Literacy jobs

About Us

Literacy Pirates’ vision is for every child to have the literacy skills, confidence and perseverance to succeed at school and beyond. We provide free, after-school literacy support to children who are falling behind in class and who have fewer opportunities for additional support due to their personal circumstances than others. Founded in East London, Literacy Pirates’ programme now runs online and serves children anywhere in the United Kingdom.
 
Literacy Pirates is on an exciting journey of growth, rolling out our innovative learning programme to reach more children than ever before. An ambitious, fast-growing charity we have set ourselves a goal of reaching 3,000 children a year nationally, by 2030 compared with 650 this year. To support this, the fundraising team must double the charity’s revenue over the next four years, from £1million to £2million annually. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Trust and Foundation specialist with a keen interest in developing strategy and a flair for building strong relationships with funders. You will be excited to play a pivotal role in the growth of this charity, knowing the huge impact every new grant will have on the number of disadvantaged young people we are able to support. You will have significant freedom to design and execute a strong growth-oriented trusts strategy.

What we're Looking for

• Proven track record of securing significant multi-year grants from trusts and foundations. 
• Strong grant-writing skills with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and tailored proposals. 
• Experience using AI to generate proposals and grant reports time-efficiently. 
• Excellent relationship building and management skills, with experience engaging funders and external stakeholders. 
• Strong track record of prospect research using a mixture of techniques and strategies 
• Experience representing an organisation at events and conferences.  
• Strong numeracy and experience in preparing budgets for funders. 
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities. 
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM systems. 
• Commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people. 
• Commitment to the mission of improving outcomes for children from less advantaged backgrounds. 
• Knowledge of the education sector a plus, but not essential. 

Responsibilities

• Research and identify trusts, foundations, and other funding opportunities to grow Literacy Pirates’ funding base. 
• Develop a pipeline of high-quality funding applications to meet agreed income targets. 
• Write or generate compelling funding proposals and grant applications, drawing on organisational impact data and stories
• Place AI tools at the centre of routine content generation for applications and reports. 
• Build and maintain excellent interpersonal relationships with funders, ensuring effective stewardship at all stages. 
• Attend conferences and networking events, and arrange funder visits, meetings. 
• Track progress against targets and provide regular updates to the Head of Development.
• Provide support and leadership to the broader fundraising team 
• Contribute to the development of the charity’s wider fundraising strategy, ensuring trusts and foundations income complements individual giving, corporate partnerships, and community events. 
• Work with the Education and Comms team to ensure the right impact data and case studies are available to strengthen proposals and reports and contribute to organisation’s marketing work 
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of applications, grants, and funder communications in the CRM system. 
• Monitor sector trends and share insights on funding opportunities and best practice. 

Prison Facilitator - Bank Staff

Location: South Central Region (HMP Aylesbury and HMP Bullingdon)

Department: Prison delivery

Salary: £16.98 per hour

Hours: Various

Contract Type: Bank

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes across a number of prisons. To ensure the continuation of our programmes during times of staff absence, we are now seeking to recruit a Prison Facilitator on a bank working basis to work across the South Central region, covering HMP Aylesbury and HMP Bullingdon. Working closely with prisons and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will support with the delivery and development of our literacy and numeracy programme in the Central region, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships quickly and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. You will also have a willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice, to provide short or long term cover within the region including possible overnight stays.

This role will be prison-based. This is a bank role and so the number of days to be worked will vary and are not guaranteed. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Closing date: 18th January 2026

Applications for this role will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be held before the closing date so early applications are encouraged.

REF-225 748

Are you passionate about children’s literacy? Do you want to use your skills and experience to enable opportunity for children living with little or no access to books and reading? Can you help create a home environment where reading for pleasure is part of the fabric of family life? If so, read on - we may have just the job for you here at Doorstep Library!

We are looking for a Reading Project Leader, to deliver some of our reading projects in London, on a part-time, term-time only basis. You will lead a team of volunteers on three projects per week, being present at a community base while your volunteer team visits local families and reads with children,and  reading with families yourself at times.

You will be a resourceful, confident decision maker able to operate independently on the ground to support your team and be able to engage with our community partners and beneficiaries.

Are you passionate about children’s literacy? Do you want to use your skills and experience to enable opportunity for children living with little or no access to books and reading? Can you help create a home environment where reading for pleasure is part of the fabric of family life? If so, read on - we may have just the job for you here at Doorstep Library!

