Local authority practice manager jobs in Birmingham
Birthrights is recruiting a Campaigns and Policy Manager to help drive transformative change in maternity care. This is a powerful opportunity to shape national policy and campaigns that centre human rights, racial justice and the lived experiences of women and birthing people.
Reporting to the CEO, you will lead our policy and campaigns strategy, shaping how we influence government, the NHS, regulators and professional bodies. You will identify leverage points for change, develop strong and persuasive policy positions, and deliver bold, creative campaigns that challenge harmful practice and shift power. Working closely with our legal, information & advice, training and communications teams, you will ensure our policy and campaigning work is grounded in evidence, lived experience and human rights law.
You will also contribute strategically to Communities Imagine — a core organisational initiative rooted in racial justice, community leadership and a radical re-imagining of maternity care — while working alongside and supporting dedicated roles focused on its delivery.
Birthrights is a small but mighty charity with a national profile and a strong track record of influencing maternity policy and practice. We offer flexible, remote working, a supportive team culture and generous benefits.
If you are a values-driven campaigner with a passion for racial justice, reproductive justice and human rights, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 26th January – please refer to the candidate pack for full details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you believe learning is the root of place-based change? Are you driven to turn insight, evidence and lived experience into action that improves lives?
Active Black Country is recruiting 3 Learning Leads to play a pivotal role in shaping a more active, healthier future across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.As a Learning Lead, you’ll put learning at the heart of place-based working - capturing what’s working (and what isn’t), sharing insight across partners, and strengthening collaboration to tackle physical inactivity through Sport England’s Place-Based investment.
We’re looking for people who love connecting dots and people - champions of co-design, reflection and evidence-led practice. You’ll be curious, influential and confident turning complex learning into practical action that drives health and social change.
Your experience could come from any sector - community development, health, education, local government, research or beyond. What matters most is your expertise to lead learning, build trusted relationships and help places learn their way forward.
If you’re excited by the idea of learning with communities, not just about them — we’d love to hear from you. Application deadline: 30th January 2026.
Role description:
The learning lead will work with local partners to ensure strategic learning is captured &
applied to develop partnerships and strengthen understanding to collectively tackle physical
inactivity and support wider health and social outcomes.
Working to established learning goals the learning lead is responsible for developing,
implementing, and managing learning and development initiatives that enhance connectivity
and understanding between partners to work together. This will involve providing focused
support to partners to capture accurate insight & learning, assessing what works and what
does not, ensuring key learning is shared throughout the process with partners and
communities.
The learning lead will work as part of a team, working across the areas of Dudley, Sandwell,
Walsall and Wolverhampton respectively, whilst engaging with partners & organisations at a
Black Country level to focus on the agendas of transport, housing and health.
Main Duties:
1. Work with the place partners across the 4 Black Country local authority areas and Active Black Country to implement the Monitoring Evaluation & Learning framework as part of the Sport England ‘Place Based’ investment.
2. Develop effective working relationships with a breadth of partners and organisations to support collaboration and the development of a shared purpose to address inequalities that prevent people from moving and being active.
3. Working with the support of the learning and monitoring & evaluation partners, ensure strategic learning is captured and applied to help us fulfil organisational and place ambitions.
4. Develop a SMART learning plan for each place, drawing in the real time priorities of partners, ensuring community engagement is at the heart of decision making.
5. Champion how partners can cascade learning into their organisation to influence wider change, devising creative ways to share the learning at a local level, highlighting need and connecting to priorities to maintain momentum.
6. Be an advocate for the Behaviour Change framework to ensure this is fully embedded by partners and community groups, ensuring communities are engaged and involved in the co-creation of marketing collateral and key messages.
7. Participate in local forums and meetings, including forming part of the learning forum, chaired by Active Black Country, to share learning and identify opportunities to integrate physical activity across the thematic areas of transport, health & housing.
8. Review existing local data and insight, identifying gaps and areas that require further exploration.
9. Support the local test and learn interventions that have been identified as part of the Place Expansion Development Award, capturing the key learning to support the development award.
10. Support partners with monitoring, evaluation and learning.
11. Work with the Active Black Country Strategic Communications Lead to share case studies and good news stories.
12. To be responsible and take reasonable care for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and other employees and the public in accordance with Health and Safety Legislation and company procedures.
13. To adhere to the Data Protection Act at all times. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
14. To adhere to all relevant policies and procedures at all times.
15. To undertake such other duties as may be appropriate
Person Specification:
1. Able to work as a trusted partner and build strong, effective, and valued relationships across a wide range of people and organisations.
2. Visibly values and promotes co-design and can bring people together to jointly create innovative ideas and practice.
3. Skilled in building trust and long-term relationships across sectors—especially with local partners, community-based organisations, local authorities and charities.
