Policy and research manager jobs

We are recruiting a fixed-term Policy Campaigns Manager to lead our campaigns function at ARUK. The Policy Campaigns Manager will report to the Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager and have line management responsibilities for the Policy Campaigns Officer.

In this role you will be joining a friendly and fast-moving Policy and Public Affairs team, during an exciting year for dementia research as we campaign on our core mission for a cure. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to oversee our active campaigns and identify opportunities to mobilise our supporters and drive influence and impact for and with people affected by dementia.

You will lead the development of the campaigns function for ARUK, building on existing initiatives, championing best practice in campaigns and building our reach and engagement. You will also be responsible for working across a range of functions including our policy, research, communications, digital, brand and volunteering teams.

This is a 12 month FTC or on return of the substantive postholder

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Deliver our live campaigns and marshal our campaigner base to advocate for change in dementia research and for people affected by dementia

· Work with colleagues across research, policy and public affairs teams to develop and deliver our campaigns that mobilise people affected by dementia and our supporters to influence decision makers and change policy and practice

· Work with the policy managers to ensure that our campaigns align with our strategic priorities and theories of change

· Work closely with public affairs colleagues to plan campaign actions that align with key political influencing moments e.g. Budget; Spending Review; King’s speech; General Elections

Develop and deliver our campaign communications to grow the reach, influence and impact of our campaigns

· Lead the development and growth of our campaigner network, building supporter journeys, and producing compelling and creative campaigner communications across email, social media and other channels

· Work with colleagues across CRM and digital to improve data management, delivering regular reporting on campaign actions and use this data to enhance the campaigner experience and empower more people to take action. ​

· Work with colleagues across the organisation to build campaigning expertise and experience with local ARUK supporters and improve our reach with MPs in their constituencies

 

Line Manage our Policy Campaigns Officer

· Oversee the work of the policy campaigns officer including setting objectives and providing support to a range of workstreams.

· Consider the learning and development needs of the policy campaigns officer and ensure that they are able to grow and develop in their role. 

Involve people affected by dementia in campaigns development and delivery

· Identify campaign champions and storytellers with lived experience who can advocate for change

· Provide training and ongoing support to people with lived experience to empower them to take part in and shape our campaigns

Research, insight and continuous improvement

· Provide expert advice across the charity on campaigning, taking an open, flexible and innovative approach

· Develop mechanisms to keep abreast of best practice in campaigns and any legal or regulatory issues specifically around mental capacity and consent, data protection and lobbying etc

· Continue a campaigning culture across the organisation by being an ambassador for the benefits of campaigning and working with colleagues to showcase the opportunities and impact of our work.

 

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Educated to A Level or equivalent 

· Experience of delivering successful national campaigns 

· Experience of building fruitful relationships with colleagues across organisations 

· Experience of developing impactful campaign strategies with clear policy rationale and creative tactics 

· Experience of writing compelling campaign communications 

· Experience of working with campaigners 

· Experience using CRM databases such as Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce and handling sensitive personal data 

· Line Management experience 

· Leadership experience at a management level 

· Experience of matrix working, across professional and operational boundaries 

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 £44,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 12th July 2026, with interviews being arranged 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, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. 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. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us at 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. 

About FIGO

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women die from causes that are preventable. FIGO, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, brings together expertise globally to address this. We are the world's largest alliance of professional societies of obstetricians and gynecologists, working across more than 142 countries to improve the health, rights and lives of women and girls globally. We work through obstetricians and gynecologists and their professional societies, supporting them to advance high-quality reproductive and maternal healthcare by strengthening health systems, influencing policy and raising the standards of practice in their countries. At global level, we harness clinical knowledge to produce global evidence and standards on women’s health. 

The role

This role is within the Programmes and Partnerships team, which secures and manages funding from institutional funders. As a Programme Manager, you will lead day-to-day delivery and management of FIGO projects across the full project cycle. This will include the Advocating for Safe Abortion (ASA) programme, a multi-country initiative now in its seventh year, working with national professional societies of obstetricians and gynecologists across Francophone West Africa to drive change in policy, clinical practice and societal attitudes on abortion care. This is complex, multi-partner work in a politically sensitive area. It requires judgement, strong relationships, and the ability to hold both the detail and the bigger picture. We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience of managing institutionally funded projects in global health or international development, across the full project lifecycle.
• Experience managing advocacy-focused projects and working with a diverse range of partners across multiple countries.
• Strong skills in financial management, donor reporting and partner coordination.
• Experience developing and implementing monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks on projects.
• Fluency in both English and French (written and spoken) — essential for this role.
• Familiarity with sexual and reproductive health and rights, or experience working in West Africa, is a strong advantage.

This is a part-time role at 3 days per week, initially contracted until January 2029. FIGO's Programmes and Partnerships portfolio is growing, and we anticipate opportunities to extend or expand the role beyond that.

Salary: £45000-£49000 p.a DOE

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Reports to: Senior Insight Manager

Direct reports: There is potential for line management responsibility for an Insight Officer to support their development, oversee elements of their work, and help to ensure high standards of research quality and delivery.

Location: Harlow, Essex. Easily commutable from London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale Station. We offer a free minibus service to/from Harlow Town Train Station as well as free parking and EV charging on site.

Extra Information: Open to conversation on hybrid, flexible and compressed working arrangements. The team works a minimum of two days a week from the office.

About the role:

At the Motability Foundation we fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

This role will support the Senior Insight Manager in delivering policy research and insight as part of the new insight function. This role sits at the intersection of research and policy, ensuring that evidence is not only generated, but interpreted and mobilised effectively to inform forward-looking organisational positioning.

What you will be doing:

As Policy Research Manager, you’ll play a central role in building and mobilising the evidence needed to influence policy and public debate on mobility, disability and welfare reform. Working closely with colleagues across Insight, Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll help to ensure that the Foundation has a robust, timely and compelling evidence base to support advocacy, engagement with decision-makers, and external partnerships.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing clear and persuasive evidence narratives that demonstrate the social value and impact of the Foundation’s work, drawing on research, evaluation findings and wider policy evidence
• Scoping, developing and oversight of rapid evidence reviews and insight summaries to inform policy positions, responses to consultations and support external engagement
• Delivering forward-looking policy analyses using futures and foresight approaches (including horizon scanning and trend synthesis), assessing potential implications for disabled people and organisational positioning.
• Acting as the lead for policy-relevant research on welfare reform and related priority areas, synthesising internal and external evidence to inform organisational responses
• Supporting coordination with Motability Operations on shared policy and research priorities
• Supporting relationships with external partners including Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), think tanks and public research bodies, including representing the Foundation to contribute an evidence-informed perspective
• Supporting dissemination and engagement activity, including roundtables, briefings, thought pieces and events that help shape debate and explore innovative policy solutions
• Working collaboratively across the organisation to move our evidence and insight from reactive to proactive, strengthening our influence over time

Your experience:

You’re curious, motivated and motivated by public impact. You enjoy turning complex evidence into clear messages that resonate with different audiences, and you’re keen to see research used to influence real-world decisions. You understand what makes for good enough evidence to influence policy making.

You’re comfortable working across organisational boundaries and with external partners, and you bring energy, judgement and confidence to conversations about policy, evidence and social value.

You’re likely to thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy synthesising research and data into compelling, accessible insight
• Are motivated by social purpose and improving outcomes for disabled people
• Have a strong interest in public policy
• Have a strong understanding of how evidence can be used to influence decision-making
• Are proactive, organised and able to respond quickly to emerging issues
• Are confident representing an organisation externally and contributing to policy discussions
• Like working collaboratively and building trusted relationships across teams and sectors

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Requirements

We recognise that candidates may come from a range of backgrounds. We’re particularly interested in people with strong potential who are keen to develop their skills in a purpose-driven environment.

Must haves:

• Experience conducting or coordinating research, evidence reviews or analysis in a policy, public affairs, research or related setting
• Familiarity with government policy-making processes, consultations and/or parliamentary engagement
• Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise written outputs
• Understanding of how research and evidence can be packaged and used effectively to inform or influence public policy
• Experience working with or alongside external organisations such as think tanks, charities, DPOs, academic or public research bodies
• Strong written communication skills and confidence contributing to external briefings, reports or events
• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in a social science, public policy or related discipline, or equivalent work experience

Nice to haves:

• Experience working on disability, welfare, transport or social policy issues
• Experience supporting advocacy or public affairs activity using evidence
• Experience designing or managing rapid evidence reviews or insight products
• A recognised professional research qualification such as the MRS Advanced Certificate, or equivalent professional research training.

Benefits

Who are we?

We are building a future where all disabled people have the transport options to make the journeys they choose.

We fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

Why choose us?

We want working for the Motability Foundation to be the best career move you’ve ever made. When you join the Motability Foundation you will join a group of people who are supportive, innovative and motivated to improve the lives of our beneficiaries.

We value everyone’s unique qualities and celebrate having a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. This is embedded into our values, Collaborative, Respectful and Evolving.

We bring our people together through our People Forum, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Social Squad and our Wellbeing Champions and our employee Spotlight Awards help us recognise the excellence and dedication of our staff.

We are proud to be recognised as Disability Confident Leader, have attained Platinum Level Award for Investors in People and are members of the Business Disability Forum.

A career with Motability Foundation can offer you so much more than earning potential, we pride ourselves in offering some fantastic benefits. Some of these include:

• 26 days annual leave, plus the option to buy/ sell up to five days.
• One wellbeing day for extra flexibility.
• Pension scheme - Up to 20%, including a 10% non-contributory contribution and matched contributions up to 5%.
• Life Assurance of four times your salary.
• Private healthcare through BUPA for you and your family, along with a Medicash Health Plan.
• Employee assistance programme: GP appointments, eye tests, flu vaccinations, sick pay and free gym and yoga sessions.
• Enhanced Parental Leave, including Adoption Pay.
• Free parking, EV charge points and a minibus service to/from the town centre and train station.
• Fresh fruit, breakfast snacks, and a Dress for Your Day dress code.
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, and we aim to be an employer of choice for candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we have committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to perform their best when interviewing and when working with us, so if you require any reasonable adjustments that would make you more comfortable, please let us know so that we can do our best to support you.

To help us create an inclusive workplace we are committed to offering to interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances, we may need to limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. re

This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.

The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
• Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis  translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
• Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
• Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence  including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
• Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
• Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
• Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network

About The Difference

• Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.

About You

Essential

• Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
• Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
• Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
• Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
• Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
• Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired

• Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
• Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
• Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
• Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
• Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.

Research Manager 

£38,709pa + Excellent benefits 

Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working (minimum 40% in person collaboration per month) 

About the role 

We’re excited to be recruiting a Research Manager to join WWF-UK. 

In this role, you’ll lead the delivery of high-quality qualitative and quantitative research that helps us better understand supporter attitudes, motivations, behaviours and barriers. You’ll turn evidence into clear, actionable insight that supports stronger decision-making across WWF-UK. 

You’ll manage a range of research activity, including brand tracking, supporter surveys, audience research, segmentation, benchmarking studies, CSAT surveys and industry trend analysis. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Brand, Digital, Communications, Campaigns and Fundraising to embed evidence-based thinking into planning, campaign development, supporter engagement and evaluation. 

You’ll also manage relationships with research agencies, ensuring work is well-briefed, delivered to a high standard and provides value for money. Alongside this, you’ll help strengthen how research is commissioned, governed, shared and reused across WWF-UK, including supporting ethical practice, GDPR compliance, commissioning guidance and the development of a central research repository. 

Skills and experience 

You’ll bring the skills and experience needed to succeed in this role, including: 

Essential 

• Proven experience delivering qualitative and quantitative research projects across the full research lifecycle 

• Strong research expertise, including survey design, sampling, data interpretation and behavioural insight 

• Experience managing research agencies, including briefing, quality checking, managing deliverables and maintaining strong working relationships 

• Ability to translate research questions into clear briefs and apply the right methodology to generate actionable insight 

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret findings and summarise them into clear strategic implications 

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex insight clearly through narrative, visuals and recommendations 

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple research projects and priorities 

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and influence decision-making without line authority 

• Understanding of research governance, ethical practice and GDPR as it relates to research 

• High level of digital and data literacy 

• A clear commitment to WWF-UK’s mission, values and ethical standards 

Desirable 

• Experience with brand tracking, audience surveys, segmentation models, benchmarking studies, CSAT surveys and industry trend analysis 

• Experience supporting decision-making in marketing, communications, campaigns, fundraising or supporter engagement settings 

• Experience developing or applying audience frameworks, segmentation or insight tools in planning contexts 

• Experience developing research processes, commissioning guidance or central insight repositories 

• Experience using research or analysis tools, such as SPSS or analytics platforms 

• Experience working in a charity, purpose-led or complex stakeholder environment 

• Qualification in research, marketing, behavioural science, social science or a related discipline 

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 pro-rated, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays 

• Flexible working options, to support your work life balance 

• 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 

19/07/2026 

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. 

The Youth Endowment Fund

Senior Research Manager (SRM)- Youth Justice

Reports to: Head of Guidance and Policy 

Salary: £54,320 

Contract: 13-month maternity cover (fixed term contract) 

Location: Central London, hybrid* (see p.6) 

Closing date for applications: 9pm Monday 6th July 

  Interview dates: 22nd and 23rd July

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice. 

Violence continues to shape the lives of too many teenage children. In the past year, nearly one in five said they had been a victim, one in eight admitted to carrying out violence themselves, and half told us they had witnessed violence being committed against someone else. This violence takes many forms— from physical and sexual assault to robbery and threats with weapons. And the consequences are often severe. Nearly three in ten victims, equivalent to 5% of all teenage children in England and Wales, needed medical treatment from a doctor or a hospital. 

At the Youth Endowment Fund, we work to prevent this violence. To do this, we aim to build the evidence base on what works, and then use this to change policy and practice.

In the first instance, this means producing strong, relevant evidence through research, data analysis and insights into young people’s lives. But evidence on its own isn’t enough. We must use this evidence to promote real change in day-to-day practice and ambitious system reform to better protect children.

About the role  

This role is a hugely exciting opportunity to change practice and policy in the Youth Justice sector. Using the vast body of evidence YEF has compiled (including four new research projects that are currently underway), the Senior Research Manager (SRM) for Youth Justice will spend the year writing two reports: 

1. A Practice Guidance Report (publishing in May 2027). 
2. A System Guidance Report (publishing in September 2027). 

Practice Guidance Report 

The Practice Guidance Report will provide 5-8 evidence-based recommendations on how individual Youth Justice Services can prevent children’s involvement in violence. It will be similar in style and approach to previous YEF Practice Guidance in other sectors (such as the education practice guidance, and youth sector practice guidance report). It will likely recommend a range of evidence-based strategies including:

• The importance of commissioning evidence-based interventions (detailed in the YEF Toolkit). 

• How to meet the health needs of children in the Youth Justice System. 

• How to respond to serious violence and weapons carrying. 

• How to support the sentencing process. 

• How to support children in and after custody.

• How to ensure effective diversion takes place. 

The SRM for Youth Justice will lead the development and writing of these recommendations.

