Policy and research manager jobs
Location (UK): Office Hybrid* - Glasgow
Hours: 35 hours per week, Full-time
Salary: £40,295 per annum (rest of UK)
Benefits: Read more about the
Contract type: Fixed-term until August 2026
Travel: Travel between our Glasgow office and the Scottish Parliament will be required on a monthly basis with additional occasional travel around Scotland.
Closing date: 23:59 hours, Monday 05 January 2026
Join us and use your skills, knowledge, passion and energy to help us achieve a future free from arthritis.
About the role
As part of Scotland's policy and influencing team, you will play a critical role in shaping and influence policy thinking, managing time-sensitive projects across our policy priority areas, and building relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers across Scotland.
You will gather, analyse, and share information about external policy developments and their implications for people with arthritis, developing policy positions, producing evidence-based briefings and reports and contributing to consultation responses.
As well as working closely with nation influencing colleagues and teams across the Services and Devolved Nations Directorate, you will work closely with the UK Advocacy and Health Intelligence team, Research Directorate and Strategic Communications teams, including representing us on cross-sector policy groups and participating in events and conferences.
We'll give you autonomy, variety and challenge with opportunities to lead projects, to work together with inspirational campaigners and people with arthritis, as well as collaborate with senior Scottish Government and NHS Scotland stakeholders. We're a supportive team who will value your well-being and professional development.
About you
You will have ready-made resourcefulness, be a creative thinker, with strong analytical, written and verbal communications skills. An enthusiastic, adaptive and flexible approach is important, together with an ability to work with autonomy and across teams as well as:
- Experience of influencing external policy and decision making within Scotland.
- Understanding of current healthcare policy issues relevant to people with long-term conditions or disability.
- Experience of drafting policy papers and briefings, and the ability to understand and articulate academic research and policy papers.
*As a hybrid worker the expectation is that you will spend around 40% of your working time in our office spaces or working in community settings.
As an inclusive employer we will consider home-based working for anyone where office-based hybrid working would be a barrier to being able to work for us, for example for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability.
Application deadline and shortlisting
- We advise candidates to apply early as we reserve the right to close applications ahead of this date.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We do not wish to receive contact from agencies or media sales.
Please note that we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) during our recruitment and selection processes, and we would respectfully ask that you also refrain from using AI during the selection process. Whilst we do recognise that AI may be a beneficial tool for some when aiding research and preparation for an application or interview, we want to maintain a fair, inclusive and positive recruitment experience at Arthritis UK where candidates can feel supported to demonstrate their experience, knowledge, and skills without the use of AI generated answers.
Interview
First interviews expected in week commencing Monday 12 January 2026 at Edward House, Glasgow.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee you will be offered an interview if you disclose a disability and demonstrate sufficient evidence within your application that you meet the essential criteria for this role. We will also make any reasonable adjustments you may require for your interview.
About us
We have made a commitment in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to increase the diversity of our charity and we welcome candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We want our employees, volunteers and trustees to represent the broad diversity of the communities of which we are a part.
There are over 10 million people living with arthritis. That's one in six, with over half of those living in pain every single day. The impact is huge as the condition slowly intrudes on everyday life - affecting the ability to work, care for a family, to move free from pain and to live independently. Yet arthritis is often dismissed as an inevitable part of ageing or shrugged off as 'just a bit of arthritis'. We don't think that this is OK. Arthritis UK is here to change that.
Arthritis UK is committed to keeping children, young people and vulnerable adults safe from harm. During the recruitment process we will undertake safer recruitment practices and relevant checks to ensure applicants are suitable to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Senior Marketing Planning Manager in an exciting new role to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Sitting in the Marketing Planning team within Strategic Marketing, this role is accountable for making ARUK’s marketing system work end-to-end for bigger and better impact.
This role is responsible for the practical application of the overall marketing strategy into clear, prioritised and sequenced plans across the top of the marketing funnel, working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Comms, Digital, Policy and Brand.
Operating with significant autonomy, the role embeds planning discipline, governance and rhythm across the organisation — ensuring the right activity happens at the right time, with the right level of investment, to deliver audience and income growth.
This is a senior management role, judged not by activity but by the clarity, efficiency and effectiveness of the marketing system.
Key Responsibilities:
Marketing Planning & Operating Model Leadership
· Own and embed ARUK’s Marketing Operating Model, ensuring planning principles, cycles, governance and tools are understood and consistently applied.
