Policy development jobs

About Starlight

No one enjoys medical procedures, least of all children. From facing everyday vaccinations to the most serious of surgeries and chronic conditions, all children experience varying degrees of apprehension and fear. Feeling scared, powerless, or anxious in healthcare settings doesn’t just trigger a child’s emotions; it can create traumas that impact treatment success and that can have a life-long impact. Starlight’s aim is to transform children’s health through better experiences, by putting play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.

Evidence shows that play in healthcare can reduce anxiety, fear and even pain; it helps children engage and prepare for their treatment and cope better with procedures; it minimises trauma and contributes to a better experience; and supports children to have some sense of agency and control in an environment where these opportunities are limited. Play can also reduce the number of attempts to deliver treatment, the need for sedation and the need for repeat appointments. Prioritising children’s right to play in healthcare results in healthier, happier children who are involved in their own healing and recovery as well as more efficient treatment and care.

We work in over 900 healthcare settings across the UK with an ultimate vision to ensure that no child endures trauma in healthcare.

Our Strategy and the Professional Training & Development Manager role

Over recent years, we have been re-positioning Starlight from a wish-granting charity to a charity that supports children to experience the power of play in healthcare settings to improve their mental health and wellbeing. These changes have made an exponential difference to the immediate impact that we can achieve for children, as well as the opportunity to create real social value in the efficiency of treatment; and to our ability to advocate for long-term systemic change in the way children experience healthcare.

Central to improving children’s experience is having access to experienced and properly equipped play professionals. Through our Champions network and collaborative working across the healthcare sector, we have developed strong networks; shared best practice, offered opportunities for training and connection and raised awareness of the importance of play professionals and a culture of play in healthcare settings. Our Taskforce work with NHS England has also clearly outlined the need for workforce accreditation and development.

While we continue to advocate at a systemic level for the recognition of the play workforce and their need for a strategy for their development, this role is vital in providing more immediate and tangible support to the professionals who make our work possible. 3 The Professional Training & Development Manager will be integral in sharing Starlight’s knowledge of Play by training and developing key roles within health play settings to ensure Play becomes a foundation of every child’s health care journey. They will support wider understanding of the importance of a culture of play in paediatric healthcare.

Main purpose of the role

The main purpose of this role is to develop and maintain effective and mutually supportive relationships with health professionals, creating communities of practice and resourcing knowledge exchange across the sector. Through these relationships, you will deepen our understanding of the training and workforce development needs of play professionals and identify and develop opportunities for training and sharing of best practice, Working closely across the Children’s Services your work will contribute to raising awareness of the importance of a culture of play for children’s mental health and wellbeing and for the health and efficiency of the NHS.

You will report directly to the Head of Professional Training & Development and will line manage a coordinator.

We are looking for a Research Officer to join our Campaigns, Policy and Research directorate.

This busy team uses evidence to raise the profile of issues affecting the Armed Forces community and influences politicians, officials, and the wider sector to improve policy and service delivery.

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about turning research into meaningful impact. You will play a key role in articulating the value and outcomes of our work, confidently communicating its significance to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Reporting to our Research Manager, some key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and deliver high-quality research and evaluation projects, from scoping and commissioning through to analysis, reporting, and dissemination.
• Generate actionable insights from qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy, policy, campaigns, and service improvement.
• Embed evidence and lived experience across the organisation, ensuring research findings shape decision-making and practical delivery.
• Monitor emerging research and sector developments, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities to strengthen understanding of the Armed Forces community.
• Translate complex findings into clear, engaging outputs (briefings, reports, presentations, digital content) tailored to diverse audiences.
• Build and manage strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, representing the organisation and championing evidence-led practice.

Here at RBL, we aim to support our people and their wellbeing, with a package including generous paid holiday allowance and pension scheme contributions, and a range of optional benefits and discounts.

Please note: candidates must submit a supporting statement with their application - guidance questions can be found in the vacancy information pack.

You will be contracted to your home address, and you will perform most of your work remotely there using our collaboration tools to work with colleagues, with occasional travel (including monthly team meetings) to our London Head Office hub.

Should you wish to explore a hybrid London working contract (to include an additional London Supplement to salary), this can be discussed at interview stage.

