Policy and research manager jobs in st neots, cambridgeshire

Please identify your notice period and salary expectation in your cover letter.

Note: Unfortunately we cannot support applications from international candidates at this time

As one of the largest federated charities in the UK, with arguably greater reach into the lives of families and educational settings than any other non-Government organisation, Parentkind is on a bold and urgent mission: to support, champion, and empower parents to be partners in their children’s education and wellbeing. To help deliver this, Parentkind's fundraising efforts helped grow Parentkind's income from £1.5m to £10m (including in-kind donations) between 2022 and 2024.

Although best known for our support of almost 24,000 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Councils, and Schools, helping them build strong school communities whilst they raise over £130 million each year to enhance children’s education, our work stretches far beyond the school gates. Parentkind is building a powerful movement that recognises parental engagement not as a nicety, but a necessity.

In recent years, families have faced a series of compounding challenges: the cost-of-living crisis, rising child poverty, and deepening educational inequality. These pressures have left many parents struggling to meet basic needs—let alone feel confident engaging in their child’s learning journey.  Parentkind has responded to this moment with compassion, agility and purpose, through a series of transformative campaigns, resources, and partnerships. Our recent transformational journey has seen Parentkind’s network grow by more than 70% of schools, and the income Parentkind has delivered both for itself and for its members by more than 550%. 

Our No Cold Child initiative, launched with FatFace, stepped in to address a stark statistic: over 150,000 children in the UK do not own a winter coat due to poverty. Through our trusted relationships with schools, we distributed 10,000 warm, high-quality coats worth £600,000 to the children who needed them most. Shortlisted for two Business Charity Awards, the campaign has been praised not just for providing warmth, but for restoring dignity, inclusion, and school readiness to thousands of children.

Our collaboration with Asda on Cashpot for Schools is another example of unlocking support at scale. This innovative community-led funding model allows shoppers to nominate and fund their local schools simply through everyday spending. In just the last year, this campaign has generated £5.78 million for schools—supporting everything from basic classroom supplies to vital extracurricular programmes and pupil wellbeing initiatives. Also shortlisted for a Business Charity Award, it is already a model for community-driven philanthropy.

Meanwhile, our All Dressed Up campaign—developed with World Book Day and Rubies Masquerade—confronted the often-overlooked issue of financial exclusion on key celebration days. More than 100,000 free dressing up costumes worth £1.34 million were delivered to children from low-income families. By enabling participation in events like World Book Day, we helped spark imagination, joy, and belonging for children who might otherwise feel left out—boosting self-esteem and supporting a positive connection to learning.

Alongside these national campaigns, Parentkind supports families year-round through a growing suite of programmes designed to inform, prepare and empower parents. Our Be School Ready programme offers crucial guidance and confidence to parents preparing their children for the leap into primary education. With a mix of practical advice, developmental tips, and reassurance, through the distribution of 135,000 copies of Be School Ready and an online campaign, it supports families at one of the most formative moments in their child’s life.

We also deliver a wide-ranging series of live expert webinars and parent-friendly resources, covering topics such as managing anxiety, supporting special educational needs, navigating school transitions, and building home-school partnerships. These resources—developed in consultation with experts and rooted in lived parent experience—equip families to feel informed and empowered, no matter what challenges arise.

This month, we launched our Parent-Friendly Schools Accreditation Programme, designed to formally recognise schools that go above and beyond in fostering positive, inclusive relationships with parents. The accreditation celebrates schools that actively listen to parent voices, make engagement easy and accessible, and embed family partnership in their culture. It is a practical and inspiring tool to drive long-term change in the sector and offers a roadmap for schools wanting to strengthen their community.

Our work is grounded in evidence. Every year, we conduct the UK’s largest parental engagement study: the National Parent Survey. In 2024, over five thousand parents participated, providing invaluable insight into what families think about the education system. The findings are fed directly into government consultations and have already influenced national debates on school funding, attendance, mental health support, SEND provision, and curriculum reform. We believe passionately that parents must not be the missing voice in education policy—and we work tirelessly to ensure their views shape the decisions that affect their children’s lives.

Today, through Parentkind’s federated network of more than 130,000 parent and teacher volunteers, our work impacts the lives of millions of parents, carers, teachers and children throughout the UK through our membership, programmes, advocacy and campaigns. But we know we can—and must—do more.

We’re looking for someone with passion, purpose, and creativity—someone who understands that a warm coat, a World Book Day costume, or a parent’s voice at the table can all be catalysts for lifelong change.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing Fundraising Team and play a leading role in shaping a brand-new trust fundraising programme from the ground up. We’re looking for someone with experience in securing income from trusts and foundations—someone who’s a confident communicator, both in writing and in person, and who brings a curious and strategic mindset to prospect research.

You’ll help craft compelling cases for support and develop a portfolio of proposals and reports that showcase the impact of our work—amplifying the voices of parents and schools and demonstrating how Parentkind is driving positive change. Strong attention to detail is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

If you believe, like we do, that when parents matter, children succeed, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in trust and statutory fundraising, securing five- and six-figure grants.
• Demonstrable success in developing compelling proposals and reports for funders.
• Strong relationship management skills with a track record of stewarding long-term partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey impact effectively.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of the education, family support, or community development sectors.

You’ll get:

• To join a fast-moving charity with an exciting future
• To build your own team, playing a key role in driving forward the charity’s strategy and shaping our fundraising activity
• Remote working full-time with a great online team culture
• 25 days holiday in addition to UK public holidays.

How to apply

A full candidate pack is attached on this listing. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your motivations for applying for the role and how you meet the Person Specification.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis via video conference.