System Guidance Report 

Targeted at policy makers and system leaders (including national government and the inspectorate) this guidance report will make 5-8 policy recommendations on how the Youth Justice sector can be reformed to better protect children from involvement in violence. While the practice guidance will focus on day-to-day changes that Youth Justice services can make, the system guidance will focus on how the system itself should be changed to make it easier for Youth Justice services to do ‘what works’. It will be similar in style to the education system guidance. It will likely recommend a range of evidence-based reforms, including: 

• How to use funding, training and inspection to improve the provision of evidence-based interventions in the Youth Justice System.

• How to ensure that other agencies and sectors (such as health and education) effectively collaborate with Youth Justice Services. 

• How to improve responses to the most vulnerable children and young people, and how to improve sentencing, custody and resettlement.

The SRM for Youth Justice will also lead the development and writing of these recommendations. 

Both guidance reports will include as a priority recommendations that will reduce the racial disproportionality currently evident in the Youth Justice System, and you will work closely with a Race Equity Advisor who will play a vital role as a critical friend.

You will also be supported by a brilliant internal YEF Youth Justice Change Team (former Youth Justice practitioners who work within YEF to change practice and policy across the sector), in addition to external expert input from the leading sector experts. This will include liaising closely with the Ministry of Justice in producing both reports. You will also be able to draw from the practice and system guidance reports that YEF has already produced on diversion.

This role is a unique opportunity to change the Youth Justice System and YEF will invest significant resource in making the recommendations that you write happen. For instance, we published our Education System Guidance Report in May 2025. Three of the eight recommendations included in it have already been enacted. We intend to push for practice and system change at pace and will use the work you produce to do so.

The Senior Research Manager will be part of YEF’s Research team. The Research team is at the heart of our efforts to learn what works and put it into practice. We do this by developing the YEF’s funding strategy and creating free, highly accessible research summaries and actionable recommendations for policy makers, commissioners and practitioners. We’re a high-performing team which values intellectual rigour and getting to the truth, compassion for children, ambition about what we can achieve and humility about what we know. We love to discuss the latest developments in research methods, but we’re not just interested in research for its own sake. We want research to lead to actual changes in outcomes for children. 

Key responsibilities 

You’ll... 

• Write a practice guidance report for the Youth Justice Sector. This will use the best available evidence (including a range of research that YEF has funded, commissioned, and synthesised) to provide evidence-based recommendations to Youth Justice Services on how to prevent children’s involvement in violence. You will work closely with the internal YEF Youth Justice Change Team, an external expert panel and the Ministry of Justice to produce high quality guidance.

• Write a system guidance report for the Youth Justice Sector. This will use the best available evidence (including a range of research that YEF has funded, commissioned, and synthesised) to provide evidence-based recommendations to Youth Justice policy makers and system leaders on how the sector can best protect children from involvement in violence.You will work closely with the internal YEF Youth Justice Change Team, an external expert panel and the Ministry of Justice to produce high quality guidance.

• Become the YEF’s expert on Youth Justice. You’ll make sure we understand the key issues, stay on top of the latest research and are connected to the right people. 

• Read, comment on, and support the publication of four research projects focused on the Youth Justice system concluding in late 2026.These projects, which are currently underway, are reviews of current practice that focus on: Youth Justice responses to serious violence, VAWG and weapons; a review of how community sentences and court orders are used for children involved in violence; a review of custody aftercare and resettlement programmes for children and young adults; and a review of whether the youth justice system is currently meeting the health needs of children within it. Alongside YEF’s existing research (particularly the YEF Toolkit), these reviews will support the development of guidance.

• Develop great relationships with experts and represent YEF in external meetings and events. You’ll promote evidence-based policy and practice by speaking at conferences and events. 

• Work with our Change Team to produce resources and accessible summaries for Youth Justice colleagues on the evidence. This will also include supporting the Youth Justice change team in producing a self-assessment tool based on your practice guidance report.

About you 

You are this sort of person: 

• You want to play a significant part in reducing the level of violence affecting children and young people. You care about having an impact. This might mean you’ve worked directly with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, for organisations that fund or deliver relevant programmes, or have conducted research on this topic. 

• You share our belief that an evidence-based approach is our best hope of 

preventing violence. You’re fascinated by research, but you’re not just interested in research for its own sake. You want to achieve actual changes in outcomes for children. 

• You know a lot about Youth Justice. You know the key ideas and debates, recent policy developments and key people. You’re comfortable talking about Youth Justice with experts. There are many ways to acquire this knowledge. You might have worked in Youth Justice, in associated organisations, or learnt about it during a degree. 

• You take ownership of your work. You demonstrate ownership and agency and can take the leading role on a project. You can take broad objectives and deliver a concrete workplan to make them happen.

• You’re a confident reader of research and have strong critical appraisal skills. You know when research can be trusted and when it can’t and can confidently articulate your views on the strength of research. You might have gained this expertise through your academic studies, research or professional experience. 

• You have at least three years’ experience working in a role that required you to think about research. This could include a range of roles in policy, academia, funding or practice. 

• You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex research findings into plain writing that everyone can understand. 

