in addition to a winter holiday break.

The role

This critical new role is an opportunity to build on our existing portfolio of workshops to develop a whole new line of work for the charity, working closely with the Deputy CEO and the Employment and Immigration legal teams. We are looking for a passionate self-starter, with strong legal expertise in employment, and experience of developing and delivering high-impact and engaging training sessions. 

About you

We seek an employment law expert who has a passion for training and an entrepreneurial spirit. We are looking for:

● Qualified solicitor or barrister, eligible to practise in England and Wales.

● Experience in developing training or professional development materials

● Experience in delivering compelling and accessible legal training or workshops (internal or external)

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● Knowledge of, and empathy with, the backgrounds and experiences of migrants and other vulnerable workers.

Please download the job description for full responsibilities and complete person specifications.

How to apply

Please send your CV and Cover Letter by the end of Sunday, March 1st  and don’t hesitate to reach out with any queries about this opportunity.

Finance Director (Head of Finance & Central Services)

Do you want your financial leadership to make a real difference in your community?

At WE Care Home Improvements (WECHI), we help older and vulnerable people live safely and independently in their own homes. Every decision you make as our Finance Director directly supports this mission, ensuring our organisation is financially resilient, well-governed, and ready to grow.

Reporting to the CEO, you will be the senior leader for finance, governance, and central services, including HR, IT, GDPR, and facilities. You’ll provide strategic financial oversight, shape organisational planning, strengthen risk management, and support the leadership team in delivering our ambitious vision.

This is a role for a strategic, values-driven professional who combines commercial and financial expertise with compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to social impact.

What you’ll do

• Lead financial strategy, budgets, forecasts, and reporting to drive organisational sustainability.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee central services to support operational excellence across the organisation.
• Provide insight and advice to the CEO and Board for effective strategic decision-making.
• Support organisational growth and development, including new business opportunities.

Who we’re looking for

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or ICAS qualified with senior leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading diverse teams and translating strategy into practical plans.
• Strong financial literacy, business acumen, and experience in service-focused organisations.
• A values-led leader who inspires, empowers, and role-models progressive ways of working.

 Why join us

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of older and vulnerable people
• Collaborative, supportive, and flexible work environment
• Competitive salary (£60,000), generous benefits, and development opportunities

WECHI offers a rare opportunity to bring your financial expertise to a mission-driven organisation with heart, ensuring older and vulnerable people can continue living independently, safely, and with dignity.

Additional information 

• The full job description is attached below for your reference. 
• ​To apply, please submit your CV and a supportive statement (not more than two pages) telling us why you are the right person for this role. 
• Application deadline: 20/02/2026 at 5pm
• Please note: we reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidates, so early applications are encouraged.

Youth Hub Lead

Organisation: Fit For Life Youth (FFLY)
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time (36 hours per week)
Location: Kensington and Chelsea (with key responsibilities in Chelsea area)

About Us
Fit For Life Youth (FFLY) is dedicated to empowering children and young people (CYP) aged 8–19 through dynamic, inclusive, and impactful youth services. We work across Kensington and Chelsea to provide safe spaces, engaging activities, and opportunities that help young people thrive.

The Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Youth Hub Lead to oversee the delivery of high-quality youth hub services, primarily in Chelsea (World’s End and surrounding areas). This is a leadership role that combines strategic planning, hands-on delivery, and team management.

You will:

• Lead and manage youth hub operations across Chelsea and Lancaster Youth Hubs.
• Develop innovative programmes that reflect the voices and needs of young people.
• Manage a team of 5 Youth Workers and recruit volunteers.
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, local organisations, and stakeholders.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for youth hub services.
• Play an active role in income generation and fundraising to ensure sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and deliver a varied programme of youth activities, including holiday programmes, trips, and residentials.
• Champion FFLY’s values and foster a positive, high-performing team culture.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational policies.
• Represent FFLY at partnership meetings and deputise for the CEO when required.
• Monitor and report on service impact, ensuring funder requirements are met.

About You
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in managing youth services and leading teams.
• Skilled in partnership building and community engagement.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and committed to young people’s welfare.
• Creative, proactive, and able to inspire both staff and young people.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in youth work leadership.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and occasional weekends.