Parentkind is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and we ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and equally.  We would be grateful if you would complete the equal opportunities monitoring questions when applying online to help us check that we are carrying out our policy of equal opportunities for all people.  The information will be kept confidential and will be separate from your application.  It will have no bearing on your application.

Parentkind is committed to meeting the needs of applicants with disabilities.  Please let us know if you require any adjustments to your application or interview process.

Play a vital role to ensure that the voices of lived experiences contribute effectively to the development of policy, research, and services in eating disorders.

We are recruiting maternity cover for a Co-production Officer role at Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity. You will work passionately to ensure that the voices of people with eating disorders and their carers (referred to in the team as experts by experience) contribute effectively to the development of research, policy, and services. This will include projects led by researchers, clinicians, or policymakers that we are supporting with co-production, and projects within Beat.

The role is based remotely and will require evening work for the facilitation of co-production groups and sessions.

Beat offers flexible working across four days/week, more details on the role and how to apply are available in the candidate pack.

The Healthwatch Service Manager will have significant knowledge of health and social care services and community engagement including working with people who use services. Exciting opportunity to manage the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire Service.Our aims and mission are to give voice to the public and engaging communities especially those who are least heard and the most vulnerable. You will also be committed to working collaboratively with communities, VCSE and statutory sector services.

The Service Manager will also be able to lead all the key functions of Healthwatch including:

· Providing an effective Information & Signposting service for the public.

• Priority Research Projects

• Gathering Public and Patient Experiences

• Proactively managing Community Engagement & Outreach work

• Meeting Enter & View requirements

• Promoting and supporting Volunteering

We are looking for someone who is committed to social justice and equalities and able to translate this into practice. We need a confident manager who is credible and can lead an effective work programme relevant to meeting the needs of local communities and informing change to policy and practice of health and social care services.

Service Manager: Healthwatch North Northamptonshire

Background

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire is one of more than 150 local Healthwatch formed in response to the Health and Social Care Act 2012.  Healthwatch represents the views and experiences of local people and help communities to exercise greater choice over the services they receive.

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire will champion the health and social care needs of our communities, acting as an independent local voice and ensuring that services meet the needs of our communities and remain high quality.

Our vision is to inspire positive change in North Northamptonshire’s health and social care service through effective community engagement and ensure people and communities have a strong voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided.

We hope to ensure that Healthwatch North Northants has a strong presence, with an effective, proactive and independent local voice.  We act as a ‘critical friend’ to the commissioners and providers of health and social care services to enable progressive and beneficial decisions to be made.

Job Purpose:

To lead and manage all aspects of the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire service in line with statutory duties, service specification, performance requirements and in line with the values and objectives of Support Northamptonshire.

Our aim is to raise awareness amongst commissioners, providers and other agencies about the importance of engaging with communities, and the expertise and value that individuals can bring to discussion and decision making on local and national issues.

We hope to carry out this work in North Northamptonshire through specific ways:

· By capturing community views through people’s experiences and by understanding and reporting on these experiences to health and social care services.

· By actively promoting community involvement in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of health and social services, giving people and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided within their locality.

· By undertaking community-led research in priority areas to examine the impact of health and social care services, its pathways and make any recommendations for change.

· Healthwatch can monitor and review how local services are planned and run (except for social care facilities for children and young people) and have the statutory power to ‘Enter and View’ premises delivering health and social care services. This enables authorised representatives of Healthwatch to observe the nature and quality of services, report on their findings and make recommendations so that local authorities and health services can exercise their duty to respond. 

· By providing Information & Signposting Service to help people understand the services available in their local area and to make informed choices about different health and social care services.

KEY TASKS:

To work closely with the Healthwatch NN Advisory Group and the Support Northamptonshire’s CEO to:

1. Fulfil Healthwatch NN’s statutory purpose, contractual requirements and its strategic and operational plans and objectives.

2. Contribute and challenge at a strategic level, influencing and shaping decisions made by commissioners and providers, in line with the vision and priorities of Healthwatch NN.

3. Implement a project management approach to the design and delivery of all workplan activity and deliver on respective programme areas including:

• Providing an effective Information & Signposting service for the public.

• Priority Research Projects

• Gathering Patient Experiences

• Proactively managing Community Engagement & Outreach work

• Meeting Enter & View requirements

• Promoting and supporting Volunteering

4. Coordinate all statutory functions including enter and view visits, information requests, escalations to Healthwatch England, and the coordination of intelligence gathering from a range of sources including the Information and Signposting function, and the NHS Complaints Advocacy service. ·

5. Work closely with the Care Quality Commission, Experts by Experience representatives, Social Service Quality Inspectors and any other stakeholders that perform a quality or inspection role to ensure coordination of activities and awareness of each other’s workplans. ·

6. Lead on all communications with Healthwatch England, the CQC and other national partners, ensuring the timely distribution of intelligence collated locally, and escalating matters of serious concerns.

7. To lead and undertake research and issue led investigations. in priority areas, provide quantitative and qualitative analysis on key data, ensuring projects and reports are achieved on time and to a high quality and that recommendations are reported and reviewed.

8. To develop a core team of community volunteers who can support and contribute to the work of Healthwatch NN and support them to be proactive and enthusiastic in fulfilling their roles.

9. To represent and promote Healthwatch NN with the NHS, Local Authority and Third Sector stakeholders and

10.  Deliver presentations and progress reports at key statutory bodies including the Health & Well Being Board, Health & Care Partnership and Overview and Scrutiny Committee as required.