• You have excellent project and time management skills. You can work independently, quickly and to a high standard.

• You are good with people. You’re comfortable working with a wide range of people, including senior academics and other research experts, children and their families, practitioners and policy makers. You’re able to provide constructive challenge when required. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You support your colleagues to produce excellent work. 

• You learn fast but remain humble. You like learning. You’re very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know and that you can always learn more. 

• You’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. You believe and act in a way that celebrates and encourages a range of experiences, views and values.

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants 

who have lived experience of youth violence. 

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or socio-economic background. 

Additional benefits include 

£1,000 professional development budget annually, 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, four half days for volunteering activities. 

Hybrid working details 

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.

To apply: 

To apply, please send a CV, cover letter and the monitoring form via our application page by 9:00 pm Monday 6th July.  

When applying for this role, ensure you complete our Monitoring Form and attach your CV. Additionally, please submit a supporting statement that answers the following questions. Your response to each question should be no longer than 400 words: 

1. Why do you want the job? 
2. Can you give an example where you’ve had to summarise evidence on a specific topic that was highly contested? How did you manage the process and communicate the result? 
3. Please provide an overview of your experience in relation to Youth Justice and explain why this experience makes you a good fit for this role. 

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage. 

Interview process 

Interviews will take place on 22nd and 23rd of July.  

There will be a task to prepare for in advance. 

Personal data 

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area. 

Caritas Social Action Network

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave)

Location: office in London, with mostly working from home, regular travel in England and Wales, and rare travel overseas.

Contract: full-time, to cover a team member’s maternity leave

Salary: £30,00

Closing date: Monday 13 July at 12 noon

Interview date: Thursday 16 July in person, in London

CSAN is the official agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice affecting people who live in England and Wales. We’re facing a steep rise in poverty and significant pressures on social, economic and church resources. Currently, the Church is called to raise a prophetic voice against poverty and the rhetoric of division and work for the building of a more just society.

Over the last 20 years, CSAN has built up a network of 50 diocesan and direct service charities with a combined annual spend on social mission estimated at £400m, excluding the work of schools and religious congregations. Our members build up local community life in diverse ways, and many of them support individuals in difficulty, including with housing, prison and detention, social isolation, ill-health, violence, disability, employment, care, therapeutic and welfare support.

The key responsibilities of the post are:

1. To scan the social policy environment to capture developments in legislation, consultation papers and Bills relevant to the Caritas network for the purpose of comprehensive tracking and briefing.

2. To deliver an effective programme of Catholic advocacy and political campaigns that contributes to the common good, with particular attention to the priorities of the dignity of workers, child poverty, social care and end of life; supporting and connecting well with the team’s other activities, and where possible with the CSAN membership’s priorities,

3. To draft campaign and advocacy materials for the range of media channels used by CSAN and support the CEO in engaging with the press and approaches from campaigning organisations including contributing to CSAN’s social media networks.

4. To provide admin support and contribute to CSAN’s Alliances as required, especially the Advocacy Alliance and the Criminal Justice Alliance with information and education on policy and legislation.

5. To ensure that our advocacy is consistent with the Bishops’ understanding of the Church’s role in society and supports the priorities of the Bishops’ Conference, especially the Department for Social Justice.

6. To act as a conduit of information and communication between the Bishops’ Conference and the CSAN members, under the guidance of the CEO, assisting CBCEW where possible in gathering information and the lived experience of poverty.

7. To develop and contribute to practice materials for the network, especially in the areas of campaigning, advocacy, social policy and formation for mission.

8. To oversee monitoring of the Catholic press and relevant wider networks for relevant articles, developments and campaigns.

9. To support the general work of CSAN as required by the CEO, including leading in the development and organisation of the charity in specific areas subject to skills and experience.

The work of the small national team requires a high level of integrity and teamwork, respect for and capacity to navigate complex civil and church contexts at pace, and a stable commitment to personal formation and training. Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave) will bring a professional track record of relevant research and analysis, production of compelling communications, and diligent administration. A satisfactory basic DBS check and references are required.

CSAN is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with national agencies in over 160 countries, and among the most successful examples of organised Catholic social action in modern times.

Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working 
Salary: £29,000 – £34,000 depending on experience
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term contract – 12 months (maternity cover)

Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal.

Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.

Kidney disease affects one in ten people in the UK, yet it still doesn't get the attention it deserves. At Kidney Research UK we are determined to change that. In this role, we are looking for an experienced senior research communications officer to help us drive increased engagement with our research across all audiences.

The Role
·        Play a key role in bringing the research we fund and the partnerships we develop to life, telling our story in an accurate and engaging way and raising the profile of Kidney Research UK
·        Work with colleagues across the charity to develop, lead and deliver communications plans to support specific areas of our work, including partnerships with other medical charities and industry, and key strategic projects being led by Kidney Research UK
·        Build relationships with the researchers we fund to help create a sense of community, develop an in-depth knowledge about our research portfolio and encourage our research community to engage and work with us

What We're Looking For
·        Educated to degree level in life sciences
·        Experience in a communications role in a health, medical, patient or research-related organisation

If you're ready to help us grow and strengthen our scientific communications, we'd love to hear from you. Please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK:
Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.
At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.
Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.
Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.
Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

Closing date: Monday 6 July 2026. We may extend the closing date, however, please apply as soon as possible.
Preliminary telephone interviews will be held on 10 and 15 July 2026. In-person interviews will be held in Peterborough on 20 or 22 July 2026.
No agencies please.
You may have experience in the following: Research Communications Officer, Science Communications Officer, Health Communications Officer, Medical Communications Officer, Communications Manager, PR and Communications Officer, Research Engagement Officer, Science Writer, Health Writer, Charity Communications Officer, Content and Communications Officer, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.

