Policy and research manager jobs
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Senior Media Officer
Salary: up to £35,280 per annum
Location: Newark - Hybrid working with regular travel to other places of work
Full time: 35 hours per week
Permanent contract
Closing date for applications: 4 January 2026
First interview: : 13 January 2026
Second interview: 19 January 2026
About Us
The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 944,000 members, over 38,000 volunteers, 3,600 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work.
Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.
The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities.
About You
Are you looking for a new challenge? If you have media and PR experience within the environment sector and would like to work for one of the UK’s best loved nature charities, then we have an exciting opportunity for you!
The Senior Media Officer will work to promote The Wildlife Trusts and our work, activities and messages to UK audiences through the national media, with a view to influencing key stakeholders, public opinion and action for nature’s recovery. You will also develop and manage strategic relationships with the media and work to actively protect and enhance The Wildlife Trusts’ brand and Reputation.
Working within our small but brilliant national media team, the Senior Media Officer will work to promote The Wildlife Trusts and our work, activities and messages to UK audiences through the national media, with a view to influencing key stakeholders, public opinion and action for nature’s recovery. From commentary on Government policy, through landscape recovery and restoration of iconic habitats such as Britain’s lost rainforests, to people organising for nature in their communities – we want our stories to be heard far and wide. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with the media and work to actively protect and enhance The Wildlife Trusts’ brand and reputation. We are looking for an innovative and creative individual who has proven research, writing, editing, sub-editing and proof-reading skills. You will have previous experience of generating compelling news stories and features and ideally publicising campaigns, combined with the ability to sell-in stories to journalists and editors. You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, be organised and resourceful and have great attention to detail.
The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgmental and are inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.
As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.
RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and will put any ethnic minority applicants that meet all the essential criteria for the post through to the next stage of recruitment.
At RSWT, we are committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy.
Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.
Thank you!
Director of Funding & Communications
Salary: £85, 694
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Contract: 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Location: Flexible (UK) with regular travel into London at least once per quarter
About Us
Unlimit Health is an international organisation working to end parasitic disease. We work closely with affected countries, sharing evidence and expertise to eliminate preventable infections. Our purpose is to support people to live healthy lives, free from limiting disease.
Our vision is for resilient systems that sustain good health, so everyone everywhere can reach their full potential. We achieve this by working across multiple sectors in numerous countries to deliver effective and robust health programmes that have a lasting impact.
We were founded in 2002 with a £20m grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and started life as a research group, the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, within Imperial College London. Consistently ranked globally as one of the most cost-effective nonprofit initiatives, we have received significant funding since our inception including from the UK Department of International Development (DFID), USAID and philanthropic investors.
What we do
Our work includes:
- Evidence-based disease elimination support
- Cross-sectoral health systems strengthening
- Building collaborative partnerships
Our main area of focus is the elimination of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (intestinal worms). Endemic infections of these parasitic worms are found in some of the world’s most marginalised communities, and they can have a hugely detrimental effect on individuals, including:
- Reduced productivity
- Internal organ damage
- Impaired child development
- Reduced school attendance
- Increased risk of HIV in women
- Infertility
The Role
The purpose of the Director of Funding and Communication role is to secure sustainable financial resources and build a strong, trusted brand that amplifies the organisation’s mission to share evidence and expertise to end parasitic infections in affected communities.
This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional leader in innovative income generation in the international development sector to lead Unlimit Health’s income generation strategy. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and leading the implementation of comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure diversified income streams, while overseeing compelling storytelling and brand visibility to align fundraising efforts and impactful communications with our strategic priorities.
The Person
The Director of Funding and Communications will be a self-starter with energy and integrity, and a compelling leader in the charity or social enterprise sector, with a track record in raising funds to underpin life-changing work on an international scale. They will thrive on the challenge of creating a new, innovative funding strategy to match our ambition and values.
Closing date: 4th January 2026 at 23:59
1st stage Interview dates: 2nd – 3rd February 2026
2nd stage interview dates: 5th – 6th February 2026
Please ensure you are available to attend an interview on these dates.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
Applicants are required to have the right to work in the UK, and documentary evidence will be requested at the interview stage.
Diversity Statement
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from under-represented groups to better reflect our mission and work to improve health equity. Research has shown that women and people from marginalised groups are less likely to apply for a role if they do not meet 100% of the job criteria. Please consider applying even if you do not fully meet our essential criteria. We are happy to schedule an informal chat to discuss the role further prior to submitting an application.
Unlimit Health is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate differences in age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, religious beliefs, and socio-economic background. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member is valued, respected, and has equal opportunities to thrive.