We are looking for a Reading Project Leader, to deliver some of our reading projects in London, in the community and online, on a part-time, term-time only basis. You will lead a team of volunteers on three projects per week, being present at a community base/online while your volunteer team visits local families and reads with children. You will also have the opportunity to read with families yourself.

You will be a resourceful, confident decision maker able to operate independently to support your team and be able to engage with our community partners and beneficiaries.

Reading Support Specialist - HMP Full Sutton

Location: HMP Full Sutton

Department: Prison delivery

Salary: £28,274 per annum

Hours: 35 hours (5 days a week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Full Sutton. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  

Ideally, you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role is a fixed-term role until 31st December 2026, with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Please note this role is subject to contract award.

‍Interviews are planned for the week commencing 14th January 2026.

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.

REF-225 477

As our Case Study Operations Manager, you’ll ensure British Heart Foundation (BHF) has a reliable, compliant, and clinically appropriate pipeline of patient stories to support campaigns, fundraising, media, and policy.

In this role, you’ll pivot our ‘Heart Stories’ function to operate as a service delivery team, acting as a casting agent for outward-facing teams.

The role will combine clinical literacy, system integration expertise, and workflow management to modernise the Heart Stories Library, reduce bottlenecks in sign-off, and deliver a better experience for both patients and internal customers.

Our vision is a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer. Since 1961, BHF has been at the forefront of research that has helped to halve annual deaths from cardiovascular disease in the UK. But our work is needed more than ever. Join our team and your work will contribute towards our lifesaving work.

About you

You'll bring experience managing data or content systems (such as CRM or DAM platforms), and experience introducing or managing workflow and project management tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana to streamline operations. You'll have experience leading and developing a team in a dynamic service delivery context, guiding others to achieve high standards in patient communications.

We are looking for someone who has a degree or equivalent qualification in health communications, health journalism, or a related field, or equivalent experience. You'll be confident with medical and clinical terminology and demonstrate a strong grasp of health literacy principles.

We value experience in patient liaison, clinical communications, or regulated content environments—where attention to detail and the ability to work within guidelines are key. Your understanding of data protection, patient consent, and GDPR compliance within a patient communications setting is essential.

If you are organised, proactive, and passionate about delivering outstanding service, we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to bring your expertise, leadership, and enthusiasm to a role that makes a real difference.

Working arrangements

This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.

Location: HMP Wymott
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £11,310 per annum
Hours: 14 hours (2 days a week)
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
 
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
 
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Wymott. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.
 
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
 
This role is a fixed term role until 31st December 2026 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.
 
The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
 
?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
 
Please note this role is subject to contract award
?Interviews are planned 22nd January 2026
 
Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.
 
REF-225 712

Location: HMP New Hall
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £16,964 per annum
Hours: 21 hours (3 days a week)
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
 
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing illiteracy amongst people in prison?
 
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) and G4S to provide peer-led literacy and numeracy programmes across a number of prisons. We now have the opportunity to provide a service at HMP New Hall. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust Team Members, this is an exciting role leading on the delivery and development of creative and exciting literacy initiatives and an ambitious Reading Strategy at HMP New Hall, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.
 
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
 
This role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday (when full time) plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
 
?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
 
This is a fixed term contract until 5th June 2026
Interviews are planned for the 22nd January 2026.
 
Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.
 
REF-225 665

Prison Facilitator - HMP Swinfen Hall

Shannon Trust facilitator - HMP Swinfen Hall

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Swinfen Hall. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role will be prison based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

‍Interviews are to take place on a rolling schedule.

REF-225 700

Free To Fly is a registered charity supporting expectant mothers to leave abusive relationships and protect their unborn babies. Following successful fundraising and network-building in Portsmouth, they have appointed Charisma to support the recruitment of a Charity Manager, to lead and launch their Portsmouth project.

As their first paid employee, the Charity Manager, reporting to the Board of Trustees, will lead the day to day operational, strategic and business functions of the charity. You will be agreeing budgets and managing finances (with support and input from our Board and accountants), recruiting and mentoring volunteer teams, ambassadors, and future paid team members, driving fundraising via corporate partnerships, individual giving, events, and other income streams. With a responsibility for ensuring the charity’s sustainability, growth, and impact you will be the face and voice, representing the charity at meetings, events and in the media.

The successful candidate will be:

• Experienced in charity operations, including finance, HR, marketing, and fundraising, with a strong understanding of policy compliance and development.
• Responsible for increasing funding, driving growth and impact.
• Trauma informed and skilled in safeguarding and survivor support, with experience working sensitively with victims/survivors of abuse and protecting vulnerable adults and children.
• Excellent communicator and networker, able to build strong partnerships and represent the charity with professionalism and empathy.
• Organised, analytical, and self-motivated, with proven leadership ability, high computer literacy (Microsoft 365), and a results-focused, KPI-driven approach.
• Values-led and committed to growth, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and alignment with the charity’s ethos and commitment to continuous development.

