Policy communications manager jobs in Essex, east of england
Employer: Community Rail Network
Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time
Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield
We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.
About us
Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.
Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.
Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.
About this role
This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.
As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.
Main responsibilities
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Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice;
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Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport;
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Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared;
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Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;
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Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport;
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Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement;
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Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact;
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Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR;
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Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact;
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Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;
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Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement.
Skills and competencies
- Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management;
- Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
- An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights;
- Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas;
- Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels;
- Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels;
- A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments;
- Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level;
- Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks;
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so;
- IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media;
- Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.
Other information
As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.
This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.
Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.
Championing the community rail movement | Connecting people and their railways | Creating inclusive, empowered, sustainable and healthy communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Birthrights is recruiting a Campaigns and Policy Manager to help drive transformative change in maternity care. This is a powerful opportunity to shape national policy and campaigns that centre human rights, racial justice and the lived experiences of women and birthing people.
Reporting to the CEO, you will lead our policy and campaigns strategy, shaping how we influence government, the NHS, regulators and professional bodies. You will identify leverage points for change, develop strong and persuasive policy positions, and deliver bold, creative campaigns that challenge harmful practice and shift power. Working closely with our legal, information & advice, training and communications teams, you will ensure our policy and campaigning work is grounded in evidence, lived experience and human rights law.
You will also contribute strategically to Communities Imagine — a core organisational initiative rooted in racial justice, community leadership and a radical re-imagining of maternity care — while working alongside and supporting dedicated roles focused on its delivery.
Birthrights is a small but mighty charity with a national profile and a strong track record of influencing maternity policy and practice. We offer flexible, remote working, a supportive team culture and generous benefits.
If you are a values-driven campaigner with a passion for racial justice, reproductive justice and human rights, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 26th January – please refer to the candidate pack for full details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.
As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.
About you:
This is a terrific opportunity to play a fundamental role as Research Communications Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK’s in developing and shaping our research communications ensuring the timely and proactive communication of our research impact.
- You will have a strong ability for explaining research and science to a lay audience.
- You will also proactively identify communication opportunities and ideas for engaging content to promote and publicise our research projects.
- You will work closely with teams across the organisation providing them with information about our research activity to support their work.
- You will manage the charity’s research information service, our Research Line.
- You will work with the Director of Research and Innovation and Director of Marketing and Communications to lead the development of our research communications plan.
Your Cover Letter Guidance
When submitting your application, please ensure your cover letter provides clear evidence of the following:
• Experience of communicating scientific and clinical information to a range of target audiences
• Proven experience in communicating complex research topics to a lay audience
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective relationships internally and externally
•Proactive and able to identify communication opportunities and ideas for content in a range of formats
• Excellent copywriting, editing and proof-reading skills with ability to write copy for a range of audiences
Your cover letter should demonstrate how your background aligns with these criteria, using specific examples where possible.
About us:
Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically.
This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.
Values and behaviours:
- A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
- Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
- A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Always demonstrate role model behaviour.
Benefits:
We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally.
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offerrange of benefits includes great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...
Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1).
Closing date: Sunday, 11th January 2026
NB Interviews likely to be held on Wednesday, 21st January 2026
Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities
We connect a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions and people around them.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Starting salary in the range of: £33,141 to £35,855
Working pattern: Full-time (35 hours per week) - some out of hours work may be required for events.
Pension: USS
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays, 3 well-being days per year (leave), an extended Christmas closure, and an employee benefits package.
Location: Hybrid and flexible working (core hours between 10am-3pm); split between remote working and our office based in central London with occasional UK-wide travel. There is a mandatory, in-person team day once a month in our office near Euston and expected attendance at relevant in-person events (typically up to 5 days per month).
Reports to: Director of Operations and Membership
Purpose:
The Events and Communications Officer will be responsible for supporting both membership events and communications activities. The ECO will work with both the Communications Manager and the Membership and Events Manager to ensure membership data is up-to-date, to track membership engagement, to support the organising and delivery of our events, and to craft and broadcast digital content and media outputs. This role requires a proactive, dynamic, and driven individual with excellent communication skills, an understanding of event management, confidence and experience using CRM databases and Excel, along with social media skills and an ability to spot new media opportunities. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, confident and adept with CRM systems, and enthusiastic about delivering excellent service to members whilst helping to promote the organisation's work across digital channels.
Key Responsibilities
Membership and Events Support
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Working closely with the Membership and Events Manager to deliver strategies for recruiting, retaining, and engaging members.