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the Armed Forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Closing Date:12 March 2026

Interview Dates: 25 and 26 March 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

About The Refugee Council

The Refugee Council is the nation’s refugee charity. Together with community groups, partners and volunteers, we help people who have escaped war and persecution to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play their part in Britain. Born in the aftermath of World War II, our frontline services support over 14,000 refugees each year to find safety, get to know their neighbours, and enter education, training or work. We share our evidence and expertise with policymakers to help build integrated communities where everyone can contribute.

We have offices across the UK where our Services teams provide support to refugees at local level.

Inclusion and Accessibility

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

Our Values

Our values underpin everything we do:

• Inclusive: We are inclusive. We work with - not for - refugees and people seeking asylum, so they have an equal voice, co-producing projects and ensuring their expertise and experiences are at the heart of what we do.
• Collaborative: We are collaborative. Working with others is a priority in order to have the collective impact that is vital to achieve policy and practice reform.
• Courageous: We speak out when we see injustice, cruelty and unfairness. We always stand up for what we believe is the right thing to do to transform the experiences of those seeking protection in our country.
• Respectful: We are respectful of all those we interact with. We treat everyone – our staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, partners and people we disagree with – with the same respect, professionalism and understanding.

About the role

The Learning & Development Administrator provides administrative and coordination support across learning, development, and workforce planning activities. Reporting to the Head of People & Culture, the role ensures statutory and mandatory training compliance is monitored, training programmes are coordinated, and accurate workforce and skills data is maintained.

The postholder plays a key role in supporting both project and non-project roles by contributing to training needs analysis, updating the organisational skills database, and matching workforce skills to role requirements. This ensures that capability gaps are identified and addressed across the organisation, not only during project mobilisation and closure but also in ongoing service delivery. 

This is a permanent, full-time position working 35 hours per week.

Staff Benefits

To reward our staff for the value they bring, we offer a variety of enhanced terms and conditions and a wide range of benefits, including:

• Training & Development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Work Life Balance Policies
• Employer-Sponsored Volunteering
• And more!

Let’s work together to improve the lives of refugees in the UK - apply on our website today.

Closing date: 12 March 2026.

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

Are you ready to shape public policy for lasting social change?

Do you want to influence decision-makers and champion the voice of those affected by problem debt?

Are you driven to turn insight into action that improves lives across Wales?

We’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advocate to join our External Affairs team. You’ll be at the forefront of our work in Wales—connecting StepChange with key stakeholders, driving policy change, and amplifying our mission to create a society free from problem debt. This is a high-impact role where your insight and influence will help shape the future of debt policy and support vulnerable communities.

Location: This is a remote role, with regular travel required to Cardiff and travel to London once a month for meetings/events.

What you’ll be doing

• You’ll lead targeted lobbying campaigns and produce compelling evidence-based reports, briefings, and articles to influence public policy and regulatory practices.
• You’ll build and manage relationships with the Welsh Government and Parliament, and other influential figures and organisations across Wales.
• You’ll monitor developments in legislation, policy, and research—providing strategic advice on emerging threats and opportunities.
• You’ll represent StepChange at high-profile meetings, conferences, and media engagements, acting as a trusted voice for the charity.
• You’ll organise thought leadership events and roundtables and support senior leaders with speeches and briefings that drive our advocacy forward.
• You’ll ensure our work remains politically impartial and compliant with all relevant regulations, including Charity Commission rules and the Lobbying Act. 

About you

• Significant experience in public affairs or public policy within Wales.
• Deep understanding of the Welsh Senedd, Welsh Government, and the broader policy-making landscape.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and deliver impactful policy change.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a flair for strategic thinking and political judgement.
• Skilled at building influential networks across government, charities, and civil society.
• Organised, proactive, and passionate about social justice and equality.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We’re always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It’s not just about the professional experience you bring – we’re interested in who you are and your potential. If there’s an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.

This is a new post that responds to a clear and pressing need. Over many years of working alongside people recently granted refugee status, we have seen how the moment of transition, when someone leaves asylum accommodation and tries to find a home of their own, can significantly impact the opportunity to build a stable life. Too often, people face this period with little support, or relying on friends, volunteers and organisations who want to help but aren't always sure how, especially in such a rapidly changing environment. This role exists to change that.