· Translate organisational priorities into an integrated annual and quarterly marketing plan.
· Ensure planning supports growth of our defined target audience and long-term fundraising outcomes.
Master Marketing Calendar Planning & Management
· Own and maintain the single Master Marketing Calendar to ensure a clear and complete view of what ARUK is communicating externally and when.
· Sequence campaigns to avoid clashes, duplication and audience fatigue.
· Enable informed trade-offs between activity based on capacity, impact and strategic priority.
Strategic Marketing & Communications Board Programme Management
· Act as Programme Manager for the Strategic Marketing & Communications Board.
· Ensure meetings are decision-focused, well-structured and supported by clear papers.
· Track actions, outcomes and follow-through to ensure decisions translate into delivery.
Campaign Planning Quality & Governance
· Lead consistent campaign briefing, prioritisation and review processes.
· Ensure Gold and Silver tier campaigns are properly planned, resourced and evaluated.
· Improve planning quality across teams, reducing late-stage changes and rework.
Cross-Organisational Leadership
· Coordinate input from Fundraising, Comms, Brand, Digital, Policy and Insight.
· Build strong working relationships and act as a trusted planning partner to Heads and Directors.
· Enable teams to focus on delivery by providing clarity, structure and coordination.
· Collaboration and briefing of media agency, creative and external partners to ensure visibility and understanding of priorities
People management
· Accountable for team development and line management of Senior Marketing Effectiveness Officer, including career development, performance reviews.
· Ensure outputs from Senior Marketing Effectiveness Officer are translated into strategy and activated in delivery.
Key Outputs
· Respected ownership of a single, trusted marketing plan and calendar actively used across the organisation.
· Effective, well-timed campaigns and clearer prioritisation.
· Improved confidence from senior leaders in marketing decision-making.
· Proactive planning and increased scheduling of external activity that makes the most of brand halo effect.
· Cross organisational planning forums that enable decisions.
What we are looking for:
· Significant experience leading multi-channel marketing or communications planning across multiple teams or functions.
· Strong understanding and experience of marketing planning frameworks, campaign cycles, and processes that support integrated delivery.
· Experience developing and implementing planning tools such as calendars, tiering frameworks, briefing processes, and governance systems.
· Demonstrable project management and organisational skills, with proven ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
· Experience of facilitating cross-functional collaboration and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
· Experience managing complex workloads and bringing clarity and structure in fast-paced environments
· Highly organised, able to create systems and processes that others can easily adopt.
· Strong communication skills — able to translate strategic direction into clear, actionable plans.
· Able to build strong relationships across teams and foster a collaborative approach.
· Confident in leading meetings, workshops, and cross-team discussions.
· A proactive problem-solver who anticipates risks and identifies solutions early.
· Comfortable holding others to account for agreed ways of working, timelines, and processes.
· Attention to detail with the ability to step back and see the bigger picture.
Additional Information:
Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £53,000 per annum, plus benefits
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 11th January 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.
In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.
We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:
· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.
· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.
· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.
ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference.
To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.
Location: South Wales Skylight to work hybrid in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy, with an expectation to work a minimum of one day a week from the Skylight more as per business requirements
Contract: Permanent
About the role
The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Wales role at Crisis is an exciting opportunity to make a big difference in our mission to end homelessness. Through collaborating with colleagues, our frontline services, our members with lived experience of homelessness, key partners, civil servants and Members of the Senedd, you will help to develop and push for impactful policy change in Wales.
With the next Senedd term fast approaching and new homelessness legislation expected, you will be joining the team at a critical time in our calls for bold action to end homelessness in Wales. The postholder will be passionate about achieving fairness and equity, advocating for others, and achieving social justice through policy change.
About you
· Excellent knowledge of national and local government structures across Wales, with a proven track record for effectively influencing policy
· Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and concisely to a range of audiences
· Dedication to seeking effective policy change to help end homelessness, valuing the importance of lived experience in policy development
· Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, collaborating with colleagues and building a network across key partners
· Experienced in working in a busy environment, prioritising workloads and working to deadline
· While not essential for the role, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable
Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.
Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
· A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.
When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How do I apply?
Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.
Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026 23:59
Interview process: Competency-based interview and a written task
Interview date and location: Friday 6th February 2026 (in-person) at Crisis Skylight, South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ
AI in Job Applications
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences
Accessibility
We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team will contact you to discuss how we can help.