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Maintain and update the CRM system, ensuring accurate records and consistent data standards.
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Support the processing of membership applications, renewals, and enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
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Support the organising and execution of member events, such as network and consortium meetings and other engagement activities as needed.
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Support with the preparation of regular reports on membership numbers, trends and engagement activities.
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Work closely with the Communications Manager and Membership and Events Manager to design, distribute, and collate the annual member survey.
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Input membership invoices and payments into Xero or relevant systems.
Communications Support
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Support a comprehensive media strategy set out by the Comms Manager to promote the organisation's mission and activities.
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Manage planned activities on all social media platforms, including content creation and community engagement.
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Proofread and distribute press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials.
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Maintain and update the organisation's website with relevant news and content.
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Managing the press inbox.
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Monitor media coverage and help prepare reports on media performance.
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Create engaging content for various platforms.
The postholder will also be expected to:
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Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.
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To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.
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Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.
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Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions, including senior leaders, academics, and professional services staff.
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Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.
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Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.
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Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects where appropriate.
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Deputise for the Membership and Events manager, and the Communications manager as appropriate.
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Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.
Person Specification
Core Skills:
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Strong written and verbal communication.
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Excellent organisational and time management.
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Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and graphic design tools (such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite).
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
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An ability to build relationships within our team, with members and with media contacts.
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Understanding of current media trends and best practices.
Core Attributes
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Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail
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Be self-motivated and communicative with colleagues, with the ability to support the wider team when required in a flexible and dynamic working environment.
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An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.
Ideal Education: Bachelor's degree/ relevant experience and training in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
Ideal Experience:
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At least one (1) year’s experience in membership support, communications, or an administrative role.
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Proven experience in social media management and content creation.
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Experience with CRM software and email marketing platforms.
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Experience in the tertiary or higher education sector.
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Experience with invoicing/ payment systems (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, and the like).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This role manages the BSI’s Clinical Immunology Professional Network, and drives partnerships to secure funding and support. You will also lead the BSI’s work on vaccines, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of effective and affordable vaccines that deliver patient benefit.
This is a highly visible role requiring extensive engagement with partner organisations including the NHS, charities, funders, government bodies and industry, alongside a strong understanding of the relevant policy landscape. Acting as a primary interface with clinical and research communities, funders and other key stakeholders, you will also secure external funding to support project delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to build strong relationships and successfully deliver projects both within and beyond the BSI.
This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and innovative science and health membership organisation, delivering impactful projects, and building important partnerships in the dynamic field of clinical research.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About Young Roots
Young Roots' vision is a compassionate and welcoming society for young people seeking safety in the UK.
We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.
Our youth clubs and casework are transformative for young refugees, allowing young people who have fled danger, had traumatic journeys and who are often here alone, to find community and connection, have a space to be a young person and access support in addressing the whole range of practical challenges they face. We also draw on our evidence from working every day with young refugees and asylum seekers to call for change to the laws and policies which are harming young people.
About the Role
Young Roots is looking for an experienced and creative Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Manager to play a key role in securing income that transforms the lives of young refugees and asylum seekers.
Reporting to the Head of Fundraising and Development, you’ll manage and grow a portfolio of Trust and Foundation partners, develop compelling funding proposals, and proactively identify new opportunities aligned with our strategy. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you’ll place young people’s voices and experiences at the heart of every bid, helping to fund services that support belonging, wellbeing and futures.
This is an ideal role for a confident Trusts fundraiser who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities, and taking ownership — while working collaboratively in a values-driven organisation.
To Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV alongside a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role.
Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions:
1. What is your motivation for working with Young Roots?
2. What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically?
3. What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role? Please ensure you refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria.
Please submit your application via Charity Jobs.
No agencies, please.
Closing date: Midday on 5th January 2026
Interview date: 12th and 15th January 2026
Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who can face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for those with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification. If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying and you’d like any adjustment to the process or you’d like an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to the existence of organisations which support people from under-represented groups to access employment, who can advise you on applying for this role. For example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust and Experts by Experience.
Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously.
Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a framework of training and supervision which everyone is expected to comply with and systems for monitoring, quality assurance and gaining service user feedback. On joining you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users.
All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes vetting checks such as enhanced criminal records and barring, scrutiny of employment history, references and other checks.
To work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The role
We are looking for a passionate, driven and creative comms professional or marketer to join our busy team. Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, who can take on projects and drive campaigns across multiple touchpoints, managing them from planning through to analysis, optimising throughout. You will be both creative and data proficient, eager to demonstrate impact.