Through our Refugee Homelessness Prevention Project we want to build on the learning and experience we’ve gained over the last 20 years and increase our impact in local communities across Greater Manchester. We are therefore looking for an experienced trainer who is proactive, well‑organised and able to build strong relationships in local communities.

This is a varied and community‑focused role, suitable for someone who is comfortable facilitating training, enjoys meeting people in a range of settings and is keen to help others feel confident in offering housing‑related guidance.

In accordance with the Christian ethos and values of Boaz Trust, the Housing Access Training and Development Officer is responsible for developing and delivering a training and resources programme that builds the capacity of organisations and communities across Greater Manchester to support people recently granted refugee status in accessing private rented accommodation.

The post holder will:

• develop and deliver practical, accessible training for a range of audiences which could include faith communities, VCSE organisations and mainstream homelessness services
• develop and maintain our suite of housing resources and tools that equip non-specialist supporters to help refugees navigate the private rented sector with knowledge and confidence
• build positive and productive relationships with organisations, networks and partners across al ten Greater Manchester boroughs as a representative of Boaz Trust. 

For a full Job Description and Person Specification as well as more details about the role and the organisation download our 'recruitment pack'. The deadline for applications is 9am on Thursday 2nd April 2026. We look forward to hearing from you!

Lead a flagship programme that supports young people from underrepresented backgrounds into meaningful, sustainable careers.
Join 20/20 Levels as our Programme Manager for I AM CHANGE and drive delivery, quality and growth at scale.

This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of an established, high-impact career development programme operating across London and online. You will lead cohorts from recruitment to graduation, manage facilitators and mentors, build relationships with employers, and ensure participants gain the confidence, skills and networks needed to thrive in the workplace.

We are looking for a strong programme leader who combines operational excellence with heart. Someone who can create safe, aspirational environments for young people while holding high expectations around attendance, progression and results. You will be trusted to manage performance, budgets, partnerships and data, using insight to continuously improve delivery and demonstrate impact to funders and stakeholders.

If you are passionate about social mobility, experienced in employability or youth development, and ready to lead a programme that changes lives every day, we would love to hear from you.

Senior Project Officer (Community Development and Training)
Reference: SPOCDT26
Location: Home-based within or near Devon (with travel across the county)
Contract: Fixed term until December 2026 (10 months)
Hours: 15 hours each week
Salary: £28,000 FTE per annum (£11,200 actual for 15 hours per week)

Groundwork South is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Project Officer (Community Development and Training) to support delivery of our National Lottery-funded Communities Prepared programme in Devon.

Communities Prepared works with volunteers and communities across England to help them build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. This includes supporting communities to plan for climate-related risks such as flooding, storms, heat waves, and severe weather.

This role will play a key part in delivering the final stages of the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP), a £7.3 million programme funded through the UK Government’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme and administered by the Environment Agency.

Working closely with partners including Devon County Council, you will engage with communities across Devon to increase awareness of flood risk and support them to strengthen their resilience.

About the Project and the Role

The Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP) is testing innovative ways to improve flood resilience in communities across Devon. This role will focus on engaging 28 priority communities to assess uptake of support for community emergency planning and Flood Warden training.

Key Responsibilities

As Senior Project Officer, you will:

• Design and deliver a targeted community engagement plan across Devon.
• Raise awareness of local climate and flood risks.
• Support communities to develop emergency and flood plans.
• Help establish and support Flood Action Groups and Flood Wardens.
• Deliver training and workshops both online and in person.
• Work collaboratively with programme partners and stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on community engagement and participation.
• Track and evidence engagement activity and outcomes.
• Contribute to project meetings and programme reporting.
• Share learning with the national Communities Prepared team.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in community engagement or community development.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders or partners.
• Confidence working independently in a remote role.
• An interest in climate resilience, emergency planning or environmental issues.
• A willingness to travel across Devon.

Not all communities will take up the offer of support, so an important part of the role is ensuring engagement is clearly tracked and reported.

The role involves regular travel across Devon and occasional travel to Bristol for team meetings.

Knowledge of community emergency planning or flood resilience would be an advantage but is not essential.

Closing date for applications: 22nd March 2026
Interview date: 26th March 2026

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.

Groundwork South is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of the community.

