11 Policy and practice advisors jobs in Edinburgh

At 2makeit our vision is to be part of a criminal justice sector in which creativity plays a vital role in reducing the risk of reoffending.

Our mission is to help rehabilitate those with lived experience of the criminal justice sector via mentoring coupled with creative expression through programmes in music, art and writing.

We currently work in 5 prisons - support begins with activities to establish trust and confidence. We aim to develop a trusting relationship with participants to raise their self-esteem and confidence to prepare for release and continued through-the-gate support. In the community we deliver programmes in 5 locations in partnership with the NHS, HM Prison and Probation Service and other charities to improve the life chances for some of the most excluded and vulnerable individuals in society.

As CEO you’ll lead an organisation with a plan for growth: developing new projects in prisons and in the community alongside opportunities to showcase the work of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Position: CEO

Responsible to: Board of Trustees through the Chair of the Board

Location: Remote; SE England

Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum

Annual leave: 28 days (not including bank holidays)

Job Purpose

Working closely with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will:

• Provide leadership and direction to the organisation in the development and achievement of its vision, mission and values
• Take overall responsibility for implementing the agreed strategies and achieving the business plans of the organisation, by effectively managing and developing the resources available to the organisation
• Represent the organisation externally by building and maintaining strategic relationships with senior prison and probation managers, partners, networks, and other charities.

The post holder will be the lead senior executive with overall responsibility for the operation of the organisation.

How to apply: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation. In your letter of application please show how your experience and skills match the requirements of the role in the full job description and the essential criteria listed in the person specification.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 29th October in Central London.

Closing date: 16th October 2026

Please note: this role can be worked either hybrid working in London (minimum 4 days per month in the office) or Homebased.

Independent Age isthe national charity working towards ending financial hardship in later life.  

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free information and advice to older people without enough money to live on, while our external training equips professionals with the information they need to support older people on low incomes. Through our grants programme, we fund and support hundreds of local charities working with older people across the UK. We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in povertyand campaign for change.  

We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey. 

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery and ongoing evolution of our ambitious Trusts and Foundations fundraising strategy, securing transformational five- and six-figure grants that will drive our long-term impact and growth.

We're looking for an exceptional relationship-builder and communicator with a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure grants from Trusts and Foundations. You'll be confident translating complex data into compelling funding propositions and using your outstanding written, verbal and presentation skills to inspire support for our mission.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. We also are open to this role being worked on a part-time basis on a minimum of 28 hours per week.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work for us on the Careers Page of our website. 

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require a minimum of two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate

Closing Date: Sunday, 4 October 11:59pm

Interview Dates: First-round interviews will take place on Tuesday, 13 October (remote); second-round interviews will take place on the Tuesday, 20 October (in-person in our London office)

PermanentHours: 35 hours/weekSalary: £35,100 per annum Location: Remote

Benefits include but not limited to:

-36 days' annual leave, inclusive of flexible bank holidays, increasing with length of service

-Flexible Working agreed with your Line Manager

-Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

-We match up to 8% pension

-Free counselling service

-Opportunities to develop and widen your skills

-2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation

About us:The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.

Our People, Culture, and Transformation domain is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for our people and volunteers. We bring together strong people practices, modern digital tools, and meaningful data insights to build the skills, systems, and culture that help everyone thrive. By joining us, you'll contribute to shaping an organisation that is supportive, forward-thinking, and empowered by both people-centred approaches and smart, connected technology, enabling The Children's Society to grow its impact and deliver on our mission.

About the role:As this role sits within our PCAT Domain, you'll play a key part in our People Partnering Team, supporting day-to-day employee and volunteer relations matters, supporting organisational change, and working in partnership with line managers and coaching them where appropriate. You will enable the People Partner to lead on improving people relations and policy; overseeing complex organisational change, and partner closely and strategically with organisational leaders.

We're looking for a people and business focused professional with the ability to support people relations cases, prepare people policies, enhance relationships with People Partnering and use People data to drive those conversations, strengthening the way we support our people and teams.

Key skills and experience:Essential:

-CIPD Level 5 qualified

-Experience of HR case management for employee and volunteer relations matters

-Experience of coaching and supporting managers through change

Desirable:

-Writing people policies

-Working on strategic people projects

-Experience of supporting TUPE and Redundancy

Closing date: Midnight on 27th Septemeber 2026 (please note, we reserve the right to close this advert early should we feel the need to)Interviews: Week Commencing 28th September 2026

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 2 years of employment references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.

In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.

AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You're welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.IN3

The Independent Publishers Guild is the charitable membership organisation for independent publishers. For more than 60 years we have connected the UK's thriving community of independent publishers and their partners via conferences, events,
training, mentoring, awards, information, collective stands at book fairs and much more.

Head of Finance and Operations, and Company Secretary
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Finance and Operations will be responsible for the financial integrity of the Independent Publishers Guild. They will provide financial and operational input to support the Chief Executive and Trustees’ strategic decisions. The role will include that of Company Secretary.

Duties
Finance

• Assist the IPG Chief Executive and Trustees in developing organisation growth strategies
• Responsible for the IPG budget and financial planning. Review and ensure adherence to the budgets for each functional area within the organisation
• Interpret financial information and provide updates and information as needed
• Ensure best practice to minimise financial risk and ensure that the company's financial practices are in line with statutory regulations and legislation
• Calculate and pay monthly salaries through Xero
• Deal with PAYE/NI and pay HMRC monthly
• Reconcile all bank accounts on at least a monthly basis
• Download sales invoice information from the IPG CRM (iMIS) and post into Xero
• Reconcile credit card transactions
• Reconcile sales figures between the IPG CRM (iMIS) and Xero
• Reconcile all bank accounts on at least a monthly basis
• Administer Company Pension Schemes
• Administer Childcare Voucher Scheme
• Prepare end of year returns, Class 1A return, P60s etc
• Work with the auditing firm to ensure financial monitoring excellence and the unqualified audit report is submitted as part of the annual reports
• Work with the VAT advisor and Corporation Tax advisor
• Monitor cash-flow, bank accounts, investments, and other financial transactions
• Post all Purchase Invoices to Xero, pay all Invoices
• Prepare monthly management accounts and ensure that the company’s statutory tax and reporting requirements are met on time

Operations

• Develop and maintain all necessary systems and procedures to ensure effective and efficient financial management within the company
• Create and maintain relationships with service providers and contractors, including banking institutions and investment companies
• Responsible for purchase and disposal of fixed assets for the organisation
• Liaise with BT re phone/broadband contracts
• Oversight of the Company’s HR record keeping

Company Secretary

• Provide a Company Secretarial function, including ensuring that all records are kept up to date at Companies House and the Charity Commission
• Liaise with the Charity Commission and Solicitors to ensure compliance
• Attend Board Meetings
• Attend AGM and present Accounts

Other

• Any other activities required by the Chief Executive and Trustees
• Experience of working for a charity desirable
• Accounting qualifications required (ACCA/ACA/CIMA/ICAS)
• This is a part-time, remote role – approx. one day a week

If you are passionate about making a difference for PWS families in Northern Ireland, we want to hear from you!
PWSA UK is a small charity providing lifelong support to all those affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). PWS is a rare genetic condition causing an overwhelming and uncontrollable drive to eat that can be life-limiting, as well as learning and physical disabilities. We provide a dedicated helpline, a comprehensive information hub, a network of peer support groups, a varied programme of community events, training for professionals working with those with PWS, and support for vital research. Our aim is to help our amazing community overcome the challenges and live life to the full with PWS.
We are looking for a part time PWS Specialist Adviser for Northern Ireland to support the PWS community in Northern Ireland. PWS is a rare and isolating condition and our ambition it to reach families in Northern Ireland to provide impactful advice, support, information and training. The ideal candidate will have an in-depth working knowledge of health and social care systems and education in Northern Ireland as well as a belief in the potential and value of people with Prader-Willi syndrome. 
You will need to be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as being self-motivated and able to engage with families, health care professionals and policy makers. You will build on the excellent work of our existing support worker to continue engage and enable the PWS community. 
The position is part time (14 - 18 hours a week) and is home based and ideal for someone living in Northern Ireland

Come and join our team!

We are looking for an exceptional individual(s) to join our busy team at LimeCulture, the UK’s leading sexual violence training and consultancy organisation. 

LimeCulture has extensive experience of supporting sexual violence service providers and commissioners to deliver safe, effective, and survivor-centred services. We work collaboratively with organisations to strengthen coordination, address gaps in provision, and embed trauma-informed practices. Our support includes independent service reviews and evaluations, delivery of specialist training, and consultancy support to drive meaningful, sustainable improvements.

As the UK’s leading provider of training for Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs), we deliver accredited development and continued professional development (CPD) programmes that build confidence, competence, and capability across this specialist workforce.

We are seeking a National ISVA Coordinator(s). The postholder(s) will provide an initial point of contact, undertake initial risk and needs assessment, provide trauma-informed information and support, and coordinate onward referral and handover to appropriate local ISVA and specialist services.

A key focus of the role will be providing initial support to adult and child survivors affected by group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (GBCSAE), as well as other forms of sexual violence. The role will involve working effectively with police and other agencies, helping individuals navigate complex review, criminal justice and support pathways, while promoting choice, control and informed decision-making.

The role is a national coordination function and is not intended to replace ongoing local ISVA casework where appropriate local provision is available.

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) 

Your role

We are seeking a Finance & Operations Leader to lead Design for Good’s finance, operations and organisational effectiveness, combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director (MD), you will lead the organisation’s core finance, operational and enabling functions, ensuring we have the financial and operational infrastructure, people systems and governance frameworks needed to deliver our mission.

This is a hands-on senior leadership role, suited to someone who is both strategically minded and operationally confident — a collaborative leader who can lead suppliers, strengthen systems and financial processes, and take ownership of day-to-day operational delivery in a growing global charity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial leadership, planning and sustainability

● Support the MD in developing the annual organisational budget and take overall responsibility for financial performance, controls and processes.

● Work closely with the external accountants to ensure timely and accurate management accounts, annual accounts, financial reports, forecasts reporting for the MD, Board and Finance Committee.

● Take ownership of cash-flow forecasting, reserves management, financial planning and financial controls to support the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.

● Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, Companies House requirements (for any trading subsidiary) and charity SORP accounting standards.

● Lead the annual independent examination process and manage relationships with external auditors/examiners and other financial advisers.

● Oversee payroll, pensions, VAT returns and day-to-day financial administration, working closely with the external accounts team.

● Oversee restricted fund accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of grant expenditure, compliance with funder requirements and timely financial reporting.

Operations, systems and organisational effectiveness

● Lead and strengthen the organisation’s operational infrastructure, ensuring systems, processes and ways of working are effective, efficient and fit for purpose.

● Maintain an overall organisational plan, coordinating priorities, timelines and dependencies across the organisation.

● Identify and implement opportunities to improve organisational systems, operational processes and internal coordination to strengthen effectiveness and support sustainable growth.

● Oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation, including office management, IT systems, supplier contracts and operational compliance.

● Ensure the organisation’s IT and digital systems effectively support current and future organisational needs, including identifying and implementing opportunities for AI to improve efficiency and support organisational goals.

● Lead procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money, appropriate controls and effective supplier relationships.

● Lead financial and operational planning for key organisational activities, including the logistics and delivery of major events.

● Oversee joiner and leaver processes, ensuring a consistent, compliant and effective experience and that all required processes are correctly followed.

Governance, risk & compliance

● Lead the management, monitoring and reporting of the organisational risk register, ensuring key risks are actively managed and appropriately reported to the Board and relevant sub-committees.

● Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including employment law, GDPR, health and safety and charity law.

● Act as the organisational lead for data protection, ensuring effective and compliant data protection practices across the organisation.

