Policy and practice advisors jobs in Edinburgh

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Just Finance Foundation (JFF) is looking for an experienced Governance and Operations Manager to join us at an important point in our development.

We are a national charity working to change how children grow up with money. Every day, children are learning about money - through what they see, hear, and experience - but not all of it builds confidence or choice. By supporting parents, carers, and educators to teach money in ways that are simple, practical, and engaging, we make financial learning part of everyday life. This means children can grow up confident in making choices and equipped with skills that support their wellbeing now and into the future.

JFF currently operates within the Church Urban Fund (CUF) group, which has supported our development and provides a number of shared services. We are now preparing to become an independent charity and this new role will play a central part in making that transition work.

Working closely with our Director and trustees, you will help coordinate the move to independence while building the governance, systems and ways of working we need as a small, well-run charity.

This is a broad, hands-on role for someone who enjoys making organisations work better. You might be keeping a complex transition plan moving, supporting effective Board governance, improving an operational process, working through an issue with a supplier or adviser, or helping the Director make sense of a complex organisational question.

You won’t need to be an expert in everything. What matters is that you have strong operational judgement, can bring clarity to complexity, know when to involve specialist expertise, and are comfortable taking responsibility for getting things done.

We are particularly interested in people with significant experience in governance, operations or organisational management who can work confidently with senior leaders, trustees, advisers and external partners. Experience in a charity or purpose-led organisation, or of organisational change or separation, would be an advantage.

For full details of the role, responsibilities and person specification, please read the accompanying Job Description.

The role is home-based for three days per week, with occasional travel and approximately six evening Board meetings each year.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement explaining how your experience meets the role requirements to email address provided by 11.59 on 13th September 2026. If your experience covers most, rather than every, point in the person specification, we still encourage you to apply.

JFF is an inclusive organisation and we welcome all applications. We want our workforce to be truly representative of the communities we serve. Diversity is an asset to our organisation and helps us create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.

Supervision: Reporting to the CEO
 

Hours: 2.5 days per week (0.5 FTE) (flexible working pattern possible)
 

Venue: Remote based working with some requirements to attend events and key meetings.
 

Salary: £50,000 per annum Pro Rata (pay framework with annual increments in development)
 

Role purpose
The purpose of this role is to provide expert employment law advice and support to Citizens Advice Lewisham leadership and the wider organisation. The HR Lead will ensure the organisation maintains compliance with all employment law obligations, mitigate legal risks, provide specialist guidance on complex HR matters, and support the development of robust HR policies and procedures. This role will work closely with senior management to ensure best practice in all aspects of employment relations.

Principal tasks and responsibilities

Employment Law Advice & Compliance:

• Provide expert employment law advice to senior management and the board on complex HR matters, including dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, and performance management.
   
• Conduct legal risk assessments on proposed HR actions and advise on mitigation strategies.
   
• Ensure the organisation complies with all relevant employment legislation including the Employment Rights Act, Equality Act 2010, GDPR, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
   
• Advise on and support the handling of employment tribunal claims and disputes.
   

Employee Relations & Dispute Resolution:

• Lead and conduct disciplinary, capability, and grievance matters, ensuring fair and consistent procedures.
   
• Support management in sensitive HR situations including redundancy, settlement agreements, and dismissals.
   
• Provide mediation advice and support for internal disputes.
   

HR Policy Development & Review:

• Develop, review, and update comprehensive HR policies and procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements and reflect organisational values.
   
• Provide guidance on policy implementation across the organisation.
   
• Conduct legal audits of existing policies and recommend improvements.
  Recruitment & Employment Contracts:
   
• Review and advise on employment contract templates to ensure legal compliance and protection of the organisation.
   
• Provide legal guidance on recruitment processes and equal opportunities compliance.
   

Data Protection & Safeguarding:

• Advise on GDPR compliance relating to employee data and HR information.
   
• Support safeguarding policies and procedures relevant to employment.
   

Communication & Collaboration:

• Work effectively with senior management, staff, and external advisors (e.g., ACAS, legal representatives) to resolve HR matters.
   
• Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and accessibly to non-legal stakeholders.
   

Flexibility & General Duties:

• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting the organisation and undertaking duties as required by the line manager.
   
• Support strategic HR initiatives aligned with the organisation's mission and values.
   

Person Specification
Essential:

• Commitment to Citizens Advice Lewisham's aims and principles.
   