No agencies please.

Are you an experienced and proactive HR professional with a strong understanding of UK employment law and a passion for supporting people? We are seeking a confident and capable People & Culture Lead, providing high-quality advice and guidance to managers and employees across a wide range of HR matters. You’ll play a key role in shaping our HR function and contributing to a positive and inclusive working culture.

•                     Permanent, Full Time 35 hours per week

• Hybrid working - available with 60% home working.

• Starting salary: £35,750per annum (depending on experience) with a generous pension contribution: up to 10 per cent employer contribution on annual salary.

• CMS offers 36 days of annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays) as well as enhanced paid sickness, maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

• CMS supports the mental wellbeing of its employees and offers a generous rewards and wellbeing package, including:

access to 24/7 employee assistance programme with qualified counsellors

regular wellbeing coffee mornings

support on menopause for women

up to three volunteer days a year

up to three family emergency leave days a year

retreats and resources for prayer life

We welcome applications from everyone. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from minority groups as they are currently underrepresented within our organisation. All appointments are made on merit of skill, experience and potential as set out in the job description and person specification.

The organisation you’ll be joining

Church Mission Society is comprised of people who are passionate about mission and fired up about helping people follow Jesus. For over 200 years CMS has been at the forefront of global mission, living out the gospel of Jesus, seeing lives changed and communities transformed. If you join CMS, you will find an organisation that has been reinvigorated with a fresh vision to make disciples of Jesus among people at the edges, both in the UK and around the world.

Your role

The People and Culture Lead will be working closely with the Head of People and Culture to ensure recruitment, onboarding, employee reward, employment relations, learning and development and projects serve the long-term goals of CMS.

You are responsible for delivering professional HR service that supports our operations, vision and strategy. This applies specifically to UK contracted staff (some of whom work overseas) and providing support for volunteers (including CMS Trustees) and consultants.

What you’ll need to succeed

The People and Culture Lead role (one-year, fixed term contract, three days per week) will have proven HR experience at a business partner or officer level which includes experience in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations and policy (and will ideally hold CIPD Level 5 accreditation).  The successful candidate will have a good understanding of UK employment law and best HR practice.

It is also a requirement for this post holder to be a committed and practising Christian as well as committed to CMS’s values and aims. Further details can be found in the job description and person specification available to download on the CMS website.

Our commitment to you

Our core values of being pioneering, relational, faithful and evangelistic are integral to everything we do, and we work hard to ensure that every member of staff is valued, supported and encouraged to continually learn and develop their skills.

We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve, our partners, our volunteers, and our staff. We believe that every child or adult we come into contact with has the right to be protected from all forms of harm and abuse. Our recruitment and selection processes are in line with our Safeguarding Policy and the SCHR Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, which CMS is a member of as part of our commitment to safeguarding.

Closing date

We must get your application by midnight on Sunday 8 March 2026

Interviews are planned to be held on Wednesday 18 March 2026 in CMS House, Oxford.

To apply

Please send your application form and CV via our website or by post to HR Team, Church Mission Society, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ.  CVs will only be considered when sent with a completed Application Form, which is available to download from our website.

Candidates for all UK roles must already be eligible to work in the UK, with a valid visa and work permit if required.

As a member of the Inter-agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, CMS has committed to systematically check with previous employers from the last five years for any ‘SEAH’ (Sexual Exploitation, Abuse or Harassment) issues relating to all potential new hires.

Cardiomyopathy UK is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cardiomyopathy. We provide clinical information, emotional support, and work to influence policy and practice so that everyone affected by cardiomyopathy receives timely diagnosis, high-quality care, and support.

Our established Change Maker volunteer network brings together people with lived experience of cardiomyopathy who share their stories and the expertise it provides to advocate for meaningful policy and practice change. Change Makers contribute in a range of ways, from running awareness raising activities and supporting social media campaigns to engaging with MPs. Their work helps drive improvements in care pathways, raise public understanding of cardiomyopathy and provide valuable input into Cardiomyopathy UK’s policy development.

As the network enters its next phase, we are seeking a skilled and passionate Freelance Senior Advocacy Officer to help take it forward.