You will be based in Portsmouth, willing to travel and work occasional unsociable hours, with your own vehicle covered by business use insurance. This is a home-based role, and it is essential that you can work in a private working space with secure WIFI.

An Enhanced DBS check is also required (exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).

For more information, please contact Louise Portnall, Recruitment Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV including full work history, and supporting statement.

Please note: If you are passionate about Free to Fly’s mission and believe you have the right skills to carry out this role although you do not meet all the essential criteria, but you feel that you satisfy the majority of these, please do apply. Please include a recognition of the areas where you are aware that you do not meet the criteria in your supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Please note that in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010, this role within the charity is subject to an occupational requirement to recruit only an individual who is biologically female, due to the specific nature of the duties involved.

Closing date: 17th January 2026

Applications are being reviewed by Charisma on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.

Age UK has an exciting opportunity to join their fantastic team in Burnley!

We are recruiting for a Shop Manager to manage the day to day running of our Burnley Store (Temple Street, BB11 3BD).

As Shop Manager, you will manage our brilliant team of staff and volunteers, providing effective leadership, training, and development.

Utilising your previous experience and excellent managerial skills, you will help maximise store sales and profits while ensuring our customers and donors receive an excellent shop experience.

Our Burnley store offers a wide range of donated goods including clothes, bric-a-brac and furniture.

This opportunity offers an excellent benefits package as well as the chance to work within a valued team, all working to raise funds for a charity that provides vital services and support to older people across the UK.

If you have a passion for retail and would like to use your skills within a charity that supports thousands of older people across the UK, then this may be the role for you!

Due to the nature of this role, you will be required to handle/lift bags of stock (up to 10kgs.)

To ensure the smooth running of our stores, we will be conducting interviews throughout the advertising process. Early applications are advised.

You will have:

• Experience in a performance driven retail/customer centric environment
• Experience of managing people
• Ability to lift and carry bags of stock up to 10kg's
• Ability to build, retain and develop a team
• Strong drive to achieve results through others
• Ability to delegate, coach and listen
• Ability to manage time under conflicting priorities
• Ability to motivate self and others
• An open and adaptable approach to change and be able to support others through it
• Experience of communicating with a diverse workforce and customer base
• Ability to establish and maintain successful retail processes and merchandising
• IT literacy and numeracy skills

What we offer in return:

• Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave (pro rata for our part-time colleagues) + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Wellbeing days - 2 paid days per year (pro rata for our part-time colleagues)
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Bupa health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit scheme, Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech - apply to buy any Home & Tech items from 'Currys' & 'IKEA', up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free.
• Blue Light Card scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

To comply with UK legislation, we cannot accept applications from candidates under the age of 18 as the successful candidate will be required to work on their own in the shop without the aid of other staff.

Supporting statements and anonymisation

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme

Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Is this the job for you? We know that men, of all backgrounds, and men and women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are currently under-represented in our workforce, and we want to change this! So, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants from these groups.

Reasonable adjustments

Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Salary: £24,479 pro rata per annum + Bothy accommodation 

Location: Dunkeld - Loch of the Lowes 

Status: April 2026 – June 2026.  

17.5 hours per week 

Closing Date: Friday 30th January – 12 noon 

Interviews will take place – W/C 16th February 

Scotland’s leading nature conservation charity is looking for enthusiastic individuals to undertake the role of Wildlife Protection Officer (WPO) based at Loch of the Lowes. This paid role includes free accommodation, invaluable training and the opportunity to develop experience in species protection, working with volunteers and public engagement. 

Based at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, this 8-week role will focus on providing osprey and other wildlife, species protection during the sensitive period of the breeding season. The role will require working closely with the Perthshire Ranger, the Volunteer Nest Protection Team and Visitor Centre staff. 

Successful candidates will be housed on-site, in a lochside, wooden eco-bothy for the duration of the role. 