• CIPD Level 5, 6, or 7 qualification in HR or equivalent professional qualification demonstrating advanced HR expertise.
   
• Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of UK employment law and regulatory compliance.
   
• Minimum 5 years' experience in HR, with significant specialism or focus in employment law/relations.
   
• Strong experience in policy development and employment relations.
   
• Experience of handling complex HR matters, disciplinary procedures, redundancy, and employment disputes.
   
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
   
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate sound judgment on sensitive matters.
   
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
   
• Proactive, professional attitude with a commitment to continuous learning in employment law.
   

Desirable:

• Understanding of the charity and advice sector

Please note that, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

World Physiotherapy (formerly known as the World Confederation for Physical Therapy) is the sole international organisation for physiotherapy, representing more than 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide through its 128 national/country member organisations. Founded 1951, World Physiotherapy is a registered charitable incorporated organisation in England and Wales (number: 1207425).  We have been in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1956 and we are committed to advancing the science, standards and practice of physiotherapy and promoting the important contribution of the physiotherapy profession globally in improving health and wellbeing through policy advocacy, education and training, leadership development, health systems and capacity strengthening, research, standard-setting, quality assurance and accreditation.

World Physiotherapy is also a member of the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA), a WHO global network of stakeholders whose mission is to support the implementation of the Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative through advocacy activities. It focuses on promoting rehabilitation as an essential health service that is integral to Universal Health Coverage and to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (“Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”).  Further information about World Physiotherapy can be found on our website.

Consultant opportunity: developing our long-term vision and strategy

Now in its 75th anniversary year, World Physiotherapy is seeking an experienced consultant(s) to co-ordinate the development of its Physio 2040 long-term aspirational vision and a five-year strategic plan (2027-32) that operationalises it.

This is a two-part but interlinked assignment.  Working closely with World Physiotherapy’s member organisations, global leadership, key stakeholders and staff, the successful consultant(s) will deliver an inclusive, evidence-based horizon-scanning and strategy development process, ensuring that our 2040 vision statement and strategic plan are completed ahead of the World Physiotherapy Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico in May 2027.

We are looking for a consultant or team of consultants who can:

• Coordinate and deliver the agreed vision and strategy development process, managing timelines, governance, stakeholder engagement and delivery milestones to ensure that both are completed on time and within budget.
• Facilitate workshops and engagement activities, develop the new strategic framework, support the approval process and help translate our new strategy into organisational priorities and work plans with appropriate reporting, monitoring, evaluation and learning embedded.

Budget

The total budget available for this evaluation is £20k, including all expenses and exclusive of all taxes.  All agreed activities and outputs must be delivered within this budget.

Further details regarding the payment schedule can be found in the World Physiotherapy - Request for Proposals Brief (below).

How to apply

Suitably qualified and experienced consultants interested in submitting a proposal should:

1. Review and consider the World Physiotherapy – Request for Proposals Brief (below).
2. Submit/ upload their proposal, fee/ pricing schedule and any supporting documentation, such as CVs and reference letters in the required format (submission link is included in the brief)
3. The deadline for proposals is on Monday 21 September 2026, 23:59 (UTC) 

As our Digital Fundraising & Campaigns Lead, you’ll manage and oversee the delivery of our digital fundraising and donor acquisition activities, ensuring campaigns are innovative, data-driven and aligned with our mission.

Leading a small, talented team of marketing and campaign professionals, you’ll lead the campaign development function in cross-departmental planning, including events that drive donor acquisition and fundraising.

You’ll help us tell powerful stories, deepen engagement and help grow our community of supporters, shaping end-to-end integrated digital campaigns that build and strengthen relationships and help us bring hope and practical aid to remote communities.

Alongside campaign strategy and execution, you’ll be involved in paid media activity and digital performance, providing strategic oversight, guiding agency relationships and driving continuous improvement.

Additionally, you will:

- Deliver campaigns, events, and digital initiatives
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership on digital strategy
- Lead the planning and delivery of events and volunteer engagement at festivals
- Ensure budgets are well managed, and campaigns are delivered efficiently
- Develop and evaluate digital performance metrics and reporting

About You

To join us as our Digital Fundraising & Campaigns Lead, you will need:

- At least five years’ experience in digital fundraising and marketing in a charity or mission-driven organisation
- A minimum of two years’ management experience leading digital fundraising or marketing teams
- Experience writing, reviewing, and editing copy for a variety of audiences and users
- Experience in project management
- The ability to communicate clearly, assertively, and diplomatically at all levels
- Demonstrable success in developing and delivering multi-channel digital campaigns with measurable impact
- Demonstrable expertise in paid media strategy and optimisation (Google Ads, Meta, programmatic, etc.)
- Strong creative ideation and direction skills
- A data-driven approach with experience using analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, CRM platforms)
- Excellent and proven stakeholder management and influencing skills
- A deep understanding of digital trends, donor behaviour, and fundraising compliance

This is a remote role with a once a month visit to our Folkestone office. 