This is a relatively new team that is shaping process and building a brand - a great opportunity to grow.
Ranked 3rd startup hub in the UK by the FT, The Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub supports talented entrepreneurs and decision makers to transform breakthrough engineering innovations into disruptive spinouts, startups and scaleups.
The aim of this role is to increase awareness of and engagement with the Enterprise Directorate’s activities, with a particular focus on the Academy’s regional Hub portfolio, which includes programme and ecosystem engagement.
You will be required to develop marketing plans and materials, tailor outreach to regional audiences, and identify and amplify stories and case studies from the Academy’s regional hubs in partnership with the wider communications and engagement directorate.
Our location
Our light, spacious head office is based in a fantastic location in central London with views over St James’s Park and close to the West End. We operate hybrid, flexible working practices with a baseline for office-based working of a mandatory weekly team day plus further days each week as required for the role and the Academy.
Who are we?
Engineering matters. It shapes our everyday lives, from our ability to turn the lights on, have a hot shower and commute into work, to the mobile phones we rely on to keep connected. It also plays a vital role in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing society today, from climate change, to global health pandemics and cyber threats.
The Royal Academy of Engineering is a charity that harnesses the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation, and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.
With a diverse workforce and an inclusive and supportive culture, we look to attract candidates from wide and different backgrounds who have a passion for the role engineering plays in society. Our aim is to make the Academy the best place to work for the staff we have and those we seek to attract.
Why work for us?
We’re looking for people who are driven to make the world a better place. If you’re passionate about what you do and want to work collaboratively with talented colleagues to make change happen now and for future generations, we want you to get in touch.
This is the perfect time to join us. We have a dynamic, visionary CEO, a strong leadership team and an ambitious and exciting strategy. The value we bring as experts in our field and change agents is highly recognised and makes the Academy a motivating place to be. Our work today builds on a long, proud history with a focused and ambitious future which we’d love you to be part of.
We are looking for talented people who want to make a difference, to join our team – is this you? For more information and to apply, please visit our careers page.
Closing date: 5 January 2026.
Interview date: w/c 12 January 2026.
The Academy is committed to making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers that hinder applicants from applying or staff from working effectively and comfortably.
To develop policy goals and recommendations in line with Women for Refugee Women’s (WRW) overarching campaigns strategy to improve the lives of women seeking asylum in the UK; to develop and deliver policy interventions such as policy briefings, evidence for parliamentary committees, responses to inquiries and consultations; to plan and carry out research projects for influencing purposes, ensuring that these are informed by and co-delivered with women in WRW’s network.
We are part of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative. The network supports inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system. If this is your experience, you can find useful resources on the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative website.
Women for Refugee Women supports women seeking safety in the UK to rebuild their lives and campaigns alongside them for a compassionate asylum system.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are a charity representing and advocating for people living with dyslexia. Our mission is simple but powerful: to influence government and institutions so that society becomes truly dyslexia-friendly – enabling individuals of all ages to reach their full potential.
This is a key role leading our parliamentary engagement and policy development, ensuring that dyslexic children, young people, families, and adults have a strong voice in Westminster, Whitehall, and across the UK. Working closely with senior leaders, campaigns and media colleagues, and external partners, you’ll help shape policy and drive change in education, health, and employment.
Your work will make sure policymakers understand the barriers dyslexic people face - and the evidence-based solutions we champion. You’ll ensure our positions are grounded in lived experience, research, and best practice, and that our engagement is proactive, impactful, and aligned with our mission.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and deliver a parliamentary engagement strategy to advance our policy priorities.
- Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers, and civil servants.
- Provide timely briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders.
- Monitor political developments and identify opportunities for early influence.
- Lead policy research and produce clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
- Represent the charity at events, roundtables, and forums.
- Work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy insights inform campaigns and communications.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven, up-to-date experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement, or a related policy-influencing role, with a strong track record of delivering impact.
- Strong understanding of UK parliamentary and governmental processes.
- Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
- Political awareness, strategic thinking, and confident networking ability.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.
Please review the full job description for complete details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.
Why Join Us?
This is your chance to make a real difference – shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change.
Closing date: 14 January 2026 (5pm). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early.
Use of AI in Applications
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you.
To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice.
To change society by removing barriers so that everyone with dyslexia can reach their full potential in education, in employment and in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.