For more information about our work please visit
Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
In your role as the Recruitment & Compliance Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies as well as ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and The Children's Trust policies and procedures. You will actively collaborate with stakeholders throughout the organisation to guarantee that we attract, recruit, and retain exceptional candidates who can assist us in our ongoing transformation
The Recruitment & Compliance Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the organisation while ensuring that all recruitment activities comply with legal requirements and align with the organisation's values and objectives. This role involves the development and implementation of recruitment strategies that meet the evolving demands of the organisation, promote its unique opportunities, and enhance the employee value proposition.
The Recruitment and Compliance Team oversee the recruitment of our staff (permanent and bank), trustees, volunteers, consultants and agency staff.
This role is not open to sponsorship.
Staff benefits include shuttle bus, and more… Read more below.
Role Requirements
- Responsible for creating effective recruitment strategies that attract a diverse pool of high-quality candidates suitable for various roles within the organisation.
- Oversees the entire recruitment cycle, from job postings to candidate selection, ensuring the process is efficient and effective.
- Ensure that all recruitment activities adhere to relevant laws and regulations, as well as internal policies, by staying up-to-date with changes in legislation and ensuring the organisation’s practices align with them.
- Provide guidance and training to hiring managers and staff involved in the recruitment process, ensuring their understanding of and compliance with legal and policy requirements.
- Track recruitment metrics and prepare reports to assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies and compliance measures.
- Collaborate with various stakeholders within the organisation to understand their recruitment needs and ensure alignment with the overall goals of the organisation.
- Ensure that recruitment processes promote fairness, diversity, and inclusion, while maintaining high standards for candidate experience
- Enhance the overall candidate experience to attract and retain top talent
- Develop and implement proactive forward looking recruitment strategies (Including Employee Value Proposition, early entry career pathways and direct recruitment/ brand marketing)
- Manage the full recruitment cycle, from sourcing candidates/volunteers to onboarding, driving the focus on continuous evolution and change of the service
- Develop and implement compliance programmes.
- Collaborate closely with the Head of People & Culture, to support the effective management of the centralised Recruitment budget
- Lead the streamlining of recruitment and compliance processes through the adoption of digital solutions
Terms and Conditions
PLEASE NOTE: The Children's Trust Application Form MUST be completed and submitted, for your application to be considered. As part of the shortlisting process, gaps in employment will be examined and further explored during the interview process.
Strictly no agencies, please.
As we often receive high levels of applicants for our roles, we regret that we will only be able to contact those applicants who are shortlisted for interviews. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted for an interview on this occasion.
About Us
The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.
Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.
Staff Benefits
The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.
We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.
Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Rehabilitation of Offenders
Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected. The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.
Online Searches
In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced programme manager who will oversee The Advice Workforce Development Fund (AWDF). AWDF is a collaborative programme dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the social welfare advice sector in London. The role will coordinate and run steering and advisory groups, and ‘task and finish’ groups, working with cross-sector stakeholders to enable the implementation of recent recommendations generated by research commissioned by the programme, and help with monitoring and evaluating the project and funded projects under this programme. The successful candidate will have strong project management skills, a commitment to social justice, and a track record of delivering impactful support to external partners.
The workforce development programme was created after working closely with a group of funders and advice sector representatives who are now steering group members. The programme has reached an exciting stage, as it transitions from a foundation-laying and research phase into more of a focus on influencing and implementation of the learning generated to date, while also maintaining and strengthening new and existing relationships. This role, with support from the Head of Sector Support and Grants and the CEO, will oversee the continued development and delivery of this exciting partnership into the longer-term. This role will also work closely with the Propel initiative under London Funders to ensure effective coordination of work is done at all levels.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
To develop policy goals and recommendations in line with Women for Refugee Women’s (WRW) overarching campaigns strategy to improve the lives of women seeking asylum in the UK; to develop and deliver policy interventions such as policy briefings, evidence for parliamentary committees, responses to inquiries and consultations; to plan and carry out research projects for influencing purposes, ensuring that these are informed by and co-delivered with women in WRW’s network.
We are part of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative. The network supports inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system. If this is your experience, you can find useful resources on the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative website.
Women for Refugee Women supports women seeking safety in the UK to rebuild their lives and campaigns alongside them for a compassionate asylum system.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.