Role Purpose

The Freelance Senior Advocacy Officer will lead the growth and development of our Change Maker network, ensuring volunteers are supported, empowered, and equipped to influence change at local, regional, and national levels. In this role, you will work closely with the Policy Manager to design and implement a strategic plan for the network, and provide the training, tools and resources our volunteers need to advocate effectively. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in advocacy, campaigns or volunteer engagement, along with strong project management skills.

As a 0.4 FTE freelance role, responsibilities will be phased and prioritised over the course of the contract. 

Please see the job description and person specification for further details.

CLOSING DATE MONDAY 2ND MARCH 2026

We’re looking for an ambitious and creative Business Development Manager to help Honeypot transform the lives of young carers. This is a unique opportunity to grow sustainable income while making a real, visible impact. You’ll build inspiring partnerships with corporate businesses, spotting new opportunities and turning bold ideas into meaningful support for our charity. Working closely with a passionate fundraising team, you’ll research pipelines, open new doors, and champion our mission wherever you go.

If you’re an experienced fundraisier  (3 years or more in a charitable organisation), have business development experience, and be a natural relationship-builder who’s motivated by cause and purpose as much as performance, we’d love to hear from you.

·

We are now looking for a Finance Officer to join us on a full-time basis, working 35 hours per week for a 12 month fixed-term contract to cover a period of maternity leave.

The Benefits

- Salary of £31,960 - £38,675 per annum
- 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is a rewarding opportunity for an AAT qualified finance professional with strong accounts receivable experience to join our globally respected organisation.

You’ll play a vital role behind the scenes, ensuring the financial foundations are strong enough for our teams to undertake critical work on climate change, biodiversity loss and global inequality.

What’s more, you’ll gain valuable exposure to international financial operations, enjoy flexible hybrid working and contribute to a mission that goes far beyond the numbers.

So, if you’re ready to develop your expertise within a purpose-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Your Role

As a Finance Officer, you will support healthy, responsible finance across the organisation by managing accounts receivable processes.

Specifically, you will ensure that all funds owed to us are collected and recorded accurately and on time. Managing the end-to-end AR process, you will track incoming payments, maintain accurate records and conduct reconciliations to resolve discrepancies.

You will prepare aged debtor reports, follow up on outstanding balances and contribute to process improvements that enhance cash flow stability and reduce debtor days. You will also oversee staff expenses and credit card management, ensuring claims are compliant, accurately coded and processed efficiently.

Alongside weekly multi-currency bank reconciliations, you will support month-end and year-end processes, audit preparation and continuous improvement initiatives across finance operations.

Additionally, you will:

- Reconcile funder accounts and resolve unallocated or misposted payments
- Process international payments and manage foreign exchange considerations
- Administer the credit card portal in line with organisational policies
- Prepare debtor and cash flow reports for review
- Support tax reporting, compliance checks and donor financial reporting
- Act as a key contact for AR and expense-related queries

About You

To be considered as the Finance Officer, you will need:

- To be AAT qualified or possess equivalent experience
- Proven experience in accounts receivable and staff expense management
- Strong experience in cash receipt processing and debt collection
- Experience working with financial systems and accounting software
- Familiarity with multi-currency accounting and international payments
- Proficiency in accounting software and strong Excel skills
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a varied workload
- High accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities

The closing date for this role is 9th March 2026. However, the role may close early if we have the right candidate.

Other organisations may call this role Accounts Receivable Officer, Finance Officer, AR Officer, Credit Control Officer, Finance Administrator, Accounts Technician, Accounts Junior, Bookkeeper, or Accounts Assistant.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

We are recruiting for a Group Media Manager

Summary

This role has a crucial part to play in Nesta’s success, using the media as a key channel in building Nesta’s influence, profile and impact. Working as part of an expert communications team, you will plan and deliver media activity targeting policymakers and the wider policy and government communities, as well as specific practitioner groups or segments of the public.

Your focus will be largely but not exclusively on our three missions; health, decarbonising heat, and early years. You will also work widely and flexibly on a range of broader topics, collaborating with experts across all of Nesta, as well as working with researchers and behavioural scientists at BIT.

You will take a flexible approach to media audiences, focusing on traditional and legacy media as key sources of influence but also leaning heavily into ‘newer’ outlets and platforms, ranging from policy podcasts to media startups and key Substack influencers, as essential routes to the audiences we need to reach and engage.