As Director of Policy & Research, you will:
- Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
- Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
- Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
- Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
- Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
- Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:
- Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
- Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
- Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and visionary thinker.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader.
- Politically astute and intellectually curious.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- 3% pension contribution
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
To lead the development and delivery of Women for Refugee Women’s (WRW) campaigns and communications strategy, ensuring compelling public engagement that amplifies the voices of refugee and asylum-seeking women, strengthens WRW’s profile, and mobilises supporters to take action. This role combines strategic communications and media liaison with impactful campaigning to influence public opinion and drive systemic change.
We are part of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative. The network supports inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system. If this is your experience, you can find useful resources on the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative website.
Women for Refugee Women supports women seeking safety in the UK to rebuild their lives and campaigns alongside them for a compassionate asylum system.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.
Key Responsibilities
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Policy and Research Leadership
- Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
- Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
- Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
- Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.
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Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
- Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
- Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
- Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.
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Internal Collaboration
- Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
- Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
- Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage junior staff or associates as required.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:
- Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
- Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
- Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
- Experience in income generation or bid development.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
- Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Politically aware and intellectually curious.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and inclusive.
- Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
AMR Action UK is the United Kingdom patient organisation for people impacted by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our legitimacy comes through our small-scale research projects, our engagement with patients and their families, and from our direct support of patients through our information service and peer-support activities.
AMR Action UK seeks to empower patient, families, and carers to have their voices heard on matters that affect their lives and to be able to influence research priorities, policy and implementation changes at government level, and changes in NHS practices across the four nations of the UK.
The Policy and Advocacy lead will ensure that AMR Action UK is both well-informed across the broad-spectrum of topics relating to AMR and is impactful in its influencing work.
To be successful in the role you will need energy and enthusiasm to hit the ground running in order to make an immediate impact on appointment.
Closing date 12th January 2026, with a view to holding interviews week beginning 19th January 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Information Manager is a pivotal senior role within The Migraine Trust—responsible for shaping and developing all health information produced by the organisation. This role ensures that our information is accurate, accessible, evidence‑based and meets the highest national standards, including oversight of our Patient Information Forum (PIF TICK) accreditation. The health information we produce covers a wide range of topics from migraine treatments, management of migraine, latest research and migraine triggers. There is also an ongoing need to scope new information needs and, where identified, produce new information. The depth of health information we currently have and will produce in the future ensures that this role will offer plenty of opportunities to work with a range of stakeholders on a variety of information topics. We currently hold PIF TICK certification, which will be part of this role to maintain. You will help us maintain the quality of our health information and ensure that we comply with the charity’s writing style and branding.
Acting as the charity’s subject‑matter expert on migraine information, the postholder plays a vital strategic role in influencing organisational priorities, ensuring the public, healthcare professionals, policymakers and wider stakeholders have access to accurate, impactful and up‑to‑date content.
This role directly contributes to the Trust’s strategic ambitions by:
- Strengthening public understanding of migraine
- Reducing stigma and misinformation
- Improving healthcare navigation and outcomes
- Supporting clinical and policy change
- Enhancing organisational reach
Key tasks and responsibilities
Producing and maintaining quality information
Manage The Migraine Trust’s provision of health information in line with the charity’s annual planning cycle and the PIF TICK accreditation. This will include: -
· Lead The Migraine Trust’s health information portfolio, ensuring alignment to annual plans, organisational strategy, and PIF TICK quality standards
· Manage the full lifecycle of health information—from scoping and research to writing, expert review, design and publication
· Reviewing and updating existing information content, ensuring it is accurate, up-to-date, accessible and produced in consultation with service users and people with lived experience, relevant medical advisors, health care professionals, the charity’s staff and other relevant specialists and organisations when appropriate
· Identify emerging gaps in information and lead the development of new materials
· Identify and engage with target groups identified in our three year strategy to identify need and produce associated materials
· Support staffs learning and build knowledge of migraine
Build key strategic partnerships to assist us in disseminating information on migraine.
· Champion the use of world class health information within the organisation, as well as displaying a high level of expertise around all our health information content
· Build and maintain strategic partnerships with healthcare professionals, professional bodies, and charity sector organisations to increase reach and influence
· Represent the charity externally as a health information expert at conferences and events
· Help to support our busy communications team to help provide messaging content for videos, blogs, responses to media requests etc
· Take responsibility for the provision of printed information materials to ensure we can continue to provide resources to suit demand, in a cost-effective manner
· Work with the communications team to identify creative and accessible ways to disseminate our information to a variety of audience
· Work closely with our valued volunteer group to gain feedback and direction on all aspects of our health information
· Explore opportunities of coproduction with other charities to further our reach
Support the evaluation and impact reporting of our information provision by regularly monitoring its use using a variety of evaluation methods and produce timely and accurate reports for both internal and external use.