As Director of Policy & Research, you will:
- Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
- Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
- Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
- Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
- Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
- Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:
- Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
- Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
- Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and visionary thinker.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader.
- Politically astute and intellectually curious.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- 3% pension contribution
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.
Key Responsibilities
-
Policy and Research Leadership
- Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
- Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
- Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
- Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.
-
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
- Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
- Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
- Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.
-
Internal Collaboration
- Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
- Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
- Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage junior staff or associates as required.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:
- Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
- Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
- Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
- Experience in income generation or bid development.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
- Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Politically aware and intellectually curious.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and inclusive.
- Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Centre for Justice Innovation is looking to recruit a creative and pragmatic policy professional to help us advocate for evidence-based reform to criminal and family justice policy in the UK.
What will You be doing?
Our policy officer will play a key role in building on our research and practice insights to make the arguments for evidence-based policy in the UK’s justice systems, with a focus on building links in Westminster and Whitehall. You will work across our portfolio of work on issues such as:
- Diverting young people away from unnecessary criminal justice system involvement
- Ensuring that the justice system works with vulnerable women in a gender-sensitive and trauma-informed way
- Making sure that children and families involved in the family justice system have the right support.
Your duties will include:
- Producing policy materials and engaging with political stakeholders (e.g., submitting evidence to committees, emailing MPs, writing briefings);
- Working with our teams to translate research and practice work into products appropriate for policy audiences;
- Building our networks with policymakers and legislators in Westminster;
- Building our networks with third sector organisations and others who seek to influence policy, and representing the organisation at external meetings;
- Monitoring relevant parliamentary business and providing updates to the teams;
- Generating ideas for, planning and delivering on events and webinars;
- Contributing to the organisation’s thinking on strategic justice policy, and scoping new areas of work.
Every member of our team plays a part in influencing how the Centre develops. Roles and objectives may shift, and we ask everyone to work with creativity and flexibility in response to changing business needs.
Skills, Experience and Knowledge
Through your application, you should demonstrate the experience, skills and knowledge you have in the areas described below.
Experience
- Engaging with political stakeholders;
- Producing high-quality written materials to engage different policy audiences;
- Conducting desk-based research;
- Delivering events.
Skills, abilities and knowledge
- Excellent writing skills and good spoken English;
- Excellent analytical skills to succinctly develop and express key arguments;
- Good understanding of the UK political environment
- Demonstrable interest in and understanding of social policy issues
- Awareness of parliamentary processes and opportunities;
- Insight into the challenges policymakers face in delivering change;
- A creative approach to solving social problems and identifying practical solutions;
- The ability to balance multiple priorities and manage your own workload to meet deadlines.
You will also need to have:
- A willingness and ability to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas;
- Eligibility to work in the UK legally.
Timeline
The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday, 12th January 2026. Interviews will be held at our office in Kennington in the week commencing 19th January 2026.
Other benefits
- Matched pension contributions
- Employee healthcare scheme
- Flexible hous
Equal opportunities
It is the policy of The Centre for Justice Innovation to treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability, offending history or trade union membership status.
We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive.
The Centre is committed to fair recruitment and the inclusion of applicants with criminal records. It is essential that people do not face unfair discrimination in any role within the charity, whether paid or voluntary. For that reason, we do not use criminal records to exclude people. We only ask about criminal records if they are relevant to the role.
At the Centre for Justice Innovation, we seek to build a justice system which everyone believes is fair and effective.
The Senior Evidence & Evaluation Manager sits within the Impact & Evidence directorate at the heart of Youth Futures Foundation.
You will play a central role in building the evidence base on what works to support young people into good jobs.
Working with three Heads of Evaluation, the Deputy Director and the Director, you will help ensure our evaluations are designed to generate credible evidence of what works.
- You will work closely with independent evaluators and delivery partners and colleagues in our Programmes & Grants and Policy & Communications directorates, you will assess the evaluability of interventions, and lead the design and delivery of large-scale, complex impact evaluations.
- You will manage a portfolio of projects, leading some directly, and overseeing others while supporting more junior colleagues.
- You will also contribute to strengthening our ‘evaluation architecture’, leading projects that enhance data infrastructure and access to administrative datasets, and set standards for methodological rigour in the sector.
This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.
For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.
Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.