4. Proven experience supporting specific communities or localities—particularly in roles involving community development, learning or collaborative partnerships, ideally across the Black Country.
5. Demonstrates professional, voluntary, or lived experience of communities most marginalised or under-represented in being active. Has knowledge and understanding of the barriers to activity. Can articulate, demonstrate, or evidence the valuable role that physical activity and sport can contribute to health, environmental & socio-economic outcomes.
6. Strong understanding of how to track, assess, and learn from outcomes in complex, community-driven settings. Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative methods.
7. Skilled at applying evidence led approaches to design effective learning interventions which build meaningful impact.
8. Demonstrable expertise in building a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice, by supporting teams to ask effective questions, use data wisely, and apply learning practically.
9. Able to work with complexity and influence and advocate for learning beyond programme delivery.
10. Proven experience in using learning as a driver for change. Demonstrating a deep commitment to inclusive practice, with experience applying in real-world settings.
11. Can effectively prioritise and set and meet objectives within deadlines and planned goals.
12. Can demonstrate a quality of thought disseminating data, insight and trends translating it into meaningful action and decision making.
13. Strong written and verbal skills, able to distil learning clearly for different audiences, including communities, partners, and funders.
14. A self-starter who shows skills in agile and adaptive working proving they can respond quickly, work flexibly and navigate through fast-paced, changing, complex and uncertain environments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director of Operations
Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.
Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.
We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.
About the Role
As Director of Operations, you will:
- Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
- Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
- Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
- Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.
This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.
About You
- We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
- Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
- Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
- A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.
A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
- Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
- Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
- Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our mission is to foster community-led green space management through collaboration, advocacy, and education. We believe that green open spaces can be better sustained by empowering communities and our existing network numbers 150 plus members throughout Birmingham. As our Operations Director, you will direct and control the ongoing operations of Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF), to achieve the strategic and business performance objectives required by the Trustees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.
As Director of Programmes, you will:
- Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
- Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
- Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
- Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
- Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
- Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.
This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.
About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:
- Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
- Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
- Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
- Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.
Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.
Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.
*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.
Key Responsibilities
-
Policy and Research Leadership
- Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
- Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
- Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
- Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.
-
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
- Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
- Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
- Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.
-
Internal Collaboration
- Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
- Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
- Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage junior staff or associates as required.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:
- Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
- Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
- Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
- Experience in income generation or bid development.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
- Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Politically aware and intellectually curious.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and inclusive.
- Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!
This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the East Anglia region.
As the Community Fundraiser covering East Anglia you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK. Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.
- Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
- Do you live in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk?
- Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?
Have you answered Yes to these questions?
Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?
If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack which is attached in this advert.
If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and motivated individual to join our Young Carers team as a Young Carers Transition Lead.
You will lead and coordinate the Young Carers Transition Pathway so that young carers (YC) and young adult carers (YAC) experience a consistent, person-centred journey from early preparation (5–10) through post-16 and into adulthood.
You will drive awareness and access to support across schools, FE/HE and employers, maintain regular conversations and touch points, and embed the Transition Pathway within the Local Authority statutory assessment and review cycle, in partnership with our Assessment Officers.
This is a newly created position offering a unique opportunity to help shape it's direction and truly make the role your own.
Funding has been secured for a minimum of 5 years and this is therefore currently a fixed term role.
What We're Looking For
- Knowledge of young carer and young adult carer issues.
- Understanding of safeguarding (children), trauma-informed practice and inclusive delivery.
- Strong facilitation and rapport-building skills; with clear verbal, written and digital communication.
- Experience of case-management systems and outcome frameworks to evidence impact.
- Ability to coordinate multi-site programmes and provide evening delivery.
- Excellent organisation skills; being able to balance priorities across venues and deadlines.
- Solution-focused and reflective individual, committed to co-production and continuous improvement.
Please note: You must be a car driver with access to a vehicle for multi-site delivery.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Starting annual leave entitlement of 25 days, increasing with service to a maximum of 30 days (and Bank Holidays), plus your 'birtholiday'
- Pension contribution scheme
- Benefits platform offering flexible high street savings and discounts on top brands
About Us
We are a local charity supporting unpaid carers of all ages and people with care and support needs across Coventry and Warwickshire. We provide services, information, advice, and advocacy — ensuring carers and their families receive the right support when they need it most.
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing platform
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- A supportive, flexible workplace where your contribution makes a real difference
For further information, please see the below key responsibilities as outlined in the job description:
- Maintain Carers Trust Heart of England (CTHoE) Young Carers Transition Pathway (tools, timelines, checklists, templates); ensure alignment with statutory guidance and commissioning requirements; champion co-production and inclusive practice.
- Run a blended model of weekly venue-based groups, the Drop-In Hub, structured one-to-one (1:1) sessions, and online options, tailored by age and stage (including early preparation for children aged 5–10 and post-16 transition content).