This is a hands-on role that combines the tactical delivery of media activity with the strategic planning that is required to build Nesta’s media profile, protect our reputation and position us as an organisation that is a world leader in driving innovation for social good.

What you’ll be doing:

Lead on the development and delivery of UK media plans that support the strategic objectives of Nesta and BIT

• Work collaboratively to shape stories that involve a cross-functional range of colleagues from disciplines including data science, design, behaviour science and policy and research
• Actively seek out proactive opportunities to build our profile among journalists in our three mission areas (health, decarbonising homes, early years), as well as more generally
• Work with colleagues at BIT to grow and build the reputation of the organisation as a world-class research and innovation consultancy that uses a deep understanding of human behaviour to improve people's lives.
• Accelerate our journey from a primarily legacy media-focused media team to a hybrid model where ‘newer media’ is just as important, building relationships with these outlets, writers and broadcasters and securing high-impact coverage
• Monitor relevant breaking news stories and political and policy developments, identifying and quickly capitalising on relevant opportunities for Nesta’s missions and brand
• Protect Nesta’s reputation, develop and implement crisis management media strategies and rebuttal as required
• Identify, develop and maintain relationships with key media and internal and external stakeholders, including taking the lead on managing and coordinating internal and external relationships to progress media stories, statements and positions, with often competing priorities and time pressure
• Develop and maintain Nesta’s cohort of case studies across its consumer-facing projects and services, building relationships with these contacts as advocates of Nesta’s mission goals
• Ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the Nesta press office through developing shared resources and reporting key success metrics
• Support colleagues in the Nesta communications team by guiding and supporting their media outreach, and by acting as a source of expert advice on media for the rest of the organisation
• Covering media enquiries out of hours as and when required
• Deputising for the senior media manager as and when required 

What we’re looking for:

• Professional media relations experience (essential): You will have proven experience of working in a busy press office (ideally a policy-focused media team), with at least 80% of your time spent on media. A creative thinker and experienced writer and editor, you will have experience working on a variety of stories and you think cross-channel. You have a solid understanding of how the media environment works, how it's changing and what that demands from organisations like Nesta and BIT.
• Knowledge and understanding of the UK policy context (essential): You will have worked at the interface of communications and policy, possibly in government, a thinktank, NGO or in the private sector. You will appreciate the pace, nuance and strategic thinking required to operate in a media team that is deeply connected across government, industry and practitioner groups
• Excellent writing skills (essential): You will be a superb writer, capable of adapting your style across different channels to reach audiences in the most effective way. The ability to work quickly and flexibly in the role is important. You will be as comfortable advising on a longer-term strategic project as you will be turning around flawless copy on a breaking news story.
• Project delivery skills (essential): You will have proven experience in delivering high-impact communications campaigns from conception to delivery and evaluation. You can proactively plan and deliver work, identify and act on risks and find solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills (essential): You will have experience in applying these effectively to collaborate well with colleagues, build stakeholder relationships and develop partnerships. You bring with you a bank of trusted contacts and you are always looking to expand your range of trusted contacts across media.

As with all members of Nesta Group's communications team, the post holder will be at their best working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment with multiple projects and priorities. They will have a positive, can-do attitude and a flexible approach, able to adapt to changing circumstances with good humour and an appetite for taking on new tasks and challenges. They will also have strong communication skills, the ability to write and edit content for different audiences and a proven ability in (or enthusiasm to learn) web publishing and the creation of simple communications products like social cards or videos.

What we offer

Salary: £49,200 - £65,800 plus an array of benefits including private medical insurance, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, eyecare vouchers and more. Offers are usually made at the bottom of the band.

Location: Hybrid, with two days per week in the London office. We ask that our team attend the office on Tuesday and one other day of their choice.

Term: Full-time, permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Occasional out-of-hours work (evenings, weekends, and public holidays) will be required to fulfil the role.

Flexibility: This is a full-time role, but we offer a range of flexible working arrangements and encourage our people to take advantage of them. Many do.

Reports to: Senior Media Manager

Making an application

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and cover letter before 8:00am on the 9th of March 2026.

Interviews will take place w/c 23rd of March 2026.