No agencies please.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Engagement Officer
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Engagement Team in Scotland. As this post will cover the Highlands of Scotland, ideally you will be based in that region.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to support them following a stroke.
Position: S11331 Engagement Officer
Location: Home-based, Highlands of Scotland. However, extensive travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)
Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week
Salary: Circa £17,300 per annum (FTE circa £28,800)
Contract: This is a fixed term contract for 2 years from date of appointment
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.
Closing Date: Friday 9 January 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Interviews will be held face to face and are expected to take place in Inverness. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.
The Role
Reporting to the Engagement Lead for Scotland, you will raise awareness of stroke and the support offers, engage with key stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the needs of stroke survivors in rural communities across the Highlands to develop a model of approach that can be utilised to reach more stroke survivors and their families across rural Scotland.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Raising awareness of universal services and resources with stroke survivors and carers.
- Working with both primary and secondary care healthcare professionals, ensuring they know what resources and services are available to signpost patients to, including our Helpline, telephone befriending, online community and activities.
- Listening to a wide network of stakeholders, including charities, healthcare professionals and community networks, to raise the profile of stroke and create a report on identified local needs.
- Gaining a better understanding of the best way to reach and support people affected by stroke in remote and rural communities, informing work nationally.
- Identifying and recruiting stroke survivors/carers who are willing to share their lived experience and act as Connectors.
- Helping Connectors set up and run novel support services (e.g café groups, cooking classes) in their local community.
About You
You will have experience of:
- Working with and supporting a wide range of stakeholders
- Managing and developing volunteers and working with support groups
- Supporting networks, working in partnerships with other organisations including those in the voluntary sector, health and social care
- Working in advocacy, campaigning, community engagement and development
- Developing support using co-production with service users
- Collecting data and producing reports
- Knowledge of key policies including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), safeguarding and health and safety
- Addressing health inequalities and championing diversity internally and externally
- Excellent IT skill and communication skills, including confident public speaking skills
This role requires extensive travel across the Highlands. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role. Applicants must be based in the Scottish Highlands and have the right to work in the Scotland and must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role. Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.
Finding strength through support
The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.
They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.
It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support.
The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.
The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.
A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work.
You may also have experience in areas such as Engagement, Community Engagement, Volunteer Engagement, Advocate, Advocacy, Health, Social Care, Engagement Officer, Community Engagement Officer, Volunteer Engagement Officer. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Thank you!
Location: London, Hybrid – with 1-2 days per week in our Farringdon office plus regular travel to our office in Bristol and to meet with our amazing supporters.
Closing date: 25th January2026
W/C interview date: 2nd February 2026
Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
Change lives in a life-changing career
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.
The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.
About the role
We’re on the hunt for a bold, visionary and energetic Head of Trusts and Philanthropy to supercharge our high value fundraising and take our impact to the next level.
You’ll lead, coach and champion our Trusts, Philanthropy, and Fundraising Development teams—building a culture of ambition, innovation, and curiosity that delivers game-changing income growth and unforgettable donor experiences. This is a strategic leadership role where you’ll set the vision, drive collaboration, and champion operational excellence.
Managing three to four senior leads and a wider team of around ten, you’ll draw on your experience and track record in high value fundraising to inspire your people to secure transformational gifts, strengthen pipelines, and deliver best-in-class stewardship. Beyond team leadership, you’ll personally cultivate relationships at the highest level—turning prospects into long-term partners and unlocking gifts that change lives for young people with cancer.
We have a hugely passionate and ambitious Fundraising team here at Young Lives vs Cancer with bold goals and a determination to make a lasting difference. If you want to join us, get in touch!
This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application a basic criminal record check will be completed.
What will I be doing?
No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.
- Lead and inspire our Trusts, Philanthropy, and Fundraising Development teams—setting bold strategies and driving performance that makes a real difference.
- Identify and build powerful relationships with major supporters, turning connections into partnerships that deliver life-changing gifts and fuel our mission.
- Create and deliver ambitious, insight-led fundraising plans for major donors and trusts—grounded in market intelligence and designed to deliver against bold but realistic targets.
- Shape the pipeline for success by overseeing prospect research, compelling cases for support, and best in class stewardship that inspires and delights.
- Champion a culture of philanthropy by engaging trustees and senior volunteers, leveraging networks, and accelerating donor growth.
- Own the numbers—set and monitor income performance, forecasts, and KPIs while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
- Drive innovation and collaboration to unlock new opportunities and maximise income growth.
What do I need?
Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't quite meet all the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.
The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:
- Proven expertise in high-value fundraising from major donors to trusts, with a track record of securing high value and transformational gifts.
- An entrepreneurial spark and the ability to spot opportunities, innovate, and drive ambitious growth.
- Strategic vision and delivery skills in building long-term fundraising strategies from the ground up and making them happen.
- Inspiring leadership experience, managing multi-disciplinary teams and engaging senior stakeholders with confidence.
- Relationship building brilliance and skilled in crafting compelling proposals, securing mul commitments and creating partnerships that last.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, able to connect with senior audiences inside and outside the organisation.
- Solid knowledge of fundraising regulations, compliance, and best practice, ensuring everything we do is ethical and effective.
What will I gain?
For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
- Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Great family/caring leave entitlements
- Enhanced pension
- Access to our employee savings scheme
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.
We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
Accessibility
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
To arrange an informal chat, please contact Joanna Hancock.
#ShowTheSalary
Thank you!
Head of Donor Stewardship and Legacies
Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation
Devizes / Hybrid • £42,000–£46,000 Depending on experience •Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Are you passionate about building lasting relationships and seeing generosity make a real difference? Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation is looking for an experienced fundraiser to lead and grow our individual giving and legacy programmes.
This role is central to creating a vibrant culture of giving across the region while helping deliver our 2025–2030 strategy. You’ll develop meaningful, long-term relationships with supporters and strengthen our Friends of the Foundation offer, inspiring generosity through thoughtful stewardship and engaging communications.
Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation is seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Donor Stewardship and Legacies to lead and grow our relationships with individual donors. This role will be central to developing a culture of philanthropy across Wiltshire and Swindon, contributing directly to the delivery of our 2025–2030 organisational strategy. The postholder will build strong, meaningful relationships with supporters, develop a compelling individual giving programme (including strengthening our Friends of the Foundation offer) and legacy programme This role requires a confident fundraiser with strong stewardship skills, excellent communication, and a deep understanding of the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice.You will be familiar with developing mailed and emailed communications but also with building relationships both face to face and over the telephone with supporters, specifically with older supporters.
Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, supportive team who care deeply about what we do. We offer flexible working and a hybrid approach, with our office based in Devizes.
For more information about our current vacancies, and our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, please visit our website.
Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 30 January 2026
Please note, the full job description and person specification can be found in the recruitment pack, on the recruitment page on our website, where you can also apply for this role.
If you have experience in individual giving and want to help transform local communities, we’d love to hear from you.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Grow sustainable funding, forge partnerships & a create a culture of giving that helps meet local needs & empowers the voluntary sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Assistant Benefits Advisor
Salary £24,000 FTE (rising to £27,000 per year FTE after 1 year and completion of training)
17.5 - 21 hours per week, 6.6 weeks holiday
Remote working with occasional travel for events and meetings in West Sussex
Are you passionate about working with SEND families?
Do you have the transferable skills and qualities to train as a benefits advisor?
We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join a rapidly growing caring charity with the benefits of flexible family friendly working (from home), generous holiday, pension scheme, travel expenses, laptop and phone provided.
Reaching Families was established in 2008 to empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex. We achieve this through the delivery of our services providing information, training and peer support.
Our Benefits Advice Service provides support to parents of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex applying for Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independent Payments (PIP). Offering 1-2-1 advice sessions on the above benefits, support with claim checking of draft applications, information resources on benefits and other sources of financial support, and training workshops on DLA, PIP and Universal Credit.
We are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated Assistant Benefits Advisor to join our team
The post holder will be responsible for supporting our Benefits Advisor with the delivery of information, advice and guidance on Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to parent-carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West Sussex. This is a training role with the view to promotion to Benefits Advisor following completion of training.
Person Specification (essential):
• Understanding of challenges facing parents and carers of children with SEND
• Passionate about improving the life chances of children with SEND and their parents/carers, and families
• A highly motivated self-starter with a flexible approach to working life
• A creative and strategic thinker
• Committed to professional and personal development and lifelong learning
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse and demanding workload
• Comfortable working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience of using MS Office including SharePoint
• A good all-round education including GCSE’s (or equivalent) or NVQ level 2
See attached job description for details and full criteria
We welcome applications from all members of the community and value diversity in the organisation. Please contact us if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process due to any disability or health requirements.
Closing date for applications is 12th January 2026
Interviews to be held in Littlehampton on 21st/22nd January 2026
To apply please complete the attached application form and share why you feel you fit the role and person specification (see attached documents)
Registered Charity
11 - 20
To empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.