We are the national What Works Centre for youth employment, with a specific focus on marginalised young people.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Remote, in the UK (mandatory to travel to London once a month, at own cost)
Line Manager: Executive Director
WHO WE ARE
Animal Equality is an international animal protection organisation working with society, governments and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals. Animal Equality has offices in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil and India.
Animal Equality releases investigative materials captured from inside factory farms and slaughterhouses, exposing the conditions that farmed animals face around the world. We publish our findings on television, in newspapers and online. We routinely secure mainstream media coverage, including on the BBC, ITV, Sky news, The Times, the Guardian, New York Times and many more.
Animal Equality also advocates for political change. Our current campaigns include a UK ban on foie gras imports, increased enforcement of existing animal protection laws, legal protections for farmed fish, and Government subsidies for transitioning towards a plant-based food system.
We focus on farmed animals because of the scale and severity of the issue. More than a billion animals are confined and killed for human consumption every year in the UK. Farmed animals also often suffer in some of the worst ways: pigs typically endure painful mutilations, many chickens die of heart attacks, fish are confined in underwater cages, and some farmed animals are victims of deliberate abuse and neglect. But the problem is solvable! By utilising effective campaigning strategies, Animal Equality is having an impact for animals around the world and building a future where all animals are respected and protected, and are no longer exploited for human consumption.
Animal Equality UK’s current key campaigns include:
- Strengthening enforcement of animal protection laws
- Halting the expansion of Scotland’s salmon farming industry
- Achieving a ban on foie gras imports
- Securing species-specific slaughter legislation for fish
- Inspiring the public to eat plants, not animals
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a strategic, personable, persuasive, and policy-savvy Food Policy Specialist to spearhead Government relations and stakeholder outreach. This highly impactful role bridges high-level advocacy with on-the-ground influence, and involves advising Government Ministers, politicians, expert bodies, and sector stakeholders to promote policies that support plant-forward dietary shifts aligned with the UK’s sustainability, public health, and animal welfare commitments and priorities.
The Food Policy Specialist will report to the UK Executive Director and oversee our diet change (‘Love Veg’) programme and team members working on diet change campaigns, with the objective of encouraging the public to eat plants, not animals.
ABOUT YOU
You are a thoughtful communicator, tactically agile, and confident in high-level engagement – both in person and through written reports. You are strategic, evidence-driven, and ready to shape policy narratives that positively impact animals with proactivity and integrity.
You actively seek constructive feedback and use it to continuously improve your work. You show ownership and a growth mindset that is focused on improving the world for farmed animals. Knowledge of farmed animal issues and alignment with Animal Equality’s mission is a must, as is professionalism, adaptability, and discretion.
You must have a minimum of four years’ experience in public affairs, Government relations, policy advocacy, or food systems policy. You are expected to have a strong understanding of UK political structures and policy-making dynamics, excellent analytical written and presentation skills, and an ability to simplify complex research into persuasive policy messages. You must be a confident problem-solver, with a solutions-focused attitude and a collaborative spirit.
BENEFITS
- Holiday entitlement equal to 33 days per year (including standard public holidays).
- Personalised Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): an Animal Equality-funded benefit that offers employees confidential counselling and advice on a wide range of work and personal issues. The programme offers several services, such as a 24/7 confidential helpline and expert Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
- Flexible hours, with the option to start between 8am-10am and finish between 4pm-6pm.
- Able Futures Support: The service is a nine month, practical and confidential support service for employees whose circumstances or mental health may impact their wellbeing or work. Employees can work with a mental health professional to deepen their understanding of how their mental health may impact them and will build coping skills and resilience to thrive at work.
- Yearly stipend to access learning and development resources, to help employees further grow their personal and professional skills.
- A free vegan lunch every month at the Animal Equality monthly meetups.
APPLY NOW
To read the full job description and apply, please visit our careers page.
Closing date: 5.00pm on Friday 9th January 2026
The interview process comprises a multiple-stage interview and skills test. The appointment process will run throughout December and January, with Animal Equality UK making an offer to the successful candidate shortly after.
Animal Equality’s vision is a world in which all animals are respected and protected.

Hybrid working with regular travel to our London Bridge Office
What the job involves
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and it’s harming too many lives. At Prostate Cancer UK, one of our top priorities is funding research that leads to real change. It’s vital we do our best to make sure this research makes a meaningful difference to men’s lives, and that’s where you come in.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Senior Research Officer to help us deliver our funding schemes and patient and public involvement work. This role sits in the Research Funding Team and will provide us with support across our grant funding schemes, ensuring we are following best practise in research funding.