About Nesta

We are Nesta, a research and innovation foundation, using a powerhouse of applied methods to design, test and scale solutions for the biggest challenges of our time. Driven by a vision to improve the lives of millions of people, our focus up to 2030 is on three missions: breaking the link between family background and life chances, halving obesity and cutting household carbon emissions.

We work with partners across the public, private and third sectors to develop high-potential solutions and test them as they evolve, drawing on deep expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, data science, behavioural science and design. Once confident in the effectiveness of a solution, we are relentless in the pursuit of scale. We create and make the case for ambitious national policy proposals, develop consumer-facing products and services, spin out and support commercial ventures and harness the power of the arts to shape national narratives.

We extend our impact through two specialised units that help others to solve complex problems and achieve their missions. BIT applies a deep understanding of human behaviour to help clients achieve their goals. Challenge Works designs and runs challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society.

Together, we are building a powerful ecosystem for innovation that delivers proven solutions to create lasting, positive change. 

At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: To champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support - they are at the heart of everything we do. We stand by them and we work together for change.

Alongside an incredible team of like-minded peers, you’ll be working behind-the-scenes to support our staff, volunteers, families, and supporters. You will be helping our work happen across the charity; enabling us to care for and champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support.

The Role

As Interim Head of Business Development, you will provide strategic leadership and hands-on delivery to stabilise and strengthen the Trust’s business development approach. You will lead the end-to-end opportunity pipeline - from market intelligence and commissioner engagement through to bid development, governance and mobilisation handover - ensuring opportunities are aligned to strategy, deliver strong outcomes, and are financially viable.

Hours: 37.5 Hours 

Contract : 1 year fixed term contract 

Salary: £48,022.00 

Location: Cheadle, Stockport

Responsibilities include but are not exhaustive

• Provide visible interim leadership for the Trust’s business development function, setting clear priorities and ways of working, and coordinating contribution from service, operational, clinical and corporate colleagues.
• Develop and maintain a Trust-wide opportunity pipeline (tenders, frameworks, spot-purchase growth, strategic partnerships and other commissioned income routes), including qualification, prioritisation, and clear next steps.
• Lead proactive engagement with commissioners, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS partners and other stakeholders to understand demand, shape specifications where appropriate, and position the Trust effectively.
• Own the end-to-end bid process: establish bid plans, coordinate contributors, draft and quality-assure responses, and ensure submissions are compliant, persuasive, and submitted on time.
• Work with Finance and service leads to ensure all bids and proposals are underpinned by robust costing, pricing, risk assessment and contract terms review; ensure financial viability and appropriate approvals before submission.
• Create and embed a practical bid governance approach (stage-gates, templates, timelines and sign-off), so that bidding is consistent, efficient and auditable.
• Champion the Together Trust’s vision, mission and values, and role model the Trust’s behaviours.
• Commit to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in how opportunities are developed and how the Trust works with partners.
• Maintain a visible presence across Trust services and corporate teams, balancing hybrid working with on-site engagement as needed.

About You

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent senior leadership experience).
• Evidence of continuing professional development in leadership, commissioning, commercial practice or service transformation
• Significant senior experience in commissioning, business development, service development or strategic partnership working within a public service environment (e.g. local authority, NHS, education, social care, VCFSE).
• Proven track record of developing successful proposals, business cases, tenders or commissioning documentation - including coordinating multiple contributors to deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging credibly with senior commissioners and partners.
  • Good understanding of public sector commissioning and procurement routes, including tendering, frameworks and contract governance.
  • Understanding of the importance of safeguarding, quality and regulatory expectations when developing and mobilising services for children, young people and adults.
• Ability to analyse complex problems, identify options and recommend proportionate solutions.
• Full UK driving license with ability to travel across Together Trust locations and to partner/commissioner meetings as required.

Benefits

• Annual Leave 27 day holiday plus 8 days bank holidays rising to 30 after 5 years, 33 days after 10 years
• Generous pension scheme and death in service benefit, up to 7% company pension contributions initially rising with length of service and up to 6 x basic salary death in service benefit.
• Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
• Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card
• Proud to be a real living wage employer
• Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications
• Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
• Promotion of Wellbeing across the organisation including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session  in person or online
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and adults at your home

Find out more — watch our short video to see what it’s like to work with us:

https://youtu.be/SEnw2o00T6E

Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

If there is any part of your lived experience you want to keep confidential in some way please talk to the Recruitment or HR shared service teams and we will do what we can to support you

The Together Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken for the successful candidate in line with our safer recruitment policy.

