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The role
As a Senior Researcher, you will take a leading role in our research programmes with parliamentarians and journalists, while also contributing to our work with the general public and bespoke client projects. You will act as a trusted partner to clients and a point of guidance for junior colleagues.
You will lead on our nfpPolitics programmes – quarterly surveys of 100 MPs and an annual survey of 100 members of the House of Lords, plus annual surveys of MSPs in Scotland, MSs in Wales and MLAs in Northern Ireland. These programmes give charity clients clear, evidence-based insight into how they are seen at Westminster and in the devolved parliaments: tracking awareness of organisations and their campaigns, the actions parliamentarians have taken in response, and how effective they consider those organisations to be. Subscribers also receive unfiltered open comments from parliamentarians and access to broader political intelligence data – covering what MPs see as the biggest challenges facing the sector, the factors that influence whether they will support a campaign, and which organisations have impressed them in Parliament.
You will also oversee nfpPress, our annual survey of 150 UK journalists across print, digital and broadcast media. This gives charity communications teams systematic insight into how the media perceives them and their work – not just whether journalists know who they are, but whether they want to work with them, and what would make them more likely to.
Alongside this tracking work, you will contribute to a varied portfolio of bespoke projects for individual charity clients – from applicant perception research for funders, to supporter benchmarking and message testing. In practice, this means working across a wide range of topics and methodologies, helping charities make better strategic decisions.
Description of responsibilities and opportunities:
· Leading our nfpPolitics Westminster programme: quarterly surveys of 100 MPs and an annual survey of 100 members of the House of Lords, including questionnaire design, fieldwork management, analysis and client debriefs
· Leading our nfpPolitics Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland programmes: annual surveys of MSPs, Members of the Senedd and MLAs
· Overseeing nfpPress: our annual survey of 150 UK journalists across print, digital and broadcast media
· Managing a portfolio of client accounts across the Professional Audiences monitors – advising clients on their results, responding to requests for analysis, and supporting retention
· Contributing to the design and delivery of bespoke projects for a wide range of charity clients, spanning applicant perception research, supporter benchmarking, message testing and audience insight work
· Writing and presenting client reports and debrief presentations, with clear conclusions and actionable recommendations
· Line management of a Research Officer or Research Assistant: writing objectives, conducting appraisals and supporting their professional development
· Contributing to business development, including helping to scope and write proposals and participating in pitch meetings
· Contributing to the broader life of the company, including our monthly Knowledge Meeting, company blog and Insights events
Who we are looking for:
This post would be ideally suited to a researcher with at least three years’ experience in a market research or social research role, with a strong interest in the non-profit sector and the professional audiences it works with – whether parliamentarians, journalists, funders or specialist communities.
Essential:
· Minimum three years’ previous professional research experience, ideally in market research, social research or a consultancy setting
· Experience of managing research projects or programmes with a high degree of independence
· Experience of managing clients or other external relationships
· Experience of presenting in a professional context
· Strong quantitative research skills, including excellent data literacy, survey design and data visualisation
· Analytical skills and ability to interpret research, and explain what it means for a range of different audiences – both verbally and in writing
· A strong interest in politics, media or public affairs, and an understanding of how non-profits engage with these arenas
· A strong interest in, and preferably experience of, charities and not-for-profits
Desirable:
· Experience of research with specialist or professional audiences (such as parliamentarians, journalists, healthcare professionals or funders)
· Experience of conducting qualitative research (interviews, focus groups or similar)
· Keen interest or experience of the not-for-profit sector in one of our international markets (Ireland, Canada or the US)
· Experience of line managing or mentoring more junior colleagues
· Experience of using R, SPSS or Displayr
In addition, we also like to see the following soft skills in all our staff:
· Strong verbal and written communication skills
· Excellent time management and organisational skills
· Self-motivated, hardworking and proactive
· Enthusiastic, personable and with a sense of humour
· Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a team
What nfpResearch delivers to you:
· A varied and senior role at the UK’s leading research consultancy working exclusively in the not-for-profit sector
· The opportunity to lead research that shapes how charities engage with Parliament, the media and their audiences
· The chance to be an integral part of a small and dynamic company
· 25 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays and days between Christmas and New Year
· Training for the MRS Advanced Certificate qualification and a bonus if you pass the exam
Please send a 1-page cover letter and your CV (no more than two pages). Your cover letter is your opportunity to tell us why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to nfpResearch. We are particularly interested in hearing about your experience in a client-facing role, your knowledge of the not-for-profit sector, and your understanding of how charities engage with Parliament and the media.
nfpResearch delivers the research, insights & expertise to help non-profits understand their audiences & make informed strategic decisions
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Team: Advocacy
Location: Remote with travel to Westminster approx. twice a month
Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Salary: Up to £31,918.98 per year
Contract: Permanent
We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.