You’ll take responsibility for a small portfolio of active research grants, providing support and guidance to the researchers leading them. You’ll be a main point of contact for grant applicants, supporting them as they apply to us and will be responsible for running peer review. Using your understanding of research funding and administration, you’ll help make sure our funding schemes run smoothly and to time. You’ll work with colleagues to support patient and public involvement in research both in our review process and through our Patient Representative Network who help researchers make sure their work is focussed on the needs of men with prostate cancer.
What we want from you
We’re looking for a Senior Research Officer who is passionate about research and has a desire to develop knowledge of prostate cancer. You’ll hold a biomedical degree (or a degree in a related science subject), or with equivalent experience gained in research funding, administration or the wider research sector.
You’ll already have a good grasp of how grant funding works with demonstrable experience of research administration and peer review. Confidence in interpreting complex scientific information is important, as you’ll be using this knowledge to find the right people to peer review the grant applications that are submitted to our schemes. You’ll have experience of supporting scientific meetings, preferably research funding committees, and understand the importance of capturing accurate minutes to provide constructive feedback to applicants.
You're also an accurate record keeper with a keen eye for detail and excellent time management skills. You're assured and clear in your communication, both written and verbal, and you're able to respond to a wide range of inquiries from researchers while always adhering to data protection and confidentiality best practices. Experience of using Symplectic’s Grant Tracker or other grant management systems would be an advantage but is not essential.
We encourage applications from candidates who may not completely fit the job description as we are fully committed to help colleagues develop and progress in their role.
Why work with us?
Every man needs to know about the most common cancer in men – prostate cancer. It’s a real and present danger that takes over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends each year.
Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK. We have a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging lives. We invest millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.
Work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.
We've also signed Business in the Communities Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.
How and where we work
We are all expected to be in the office (SE1 2QN) 4 days a month (pro-rata for part time colleagues) to work with and alongside colleagues in our immediate team and beyond to build connections and strong working relationships. We value that face-to-face time for relationships, projects and decisions.
Next steps
More information on what we offer, as well as the role, can be found on our vacancies page. Please download our job profile document (job description) with our ‘How to apply’ section sharing the key points to refer to in your application and to apply.
Got a question? Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or any other questions – we’re here to help.
The closing date is Sunday 11th January 2026. Applications must be submitted by 23:45 UK time.
Interviews: By arrangement. Currently scheduled for the week of Monday 19th January 2026. We’re expecting the interviews for this role to be held online.
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.
We are recruiting our first Fundraising Manager, to help us grow AEC’s income, with a focus on trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new fundraising function, delivering effective fundraising activity that directly impacts the lives of young people in one of London’s most deprived boroughs.
In return for you bringing us your passion for our mission, we can offer:
- High visibility – you’ll see the impact of your work every week in the lives of the young people we support.
- A blank canvas – shape our fundraising strategy and pipeline from the start.
- Supportive leadership – work closely with a passionate Director and engaged trustees.
- Flexibility – hybrid working, adaptable hours and autonomy in managing your workload.
- Values-led culture – warm, collaborative, child-focused and community rooted.
- Strong story to tell – AEC has a 30+ year history, proven impact and inspiring outcomes.
Our story:
Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders (AEC) is a youth charity east London; we are one of the UK’s top competitive cheerleading programmes, operating out of our "Talent Central" gym in Newham. Founded in 1996, our mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential, regardless of their background, ability or economic circumstances.
We supplement our sport programmes with mentoring, educational activities and leadership training - everything we do is about helping young people to develop life skills, confidence and positive values (consistency; integrity; perseverance; persistence) to help them become the best that they can be.
At Talent Central, over 150 young people take part in our recreational and competitive activities each week. Our inclusive approach extends to our Special Education Needs (SEN) team, ensuring young people with disabilities can also participate and thrive. Alongside this, our schools’ outreach programme reaches more than 250 children weekly. Each year, we also welcome hundreds of athletes who train at our gym, including England’s National Cheerleading Team.
We provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork.