- Plan, deliver and cover groups across our area of operation to maintain continuity and meet agreed access and touch-point standards; provide contingency cover to avoid session gaps.
- Co-work with Assessment Officers so Transition Pathway prompts are built into statutory assessments and scheduled 6 and 12-month reviews; update prompts, templates and Customer/Client Relationship Management (CRM) fields as needed.
- Model best practice in assessment, planning, reviews and safe closure; work in a trauma-informed, strengths-based way; escalate risks promptly via safeguarding procedures.
- Develop active relationships with schools, Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) providers, employers, and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) partners; coordinate assemblies, staff briefings, campus visits, mentoring and careers inputs to increase awareness and referrals.
- To work towards all of our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as set out in our funding agreements, which will be kept under regular review.
- Produce routine updates for the Service Manager, Senior Management Team (SMT) and commissioners; use data to target continuous improvement.
- Deliver in line with safeguarding policy; promote EDI across all delivery; follow lone-working procedures and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Health & Safety and compliance: Complete and review risk assessments; report incidents, hazards and defects; ensure safe use of venues, transport and equipment; maintain professional boundaries; complete mandatory and refresher training (including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and safeguarding) and participate in supervision/appraisal.
- Attend activities and events outside core hours (evenings/weekends) where service needs require.
- Work with colleagues who support adult carers to coordinate support plans and assessments ensuring that young adult carers receive joined-up timely help that meets their needs.
- Create and maintain a clear young carer (under 18) adult carer (18+) handover process, including joint meetings, shared action plans and follow-up checks to ensure no loss of support at the point of transition.
- Co-design and, where appropriate, co-deliver sessions (e.g. information evenings, carer’s rights, benefits, condition-specific education, wellbeing) that meet the needs of both young carers and adult carers.
- Apply the No Wrong Doors approach and the Triangle of Care principles across children’s and adults’ services so families experience seamless access, shared responsibility and consistent professional boundaries.
Working Pattern and Requirements
- This post is full-time, with regular evenings (and occasional weekends) to deliver and/or cover groups across our area of operation, ensuring consistent conversations and touch points for carers who cannot attend in school hours.
- Travel across community venues, schools/colleges and partners is required; flexibility in location and hours is essential.
- Maintain an enhanced DBS check (with barred lists) and up-to-date safeguarding training.
Our aim is to support carers and those they care for by providing a high quality and individually tailored care support service.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract type
Permanent
Location
Whittington
Hours
22.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Annual salary
Band D - £31,168.36 to £38,129.42 - pro rata for part time hours
Review date
28/12/2025
Reporting to the Deputy Director of People and Organisational Development you will ensure the accurate and timely processing of the group end to end hospice payroll. This role is key in the workflow of payroll and pensions payments. The role will adhere to compliance with relevant regulations.
They are responsible for ensuring accurate, timely and compliant monthly payroll processing. This role works closely with the Finance and HR teams to establish, maintain and follow clear processes and controls
You will line manage the payroll administrator.
Qualifications
Essential
·High level of numeracy
Desirable
·CIPP or equivalent payroll qualification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
·Have a clear understanding and knowledge of SAGE payroll or other payroll systems
·Have a good demonstrable working knowledge of PAYE legislation, National Insurance, Pension, Statutory Maternity/Paternity Pay and Statutory Sick Pay
·Knowledge of pension payments schemes (including NHS pensions)
·In depth knowledge of end-to-end payroll function
·High level of GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 knowledge
Desirable
·Experience of working in the charity sector
Values
·Exhibits our hospice values and behaviours
Skills
Essential
·Be able to plan, prioritise and organise own workload without direct supervision to complete tasks in line with hospice deadlines
·Strong excel skills
·Strong ability on reporting and analysing data
Personal Attributes
·Empathetic
·Team player
·Able to work under pressure
·Collaborative
·Ambassador for St Giles Hospice
Other requirements
·Valid driving licence
·Eligibility to work in the UK
·Please note that St Giles Hospice does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to accept sponsorship requests
Just so you know:
This post is subject to a Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We may review applications before the application review date, however, if you apply after the application review date, your application may not be considered. We will accept applications until we have successfully filled the role; this may be earlier than the closing date.
If you have not heard within 14 days of the application close date, then please consider that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.
As part of your application your data will be managed in line with St Giles Hospice Privacy Policy and kept for 6 months. If you would like to see this in full, please visit our website for our Privacy Policy. This is in extension to Charity Job Privacy Policy.
Whether you’re living with a terminal illness, or your loved one is nearing the end of their life, we’re here for you at every stage.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.
As Director of Policy & Research, you will:
- Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
- Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
- Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
- Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
- Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
- Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:
- Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
- Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
- Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and visionary thinker.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader.
- Politically astute and intellectually curious.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- 3% pension contribution
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.