Duties include: 

· Monitoring and recording breeding ospreys’ behaviour 

· Providing protection for the resident ospreys, and other species, including their nest, eggs, and chicks during the critical part of the breeding season 

· Engaging with members of the public, both in the hides and on regular patrols around the reserve 

· Intervening and taking appropriate action in incidents of disturbance 

· Monitoring additional webcams for beaver activity and other wildlife footage 

· Working closely with Visitor Centre staff and volunteers 

· Managing observational data and producing an end of season summary report 

Training and Support: 

The candidate will have the fantastic opportunity to gain experience in; 

· Species ID 

· Use of webcam and security camera software 

· Working with volunteers 

· Public engagement 

The successful candidate will ideally have: 

· An interest and passion in nature conservation 

· Good knowledge of natural history, species ID and surveying skills 

· Experience of bird monitoring or species protection work 

· Experience of living in shared accommodation with colleagues and willingness to contribute to a positive living environment 

· The ability to work unsociable hours 

· A reasonable standard of physical fitness and personal resilience to working in cold conditions 

· A positive and flexible approach to work and other team members 

· The ability to communicate with volunteers, staff and members of the public in an approachable and confident manner 

· Experience of conflict resolution 

· A high level of self-motivation, personal responsibility and organisational skills 

· Good computer literacy skills, including Excel 

· Understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code 

· Driver’s License (highly desirable) 

· First Aid Qualification 

Please note the Wildlife Protection Officer role is dependent on the return of breeding ospreys. Covid-19 precautions will be applied as appropriate, particularly with regards to the bothy accommodation. 

To apply, please click the green “apply now” button which will take you to our application pages. 

Scottish Wildlife Trust are an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from diverse groups. If you require more information, please contact us

Title: Copywriter

Location: Gilwell Park, Chingford (hybrid – a minimum of one day a week in the office)

Salary: Hybrid -£33,476 per annum, Band E, Level 3 (inclusive of Outer London Weighting)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

The Role:

We’re looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, Copywriter to join the Scouts Brand and Content team at Gilwell Park.

In this role, you’ll create innovative written content that supports the Scouts strategy: growing Scouts to benefit more young people from all backgrounds, especially in the communities that most need support. From thumb-stopping social media posts to long form copy for news stories and reports, your way with words and creativity will tell the Scouts story in a bold and engaging way. You’ll be creating copy for a broad range of content so it’s essential you have a high level of digital literacy and visual awareness.

You’ll play an important role in project teams, collaborating on work that’s on-brand. These projects help Scouts support more young people to gain skills for life and help us achieve our growth, inclusion and other targets. 

As our Copywriter, the Key responsibilities are:

• Write original copy and edit content for a wide range of materials across all media types
• Use words and ideas to communicate the Scouts personality and its goals
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to research, test and iterate content 
• Source and contact potential content contributors, including adult volunteers and Scout groups.

What we are looking for in our Copywriter:

• Excellent copywriting skills, impeccable spelling and grammar
• Creative and conceptual skills with the ability to develop ideas and produce content for digital and physical contexts
• Strong verbal communication and interviewing skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver on tight deadlines

Benefits:

• We are an award-winning Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022) with over 400 employees across multiple locations across the country.
• 28 days holiday and going up to 32 days after 2 years’ service plus additional days at Christmas
• Flexible working hours
• Work in a way that suits you, your role and your department
• Double matching pension up to 10% of gross salary

For a full list of our benefits click .

Closing date for applications: 11:59 pm Tuesday 13th January 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 2nd February 2026

Strictly no agencies. 

The Scouts is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.

We are a charity representing and advocating for people living with dyslexia. Our mission is simple but powerful: to influence government and institutions so that society becomes truly dyslexia-friendly – enabling individuals of all ages to reach their full potential.

This is a key role leading our parliamentary engagement and policy development, ensuring that dyslexic children, young people, families, and adults have a strong voice in Westminster, Whitehall, and across the UK. Working closely with senior leaders, campaigns and media colleagues, and external partners, you’ll help shape policy and drive change in education, health, and employment.

Your work will make sure policymakers understand the barriers dyslexic people face - and the evidence-based solutions we champion. You’ll ensure our positions are grounded in lived experience, research, and best practice, and that our engagement is proactive, impactful, and aligned with our mission.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver a parliamentary engagement strategy to advance our policy priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers, and civil servants.
• Provide timely briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities for early influence.
• Lead policy research and produce clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
• Represent the charity at events, roundtables, and forums.
• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy insights inform campaigns and communications.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven, up-to-date experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement, or a related policy-influencing role, with a  strong track record of delivering impact.
• Strong understanding of UK parliamentary and governmental processes.
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Political awareness, strategic thinking, and confident networking ability.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.

Please review the full job description for complete details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.

Why Join Us?

This is your chance to make a real difference – shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change.

Closing date: 14 January 2026 (5pm). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Use of AI in Applications
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you.

To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice.