Policy and research manager jobs
Salary: £46,587 per annum.
Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.
Our office is a short walk from King’s Cross station in London. Whilst we work flexibly, because we work with decision makers in Westminster, there will be an expectation that you can travel to central London at short notice if required. You will also be expected to come into the office at least one day a week.
Contractually this role is London-based.
Contract: Permanent. Full time role - 35 hours per week.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 2 years (+ an extra 10 days on each 5th year). Pro rata for part time hours
- Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
- Healthcare plan
- Support for staff with caring responsibilities
- Family-friendly culture
How to apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – available on our website to download
Closing date for applications: Midnight on Monday 23 February 2026
Interview dates: First interviews to take place week commencing 2 March - exact dates to be confirmed.
Second interviews to take place week commencing 9 March - exact dates to be confirmed.
We’ll send assessments and some questions to you in advance so that you can prepare. Let us know if you have any specific needs to be able to fully engage with the process.
Job Information
This exciting role in our award-winning External Affairs department will work across policy and public affairs work in England. You will fight for the hospice sector and people who need their support, helping us to create a country where no one misses out on the care they need at the end of their lives.
This is a significant time for hospice and end of life care.
Hospices across the UK are in the worst financial situation they have faced for 20 years. The funding crisis means hospices are cutting services and making redundancies.
Our campaigning efforts have recently led to £125m in short term funding for the hospice sector and a commitment to a Modern Service Framework for palliative care and end of life care. As well as a spotlight on hospices in the 10 year health plan and unprecedented parliamentary scrutiny of the way hospices are funded.
The momentum around palliative care and hospices mean there is no shortage of opportunities to influence the policy and political agenda.
We have strong influence in Parliament and have built significant interest in hospice care among policymakers. We are an important voice in the conversation around Assisted Dying, which will have a significant impact on palliative and end of life care.
With this momentum and opportunity, we are looking for a talented and committed Policy and Public Affairs Manager to help us shape the future of palliative and end of life care.
We are looking for a proactive and driven policy and public affairs professional. You will be curious about how best to improve people’s experiences of death, dying and bereavement and strengthen the contribution of the hospice sector to this.
You will have excellent influencing and communication skills and sharp instinctsthat enable you to quickly understand and analyse the impact of external developments. As well as a collaborative mindset and commitment to building coalitions to maximise our impact.
You will provide leadership but must also be willing to pitch in at all levels to get things done. Excellent project management skills will mean you can identify where our resource is best spent and how to delegate tasks.
This is your chance to play a key role in creating a country where no one misses out on the care they need at the end of their lives.
More information is available in candidate information pack (available on our website to download)
We represent and champion the community of 200+ hospices across the UK.



Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
At Providence Row, our vision is that everyone has a safe home and a community in which to belong. In order to achieve this, we want to support and accompany people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness on their journey to recovery, especially those who are most vulnerable and least likely to access services elsewhere.
We work with around 1,200 homeless and vulnerably housed people a year in London, offering an integrated service of crisis support, advice, recovery, learning and training programmes. Central to our work are our core values of Compassion, Respect, Inclusiveness, Empowerment and Justice. These inform the content, style and delivery of all our services.
We’re looking for a Data Manager to lead on the delivery of data management, analysis and reporting. Ensure robust governance and compliance of data and lead on data insight to be able to demonstrate impact and create opportunity.
The ideal candidate
To be considered for this role, you should be able to:
- Oversee the management, integrity and development of the operations Salesforce In-Form.
- Lead on the design and delivery of reporting tools and dashboards to monitor performance.
- Work with IT and external suppliers to maintain security and reliability of systems.
- Ensure accurate and consistent data entry, storage, and processing across all teams.
- Produce regular monitoring reports for service commissioners, ensuring compliance with contractual and statutory requirements.
- Prepare diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) reports to track and improve outcomes for clients.
- Serve as the charity’s Data Protection Officer ensuring compliance with all data protection regulations (UK GDPR, PECR, etc.) and sector standards.
- Implement robust data quality assurance processes and reporting mechanisms.
- Maintain and regularly review data-related policies, procedures, and training.
Research shows some people, especially women and marginalised groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.
Benefits
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Employee assistance programme
- Access to shopping discounts
- Learning & development opportunities
- Monthly reflective practice
To apply: Please upload your CV with a covering letter detailing how you meet the job specification by 12 March 2026 at 23:30.
Interviews
Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.
Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.
We tackle the root causes of homelessness to help people get off, and stay off, the streets.



Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Context:
Kinship provides direct support to, raises awareness of and campaigns for the rights of kinship carers across the UK. Kinship carers are navigating complex family relationships, trauma, poverty, discrimination. The children that they care for have frequently experienced abuse or are at risk of harm. Safeguarding concerns can be disclosed by kinship carers at all contact points with Kinship.
Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility and requires a safeguarding approach that is aligned to statutory frameworks, is professional, consistent, trauma-informed and proportionate to level of risk.
The designated safeguarding officer holds organisational responsibility for Kinship’s safeguarding framework and actions. The role works collaboratively with a team including a Safeguarding Trustee and a group of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads drawn from key service areas across the charity.
The role provides expertise, professional guidance and clear direction across the organisation, supporting staff and volunteers to make sound safeguarding decisions within a framework.
Purpose of the role:
The Designated Safeguarding Manager works closely with all teams across Kinship to embed proactive, person-centred, and partnership-driven safeguarding practice to protect children and adults at risk of harm.
The role provides professional oversight to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads through individual and group reflective practice and supports high-quality and defensible safeguarding decision-making. The role drives contextual safeguarding approaches, promote professional curiosity, continual professional development and ensures safeguarding responses are informed by lived experience and the realities of kinship care.
At Kinship safeguarding concerns come from risks of harm to adults and children often with risks of harm to multiple people in the same family context.
This requires careful, trauma-informed decision-making and support for staff responding to complex safeguarding situations.
How the role works:
Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the Designated Safeguarding Manager holds responsibility for safeguarding practice across the organisation and provides expert oversight and organisational assurance ensuring safeguarding is embedded consistently, proportionately and in line with best practice.
This role will require flexibility for occasional travel in England and Wales.
Key responsibilities:
Organisational safeguarding accountability and assurance
- Act as Kinship’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, holding organisational authority for safeguarding decision-making and escalation.
- Hold organisational accountability for safeguarding practice, ensuring responsibilities are well defined, understood and embedded across the organisation.
- Maintain and assure a robust safeguarding framework, including defined roles, escalation routes, decision-making thresholds and accountability arrangements and balance safeguarding rigour with compassion and proportionality.
- Provide safeguarding oversight and assurance during service development, mobilisation and organisational change to ensure risks are identified, assessed and mitigated.
Trauma-informed safeguarding practice and oversight
- Embed trauma-informed safeguarding practice, ensuring all decisions, interventions, and organisational processes:
- Recognise the impact of past and ongoing trauma on children, kinship carers, and families.
- Prioritise emotional and psychological safety while balancing protection, autonomy, and empowerment.
- Integrate trauma-awareness into risk assessments, safety planning, case management, policies, and service design.
- Support staff through reflective supervision, guidance, and training to respond effectively.
- Provide professional oversight and reflective practice support to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
- Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to staff and managers, supporting the assessment of concerns, threshold decisions, appropriate escalation, and proportionate, trauma-informed decision-making.
- Quality-assure safeguarding practice and decision-making to ensure actions are proportionate, person-centred, trauma-informed, and defensible.
- Maintain appropriate oversight of safeguarding records, risk assessments, and safety planning.
Policy, compliance and organisational assurance
- Develop, review and maintain safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance in line with legislation, statutory guidance and Charity Commission expectations.
- Ensure safeguarding systems, processes and recording arrangements are robust, accessible and consistently applied.
- Provide regular safeguarding assurance, analysis and learning reports to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Culture, capability and continuous improvement
- Embed trauma-informed, contextual and culturally responsive safeguarding practice across the organisation.
- Promote professional curiosity and reflective practice, supporting staff to exercise sound professional judgement and avoid overly procedural responses.
- Design and deliver safeguarding training and guidance for staff and volunteers, building organisational capability and confidence.
- Lead learning reviews following safeguarding incidents or near misses, ensuring learning informs service and practice improvement.
Equity, inclusion and anti-racist safeguarding
- Ensure safeguarding practice actively considers how race, ethnicity, racism and intersecting inequalities shape risk, vulnerability and access to support.
- Support teams to identify and challenge bias and assumptions through reflective practice, supervision and learning.
- Embed equity, inclusion and anti-racist principles within safeguarding frameworks, policies, training and quality assurance processes.
Partnership working and external accountability
- Work collaboratively with statutory partners and external agencies to support effective safeguarding responses.
- Represent Kinship in multi-agency safeguarding forums, reviews or regulatory engagement as required.
Experience (Essential)
- Significant experience in adult and child safeguarding practice, including oversight of complex, high-risk, and multi-agency safeguarding situations.
- Experience providing professional oversight, reflective supervision, and structured learning support to safeguarding practitioners or leads, without direct line management responsibility.
- Experience embedding contextual safeguarding approaches and promoting professional curiosity in decision-making.
- Experience of working confidently with complexity, challenging constructively and supporting teams to do the right thing in difficult situations.
- Experience developing, reviewing, and embedding safeguarding policies, procedures, training, and learning frameworks.
- Substantial experience working with dispersed or multi-disciplinary teams, supporting wellbeing, professional development, and reflective practice.
- Experience working in voluntary sector, community-based, or service delivery organisations, particularly where safeguarding concerns arise through multiple routes.
Knowledge (Essential)
- Strong working knowledge of adult and child safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised safeguarding frameworks, with the ability to apply them proportionately in practice.
- Up-to-date knowledge of children’s and adult social care systems.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based practice in work with adults, children, and families.
- Awareness of how racism, inequality, and structural disadvantage can increase risk and shape safeguarding experiences, particularly for Black and minoritised communities.
- Understanding of organisational safeguarding governance, including accountability, assurance, escalation, and risk management.
- Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within the voluntary and community sector, including Charity Commission expectations, trustee duties, and regulatory requirements
Skills and abilities (Essential)
- Strong professional judgement, with confidence in making and defending complex safeguarding decisions.
- Calm, credible, and reflective approach in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
- Ability to support and challenge colleagues constructively through reflective discussion, learning, and coaching rather than directive management.
- Clear, compassionate, and adaptable communicator, able to translate safeguarding complexity for diverse audiences, including operational and service delivery teams.
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple safeguarding priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively across wide-ranging professional teams and external partners.
- Values-led, with a demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racist practice, and culturally responsive safeguarding.
Qualifications (Essential)
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, health, or related field), or equivalent professional experience.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding children and adults.
- Permission to work in the UK.
Attributes and general characteristics (Essential)
- Commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of Kinship.
- Respectful, empathetic approach to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Flexible and willing to travel across England as required.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Lived experience of kinship care.
- Experience using Salesforce, Asana, Notion, and/or general AI tools for case management, project management, or documentation.
- Experience in innovation and continuous improvement within safeguarding practice or organisational culture.
How to apply:
Please apply for the role of Designated Safeguarding Manager by sending a tailored CV and responding to these 5 questions below in the online application process. Please read the guidance notes in the job pack.
Closing date is 9am on Mon 2 March, with a first interview (30 mins online) that week and a second interview in person on Tues 10 March 2026.
For all questions, please provide a maximum of 250 words per answer.
1.Alignment with Kinship: Why do you want to work for Kinship, and why does this Safeguarding Manager (Designated Safeguarding Lead) role matter to you at this point in your career? Please refer to Kinship’s work and services in your answer, and explain what specifically about this role you are drawn to.
2.Trauma informed practice: Describe a specific example where you have led or overseen a safeguarding concern using a trauma-informed approach.
3. Contextual safeguarding and professional curiosity: Tell us about a time you applied contextual safeguarding or professional curiosity to a situation where the initial concern did not tell the full story. What did you notice, what questions did you ask, and how did this change the safeguarding response?
4. Reflective practice and supporting others: Give an example of how you have supported others to improve safeguarding decision-making through reflective practice (for example group reflection or one-to-one discussion). What was the issue and what changed?
5. Equity, racism and safeguarding: Describe a situation where race, ethnicity or structural inequality affected safeguarding risk or decision-making. How did you recognise this and what did you do to ensure a fair and proportionate response?
What we offer you:
- Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
- 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
- Charity Worker Discounts.
Read the guidance notes in the job pack.
Make sure you’ve read the job description and the essential requirements – make sure your application reflects those points in the requirements very clearly.
Tell us why you want to work for Kinship. We’re interested in working with people who share our values. You can read about our values above.
Keep your response clear – use bullets points and short paragraphs if that helps. It will help the recruitment team to focus on your knowledge, skills and experience.
We know people might use AI – however make sure the answers reflect you and who you are and your experience. So many applications are the same because they’re using AI. Make sure you stand out.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.