Job Title: Public Affairs & Policy Lead – Devolved Nations

Job Type: 12-month contract

Hours: 21 hours/ week

Department: External Affairs

Salary: Pro rata £22,173 – £23,205 (FTE £36,955 - £38,509)

Reports to: Director of External Affairs

Location: Hybrid – COSRH Office (London Bridge), home working. For anyone wishing to work remotely in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, home working with occasional travel to London will also be considered. Generally, travel to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and where applicable, London, should be assumed to occur at least 12 times a year in total.

The role:

The Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Devolved Nations will drive CoSRH’s engagement and policy work in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This key strategic liaison role will support the Director of External Affairs in enabling delivery of the CoSRH’s Hatfield Vision across all UK nations, and in supporting CoSRH members and interests in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For this new role, we are seeking an experienced and forward-looking individual interested in developing the strategic and influencing work of CoSRH in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in ensuring that CoSRH represents members and their interests across the UK.

Who we are:

The College of Sexual and Reproductive (CoSRH) is the leader in the field of sexual and reproductive healthcare, and we are the voice for professionals working in this area. As a multi-disciplinary professional membership organisation, we set clinical guidance and standards, provide training and lifelong education, and champion safe and effective sexual and reproductive healthcare across the life course for all. 

Key tasks:

 a. Stakeholder engagement:

• Lead CoSRH’s stakeholder engagement programme in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales - influencing policy debate, contributing to building internal capacity on devolved and regional issues, and in building key relationships.
• Collaborate with colleagues across CoSRH to develop and deliver a strategic programme of engagement across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring that the work of member committees in devolved nations feeds into wider CoSRH activity, inclusive of the Hatfield Vision, and that the CoSRH President maintains appropriate oversight at Taskforce level. 
• Manage internal and external relationships with key individuals and organisations including parliamentarians, civil servants and policymakers in the devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales; staff and member representatives of sister organisations like British Association for Sexual Health and HIV  and Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, and nation-specific networks and collaborative groups such as Cross-Party Group for Women’s Health in Scotland, and Women’s Health Wales.
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate plans for specific areas of policy and stakeholder engagement work, including influencing decision-makers, building, and strengthening support among key regional and national stakeholders in the devolved nations.
• Working in collaboration with the Director of External Affairs and Chairs of the CoSRH Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Committees, to represent CoSRH at a variety of conferences, meetings, and events across the three devolved nations.

b. Policy, Public Affairs & Partnership Building

• Monitor the external environment for issues that may impact on SRH, and help identify, analyse and grasp opportunities to influence policy and public opinion relevant to CoSRH’s work within the three devolved nations, outlining CoSRH’s position/response to policy and public opinion developments.
• Develop and oversee the effective monitoring of parliamentary activity in the devolved nations in relation to sexual and reproductive healthcare and related interests.
• Produce policy briefings for the organisation’s leadership including President, Officers and CEO as relevant.
• Advise on, assimilate evidence for and produce responses to external consultations issued by Government departments and other relevant agencies across the three devolved nations, consulting with members and drawing on relevant policy documents.
• Engage with CoSRH members, policy makers and the public across the three devolved nations including supporting the CoSRH Media and Communications Manager role where necessary, helping with media and social media output.

c. Committee support

• Work with the CoSRH External Affairs & Membership & Engagement Teams to provide secretariat support as required to CoSRH’s member committees in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As required, work with the CoSRH External Affairs & Membership & Engagement Teams as well as devolved nation chairs to develop and implement meetings and their agendas, record actions and discuss strategic approaches to the delivery of actions with relevant leaders. 
• As required, work with the CoSRH External Affairs & Membership & Engagement Teams  to ensure that the work of member committees in devolved nations feeds into wider CoSRH activity, inclusive of the Hatfield Vision, and that the CoSRH President maintains appropriate oversight at Hatfield Vision Taskforce level. 

Key skills and attributes

 Essential:

• Proven public policy experience, ideally within the health sector, with a good understanding of devolved policymaking and influencing opportunities.
• Knowledge of the healthcare systems across the three devolved nations.
• Experience in developing relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including developing partnerships for collaboration on joint initiatives, projects and/or events, in order to deliver organisational impact.
• Demonstrable experience of drafting clear and engaging briefings and policy submissions, tailored to different audiences.
• Ability to work proactively and independently supporting colleagues in nations as well as part of a broader team function.
• Demonstrable evidence of supporting the delivery of business priorities and delivering stakeholder engagement plans.
• Ability to manage a varied workload with flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to quickly grasp complex issues and provide analysis.
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Excellent prioritisation and time-management skills.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in charity and/or membership organisation.
• Experience of organising parliamentary or stakeholder events.
• Knowledge of sexual & reproductive healthcare policy.

Join our team and contribute to the exciting work of the External Affairs team - influencing policy and practice through evidence-based advocacy as well as raising awareness of SRH among our partners, members and the wider public across the UK.

A flexible approach to working hours is necessary as there are some evening meetings in various locations and, with occasional travel possibility elsewhere in the UK, although many of them take place virtually.

 NB:  In order to fulfil this role you should be resident in the UK with a valid right to work; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

We will offer you:

We offer a range of benefits at CoSRH to support staff wellbeing, including:

• 25 days holiday, with an additional 2 days leave after 2 years of service, and a further 3 days after 5 years.
• Birthday leave
• Flexible working culture
• Pension and life assurance scheme: 10% employer contribution / 5% employee contribution after successful completion of probation. This also includes access to life assurance at 4x annual salary and an income protection scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Employee discounts portal
• Free Lunch Thursday
• Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption pay
• Free eye tests
• ­Training and development

To Apply

To apply please follow this link – Public Affairs & Policy Lead – Devolved Nations job - Hybrid - College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

Deadline for applications is 15 February 2026 at 12pm

Interviews are likely to take place w/c 2 March 2026

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We value diversity, promote equality and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are working hard to minimise unconscious bias and your application will be anonymised to support this.

NB:  In order to fulfil this role you should be resident in the UK with a valid right to work; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

Salary: £37,000 – £41,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Location: Reigate, Surrey (with some hybrid working)
Contract: Full-time
Closing Date: 12th February 2026
Start date: ASAP with consideration given to notice periods

Do you have the vision, leadership and compassion to transform the futures of women experiencing homelessness?

Keychange is a Christian charity with over 100 years of experience supporting people facing vulnerability. Today, we provide specialist housing for women and young people experiencing homelessness, alongside residential care for older people across the South and South West of England.

We are now seeking an exceptional Women’s Homelessness Lead (Surrey) to shape and lead our specialist women’s homelessness service at Wayside Community in Reigate. This community is a 19 bed, 24-7 supported housing for women experiencing homelessness. This is a rare opportunity to combine frontline leadership, strategic development, and church and community partnership building in a role with real depth, influence and impact.

About the Role

• This is a leadership role with both operational and strategic responsibility. You will:
• Provide leadership and line management to the Deputy Manager, Senior Administrator and a skilled team of support workers
• Lead the delivery of trauma-informed, strengths-based, person-centred support
• Develop strong partnership networks across local authorities, charities, housing providers and churches
• Shape the future of Keychange’s women’s homelessness strategy across Surrey
• Represent Keychange externally and explore opportunities for future service growth

At the heart of this role is a deep commitment to co-production, dignity, recovery, community and belonging.

Who We’re Looking For

You will bring:

• Substantial experience supporting or managing services for vulnerable individuals
• A strong understanding of trauma, safeguarding, risk and recovery-based practice
• Proven ability to build partnerships and influence across multiple stakeholders
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Confidence engaging with churches and Christian networks across traditions
• A values-led approach aligned with Keychange’s Christian ethos

Desirable experience includes:

• Managing accommodation-based services
• Existing Church partnerships across Surrey

What We Offer

• Salary of £37,000 – £41,000
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working (with 4 days regularly site or community based)
• Employee Assistance Program and Life Insurance
• Contributory Pension Scheme with matched employer contributions
• Ongoing personalised learning and professional development
• A supportive, faith-centered, values-driven culture

For more information about the opportunity and for details on how to contact us informally to discuss the role in greater detail before applying, please see the job pack attached to this advert.

How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter clearly addressing the essential and desirable criteria and an up-to-date CV focused on relevant experience. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Recruitment Timeline

• Deadline for submitting your application: 12 February 2026
• First screening interviews, remotely: 16 February 2026
• Full interviews in person in central London: 23 February 2026
• Start date: ASAP with consideration given to notice periods

We are seeking a leader with a hands-on approach to lead our small team of administrative staff and support our Board of Trustees and members to help shape and implement our strategy for the future. You will manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation, translating the strategy into practice to help the organisation grow and deliver real value to our members.

About Us
ACAT is a charity dedicated to advancing Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) through training, accreditation and the provision of continuous professional development to CAT Therapists. Also, through research and promotion of CAT as a valuable and valued talking therapy.

About you
We are looking for someone who is an experienced leader with a knowledge of and understanding of CAT who is:
A strategic thinker
Able to set, manage and report on budgets
An excellent communicator with a proven track record of implementing change

Why Join ACAT
The opportunity to work with dedicated professionals to develop CAT training and the governance of CAT therapists
30 days annual leave for FTE (Pro Rata)
Flexible working arrangements with both home working and some team-based hours each month at the office in Dorchester, Dorset, and attendance at ad hoc meetings and events in person within the UK from time to time.

This is a permanent contract; part-time flexible 14 hours per week subject to successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Closing date: Wednesday 11th February 2026

Location: Hybrid working between the Aldgate, London office and home.

Contract: Fixed contract until mid-September 2026, with potential of extension should further project funding be secured, and fulltime

A great opportunity has risen for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Air Quality to help us protect more people from the dangers of air pollution. You will be someone who can think creatively and produce new ideas for advocating for the change needed to improve air quality and lung health.

Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research, provide advice and support for the 12 million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment.

You will lead on implementing a public affairs strategy to persuade the government to commit to bolder targets on air quality, building on existing relationships with politicians and key stakeholders, and using a variety of public affairs methods to scrutinise government and influence legislative change.

You will have excellent working knowledge of routes for influencing UK government with a focus on Westminster and Whitehall. You will be an excellent communicator with the ability to present complex information in an accessible and persuasive way. You will also have experience influencing Government stakeholders and supporting the development and implementation of influencing strategies.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), membership of a health cash plan, employee assistance programme, cycle-to-work scheme, interest-free annual season Travelcard loan and pension scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation committed to being the driving force behind the transformation of lung health.

We will be reviewing applicants on an ongoing basis and may close the role earlier than the deadline. We encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to ensure consideration.

The Operations Director is a  senior leadership role at St Stephen’s, helping turn vision and strategy into effective day-to-day delivery. A highly relational role, combining strong operational leadership with collaboration, trust-building and a genuine care for people. The person we are looking for will lead across people, finance, systems, buildings and operations helping the church respond to the Holy Spirit and deliver our mission well.

Annual leave: 33 days (plus eight bank holidays)

Benefits:

• enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental pay
• family-friendly policies
• 8% employer pension contribution (Aviva) 
• three x basic salary life assurance cover
• free health cashback plan (Medicash): employee cover plus up to four dependent children
• 24/7 virtual GP access (UK registered), plus access to Best Doctors
  free, confidential employee assistance programme (Medicash)
• access to a wellbeing app
• flexible working options including hybrid working, flexible working patterns such as part-time, compressed hours, and more*
• learning and development opportunities including bespoke training and access to LinkedIn Learning)
• commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
• we have a Menopause Friendly accreditation and are a Disability Confident employer

Join Dementia UK as a Policy Officer where you will play a crucial role in driving our long-term policy and influencing strategy in alignment with our 2025-30 strategic plan. As a member of our dedicated Policy, Campaigns, and Public Affairs division, you will lead and shape areas of public policy that affect the quality of healthcare delivered for people living dementia and their carers.