Will you join us and make life better for cats?
Responsibilities of our Assistant Advocacy & Government Relations Officer:
- providing day-to-day support for the whole advocacy team
- undertaking core advocacy tasks such as leading on daily political and media monitoring
- conducting online research to add value and support overall work of the team
- providing meeting and event support
- assisting with preparation of briefings for parliamentary debates
- reporting on the outcome of campaigns to the advocacy team
- content creation for the advocacy web pages
- general administrative duties
About the Advocacy team:
The Advocacy & Government Relations team leads the charity in influencing decision-makers and those whose policies, practices and decisions affect cat welfare across the UK. The small, highly motivated team works to influence legislators (national and devolved governments), professional organisations and corporates. The team has successfully influenced the law on microchipping, pet theft and commercial kitten sales in England and worked with the Scottish Government to regulate cat breeding and rehoming activities. The team also runs digital campaigns as part of its strategy.
What we’re looking for in our Assistant Advocacy & Government Relations Officer:
- lives within a commutable (within one hour) distance of Westminster
- experience working in advocacy, public affairs or influencing work (which may include campaigns) and knowledge of UK political systems
- proven experience extracting relevant information from political monitoring sources
- strong administration skills, including project and spreadsheet management
- experience, or an understanding, of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals e.g Ministers, MSPs, MLAs, MPs, etc
- experience completing online and desk research
- experience or understanding of event organisation
- experience preparing PowerPoint presentations
- proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure
- agile, happy to be hands-on and help in all areas of the advocacy team
- confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Zoom and MS Teams)
- knowledge of our work and campaigns and an understanding of the charity sector
What we can offer you:
- range of health benefits
- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
- and much more, which you can learn about
Application closing date: 20th April 2026
Virtual interview date: 11th & 12th May 2026
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include:
1. anonymised application form
2. video screening
3. Virtual interview with task
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Please email [email protected] if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Full time, 35 hours per week
Permanent
Grade DL, Salary £46,949.35 per annum
Location: Euston, London (hybrid working, minimum two days per week in the London office, including Thursdays)
Closing date: 9.00am, Monday 27 April
Interview date: Week commencing 04 May or 11 May TBC
The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest membership organisation solely for GPs in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1952, it has over 55,000 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline. General practice is the largest branch of the medicine and provides a majority of population’s contact with the health service.
We are looking for a senior policy professional with experience working on policy issues related to data, digital and AI to join our policy team, which is part of our Policy, Research and Campaigns department. If successful, you will help to make the case for resources in primary care to meet the health needs of our population, develop policy solutions to improve general practice, and influence decision making at senior levels of government. You will contribute to efforts in overcoming some of the biggest changes and challenges faced by the NHS in its history, with a particular focus on supporting general practice to engage with and respond to dynamic digital developments. You will work closely with our public affairs and campaigns team and our press team, as well as a range of others across the organisation, to ensure that the voice of general practice is heard at the most senior levels.
We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic policy professional who can hit the ground running and help drive forwards our influence in key areas within a fast-paced policy landscape. The successful individual will be responsible for data, digital and AI related policy areas affecting general practice, as well as engaging on a range of policy areas as required.
If you are a driven professional looking for a dynamic role where you will quickly be able to have an impact, we would like to hear from you. You should:
- have demonstrable experience working in policy.
- be confident in taking a lead on policy development and able to quickly become an expert in complex policy areas of general practice.
- have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an eye for detail and an ability to explain complex problems to different audiences.
- be a strong self-starter who is confident in taking initiative.
- be confident in using evidence to help make a case for change.
The successful candidate will share our corporate values. In return, the College offers excellent terms and conditions and great working environment.
Please find the full Job Description in the downloadable Candidate Pack.
To apply, please click 'Quick Apply' and complete the application form on the Vacancies page on the RCGP website.
The Royal College of General Practitioners is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
~ Building a sustainable future for general practice ~