· Updating and maintaining the health information web pages
· Lead the monitoring and evaluation of all health information outputs
· Produce impact reports and insights to inform strategic decision‑making, fundraising proposals, research priorities and service development
· Maintain and continuously improve data‑driven approaches to evaluating reach, accessibility and effectiveness of health information
· Keep up to date with relevant information and research on migraine
· Work with external suppliers such as designers, printers
Research
A very small aspect of this role is to be the focal point for our research administration which will include:
· Being the key point of communication and support for the research committee
· Manage administrative duties relating to new applications for research funding and current grant holders
· Co-ordinate and send out papers for research meetings (once a year maximum)
· Liaising with researchers funded by the charity and ensuring project reporting is up to date
· Liaise with the AMRC as and when appropriate
Other
· Represent the charity at appropriate external events for both the public and healthcare professionals
· Build relationships with healthcare professionals, external stakeholders and members of our community
· You may be asked to work outside of office hours or travel within the UK
· Be a supportive and participatory senior member of the team
· Abide by the charity’s policies, practices and core values
· Support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.
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- nsuring project reporting is up to date
- Liaise with the AMRC as and when appropriate
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Title: Fundraising Manager
Responsible to: Director/Head of Operations
Hours: 14 hours per week
Salary: £14,000-£16,000 (pro rata based on £35,000-40,000 FTE) (depending on experience and qualifications)
Based: Willesden, NW10 2JR + other locations if required (hybrid; 1 day per week remote working)
Contract: Permanent (subject to continuation of funding)
Please note: DBS check will be required
BIAS is a leading local Irish charity which has supported England’s largest community in Brent for over 45 years. We deliver our support across London through our welfare advice drop-in service, our active ageing clubs and our Be-a-Friend volunteer scheme. This is an exciting new role in which you will proactively generate and grow fundraising income across all fundraising streams to enable us to continue supporting the most vulnerable members of the Irish community. You will support our fundraising strategy by contributing to digital communications and creative content across all channels, in cooperation with project delivery teams. The role will play a central part in raising awareness and growing supporter engagement through digital campaigns, donor events, individual giving initiatives and the development of relationships with local businesses.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and deliver BIAS’s community fundraising strategy.
- Develop and implement a varied portfolio of events, community fundraising activities and campaigns, all of which reflect the spirit of BIAS.
- Explore marketing opportunities to raise the profile of the charity.
- Ensure relevant processes are in place to deliver successful, profitable community fundraising activities.
- Oversee the management of fundraising systems and platforms in order to create the best possible experience for donors and participants.
- Develop a robust supporter journey for community fundraisers which leaves them with an excellent experience and generates a long-term relationship with BIAS.
To achieve these objectives, the post holder will be expected to:
- Plan, budget, coordinate and attend an annual community fundraising and events calendar with set objectives, budgets and KPIs for each activity.
- Regularly review the performance of fundraising activities/events, making recommendations for improvement.
- Build and maintain a variety of community relationships across varying stakeholders.
- Explore and coordinate fundraising opportunities such as online donation platforms, auction platforms and text-to- donate services.
- Work with colleagues to ensure that all events are adequately supported with staff, volunteers and post-event debriefs.
- Ensure that all events and activities are compliant with the Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR and internal policies.
This job description reflects the basic duties required of the Fundraising Manager. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and you may be required from time to time to perform other reasonable duties which are required for the efficient running of the organisation. We will also offer training opportunities to support your career development.
What we’re looking for…
- Experience of designing and delivering successful community fundraising events, campaigns and activities, preferably with a track record of at least two years.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including budget and project management.
- Ability to build excellent working relationships, especially with supporters and partners.
- Strong team player who will ensure clear and regular communication with the BIAS management team.
- Ability to keep calm under pressure and maintain a clear head, anticipating risks and problems.
- A willingness to adapt and be flexible.
- Ability to travel.
- Competent user of Microsoft Office suite, with experience of CRM systems.
- Empathy and an understanding of the Irish community.
How to apply:
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria set out in the person specification, with supporting examples.
The deadline for applications is 29th January 2026 but we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible as interviews may be carried out on a rolling basis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