11.  Act as the central point of contact for key stakeholders, commissioners, and service providers and sit on issue led boards and networks and attend such meetings when deemed it could add value to the work of Healthwatch.

12.  Ensure effective working relationships are in place with neighbouring Healthwatch, and explore opportunities for cross boundary working and joint utilisation of resources. and ensure appropriate protocols are in place for collaborative working. ·

13.  Identify, advance and manage collaborative relationships with key strategic stakeholders and partners to achieve our statutory roles (including voluntary sector, statutory agencies and other local Healthwatch)

14.  Act as ambassador for Healthwatch NN, working with other organisations and bodies as appropriate, taking part in external working groups and events to further the work and reputation of the organisation.

15.  Lead and develop and maintain productive networks, relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders and other appropriate bodies and organisations. 

16.  Where deemed appropriate, prepare formal requests for information to providers and commissioners, and keep a record of requests and timelines for responses. Identify appropriate actions when a late or insufficient response has been received, including onward referral to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. ·

17.  Identify gaps in the knowledge of Healthwatch North Northamptonshire about the health and social care needs of local residents and look to address these, particularly working with key partners. ·

18.  Assess local strategies and policy documents, to identify gaps where local public concerns are not being addressed.

19.  Adopt an effective and shared approach to information management with appropriate sharing of data to avoid duplication, misinterpretation or underuse of data. ·

20.  Work with the team to identify gaps in service provision and alert local commissioners of any such gaps.

21.  Act as the central point of contact for all incoming press enquiries and be available to provide comments when health and social care related articles appear in the news, or direct enquiries to Senior Management where appropriate.

22.  Act as the central point of contact for any complaints made against Healthwatch North Northamptonshire and escalate accordingly to internal policies.

23.  Deliver key performance targets and ensure contract monitoring reports are produced in a timely manner.

24.  Manage the Healthwatch NN website and social media , production and publication of reports and all external materials and content.

25.  Line manage Healthwatch NN staff and carry out supervisions and appraisals in line with Support Northamptonshire policies and procedures

26.  Working with the relevant staff ensure the necessary infrastructure, resources and relationships are in place for the effective and efficient management of Healthwatch NN.

27.  Ensure compliance with all Support Northamptonshire policies and procedures

The ideal candidate for this role:

· Is passionate about social justice and addressing health inequalities

· Has experience of co-production and best practice in community engagement

· Is knowledgeable about key health and social care services.

· Is an experienced manager who is driven to manage a small team to capture views and experiences of local health and care services and produce recommendations for change to reflect what people tell us.

· Has the skills and confidence to influence change by working in partnership with other organisations and system partners

The Research and Community Engagement Manager will have significant knowledge and experience of health and social care services and community engagement including managing key research projects and working with people who use services.  We are excited to be managing the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire Service and appointing new staff for the service. Our aims and mission are to give voice to the public and engaging communities especially those who are least heard and the most vulnerable. You will also be committed to working collaboratively with communities, VCSE and statutory sector services.

You will be able to lead all the key functions including:

• Carry out priority areas of research, using a range of methods and sources of data, on health and social care. 

• Produce high quality analysis, reports and presentations for a range of audiences. 

• Facilitate co-production activity, working with experts by experience, service users, carers, and peer researchers.

• Work with Healthwatch NN staff and volunteers

We are looking for someone who is committed to social justice and equalities and able to translate this into practice. We need a confident research specialist who is credible and can lead an effective work research and community engagement programme relevant to meeting the needs of local communities and informing change to policy and practice of health and social care services.

Job Purpose:

A core element of Healthwatch NN’s work is the management of research, collection, analysis, and subsequent reporting on information and data relating to people's experiences of publicly funded health and social care services. The Research and Community Engagement Manager is responsible for overseeing this crucial function, ensuring its effective delivery.

In addition to managing research activities, the Research and Community Engagement Manager takes the lead in developing and executing the CRM system. Furthermore, they spearhead the creation of impact measures for the organisation, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with our mission to improve health and social care services in North Northamptonshire.

Our aim is to raise awareness amongst commissioners, providers and other agencies about the importance of engaging with communities, and the expertise and value that individuals can bring to discussion and decision making on local and national issues.

We hope to carry out activities across a number of different programme areas to enable us to fulfil our statutory functions and the Research and Community Engagement Manager will be responsible for:

· By capturing community views through people’s experiences and by understanding and reporting on these experiences to health and social care services.

· By actively promoting community involvement in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of health and social services, giving people and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided within their locality.

· By undertaking community-led research in priority areas to examine the impact of health and social care services, its pathways and make any recommendations for change.

· Healthwatch can monitor and review how local services are planned and run (except for social care facilities for children and young people) and have the statutory power to ‘Enter and View’ premises delivering health and social care services. This enables authorised representatives of Healthwatch to observe the nature and quality of services, report on their findings and make recommendations so that local authorities and health services can exercise their duty to respond. 

· By providing Information & Signposting Service to help people understand the services available in their local area and to make informed choices about different health and social care services.

KEY TASKS:

To work closely with the Healthwatch Service Manager, Healthwatch NN Advisory Group and the Support Northamptonshire’s CEO to:

Main duties and responsibilities

· Organise, design and carry out participatory qualitative fieldwork. 

· Designing peer-research models of social research investigation.

· Conducting qualitative analysis of data conducted through interviews, focus groups, workshops or other methods, with a focus on lesser heard voices.

· Carrying out quantitative data analysis using Excel.

· Utilising a wide variety of research approaches, particularly participatory approaches, which inform, involve and bring together individuals, groups, service providers and decision makers.

Research and analysis

· Carry out priority areas of research, using a range of methods and sources of data, on health and social care. 