Organisation: HOST 

Team:Legal 

Reports to: Legal Lead 

Hours: 0.6 FTE, typically 9:00am-5:00pm UK time 

Location: Remote, with flexibility to meet team and organisational needs 

Salary:Competitive, dependent on experience 

About HOST 

HOST supports climate and social change initiatives around the world by providing project hosting, operational infrastructure, and grantmaking support. We work alongside activists, organisers, and movements across climate and social justice, helping them operate safely, sustainably, and effectively in complex environments. 

As our organisation grows, so does the need for practical, accessible legal support. Our Legal function helps ensure that HOST operates safely, compliantly, and in line with our values, while enabling partners and teams to make informed decisions with confidence. 

About the Role 

We're looking for a qualified Legal Counsel to join our growing Legal team. Reporting to the Legal Lead, you'll provide practical legal advice across a broad range of matters, including contracts, governance, compliance, risk management, and organisational policies. 

This is a hands-on role that combines legal expertise with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach. You'll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, many of whom are not legally qualified, helping them navigate legal issues and understand risk in a clear and accessible way. 

As a relatively new function within HOST, the Legal team is continuing to develop its processes, systems, and ways of working. You'll play an important role in shaping these foundations, improving legal workflows, developing templates and guidance, and exploring how legal technology and AI tools can support efficient service delivery. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys building systems, improving processes, and applying sound legal judgement within a mission-driven organisation. 

Key Responsibilities 

Contracts and Legal Advice 

• Review, draft, negotiate and approve a wide range of contracts and agreements. 

• Maintain and improve legal templates and precedents. 

• Provide practical, risk-based legal advice to colleagues across the organisation. 

• Manage legal requests through a structured and auditable process. 

• Liaise with external legal advisors when specialist expertise is required. 

Risk, Due Diligence and Compliance 

Working alongside the Legal Lead, you will: 

• Assess higher-risk matters, including sanctions, safeguarding, governance, employment and data protection issues. 

• Support organisational risk management processes. 

• Ensure legal considerations are appropriately aligned with operational and financial processes. 

• Maintain clear and proportionate risk records. 

Legal Operations and Governance 

• Support the implementation of legal technology and AI-enabled tools to improve contract management and legal workflows. 

• Develop and maintain policies, guidance documents and legal resources. 

• Embed efficient legal processes across the organisation. 

• Contribute to governance and compliance initiatives. 

• Support continuous improvement of the Legal function. 

About You 

Essential 

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with a current practising certificate. 

• Strong grounding in English contract law. 

• Experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating and interpreting a wide range of agreements. 

• Excellent judgement and ability to provide balanced, pragmatic legal advice. 

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences. 

• Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively. 

• Comfortable working independently in a remote environment. 

• Previous in-house legal experience. 

Desirable 

• Experience working within the charity, non-profit or social impact sector. 

• Knowledge of charity law and governance frameworks. 

• Experience using legal technology and AI tools to support legal operations. 

• Familiarity with GDPR, data protection and privacy matters. 

• Understanding of employment law, contractor arrangements and international workforce considerations. 

• Knowledge of sanctions, compliance and risk management frameworks. 

• Experience supporting organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions. 

What We're Looking For 

• Collaborative and approachable. 

• Pragmatic and solutions-focused. 

• Comfortable balancing legal accuracy with operational realities. 

• Confident advising managers and colleagues who may be unfamiliar with legal processes. 

• Motivated by continuous improvement and building effective systems. 

• Passionate about HOST's mission and values. 

Why Join HOST? 

This is an opportunity to help shape and grow a legal function within an organisation working at the forefront of climate and social justice. You'll work with colleagues and partners across the globe, contribute to meaningful work, and play a key role in helping HOST operate safely and effectively as it continues to grow. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining your suitability for the role. 

Community Fundraiser – East Midlands

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser – East Midlands, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Midlands region (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Rutland)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack attached below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive 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.

Closing Date: 06th September 2026

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.