REF-229 462

Location: Home based in or within easy reach of London, with the expectation to travel in and around the London area
Salary: £36,000 – £42,000 FTE depending on experience
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (minimum 30 hours considered)
Contract: Fixed term contract – 12 months (maternity cover)

Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal.

Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.
We want to prevent kidney disease from becoming a public health emergency and find better treatments for kidney patients sooner.
This is an exciting opportunity for a philanthropy manager who is based in or within easy reach of London. The role offers the chance to build meaningful relationships with supporters, partners and stakeholders across the capital, so regular travel within London will be an important part of the role.

The Role

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors to build long lasting and highly engaged relationships
• Work closely with the head of philanthropy and the major appeals manager to play a key role in growing income from major donors over the next 3–5 years
• Build a pipeline of new and existing donors and secure five and six-figure gifts
• Manage mid to high value prospects and donors, building personal relationships through understanding donor motivations
• Deliver tailored funding proposals and communications, and create a bespoke donor journey with the aim of increasing giving and connection to the cause

Working Arrangements

• Although our office is based in Peterborough, no regular office attendance is required
• Staff usually come together in Peterborough twice a year for staff conferences
• Travel within London is considered part of the role's normal working arrangements and will not be reimbursed
• Travel to other locations outside London and Peterborough will be reimbursed in line with the expenses policy

If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK:
Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever

At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.

Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.

Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.

Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

Closing date: Tuesday 14 July 2026. We may extend the closing date, however, please apply as soon as possible.

Telephone interviews will be held on Friday 17 July and in-person interviews will be held virtually on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

No agencies please.

You may have experience in the following: Philanthropy Manager, Major Gifts Manager, Major Donor Manager, Fundraising Manager, Individual Giving Manager, Relationship Fundraising Manager, Corporate Partnerships Manager, High Value Fundraising Manager, Donor Development Manager, Senior Fundraising Officer, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.

 

 

As Principal Policy Adviser (interim), you will collaborate with Uplift’s team and key partners to drive the design, development and delivery of work that generates influential policy and ideas addressing the challenges of a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK.

From proactively setting the agenda, to responding to policy announcements, to ensuring our team has a sound understanding of the future of the North Sea, this is a diverse role at the heart of our work pushing for a rapid and fair transition.

The successful candidate will have exceptional policy skills, an ability to think politically, and a keen interest in climate and energy-related policy and campaigns. A strong commitment to Uplift's mission and core values is also required.

This role is a 9 month long contract to cover a secondment within the team.

 

Core responsibilities will include:

• Policy: Lead Uplift’s policy work, spearhead the development and testing of innovative policy initiatives, and identify and work through knowledge gaps relevant to Uplift’s strategy.

• Coordination and Strategy Delivery: Work with teams to set and execute policy priorities, provide in-house policy support, contribute to the management of the Research Policy and LEgal Tea, and develop systems for quality assurance and knowledge management.

• Advocacy and Network Support: Build capacity amongst other Uplift teams to understand the intersection of their work with policy topics and represent Uplift to policymakers and partner organisations.

Please see the job description for the full core responsibilities.

About You

Our ideal candidate will have: 

• Experience in a similar or related role.

• Strong knowledge of UK climate and energy policy (direct expertise in just transition, fossil fuels or renewables would be a significant advantage).

• Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information quickly and accurately and a demonstrable ability to provide compelling and novel analysis.

• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with strong attention to detail and political nous.

• Motivation, initiative, exceptionally high standards, a collaborative approach, and associated qualities are needed to work in a dynamic organisation with an ambitious agenda.

• A strong commitment to Uplift’s mission and core values of equity and climate justice.

Policy and Research Coordinator 
Location: Hybrid (typically 3 days in the office), central Manchester with occasional travel 
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 
Closing date: 10am, Monday 13th July 2026 

About Belong 

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is a national organisation working to strengthen social cohesion and integration across the UK. Through research, policy development and place-based programmes, we bring people together, support communities and champion approaches that help create a more connected and less divided society. 

Belong is entering an exciting new phase of growth. With a strengthened national profile, an ambitious strategy and a passionate team, we are looking for talented people who share our commitment to creating positive change. 

About the Role 

As Policy and Research Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of Belong’s policy and research work. Working closely with the Policy and Research Lead and wider team, you will help ensure projects are well organised, rigorous and impactful. 

This varied role combines research coordination, stakeholder engagement and project support. You will contribute to research and policy projects from planning through to dissemination, supporting activities such as literature reviews, data collection and analysis, stakeholder engagement, report writing and project administration. You will also help coordinate meetings, workshops and consultation activities, ensuring research findings and insights are effectively shared with a range of audiences. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with information and evidence, managing multiple priorities, and contributing to work that informs policy, practice and positive social change. 