You will play a pivotal role in advocating for improvements to legislation, public policies, and statutory services on behalf of individuals affected by dementia in England. Reporting to the Policy Manager, yourresponsibilities will include monitoring and analysing policy developments while establishing external relationships with sector colleagues and central government. Working closely with the Insights and Evaluation team, Research team, and the broader Clinical Directorate, you will conduct and interpret both qualitative and quantitative research. Your findings will inform the creation of comprehensive public policy documents, reports, briefings, and consultation responses on behalf of the organisation.

The ideal candidate for this role will bring prior experience in public policy within a charity or public sector setting. You should possess a strong track record in policy making and influencing, with  proficiency in conducting qualitative and quantitative research. Effective communication skills will be essential, as you will need to adeptly negotiate and influence stakeholders to drive positive change.

If this sounds like you, join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.

We would love to hear from you! 

Our culture

In addition to a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, we truly value our people. It’s important for us to create a working environment that looks after our workforce to support them in achieving their full potential. You will become part of a diverse and dedicated team who are supported to use and develop their skills. We recognise and value the key role you will play in delivering our strategic plans for the benefit of those living with dementia.

Our staff have a voice. Representatives from different roles and levels across the organisation positively contribute to and lead on our working groups around health and wellbeing, menopause, and equity, diversity and inclusion.

Dementia UK is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate difference and individuality and encourage everyone to join us and be their whole selves always.

Dementia UK is a Disability Confident Employer. 

By applying to join Dementia UK, you acknowledge that in the event you are successful for the role, any offer and your ongoing employment will be conditional on you having or obtaining the right to work in the UK.

*Please note that any decision on flexible working is based on business needs 

When you apply for a job at Dementia UK, we will collect certain information about you to process your application and assess your suitability for the role. Further details can be found in our privacy notice.

Position: Systems Security Lead
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Contract: 6 months fixed term contract
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £44,339 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 3 Professional/Technical

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

The role purpose is to be responsible for and lead our system security efforts. The MS Society has heavily invested in technology in the past few years. The more technology we use, the broader the exposure to malicious attacks and actors intent on hacking our systems and stealing data. Data and System security now figure in the Society’s risk registers.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies to protect our organisation's IT infrastructure, data, and systems from threats. This role requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, advanced threat detection, incident response, and regulatory compliance.

Please note this is a fixed term contract for 6 months.

Closing date for applications: 9:00am on Friday 13th February 2026

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people and or people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our recruitment and selection process 

• The first round of our recruitment and selection process includes an interview with competency-based questions.
• Our recruitment and selection process might also include extra tasks. For example, a written or Microsoft Excel test or making a presentation.  
• We’ll let you know what the selection process will include when we invite you to interview. You can ask for any more reasonable adjustments for the interview as part of the invitation.
• You might also be invited for a second interview. We’ll let you know about this during the selection process.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 39 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

Who we are –

Home-Start Portsmouth is a local family support charity based in Portsmouth, providing outreach services, free Stay & Play groups and working within the Portsmouth Family hubs as part of the Best Start in Life offer in the city. Portsmouth is one of the most deprived cities in the country, and many of the families we support are living with many adversities.

We are a volunteer led service providing parents and carers with the support and guidance they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children and their family. We empower families to thrive by providing child-centered family support and in 2025 we supported 1000 unique families across our 12 projects with the support from our 110 volunteers.

Our impact is measured and significant for the families we support and as a result, children will experience improved wellbeing and development. Our focus is to build a compassionate community of support for families, parents and children – because childhood can’t wait.

Our next chapter -

We are at a pivotal moment in the journey of Home-Start Portsmouth. After 25 years of exceptional service, our current CEO is stepping down, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the charity. Over the past few years, we have grown to more than three times our original size, expanding our reach, services, and impact across the community.

Rising levels of need, increasing pressure on family services, and evolving external factors mean that demand for our support is growing. To meet these challenges, we are committed not only to sustaining our growth, but to strengthening it in a purposeful, strategic way by exploring new delivery models, new funding streams, and new partnerships that will secure the future of the organisation.

The new CEO will shape and inspire this next phase of development, whilst embodying the values and ethos of the charity.  They will drive our future sustainability, develop strong external partnerships, and increase our influence locally ensuring that the charity remains resilient, relevant, and impactful.