This flagship programme, delivered in partnership with TDS, GMCA and the Nationwide Foundation, uses action research and behavioural‑insight‑informed interventions to understand and reduce unintentional non‑compliance among private landlords, with the aim of improving renting standards and supporting people in housing need.
We have a new 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity to join our Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter/Landlord Support Hub team as a Research and Evaluation Manager.
Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Lead the project’s research and evaluation activities, including insight gathering, participatory research, and continuous testing of behavioural or supportive interventions.
- Design and evaluate behavioural interventions, assessing impact, outcomes and what works to inform future policy and operational practice.
- Collaborate closely with the Behavioural Insight Specialist and Landlord Support Manager, ensuring research is rigorous, ethical, and generates meaningful learning.
- Engage landlords, tenants, letting agents, and local authorities to gather data, understand barriers to compliance, and capture lived experience.
- Produce high‑quality reporting, including findings, recommendations, and insights to support both internal decision‑making and external stakeholders such as GMCA and the Nationwide Foundation.
- Represent the Research & Evaluation function at meetings, workshops and advisory groups, contributing to the wider aims of improving standards across the private rented sector.
To be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate:
- Strong experience in research, evaluation or insight‑gathering, ideally within housing, social policy, behavioural insights or community‑focused projects.
- Ability to design and apply research methods, including interviews, behavioural diagnosis, qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.
- Excellent communication and reporting skills, able to turn complex insights into clear recommendations.
- Confidence managing relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Based in/near Greater Manchester, and able to travel across the region as needed.
TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:
- 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
- BUPA Private healthcare
- BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
- Pension Scheme
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Plus many more!
If you have any questions or would like to find out more information, please feel free to contact me directly.
TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers
Please ensure you send both a CV and cover letter for your application.
Help tenants, landlords, and agents deal with deposit protection and dispute resolution as quickly and easily as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland)
£41,278 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based with regular meetings in Belfast
35 hours per week, full-time
Fixed-term, 12 months
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our work in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to shape policy, influence decision-makers, and ensure the voices of paediatricians and child health professionals are heard at the highest levels.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs / Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations), you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity in Northern Ireland. You will develop and communicate policy positions that reflect the national context, engage senior stakeholders across government and the health sector, and maximise the College’s influence to improve child health outcomes.
You will work closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure our four-nation advocacy is aligned, while remaining responsive to the specific needs of our members in Northern Ireland. You will also line manage a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, supporting their development and overseeing external-facing outputs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development of policy positions and public affairs outputs specific to Northern Ireland
- Engaging with Ministers, MLAs, government officials, statutory services, and third sector stakeholders to influence policy and practice
- Producing and overseeing consultation responses and policy briefings
- Acting as a source of expertise on the Northern Ireland political and health landscape
- Supporting College Officers with high-level stakeholder engagement through briefings and policy advice
- Drafting media content including quotes, press releases and opinion pieces in collaboration with communications colleagues
- Managing the College’s presence at the Northern Ireland Assembly and party conferences
- Line managing and developing the Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Northern Ireland)
Essential skills and experience include:
- A primary degree and/or extensive relevant experience in policy and public affairs or a related field
- Proven experience of developing and delivering a measurable and successful public affairs strategy
- Experience of preparing high-quality briefings for political stakeholders and senior leaders
- Strong understanding of the political and health policy landscape in Northern Ireland
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
- Demonstrable stakeholder management skills, including engagement at senior level
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider UK team
The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows and employs around 200 staff, most of whom work in our London office in Holborn. We have a Devolved Nations team operating from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our College values: Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire, are important to us. These values ensure we bring out the best in each other, strive forward together to make the College a positive and dynamic place to work.
The RCPCH champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our workplace is inclusive, offering a supportive environment where staff can thrive. The College is keen to accept applications from people with protected characteristics. We believe that our staff should represent all of the diverse communities we serve. Join us to help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.
The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with in the exercise of its functions and responsibilities. The RCPCH expects all staff to share this commitment – we place a high priority on ensuring only those who do so are recruited to work for us.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records.
Closing date: 4 March 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advocates on child health issues at home and internationally.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy Advisor (Climate)
Job reference: REQ000950
£37,581pa + excellent benefits
Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working
Hybrid working: Minimum 40% in person collaboration per month
About the role
We’re excited to be recruiting a Policy Advisor (Climate) to support WWF-UK’s work on developing ambitious climate policy and accelerating the transition to a net zero, nature-positive economy.