About the team​

The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.

The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
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About this role

The Research and Evidence Officer is a new and exciting role at Impetus, an organisation at the forefront of youth policy. Impetus is evidence led and impact focused and we take this approach to our policy and public affairs activity. 

The successful candidate will provide the robust data and insights needed to help us build a better understanding of young people’s experiences across education and employment, support colleagues by providing accurate data, analysis and insight that informs policy development and communication designed to improve their outcomes, and support the team to create compelling cases for change tailored to a range of audiences. They will be line managed by the Head of Education Policy but work across both employment and education policy domains. 

We are a busy team doing interesting and exciting work. Day-to-day you might be extracting insights from government published data, providing evidence for a policy briefing, drafting a report for a policy audience, or working with colleagues from across the team to communicate research findings in impactful ways, following agreed templates, processes and quality standards, and seeking clarification where needed.

We are looking for someone with a commitment to supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get the support they need for a fulfilling life, whatever that means to them. You will have good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, have the skills required to analyse a range of data sets, including confidence applying quantitative research methods to conduct primary and secondary analysis of large and complex datasets, and the ability to present research findings clearly.

This is an exciting time to join a rapidly growing organisation. We work on tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds including reducing the numbers losing learning though absence and exclusion, improving GCSE attainment in English and maths and ensuring youth employment provision reaches those furthest away from work. Your contribution to this work will have a tangible impact
on these and other areas.

We are keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.

We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find the link on the recruitment pack.

Key responsibilities
• Monitor monthly data releases and new research published across our areas of interest and record relevant information accurately following agreed templates and systems
• Use quantitative and qualitative research skills to support and contribute to the delivery of a range of research projects and reviews, conduct data analysis, and generate robust evidence across relevant policy areas and portfolio partner activity
• Translate complex data accurately into accessible reports, briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and other content ensuring accuracy, clarity and adherence to organisational templates and approval processes
• Use research findings to provide accurate evidence and summaries that support colleagues in developing policy positions, evaluating proposals, and proposing evidence-based solutions
• Prepare accurate briefing materials and background notes to support senior colleagues on relevant policy areas ahead of meetings and events (speaking events, roundtables, and senior-level stakeholder meetings)
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop content for external priority audiences to maintain and grow the profile of policy work, by preparing draft summaries, data points and visuals in line with agreed templates and style guides
• Support the policy team in gathering, organising, summarising and using evidence from portfolio partners
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing packs, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Support the Heads of Policy to build and maintain relationships with researchers, academics, and the education sector by writing briefings, maintaining a contact database, and representing Impetus’ interests at events
• Collaborate with peers to meet deadlines and deliver results, ask for clarification when needed, share information promptly, and work cooperatively to meet deadlines.

Person specification

​Essential​
• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and how these can be applied to policy and practice
• Ability to support the development of research tools including surveys, interview guides, and tailored data collection plans
• Experience of analysing data and evidence (quantitative and qualitative), including working with large or complex datasets ensuring accuracy and following agreed guidance
• Experience using statistical or data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, R, Stata, SPSS, or similar)
• Ability to interpret research findings and translate complex data into clear, accessible outputs to improve clarity for non-technical audiences (e.g. briefings, reports, presentations)
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate, and well-structured content for policy or public audiences which are in line with agreed templates and processes
• Ability to gather and summarise evidence that supports colleagues in developing policy positions and decision-making
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously. Able to follow established processes, manage own tasks, and maintain accurate records
• A commitment to working with collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and to contribute positively to a team-based working culture
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Desirable​

• Experience working in a policy, university or research environment, think tank, charity, or public sector environment
• An interest in education and/or employment policy and the use of evidence to drive systemic change and a willingness to build understanding
• Knowledge of the UK government and policy-making process, including the roles of departments, Parliament, and external stakeholders, and how research and evidence contribute to policy development and decision-making
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​About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today: ​

- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

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​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
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How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.​

You will need to:​

- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

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