About You 

You will be an organised and proactive individual with experience supporting research projects, policy development or related activities, ideally within a charity, public policy or research environment. 

You will have strong information-handling skills, with the ability to analyse, summarise and synthesise complex material clearly and accurately. Alongside excellent written and verbal communication skills, you will be comfortable building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and managing competing priorities effectively. 

Most importantly, you will be intellectually curious, collaborative and committed to Belong’s mission and values. You will bring a solutions-focused approach, a strong attention to detail, and a genuine desire to learn and develop within a policy and research environment. 

Benefits  

• 30 days’ annual leave per year 

• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office) 

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our recruitment partner's site, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. As part of your application, you will be asked to answer three questions. 

1. Please tell us about a piece of work that you are particularly proud of and the role you played in its success. (max. 300 words) 

1. Please describe a situation where you had to work with a range of different people to achieve a shared outcome. (max. 300 words) 

1. Belong works with people, communities and organisations from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. What values or principles guide how you work with others? (max. 300 words) 

Deadline:  10am on Monday 13th July 2026 
Interviews: 21st or 22nd July 2026 (in-person in Manchester)

For questions or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact Atkinson HR Consulting.

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion  

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.

We are looking for two new Senior Officers to join our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team. One role will focus on Policy, whilst the other on Campaigning, however there will be significant overlap between the two. Both will play a leading role in delivering Transport for All’s policy, public affairs and influencing work.

The postholders will be responsible for undertaking policy analysis, leading consultation responses, developing evidence-based recommendations, coordinating strategic stakeholder engagement, and representing Transport for All externally.

If you always wanted to appear before a Select Committee in Parliament, love a consultation, or read transport strategies for fun, we want to hear from you.

These roles are open to disabled applicants only.

Please note – These roles have a genuine occupational requirement of lived experience of disability. This explicitly includes those of us who are Deaf, neurodivergent, chronically ill, have a mental health condition, have age-related impairments, and people with both visible and non-visible impairments. If you do not meet this requirement, and state this in your application, you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Please download our candidate pack, including a detailed job description and information on how to apply.

Salary: £35,159 to £36,935 (starting salary range)

Working pattern: Full-time, Permanent (35 hours per week)

Pension: USS

Annual leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays, 3 well-being days, and a Christmas office closure

Location: Hybrid, flexible working model with an office located in central London. Occasional UK-wide travel for GHE and relevant events.

Reports to: Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International)

Purpose

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

 

Key Responsibilities 

Policy Analysis & Communication

1. Horizon Scanning: Monitor government departments (e.g., DSIT, DfE), funding and regulatory bodies (UKRI, Research England, OfS, Innovate UK), and other stakeholders for policy updates, funding calls, and consultation launches in relation to Research and Innovation policy.

2. Briefings: Produce concise policy briefings, data summaries, and position papers for GuildHE members and leadership on key Research and Innovation issues (e.g., REF, knowledge exchange, KEF, commercialisation, research culture, open research). Develop high-quality external reports, consultations, blogs and other materials articulating member challenges and opportunities.

3. Consultation Drafts: Assist senior policy colleagues in gathering evidence, analysing member feedback, collaborating with sector stakeholders, and drafting compelling arguments that articulate the unique perspectives of GuildHE institutions.

4. Share Best Practice: Identify case studies across the GHE membership to share best practice internally and externally and drive national conversations about new ways of working and operating in the sector.

5. Policy issues: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and institutional research and innovation policies indicated by the Head of Research Policy or Policy Manager (Research, Innovation, International).

Member Support & Consortium Coordination

1. Member Engagement: Maintain regular, positive communication with research and innovation leads across member institutions, fostering a collaborative network.  Support relevant GuildHE member networks, including the Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place network, promoting communication, collaboration, and best practice exchange to inform evidence-based policy development.

2. Member development: Provide support for timely implementation of good practice guidelines and associated resources, within agreed budgets. This includes assisting with members' business development initiatives, such as Research Degree Awarding Powers.

3. Event Delivery: Develop and deliver content for events including the GuildHE Research Consortium meetings, the Research and Knowledge Exchange Symposium, PGR Doctoral Festival, the PGR Network for global majority students and sandpits/match events, workshops and roundtables. 

4. Shared Services: Collaborate with other GHE teammates to maintain and deliver our shared services (i.e. research outputs repository, shared postgraduate online training, research impact tracking and researcher development tools) and explore new services in response to members’ needs

5. PGR Students: Develop and deliver initiatives for postgraduate students and early career researchers (e.g., our PGR Support Programme and associated student networks), working closely with the Policy Manager (Student Experience) to ensure postgraduate students are reflected in broader student support policies.

The postholder will also be expected to:

1. Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.

2. To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.

3. Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.

4. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions and sector agencies, including senior leaders, academics, and policy staff.

5. Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.

6. Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.

7. Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects and deputise for the Head of Research Policy or the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation and International) as appropriate.

8. Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.