Working within the Climate team in the Policy Directorate, this role will help shape and develop policy solutions that support the deployment of low-carbon infrastructure and technologies in ways that benefit people and nature. A key focus of the role will be supporting a major corporate partnership with an energy company, alongside contributing to wider climate policy development and influencing work across the UK.
You’ll undertake research, develop policy proposals and briefings, and support engagement with government, business and civil society stakeholders. The role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of evidence, advocacy and delivery, helping position WWF-UK as a trusted voice in shaping the future of climate policy.
Skills and experience
You’ll bring the following skills and experience to succeed in this role:
Essential
• Experience or strong knowledge of climate policy, with interest in areas such as energy, home decarbonisation, finance, agriculture, land use or biodiversity
• Understanding of how public policy is developed and influenced within political and governmental contexts
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to translate evidence into clear policy proposals
• Experience producing policy briefings, reports or technical content for varied audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly
• Ability to build constructive working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-moving policy environment
Desirable
• Experience working across UK nations or understanding of devolved policy contexts
• Experience commissioning or managing research projects or external consultants
• Knowledge of the wider climate, economics or environmental policy landscape
What we offer
We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:
· Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays
· Flexible working options, to support your work life balance
· 7.5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution
· Learning and development opportunities to help you grow
· Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.
About WWF-UK
We’re a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world.
At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help.
We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.
How to apply
Click the link to apply via our website.
You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK.
Application closing date : 04/03/2026
Our Diversity Promise to You
At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself.
We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.
So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout via our website.
Safeguarding Commitment
Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter.
Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent.
We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting.
If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
Leading national policy strategy
As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan. Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall.
You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:
-
Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services
-
Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits
-
Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups
-
Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people
-
National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level
-
Professional development standards for school inclusion
Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier
In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders. You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.
Building the evidence base
In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.
Raising your voice
This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post, you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas. You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will:
Design and execute an impactful influencing plan
-
Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones.
-
Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.
-
Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks.
-
Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.
Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation
-
Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives.
-
Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert.
-
Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
-
Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic.
-
Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change.
-
Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.
-
Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus.
-
Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact.
-
Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference.
-
Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following:
-
Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice.
-
Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).
We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply.
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Hybrid working between the Aldgate, London office and home.
A great opportunity has risen for a Policy Manager to support our ambitious external affairs team in influencing national and regional policy to drive improvements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions.
Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research, provide advice and support for the 12 million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment.
You will lead a programme of proactive policy and influencing work covering a range of areas depending on organisational strategy and business planning, but likely to include: health inequalities, tobacco control and smoking cessation, the implementation of the NHS England 10 Year Plan, local health systems influencing, and support for the Taskforce for Lung Health working groups.
You will have excellent analytical skills, an understanding of the opportunities and challenges in the health policy landscape, and an understanding of how to effectively communicate and translate the challenges people living with lung conditions face into policy solutions. You will be organised, a good communicator and a team player. You will interact with colleagues at all levels across the organisation and have a great opportunity to develop your leadership skillset.
As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), membership of a health cash plan, employee assistance programme, cycle-to-work scheme, interest-free annual season Travelcard loan and pension scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation committed to being the driving force behind the transformation of lung health.
Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager
Position Type: Maternity Cover
Reports to: Founder/Chief Executive
Based at: School Food Matters, Blackfriars Settlement 9 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB
Salary: £40,500
Working Hours: 9am-5pm (flexible)
Pension: School Food Matters pays pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings
Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays
School Food Matters is closed between Christmas and New Year
Job Purpose
· To lead and shape School Food Matters’ policy and advocacy strategy, ensuring our voice influences national and local decision-making on school food and food education
· To design and deliver campaigns that support and advance SFM’s mission
· To line manage the Policy and Communications Assistant and Press and Communications Officer
Key Tasks
· Lead and provide strategic input to campaigns, convene groups and partnerships
· Represent SFM at external meetings and coalitions such as the School Food Review
· Monitor, analyse and interpret relevant research, policy developments and news, identifying implications or opportunities for SFM
· Oversee the strategic direction of SFM’s external affairs and communications, ensuring all policy, campaigns, and public messaging align with the charity’s mission and priorities
· Provide policy research and analysis to support the activities of the School Food Review
· Oversee meetings and governance for the School Food Alliance
· Provide policy and communications expertise for the Food Education Network workstreams
· Represent SFM at relevant policy consultations, meetings and conferences to influence and inform policy discussions, and deliver presentations as required
· Lead drafting of responses to government consultations
· Working closely with the Press and Communications Officer, provide insights to inform timely media responses to policy developments
· Ensure colleagues are regularly briefed on policy activities, priorities and messages, and run internal workshops to keep them up to date with the school food sector
· Provide strategic input to meeting content for the School Food Review, and support the Policy and Communications Assistant to organise meetings for workstreams
· Oversee the development web content, articles, blogs and newsletter content by the Press and Communications Officer and the Policy and Communications Assistant
· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures
· Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times
· The Policy and Advocacy Manager will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time. Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!