· Produce high quality qualitative analysis, reports and presentations for a range of audiences. 

· Facilitate co-production activity, working with experts by experience, service users, carers, and peer researchers.

· Work with Healthwatch NN staff and volunteers and provide regular progress feedback.

· Analyse quantitative information gathered through research and engagement collected by Healthwatch NN to draw out trends in relation to health and social care service provision. 

· Translate research findings into practical learning for developing and improving health and social care services.

· Take responsibility for data and project management and administration as it relates to our social research activity. 

· Collaborate with stakeholders and colleagues to develop the annual research programme.

· Lead and oversee the delivery of the annual research programme, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

· Utilise creative and appropriate methodologies to design and manage research projects, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods.

· Apply various research techniques, including document analysis, surveys, focus groups, interviews, and case studies, to gather relevant information.

· Produce research-based briefings and provide support to stakeholders in understanding key points.

· Analyse and evaluate research findings, interpreting data to identify key issues and develop actionable recommendations.

· Present research data in formats suitable for different audiences, including reports and infographics.

· Collaborate with CEO and team to gain insight into themes identified through community-based activities.

· Support in developing engagement activities based on service user feedback and intelligence.

· Identify simple interventions that Healthwatch NN can implement to impact service improvement.

· Develop an impact reporting system to measure and communicate Healthwatch NNl's impact effectively.

· Liaise with admin regarding information requests, research promotion, and evidence collection from web and social media.

· Analyse the Healthwatch NN database to produce representation reports for commissioners, providers, stakeholders, and the Executive Board, informing them of current trends.

· Provide regular performance reports for the Advisory group.

· Produce reports from the Healthwatch NN database for multidisciplinary boards such as the Health and Wellbeing Board, Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, Overview and Scrutiny Committee etc.

Team working

· Train and support people to take on peer research roles, putting control and ownership of the research process with people interested in and affected by health and social care services. 

· Support those actively involved in Healthwatch NN to develop a shared understanding of the implications of gaps in involvement of people from different communities.

In consultation with the Healthwatch NN Service Manager and Support Northamptonshire CEO:

· Represent Healthwatch NN at strategic meetings, conferences and public engagement events as required, acting as a spokesperson for Healthwatch NN at such events.

· Deliver presentations to the public, stakeholders and partner organisations. 

· Engage with the Healthwatch network, and health and social care system partners across Northamptonshire and neighbouring area as appropriate. 

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Temporary HR Advisor to support our dynamic and growing organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity making a genuine impact on the lives of people living with allergic conditions.

In this role, you will play a key part in strengthening our HR foundations during a period of growth and change. Your primary focus will be:

• Recruitment: Managing end-to-end recruitment processes, from drafting job descriptions and advertising roles to shortlisting, interviewing, and onboarding new team members. You’ll ensure an excellent candidate experience and help us attract passionate, talented individuals who share our mission.

• Policy Review: Conducting a comprehensive review of our HR policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant, up-to-date, and aligned with best practice. You’ll work closely with senior managers to recommend updates and support the embedding of refreshed policies across the organisation.

About you:

• You are CIPD-qualified (or equivalent) and have solid experience in recruitment and policy development.

• You have a strong understanding of current UK employment legislation.

• You are highly organised, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• You are confident working independently and can manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Experience within the charity sector would be an advantage, but is not essential.

At Allergy UK, we pride ourselves on creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment. This is your chance to contribute to an organisation that’s transforming awareness, understanding, and care for millions of people across the UK.

Ready to bring your expertise to a cause that matters?
Apply now and join us in making a lasting difference.

Introduction to TDS

TDS is a not-for-profit organisation with a clear social purpose: to raise standards in the private rented sector. Established to create a fairer and more professional rental market by protecting deposits and resolving deposit disputes, TDS has since expanded its mission. Today, we invest in a range of additional services and initiatives that further our commitment to improving the sector.

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:
- Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
- Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
- Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:
- Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
- Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
- Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

Introduction to the Role

We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer (Maternity Cover) to join our expanding Policy and Research department, which also oversees the TDS Charitable Foundation. This is a pivotal role supporting our mission to improve standards in the private rented sector through impactful research, thought leadership, and policy engagement.
The successful candidate will play a key part in delivering our research programme, including overseeing flagship projects like the Voice of the Tenant and Voice of the Landlord surveys, and producing high-quality qualitative and quantitative research.

You will also support the smooth running of the Charitable Foundation’s grant-making and governance activities and contribute to our work influencing policy and practice across the UK’s private rented sector.
This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about housing, with a solid grounding in research and an interest in policy, to join a values-driven organisation delivering real-world impact.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Research
1. Collaborate with external research contractors to deliver the regular ‘Voice of the Tenant’ and ‘Voice of the Landlord’ Survey.
2. Ensure the research findings are widely disseminated through different channels, including events, publications, briefings and digital content.
3. Help identify research gaps and contribute to the development execution of new research projects or commissioning of external research.
4. Conduct proactive desk-based research to identify emerging trends, new policy developments, and partnership opportunities relevant to the Foundation and the sector.
5. Undertake in-house research activities, such as literature reviews, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, where required.
6. Contribute to the drafting and production of high-quality research reports and briefings, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and relevance for policy and practice audiences.

Policy
7. Monitor and analyse relevant legislative and regulatory developments, consultations, and debates, identifying implications for the sector and TDS’s work.
8. Support the development of TDS’s policy positions by preparing briefings, drafting responses to consultations, and summarising evidence from research.
9. Help communicate TDS’s policy insights and positions clearly and effectively to internal stakeholders, partners, and decision-makers.