 

Person Specification

Core Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships

• Clear, concise writing skills for drafting policy responses, reports, and emails to senior stakeholders with excellent attention to detail.

• Problem-solving, Influencing and advocacy skills 

• Ability to digest complex, lengthy policy documents and extract key themes relevant to GuildHE members.

• Confident digital skills and highly proficient user of computer packages including MS Office and G Suite

• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, adhere deadlines, and maintain project momentum. This includes the capacity to monitor progress, identify and mitigate potential risks, and proactively address challenges.

• Experience in using data and evidence to enhance and impact assess activities. 

• Facilitation and convening skills would be advantageous 

Core Attributes

• Ability to build professional relationships quickly and sustainably with members and a wide range of stakeholders

• Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail

• A collaborative, communicative and flexible team player who is also comfortable working independently.

• An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.

• An understanding of, or a keen interest in, the UK higher education sector, research funding landscape, or public policy.

• To be willing to travel across the UK for meetings with members, stakeholders and events and to work flexibly, when and where necessary.

Ideal Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of higher education policy, working in research and innovation and/or supporting a research environment. 

• Experience of developing policy positions and responses

• Experience in synthesising complex data and/or ideas

• Experience in supporting training and development

Job Advert

GuildHE is a formal representative body, representing diversity in the higher education sector and the widest variety of institution types across the UK.  We are undergoing an exciting period of transformation, evolving our policy approach and member-focused services to significantly increase our impact within the sector and ensure we’re providing timely, proactive support to our members as they address emerging 21st century challenges.  

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

If you think you can bring bold, creative and proactive energy to our small-and-mighty team to help take us to the next level, we want to hear from you!

Application closing date: Monday 12th July

Interviews: Tuesday 21st July 

Please submit your cv and a cover letter via the jobs portal

Curious about the role? Please contact Dana Gamble, Policy Manager for more information

 

Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Location: Remote, with some travel to Cannock, London and other locations as required
Reports to: Charity Director
Team: Charitable Service

At Newlife, we’re entering an exciting new chapter - we’re on a mission to empower disabled children and their families, to live life to the fullest and champion the joy of childhood.

So we’re investing in our people and building the team we need to deliver our new strategic ambitions. 

Newlife is looking for an experienced and values-driven Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our policy, influencing, public affairs and campaigning work. This is an exciting opportunity to shape national conversations and drive meaningful change for disabled children and their families across education, health and social care systems.

In this role, you will ensure that lived experience is at the heart of Newlife’s influencing work, developing evidence-based policy positions, building strategic relationships and delivering campaigns that challenge barriers, raise awareness and improve outcomes for families.

About the role

As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Newlife’s policy, campaigns, public affairs and lived experience activity. You will identify opportunities to influence policy and practice, develop compelling cases for change, and represent Newlife with decision-makers, sector partners and external stakeholders.

You will also oversee the delivery and development of the APPG for Access to Disability Equipment, working with parliamentarians, government departments and sector organisations to increase awareness of the issues affecting disabled children and families.

Key responsibilities

o Lead the development and delivery of Newlife’s policy, public affairs, campaigning and influencing strategy.

o Develop evidence-based policy positions informed by research, service insight and lived experience.

o Ensure the voices of disabled children and families shape Newlife’s policy, campaigning and influencing work.

o Oversee the APPG for Access to Disability Equipment and build relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers and sector partners.

o Lead campaigns and influencing activity that raise awareness, challenge barriers and support policy change.

o Build strategic partnerships and coalitions to strengthen Newlife’s influence and collective impact.

o Represent Newlife externally at parliamentary events, conferences, roundtables and sector forums.

o Provide effective leadership for policy, campaigns and lived experience activity, including line management of the Lived Experience Coordinator.

o Contribute to organisational strategy, planning and growth as a member of the Charity Leadership Team.

About you

We are looking for someone with significant experience in policy development, public affairs, campaigning or influencing, ideally within the charity, public or not-for-profit sector. You will bring strong knowledge of policy and influencing processes, excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

You will be confident developing policy briefings, consultation responses, reports and position papers, and able to use evidence, research and lived experience to influence change. You will also be a collaborative leader with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity and the rights of disabled children and their families.

Essential experience and skills

o Experience of developing and delivering policy and influencing strategies.

o Experience of building relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, government departments or national stakeholders.

o Experience of managing campaigns, consultations or public affairs activity.

o Experience of partnership and coalition working.

o Experience of using research, evidence and lived experience to influence change.

o Strong understanding of education, health, social care and disability policy.

o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

o Strong leadership, people management, strategic thinking and analytical skills.

o Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.

For the full person specification, please refer to the attachement below 

Why join Newlife?

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in strengthening Newlife’s voice and influence, helping to create systemic change for disabled children and their families. You will work with passionate colleagues, families, professionals and partners to shape policy, improve practice and ensure lived experience drives meaningful action.

If you are a strategic, compassionate and influential leader who wants to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

In return, you will receive 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, a generous in-store discount, a cash health plan, discounts on restaurants, travel and insurance, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme through Retail Trust.

#Policy and Public Affairs Manager #Policy and Public Affairs #Policy Manager #Public Affairs Manager