Person Specification
Essential
· Experience of research and analysis, ideally in a policy environment
· General knowledge of issues around school food, children’s health and food education
· Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s political system
· Experience of coordinating policy/research-based projects
· Experience designing, coordinating and delivering campaigns
· Experience of working in coalitions
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain relationships with a range of individuals and organisations
· Confident and competent IT skills across Office suite of programmes
· Exceptional oral and written communication skills in fluent spoken and written English, with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex data and policies into accessible language and engaging stories and communication materials
· Strong understanding media landscape and social media platforms to oversee the communications activity of the organisation
· Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation
· Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
· Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity
Desirable
· Strong knowledge of the public health, food and education policy landscape
· Experience managing others
· Experience managing projects
· Experience managing meetings
· Experience of working with Drupal CMS
· Experience of working within a network or coalition of campaigning organisations
· Established contacts with media outlets/journalists/bloggers
· Digital campaigning and social networking skills
· Experience writing news articles and blog posts with clear structure, purpose and an engaging narrative
· Experience managing or supervising team members to deliver communications projects effectively
We campaign for a better school food system. We support schools, local authorities and MATs to improve food in schools.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior Policy Advisor (Climate)
Job reference: REQ000942
£43,851pa + excellent benefits
Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working
Hybrid working: Minimum 40% in person collaboration per month
About the role
We’re excited to be recruiting a Senior Policy Advisor to help shape WWF-UK’s climate policy work and support the transition to a net zero, nature-positive economy.
Working within the Policy Directorate’s Climate team, this role sits at the intersection of science, advocacy and political delivery. You’ll design and develop ambitious policy solutions that can scale in the UK and influence action globally, helping ensure climate action works for people, nature and the wider economy.
You’ll contribute to developing policy frameworks that support the net zero transition across areas such as governance, power, heat, home decarbonisation, agriculture and land use. The role involves building strong evidence, engaging with government, business and civil society stakeholders, and positioning WWF-UK as a trusted, authoritative voice during a period of evolving political debate on climate action.
This is an opportunity to combine deep policy thinking with practical influencing, working collaboratively across WWF-UK teams and the global network to turn ideas into meaningful change.
Skills and experience
You’ll bring the following skills and experience to succeed in this role:
Essential
• Strong experience in public policy development, with a focus on climate, net zero or environmental policy
• In-depth knowledge of climate policy and at least one related area such as energy, home decarbonisation, finance, agriculture, land use or biodiversity
• Strong understanding of how policy is shaped and influenced within political and governmental contexts
• Experience building and influencing relationships with senior stakeholders across government, business or civil society
• Proven ability to use research and evidence to develop practical policy solutions and recommendations
• Excellent analytical thinking and clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage complex programmes of work and collaborate across multiple teams and partners
• Experience producing policy briefings, reports or technical content for varied audiences
Desirable
• Experience working across UK nations or in an international policy context
• Experience contributing to fundraising proposals or partnership development
• Budget, grant or project management experience
What we offer
We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:
· Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays
· Flexible working options, to support your work life balance
· 7.5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution
· Learning and development opportunities to help you grow
· Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.
About WWF-UK
We’re a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world.
At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help.
We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.
How to apply
Click the link to apply via our website.
You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK.
Application closing date : 22/02/2026
Our Diversity Promise to You
At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself.
We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.
So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout via our website.
Safeguarding Commitment
Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter.
Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent.
We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting.
If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.
About Adolescent Health Study
The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.