Charity co-ordination
10. Act as a key point of contact for grant-funded projects, supporting projects to share progress and impact, and identify any support needs.
11. Help to Coordinate the TDS Charitable Foundation’s quarterly Board of Trustee meetings, including preparing board papers, taking minutes, and following up on actions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential characteristics

1. Qualifications and experience
Essential:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject.
• At least 3 years’ experience in research, social policy or similar role (or equivalent post-graduate study).
• Knowledge of research design
• Proven track record of producing content to communicate to different audiences.
• Experience of building relationships with external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the housing sector or charitable work.

2.  Job Knowledge
Must be able to:

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Show an ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate organisational skills to help coordinate multiple projects.
• Utilise strong IT skills including sound knowledge of MS Office.
• Prove ability to write content for different audiences.

3. Communication
Must be able to:

• Work as part of a team;
• Have good interpersonal skills, communicating effectively with colleagues, funded projects and other stakeholders.

4. Equal Opportunities

• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.

5. Required behaviour and attitude

• Applicants must be able to:
• demonstrate an affinity for customer excellence
• recognise the importance of fairness in all of our work
• demonstrate how they are making a difference in the work that they do
• is able to articulate the importance of teamwork
• are committed to excellence in all that we do;
• help create a great place to work.

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

Hours of the role
35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letting outlining how your skills and experience match the person specification.

TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers.

the3million is the largest grassroots organisation for EU citizens* in the UK, formed after the 2016 referendum to protect the rights of people who have made the UK their home. 

Our work ranges from organising EU citizens’ communities and informing people about their rights, to holding the Government to account on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and advocating for social justice.

We are now looking for a Research and Policy Manager to lead on evidence-based research and support in the analysis of government policy and legislation which impacts EU citizens in the UK. 

We are looking for a creative problem solver who is detail orientated and approaches research through an investigative lens. 

This work often intersects with the wider issues of social justice, migrant rights, race equality, and data rights. 

You will work closely with the Head of Policy and Advocacy to direct strategic research initiatives, presenting recommendations to influence decision-makers and guide advocacy efforts, ensuring the3million’s campaigns are informed and led by robust evidence of EU citizens’ lived experience. 

*the3million uses ‘EU citizens’ as shorthand for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were resident in the UK before 31 December 2020, and their family members (of any nationality) with derived rights.

Main duties and responsibilities: 

1. Strategic research and issue analysis

You will lead on the3million’s research, working closely with the Head of Policy and Advocacy to ensure our work is shaped by lived experience, analysing issues experienced by EU citizens related to applying for immigration status, proving their rights and accessing services in the UK. 

• Collect, analyse and categorise issues raised by EU citizens through the3million’s reporting channels, including highlighting correlations to equality characteristics such as race and ethnicity, age, gender etc (including our ReportIt! system, email, social media and listening campaigns). 
• Interview EU citizens who report issues, sharing information about rights, signposting to relevant legal advice organisations.
• Identify trends in the challenges faced by EU citizens, documenting these in detail, analysing systemic issues.
• Provide strategic guidance on how research findings can inform the3million’s advocacy, campaigns and communications activities.

2. Policy development and advocacy

• Contribute to the production of high-quality policy briefings, reports and strategic recommendations that are clear, actionable and directly relevant to stakeholders including the Government.
• Support in the research and analysis of government policy developments, legislative changes and public consultations affecting EU citizens in the UK, specifically on areas related to immigration and welfare, assessing their potential impact.

3. Report writing and presentation 

• Lead on the development of in-depth reports and support in the production of policy papers and position statements, presenting complex data into clear and accessible documents.
• Present research findings and policy recommendations at meetings and events, effectively communicating complex issues to audiences. 
• Contribute to the production of advocacy materials, including media briefings, campaigns’ resources and informational content for the3million’s website, social media channels and for event distribution.

4. Stakeholder engagement 

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and other advocacy groups.
• Collaborate with other team members within the organisation to ensure research and policy recommendations are effectively integrated into the3million’s community organising activities, campaigns and strategic communications.

5. Monitoring and evaluation 

• Report on the progress and outcomes of research and policy activities regularly, within the organisation and to the3million’s funders. 

6. General responsibilities 

• Represent the views of the3million in the media, when appropriate.
• Provide assistance in other areas of the3million’s work as and when deemed necessary by the CEO.

Person specification 

Knowledge and experience:

• Experience (2+ years) working within research or investigative settings 
• Proven track record in producing research reports and presenting research findings

Skills: 

• Expertise in investigative research and analysis, including the ability to summarise complex information and communicate it effectively to different audiences
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce high quality reports and other written materials
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to build rapport with research participants through individual or group interviews
• Proficient in using spreadsheets for data analysis
• Awareness of research ethics and data protection

Personal attributes: 

• A deep commitment to migrants’ rights and a passion for social justice
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, external partners, and community groups

Desirable 

• Experience working on immigration policy, human rights, or social justice
• Experience of obtaining information through Freedom of Information requests 
• Experience of building research tools and developing creative methods and techniques of research
• Knowledge of the Citizens’ Rights Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement, its current implementation in the UK, and the EU Settlement Scheme

Before you apply

One of the3million’s core values is equity - we are people led, we value diversity and are enriched by differences. We strive to listen to, engage with and represent the broadest range of people. 

We recognise our team is not currently representative of communities that experience racism and that our own ways of working may replicate wider societal oppression and injustices. We are actively working towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation, including taking steps to create a more inclusive recruitment process.