Why this role matters -

Changing children’s futures is at the heart of everything we do. Families today are facing unprecedented pressures. Home-Start Portsmouth exists to stand alongside these families by providing practical, emotional, and relational support at the earliest possible stage, helping parents build confidence, resilience, and stability so children can thrive.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a transforming charity with extraordinary potential. The CEO will play a defining role in shaping the next era of Home-Start Portsmouth, ensuring that our mission is not only protected, but reinforced. The role directly influences the lives of children and families where the decisions made, the culture shaped, and the partnerships built by the CEO will determine how many families we can reach, how well we can support them, and how lasting that change will be. This is leadership with purpose where strategy, compassion, and impact come together to create lasting change.

Role Purpose  

To provide inspirational, and strategic leadership to Home-Start Portsmouth (HSP), ensuring the charity delivers on its mission that no parent is unsupported in raising children and giving them the best start in life. The CEO is accountable for organisational performance, culture, sustainability, safeguarding, and impact, working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

Location: Home-Start Portsmouth 

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Hours: 32-37 hours pw (over 4-5 days) 

Salary: £57, 000

Main Responsibilities 

1. Strategic & Executive Leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery and review of HSP’s vision, strategy and long-term business plan in partnership with the Board. 

• Translate strategic priorities into measurable operational plans and outcomes 

• Anticipate changes in policy, funding and the wider operating environment 

• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and effective use of technology 

2. Organisational Leadership & Culture 

• Build, lead and inspire a high-performing Senior Leadership Team 

• Shape a values-led, inclusive and accountable organisational culture 

• Oversee performance management, succession planning and leadership development 

• Act as a visible, approachable leader and role model across the organisation 

3. Service Delivery & Impact 

• Hold overall accountability for safe, high-quality and cost-effective services 

• Ensure services are responsive, evidence-led, and meet the needs of families and children 

• Oversee delivery against contracts, KPIs, budgets and timelines 

• Ensure robust impact measurement and reporting to funders, partners, and trustees 

4. Governance, Safeguarding & Risk 

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to maintain the highest standards of governance 

• Lead a strong safeguarding culture and ensure full regulatory compliance 

• Identify, manage, and escalate organisational risks appropriately 

• Ensure policies, controls, and assurance frameworks are robust and current 

5. Financial Leadership & Sustainability 

• Secure and diversify income through bids, partnerships, and fundraising 

• Set and manage budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money 

• Provide clear, timely financial and performance reporting to the Board 

• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of HSP 

6. External Relations & Influence 

• Act as the public face and lead spokesperson for HSP 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, commissioners, partners, and supporters 

• Lead key partnerships and commissioning relationships 

• Strengthen HSP’s reputation, profile, and influence locally and nationally 

7. Authority & Accountability 

• Full executive accountability for organisational performance and delivery 

• Authority to make operational decisions within agreed strategy, budgets, and policies 

• Responsibility to escalate significant risks, safeguarding, HR, and governance matters to the Board 

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above. 

Person Specification 

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience leading organisations at CEO or senior level; able to translate vision into measurable plans and respond to change. 

• Strong understanding of charity governance and safeguarding 

• Experience of financial management and income generation 

• Knowledge of services for children and families (Desirable) 

Abilities and Skills 

• Strategic leadership and sound judgement 

• Ability to lead, motivate and develop senior teams 

• Build and run a motivated and effective team 

• Manage performance, direct reports, set objectives, monitor, feedback, appraise 

• Network across sites, manage communications and standards 

• Coach and develop others 

• Excellent communication and influencing skills 

• Strong stakeholder and partnership management skills 

Attitude 

• Leads with integrity, transparency, and authenticity 

• Values-led and committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding 

•  Inspires trust, confidence, and high performance in others 

• Resilient and adaptable, able to lead calmly through change and uncertainty 

• Approachable, visible, and engaged with staff, volunteers, and partners 

• Courageous in decision-making and willing to challenge constructively 

• Balanced and fair, applying consistent judgement while remaining flexible 

• Passion to help families and children

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment 

Home-Start Portsmouth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and any other checks relevant to the role.