Purpose of the post
The Research Officer will play a key role in supporting the scientific foundation, development, and coordination of AHS. The post holder will focus initially on supporting the development of the AHS pilot, contributing as required to methods selection, co-development of materials and assessment processes, writing of protocols and ethics submissions and preliminary testing of processes. Activities will involve conducting comprehensive literature reviews, supporting the development of piloting tools and protocols, engagement with schools, adolescents and parents, and addressing operational and logistical considerations necessary for successful delivery. The position is essential to ensuring the pilot and future study are grounded in robust evidence and implemented effectively.
Main responsibilities
Research & Evaluation
- Support in summarising existing evidence, and ongoing work with the research community, to identify insights and knowledge gaps that inform piloting and study research questions
- Support in conducting literature reviews and background research on determinants of adolescent health and identify tools and measures suitable for field-based assessment
- Contribute to the design and delivery of qualitative and/or quantitative research activities in support of study set-up
- Contribute to the design and delivery of public engagement and involvement activities
Piloting Design & Planning
- Contribute to developing piloting protocols and frameworks
- Assist in drafting documents for submission for ethical approval
- Help design, test and adapt measurement tools (e.g. questionnaires) and visit processes
- Support in the preparation of piloting recruitment materials
- Assist in the recruitment of, and relationship building with, schools for pre-testing
Data Collection & Fieldwork Support
- Support procurement of logistics for fieldwork
- Support in the preparation of field worker training materials
- Support training for data collectors and field staff
- Assist in data collection where required
- Be a part of a core team that ensures adherence to ethical standards and protocols
Piloting Coordination Support
- Support meetings and workshops on workstreams
- Support write-up of feasibility testing findings, and contribute to revisions on plans based on findings
- Support the senior study project manager as required on managing piloting timelines, risks and progress
Administrative and Logistical Support
- Take meeting minutes for the scientific study team as required
- Manage piloting documentation and version controls
- Respond to stakeholder queries as required
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential criteria
- A Masters degree in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline
- Demonstrable experience in supporting research studies, preferably in population and/or adolescent health.
- Ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights
- Ability to synthesise literature and evidence concisely for reporting to diverse audiences
- Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to protocols and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to form strong working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders at all levels, both in person and virtually.
Desirable criteria
- A PhD in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline (completed or due to be submitted within 3 months of application)
- Prior experience of working on adolescent health, youth development, or related public health issues
- Experience of conducting and reporting on literature reviews
- Experience with Research Ethics Committee submissions
- Good knowledge of basic principles of ethical research
- Clear understanding of study designs (including piloting) and data collections tools, and their application in school settings
- Experience with the development, testing, or adaptation of research instruments (e.g. questionnaires)
- Experience of working with young people and/or schools (through research and/or public involvement)
Dimensions
- Full time role with flexible working arrangements
- AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK
- Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations
Application Process
This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 08 March 2026.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 30 March 2026.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.
Values
It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration
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!
This is an exciting opportunity to get experience with a large and growing charity with an engaged and fun team. You will be a key part of our mission to find a cure for all types of brain tumours.
Our Systems Manager is being seconded to an internal project for the next 6-9 months and so we are seeking an experienced IT professional to join our team for an interim basis for six months with the possibility of a three month extension.
In this role you will you lead a team of three people in supporting our staff team of 70 by providing reliable, effective and efficient IT systems and equipment. This include the monitoring and maintenance of our IT software and, with external support, our IT hardware.
You will line manage the Database Assistant and Data Processing Assistant.
If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided in the 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 are looking for a dynamic Programme Manager. The post-holder will play a key role in managing specific programme and partnership activities in partnership countries such as the Gambia, Kenya and Sierra Leone as well as project management, monitoring and reporting for our cross-partnerships strategic project on strengthening health systems through strengthened postgraduate medical education of health worker.
The post-holder will also support the design and management of new programmes, working closely with the KGHP Director, Head of Programmes, Partnership Leads, Advisors and with our partners.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape innovative and impactful health systems strengthening programme, rooted in strong local partnerships.
Based in the UK, this role may require line management support to in-country coordinators/UK based Programme Officer(s).The role will require travel for 1 week at a time to monitor projects abroad to our projects/ partnership countries, totalling no more than three times a year.
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!
General Overview
FearFree delivers services across the Southwest for victims, children and perpetrators of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking with the aim to break the cycle of abuse and supporting all to live free from fear. We provide trauma responsive support, and this post will be fundamental to ensuring service users, stakeholders, and partners experience this in our daily delivery.