You may not have worked in an organisation whose focus is campaigning for migrants’ rights. Or you may have experience in a grassroots setting which is not formalised. Please still consider applying as many other settings offer transferable skills.

If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the migration sector - for example you are from a community that experiences racism, or you have lived experience of migration, or you are a disabled person, or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child - we strongly encourage you to apply.

We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity. the3million welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.

Working conditions

Position: Full time 
Duration: Initial 12 months contract, with possibility of extension, subject to funding
Salary: £38,419 per year
Location: Remote, must be UK based. Travel may be required (all travel expenses covered)
Benefits: 28 days holiday + bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, flexible working patterns.
Reporting to: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Preferred start date: 7th July 2025
Interviews will be held on 28th, 29th and 30th May.

As Senior Policy Manager, you will take a leadership role within the Policy and Influencing Team, providing strategic direction and subject matter expertise in health policy related to bowel cancer. Working closely with the Head of Policy and Influencing and Director of Research, Policy and Influencing, you will drive the development and implementation of policy initiatives that align with the organisation’s strategic priorities and positively impact the lives of people affected by bowel cancer. You will lead a team of policy officers and provide expert advice on complex policy issues, influencing decision-makers in government, healthcare organisations, and partner agencies across the UK.

About you

Do you want to use your skills to make it possible for people with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, to live longer and better lives?

Myeloma UK is looking for a motivated and pro-active Policy Officer to join our Patient Advocacy team within the wider Research and Advocacy directorate.  You will have experience of analysing, developing, and communicating policy issues, excellent communication and influencing skills and the ability to present findings and recommendations to a range of audiences.  The post holder will have excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise and work under pressure.

The successful candidate will be a highly regarded ambassador for Myeloma UK with a desire to continuously improve and to make a difference while working flexibility and using their own initiative.

Experience of public/patient engagement work, participating in government policy consultations and patient advocacy campaign work would be beneficial but not essential.

About the role

As the Policy Officer you will be part of the Patient Advocacy team who work to ensure that the patient voice is heard and acted upon by UK and devolved nations healthcare policy decision makers. You will support Myeloma UK’s ambition to deliver personalised medicine, such that every person living with and affected by myeloma and associated conditions has access to the best diagnostics, treatment and care services and quality of life experience.

Your role is vital to developing strategic approaches to UK health policy legislation and consultations to ensure that UK government and devolved nations healthcare policy supports the needs of people living with and affected by myeloma and associated conditions. 

You will support the Policy Manager to assess existing healthcare policies, regulations and legislation to understand their implications for myeloma-specific healthcare systems, providers and patients

About us

Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on myeloma and its related conditions.  We provide support and influence access to treatments, while researching a cure.  Thanks to life-extending treatments and support, today many people affected by myeloma are able to live longer and to live well.  Together, we support, so no one faces myeloma alone. 

We are committed to bringing together the best and brightest people to help us ensure that every patient has an empowered present and a hopeful future.

Our ultimate goal is to find a cure and make myeloma history. Until then, our mission is to help every patient live well with myeloma for as long as possible. We are committed to diagnosing myeloma earlier, discovering and sharing knowledge, transforming the patient experience and influencing positive change in care.

Our culture

Wellbeing and staff engagement are at the heart of our culture.  We offer our employees a range of benefits including a pension salary exchange scheme, flexitime, flexible working from home with hub-based office working, health plan, employee assistance plan and holiday purchase scheme and we are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all our employees.

How to apply

If you think you would be a great fit for this role, get in touch and tell us more about yourself by sending the following:

1. A cover letter telling us more about you and what you think makes you a good fit for this role

2. A CV that sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements

Applications close on 12 May 2025 and interviews will be held w/c 19 May 2025.

Myeloma UK is an equal opportunities employer and always welcomes applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of:

· sex

· race

· disability

· age

· sexual orientation

· gender reassignment

· religion or belief

· marital status

· pregnancy and maternity

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.

Job Title: Marketing Manager

Location: Remote

Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £45,000

Contract: Permanent

Interviews will be held on 27th May via Teams

What we are looking for:

A skilled marketing professional to join our team and help us improve our brand awareness and reach our target audiences. We’re a charity that delivers services locally but has a national impact and this role will help us grow our reach nationally while supporting the wider team in connecting with our audiences at a more local level.

We’re looking for someone who can put strategy into action and, importantly, track performance. You’ll have experience in line management or have led a similar-sized marketing team, so you’re comfortable providing support and guidance to develop people and help them achieve their KPIs. As a small team, you’ll be comfortable being hands-on and able to deliver impact with limited resources.

You’ll take the lead on developing concepts for campaigns to achieve our goals and support your team to deliver projects that optimise and improve our channels. As a creative thinker, you’ll know what makes compelling content. As you keep up with marketing trends and use data insights, you’ll know when to shift strategy to drive channel performance. You’ll be responsible for our estate of digital assets and you’ll manage the day-to-day relationship with our digital agency. You’ll work with them to ensure we’re making the most of our Google Ad grant and that our website is optimised.

Passionate about accessibility you’ll use your marketing skills to co-produce campaigns and content with our lived experienced experts that help encourage people to join our services, work in our teams and advocate for the rights of the people we support.