● Provide the Company Secretary function, including preparing Board papers and minutes, supporting the administration of the Finance and Risk Committees, and maintaining statutory registers and records.

● Work closely with the Chairs of the Finance and Risk Committees to support effective Board oversight of financial, operational and organisational risks.

● Ensure organisational policies are kept up to date, appropriately reviewed and approved by the Trustees.

Key Requirements

● Demonstrable experience in a senior finance and operations leadership role within a charity, not-for-profit, public or values-led organisation.

● Strong experience leading organisational operations and enabling functions, including finance, governance, compliance, IT and organisational infrastructure.

● Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounting, financial controls, audit processes and financial planning.

● Experience contributing to organisational strategy, operational planning and decision-making as part of a senior leadership team.

● Good understanding of governance, organisational risk management and regulatory compliance within a charity or not-for-profit environment.

● Experience working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities, complexity and operational risk while maintaining a high standard of delivery.

Preferred Skills and qualifications

● At least 5 years’ experience in a managerial finance and/or operations role.

● Ability to operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels, balancing long-term organisational planning with hands-on delivery and problem-solving.

● Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret, present and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences, including Boards and senior leadership teams.

● Ability to influence, advise and support decision-making at senior leadership and Board level.

● Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to strengthen systems, improve operational processes and enhance organisational effectiveness.

● Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across teams and with external stakeholders.

● Strong IT and digital systems skills, including experience with finance systems, CRM platforms and organisational technology tools.

● Ability to navigate complexity, manage organisational risk, exercise sound judgement and make sound decisions in a values-led environment.

● Excellent time-management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing demands and deliver to deadlines.

Knowledge & Understanding

● Good understanding of charity finance, governance and regulatory compliance, including charity SORP and restricted and unrestricted fund management.

● Good understanding of people administration, employment legislation, organisational risk and operational compliance, including safeguarding responsibilities.

● Understanding of how financial management, operational infrastructure and people practices contribute to organisational effectiveness and the delivery of mission and impact.

PWSA UK is looking for a relationship-focused fundraiser to grow income from major donors, corporates, trusts and foundations, including pharmaceutical companies. This new role will help build lasting supporter relationships and secure significant gifts that make a meaningful difference for people with Prader-Willi syndrome and their families.

About the role

This is a new role and you will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospective and existing supporters, developing tailored communications, proposals and engagement opportunities that connect donors’ interests with PWSA UK’s mission. Working with colleagues, trustees and volunteers, you will manage relationships, support donor meetings and events, and maintain accurate donor records and pipeline information.

• Build and manage a portfolio of prospective and existing major donors.

• Research and identify new supporters and relationship opportunities.

• Develop persuasive proposals, cases for support and donor communications.

• Support cultivation, stewardship, meetings, visits and events.

• Keep accurate records, forecasts and pipeline reports.

About you

You will be an excellent communicator, careful researcher and organised relationship manager, with experience in major giving, corporate fundraising, or trusts and foundations. You will be confident working with donors and senior stakeholders, handle sensitive information with discretion, and share PWSA UK’s commitment to supporting people with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to shape a new fundraising role within a specialist charity and help grow high-value support for PWSA UK’s work. 

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: Fundraising Manager

Location: Remote, with occasional travel for funder and staff meetings 4-5 times a year

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Trusts and Philanthropy Officer to join our small, ambitious fundraising team. IPSEA has a proven track record of successfully securing grants for core costs and projects. You will be responsible for researching new funding opportunities, preparing and submitting tailored applications and reports, and managing relationships with funders through thoughtful and timely stewardship. You will also have the opportunity to shape the early development of our strategies in major gifts and wider philanthropy and contribute to this work into the future.

This is a key role in IPSEA’s fundraising strategy and will help secure long-term financial sustainability for our services. 

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND and would like to use your fundraising skills at IPSEA, we would love to hear from you. 

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 5 October 2026.

First-round interviews: on 16 October in London, with second-round interviews (online) in the week commencing 19 October 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.