What you will be responsible for as our Fundraising Manager:
- Developing a clear fundraising framework and working with our trustees to shape our fundraising strategy
- Researching and securing funding from trusts, foundations, corporate partners and relevant networks
- Writing strong, persuasive funding applications and engaging impact reports
- Building and stewarding long-term relationships with funders, potential partners, businesses and networks, and exploring opportunities for collaboration
- Exploring new income streams to help deliver our mission, including digital fundraising and community giving
- Tracking engagement using a CRM system
- Helping to ensure our organisational policies are appropriate for funders' compliance
- Reporting on progress to the Director and trustees, ensuring transparency and good governance.
This role combines strategic development (30%) and hands-on delivery (70%) - ideal for a proactive fundraiser who enjoys both planning and doing.
This job is for you if you:
- are a proactive, self-starter and are motivated by delivering results
- are highly organised, with strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills
- thrive in a varied role and have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- enjoy meeting people - you are confident with networking, public speaking, and relationship-building
- have excellent bid writing and reporting skills, and a proven track record of securing income across multiple streams (grants, partnerships, events)
- are values-driven, with a passion for youth development
- enjoy flexible hours and hybrid working.
Good to know:
- You will report to: The Director of AEC and the Board of Trustees
- Location: Hybrid; ability to work from home, with occasional meetings at our gym in Newham, London and attendance at donor meetings/networking events, etc
- Hours: Part-time - 2 or 3 days per week (to be agreed with the successful candidate)
- Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum (full time equivalent salary)
- Annual leave: 28 days per annum FTE (will be pro-rated based on agreed work days)
- Pension: Defined contribution scheme, with employer matching available
Criminal record check: Please note that as an organisation working with young people, we have specific safeguarding responsibilities and it is our policy to conduct background checks on all our employees. You will be asked to complete a criminal record disclosure.
How to apply: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV, tell us why you'd love to help us deliver our mission and answer a few short screening questions.
Closing date: Please make sure we receive your application by 1700hrs on Friday 23 January 2026.
Interviews: Interviews will be held online on Friday 23 January and Friday 30 January 2026.
Please note that as an organisation working with young people, we have specific safeguarding responsibilities and it is our policy to conduct background checks on all our employees. You will therefore be asked to complete a criminal record disclosure during the recruitment process.
Our Fairness and Equality Policy is available to download on our website.
We strive to develop Britain's best cheerleaders while transforming and inspiring children and young people to reach their full potential.



Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers, seek a General Manager.
We are seeking an exceptional administrator who has experience in, or is interested in further developing, a broad knowledge of company management.
The main purpose of the General Manager role is to support the Executive Director, with the day-to-day operational management and administration of DCD.
The role will ideally suit a personable individual who enjoys varied responsibilities, working collaboratively within a highly productive, agile and supportive team.
If you are excited by this opportunity, resonate with DCD’s values and are passionate about making a positive difference to dancers’ lives, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.
Contract: Part-time permanent role (24 hours per week)
Salary: £35,000 per annum, pro-rata
Start date: As early as possible
Location: This is a remote working role, with monthly in-person meetings which take place in London or Birmingham, with occasional additional in-person events and meetings as required by the charity.
Benefits: 23 days holiday pro-rata plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service), 5% Employers contribution to pension scheme, Health & Wellbeing package, Professional Development opportunities.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 9am, Thursday 22 January 2026
Further Info: Please download the Recruitment Pack from our website for full job spec and how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Saferworld is recruiting a Country Manager, Afghanistan to lead our Afghanistan programme and shape the strategic direction of our work in line with Saferworld’s 10-year organisational strategy.
The post-holder will provide strong leadership and be responsible for the strategic steer based in our organisational strategy and rooted in partners’ collective visions for their societies. They will lead on partnership relations, resourcing efforts, providing financial oversight, managing staff, and reporting to donors. They will represent Saferworld in interactions with relevant authorities, donors, and other stakeholders in Afghanistan, South Asia, and globally. The post-holder will engage in cross-organisational information-sharing and lesson-learning on policy and strategy issues, and develop written analysis linking experiences and learning in Afghanistan to global trends and platforms.
This programme operates in a complex context. In this environment, effective leadership requires that the post-holder centres partners voices and views in planning for and managing a range of expected and unexpected risks. The post-holder will contribute to organisation-wide strategic planning, processes and discussions to advance thematic and operational priorities, methodological approaches and organisational development. This will specifically require developing new ways of working to ensure impactful change, linking programmes across different contexts and regions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.