Key Purpose of the Role:

To develop and lead marketing strategies and plans to support our organisational aims

Essential Criteria

To thrive in this role, you must have:

• Previous experience in a marketing role
• Line management experience where you’ve supported someone to meet objectives and KPIs
• Adept at using data and insights to devise effective strategies
• Experience of delivering marketing, digital and communications campaigns
• Experience of delivering against and reporting on KPIs
• Demonstrable experience of SEO, PPC, social media and email marketing
• Strong knowledge of GA4
• Proven track record in utilising paid channels, including Google and Meta Ads
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage the needs of both internal and external stakeholders
• Experience of managing multiple projects whilst still meeting deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to develop creative solutions with limited resources
• A flexible approach to working and a willingness to support colleagues across the organisation
• Alignment with United Response’s values and a commitment to delivering our vision and mission

Desirable

• Experience of working in a marketing or communications role in social care
• Experience of the management and development of brand strategy
• Experience leading and coaching a similar sized team

Benefits

At United Response, we recognise and reward your contribution with:

• Annual Leave: 25 days of paid leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time roles).
• Career Development: Fully funded training and recognised qualifications.
• Financial Security: Pension and life assurance benefits, alongside enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Wellbeing Support: Free access to occupational health, physiotherapy, and counselling services.
• Recognition Programs: Celebrate achievements through our UR Stars Recognition Scheme.
• Discounts: Savings at over 3,500 retailers via our online shopping platform.
• Travel Support: Season ticket loans for commuting.
• Referral Incentives: Rewards for introducing friends to our team.

About Us

United Response is a leading national charity, passionate about empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. We are committed to promoting independence, inclusivity, and equality for all, breaking barriers to ensure everyone can live, work, and socialise in their communities.
Our core values Creativity, Strength, Honesty, Responsiveness, and Unity drive everything we do.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a Disability Confident Leader, United Response is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a new member of staff to join Transport for All and support the delivery of our vision: Transport Justice for All Disabled People. 

This role will lead on securing income from trusts and foundations for our projects and programmes. You will help to ensure that Transport for All remains financially sustainable, and can grow to meet the needs of our community. You’ll also drive cross-organisational use of the CRM database.

Importantly, you’ll understand how to communicate about a Disabled People’s Organisation without our community being stereotyped as ‘inspirational’ or ‘vulnerable’ – taking a social model approach and aligning with our organisational values. 

We’re looking for someone with experience of broad-base fundraising, significant success in trusts and foundations fundraising, and skills and experience in databases. 

About Transport for All

Transport for All is the disabled-led group breaking down barriers and transforming the transport system so disabled people can make the journeys we want, with freedom, dignity, ease and confidence. We work with our members to campaign for change, influencing governments, industry and the public.

Your responsibilities

1. Fundraising strategy (10% of time)

· Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to set and deliver the fundraising strategy.

· Work across teams to identify opportunities to create projects and seek funding.

· Ensure all fundraising activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Report regularly to the Finance Committee and Board.

2. Trust and foundations fundraising (60% of time)

· Work with the Senior Leadership Team to identify projects and core costs for funding and develop realistic budgets.

· Craft compelling applications to secure funding.

· Develop and maintain strong relationships with key funders.

· Work across teams to ensure continuation funding for existing projects and costs where needed.

· Manage grants from existing trusts and foundations, ensuring grant requirements are met, and reports are on time, accessible and demonstrate impact.

· Manage the trusts and foundations pipeline, keeping up to date records at all times.

3. Database management (20% of time)

· Ensure the CRM supports funding monitoring purposes and staff can use it for this purpose.

· Continually champion and develop the CRM so that it is accessible to all staff and meets the requirements of all teams.

· Work with the Communications and Engagement team to put in place good stewardship of members, advice service users and other contacts via the CRM.

· Put in place supporter journeys that provide excellent stewardship.

4. Wider fundraising (10% of time)

· Explore, test and evaluate wider fundraising opportunities. This could include appeals, corporate fundraising, events, individual giving and legacy giving.

· Support the Training, Research and Consultancy team with bid and proposal writing on an ad hoc basis.

5. General (at all times)

· Undertake any other tasks, duties or projects which may arise from time to time which are in line with the general level of this post and as instructed.

· Undertake occasional evening and weekend work as required, and take responsibility for arranging time off in lieu with your manager.

· Line manage and supervise members, contractors and staff as required.

· Work within the Social Model of Disability.

· Work in adherence to Transport for All’s values and staff policies.

· Maintain confidentiality.

· Attend staff meetings as needed.

Skills

We’re looking for someone who:

· Has experience of fundraising, particularly from trusts and foundations, preferably including significant, multi-year grants

· Has strong research skills and enjoys identifying funders and their priorities

· Can construct realistic budgets and work with colleagues to craft project proposals

· Has a track record of securing funds for social justice causes

· Has excellent persuasive, value-based communication skills, both written and verbal

· Understands data protection and fundraising compliance and good practice

· Understands the potential for a good CRM to add value, and is confident about helping other team members to use a database to help their work

· Can manage a mixed workload with conflicting priorities

· Has strong organisational and time management skills

· Has a commitment to and understanding of the social model of disability, and disability justice

We particularly welcome applicants from disabled people. 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.

Design and Improvement Manager
Permanent appointment
Full time (34.5 hours)
Mobile Worker (Expected to be able to travel large areas and be willing to be deployed on projects anywhere in UK (though this will not all be face to face). 
£49,500 - £54,500 per annum, plus car allowance

At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions.

About the role

Be a Catalyst for System Change. Improve Lives. Shape the Future.

Are you a changemaker with a passion for transforming systemic issues in health and care systems? Do you thrive at the intersection of strategy, collaboration, and innovation? At Macmillan, we’re looking for a Design & Improvement Manager to work with systems on transformation programmes that improve the lives of people living with cancer for now and in the future.

You’ll apply your expertise and methodologies in systems thinking, human centred design, and change management to tackle some of the most complex challenges in health and care. From influencing senior stakeholders to embedding continuous improvement practices, you’ll work across local systems to deliver evidence-based, outcome-driven interventions that drive National impact.