As the Devon Service Manager, you will oversee all the adult ITRS team and be instrumental in developing and sustaining networks, partnerships and new networks across Devon. You will be responsible to the Head of Service and be part of the service manager team working closely alongside the other service managers.
Alongside your service manager colleagues, you will play a key leadership role in the delivery, development, and oversight of high-quality services for individuals impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking, as well as for those who use harmful behaviours. You will be part of a team managing a diverse portfolio of services spanning prevention, crisis intervention, behaviour change, survivor recovery, and professional training. These include in-person interventions and digital platforms, therapeutic services and outreach across all age groups and communities.
You will be responsible for ensuring that our services are trauma-responsive, culturally competent and inclusive, with a strong focus on safeguarding, survivor voice and best practice. You will support teams to deliver consistently excellent support, ensure contract compliance and drive continuous improvement and innovation in a changing landscape.
As part of the Service Manager team, you will also hold strategic responsibility in scoping new projects, supporting research and business development opportunities. You will also ensure that the wellbeing and development of our people is at the front of our management and leadership priorities.
As the Devon Service Manager, you will have experience working with health professionals in a management or training capacity, and a comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed practice and managing risk. This service takes an innovative approach to both delivering training to GP surgeries and providing therapeutic support to patients referred to us via surgeries who have received our training.
FearFree is committed to flexible and hybrid working and this role will be a mix of home based and office based, alongside requiring travel for multi-agency meetings and other deliverables.
This role may include evening and weekend work when required.
Operational Responsibilities
- Service Delivery Oversight: Ensure the smooth and effective daily running of services across all areas—domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, behaviour change, survivor recovery, and training—delivered both in-person and digitally.
- Leadership and Management: Role model trauma responsive and inclusive leadership. Ensuring all staff and volunteers are effectively performance managed and live the charity’s values and have all appropriate resources to achieve excellence in their field. Work alongside colleagues from across FearFree to provide support, assistance and management to over teams where required.
- Safeguarding and Risk Management: Lead on child safeguarding and act as Deputy Safeguarding Lead when required. Oversee safeguarding practices across services, ensuring timely risk assessments, safety planning, and escalation of concerns.
- Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement: Monitor service quality through audits, case file reviews, feedback, and outcome data. Lead service improvements in response to learning, client feedback, and evolving best practice.
- Policy and Compliance: Ensure all services operate within legal, regulatory, contractual, and policy frameworks. Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with data protection and safeguarding legislation.
- Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Track and analyse performance data to assess impact, identify trends, and inform service planning. Produce high-quality reports for internal leadership, commissioners, and funders.
- Partnerships and Representation: Maintain strong local and strategic partnerships with statutory and voluntary agencies. Represent the charity in multi-agency forums, commissioning meetings, and stakeholder events.
- Crisis and Incident Management: Support staff with complex or high-risk cases. Lead operational responses to critical incidents or safeguarding escalations in collaboration with senior leaders. Provide Duty Out of Hours cover as part of a Senior Management Rota for safeguarding and incident management.
- Volunteer and Student Engagement: Oversee the safe and meaningful integration of volunteers and student placements into service delivery, ensuring appropriate supervision and development opportunities.
- System and Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies in operational systems and work with others to develop streamlined, integrated processes across services and reporting tools.
- Strategic Oversight: To take part in, and contribute to Executive Leadership meetings as required, providing operational guidance.
- Budgets and Financial performance: Carefully monitor and evaluate both financial and non-financial performance and create contingency plans to predict and rectify any variables. Contribute to the creation of annual and budgets and financial targets.
- Advising on new development opportunities: Utilising data, local and national knowledge, identification of unmet needs, professional relationships and best practice to contribute to new opportunities.
Application
To apply, please download the full job description/person specification along with the application and equality monitoring forms. Please send the completed application form and optional equality monitoring form direct to FearFree.
There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged.
For information about the processing of your personal data at FearFree, please visit our website.
FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.
You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.
You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team.
Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.
Team:Research and Development
Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location
Duration:Permanent
Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)
Main Purpose
The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).
While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.
They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and management
- Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
- Line management of senior and mid-level staff
- Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate
Income
- Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
- Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
- Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners
Impact
- Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
- Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
- Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them.
Delivery
- Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
- Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
- Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team
Person Specification
Experience
Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential
Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential
Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential
Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential
Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable
Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable
Skills
Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential
Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable
Clear and direct written communication style - Essential
Knowledge
Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential
Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential
Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable
Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.