Join us so we can help everyone reimagine cancer care together.

About you

We’re looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Experience of consulting and/or coaching system thinking, and using human centred design collaboratively to change a health and care system.
• Experience in applying systems thinking and change management methodologies to drive large-scale transformation within complex healthcare environments.
• An ability to analyse complex problems, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions to drive system improvement.
• Built and maintained effective working relationships with a wide range of senior stakeholders and coalitions that create value for all parties.
• Evidence of building a learning culture to create change and of supporting others to improve.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor style and approach to suit a variety of audiences and purposes.
• Commitment to your personal and professional development and share learning with colleagues and others, supporting the development of their capacity to work systemically and make change happen.
• High degree of personal and professional credibility and integrity; independence in decision-making and a demeanour that secures the confidence of others quickly.
• Understanding the complexities of the health and care system, including funding models, regulatory frameworks, and patient pathways and an understanding that system change is messy and unpredictable and not linear.
• Full UK drivers' licence or ability to travel for work.

About our benefits 

• 25 days holiday plus flexible bank holiday options, increasing by 1 day every year of service up to 30 days
• Pension matched up to 7.5%
• 120+ learning and development offers, with access to external professional qualifications
• Flexible working patterns, such as compressed hours, flexibility to work earlier or later around our core working hours of 10am-4pm
• Holiday buying and selling scheme, life insurance, free wills, retail discounts and much more

Recruitment Process

Application deadline: Tuesday 6 May 2025 at 23:59.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.

So that we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.

The Casework and Research Manager will lead Humanists International's efforts in supporting Humanists at Risk through strategic engagement, research, and the management of key publications, particularly the Freedom of Thought Report. This role involves coordinating all Humanists at Risk support in accordance with the organization's new two-tiered strategy (https://humanists.international/blog/a-necessary-evolution-in-our-support-for-humanists-at-risk/), direct liaison with stakeholders, contributing to organizational strategy, and line management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee the delivery of General Support to Humanists International's Members and Associates worldwide, including the provision of advice, guidance, and signposting to relevant resources.

• Coordinate the provision of direct, individualized casework support to leaders and officers of Humanists International's Member and Associate organizations who are facing significant risk due to their humanist activities or identity. This includes assessing needs, developing support plans, and ensuring timely and effective intervention.

• Develop and implement training programs for members and associates to enhance their capacity to support humanists at risk within their communities.

• Foster and strengthen partnerships with other human rights organizations to maximize the collective impact of our support efforts.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a comprehensive online resource library providing information on safety, security, advocacy, and support for humanists globally.

• Liaise and collaborate with staff in other humanist organizations to ensure coordinated and effective support for individuals at risk, aligning efforts with the new strategic framework.

• Develop and deliver fortnightly briefings to internal staff on relevant casework and risk-related matters, including updates on the implementation of the new support tiers.

• Prepare and present regular reports, statistical analyses, and updates on Humanists at Risk, and the effectiveness of the new support strategy, to the CEO and Board of Directors.

• Represent Humanists International at key stakeholder meetings, including platforms such as the EU Temporary Relocation Platform, building and maintaining effective relationships while articulating our revised approach to support.

• Lead the collection of compelling testimony and documentation for the Humanists at Risk campaign and the Freedom of Thought Report.

• Manage, edit, and oversee the entire production cycle of the Freedom of Thought Report, ensuring its accuracy, quality, and timely publication.

• Provide overall project management and strategic direction for the Freedom of Thought Report, including budget oversight and timeline management.

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising and Communications Officer to ensure the research and findings effectively inform fundraising and public awareness initiatives.

• Directly line-manage and mentor the Freedom of Thought Report Researcher, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality research output.

• Act as a representative for their area of work on the Management Team, actively contributing to strategic planning, policy development, best practice implementation, budgeting processes, and organizational decision-making, particularly in relation to the Humanists at Risk program.

• Manage and monitor relevant project budgets, ensuring responsible and effective resource allocation for both general support initiatives and any limited individual casework.

• Provide direct line management to staff, consultants, paid interns, and volunteers as required, fostering a productive and supportive working environment.

• Attend relevant conferences, seminars, and other events to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Humanists at Risk and promote Humanists International's work, clearly articulating our new strategic approach to support.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Education: A Master's degree in International Law, International Relations, Human Rights, or a closely related field; OR a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience in a related role.

• Strategic Understanding: A clear understanding of strategic planning and the ability to implement organizational strategies within their area of work.

• Legal Expertise: Excellent understanding of international human rights law, and refugee and asylum law and frameworks.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written communication skills and an excellent command of English (native or near-native proficiency).

• Language Skills: Fluency in other languages, particularly French, Spanish, or Arabic, is a significant asset.

• Casework Coordination/Management Experience: Proven experience in coordinating or managing casework or support programs, ideally within a human rights, equality, or asylum-related context.

• NGO Knowledge: A strong understanding of the landscape of international non-governmental organizations, their roles, and their operational scope.

• Analytical and Synthesis Skills: Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information from various sources and communicate it clearly and effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Research and Drafting Skills: Strong research, analytical, and drafting skills with a proven ability to produce high-quality written materials.

Desired:

• Humanist Knowledge: Experience with or a strong understanding of humanism and the role and objectives of humanist organizations.

• Alignment with Values: Excellent understanding of, and demonstrable sympathy with, the philosophy, values, and policies of Humanists International.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, efficient, and able to work independently, managing multiple priorities effectively.

• Communication Style: A clear, persuasive, and confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.