Policy director jobs

The Head of Research and Policy is a key role within the Trust, overseeing its programme of policy-focused research on social mobility and educational inequalities. The Trust has published over 300 pieces of research since 1997, including many highly influential reports which have achieved widespread media coverage and attention among policy makers. This is an exciting opportunity to play a meaningful part in effecting change for disadvantaged young people, in a rapidly evolving policy landscape

The role sits within our integrated Communications, Research and Policy team, where we see communications and advocacy working hand in hand with generating robust evidence. As Head you will oversee a small research team producing original research internally, as well as commissioning work from external researchers and organisations. You will develop proposals and design research projects, as well as recommendations for policy and practice.

We are looking for someone with a deep interest in issues of educational equity, social mobility and increasing opportunity. You will combine a commitment to methodologically robust research with a passion for clear, impactful communication of findings and an eye for practical learnings.

Main duties
Research

• Leading the Trust’s portfolio of research, with the Director of Research and Policy, ensuring a regular and varied programme of policy-relevant research, including responsibility for its quality and accuracy.
• Overseeing colleagues and external organisations responsible for individual reports.
• Ensuring that Sutton Trust reports are accessible to practitioners and policy makers; editing and preparing reports for publication.
• Developing new ideas for research in consultation with the Director, as well as other Sutton Trust colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Authoring one or more original data-rich research reports each year, where appropriate
• Managing the day-to-day work of two Research and Policy Managers, including pastoral support. Management of other team members as appropriate, and recruitment where relevant.
• Working with the Development team to identify possible funders and develop fundraising proposals and secure funding for the team’s work.
• Management of the research budget, ensuring value for money.

Policy and impact

• Working with the Director of Research and Policy and colleagues, as well as external experts, to develop credible recommendations and policy proposals that help advance the Trust’s social mobility agenda.
• Working with Communications and Public Affairs team members to develop messaging and content for disseminating and publicising the Trust’s research findings and policy recommendations.
• Working with the Head of Communications and Public Affairs and other colleagues to support the advocacy work of the Trust, including responding to government consultations.
• Undertaking advocacy work, as required, with MPs’ staff, civil servants, special advisers and other policy makers.
• Representing the Trust externally at events, conferences, and with donors and other supporters, as well as through news media - both broadcast appearances and thought leadership articles.
• Working with colleagues in the Programmes team to ensure exchange of knowledge and expertise across teams

Other

• Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team and Trustee Board, where required.
• Other duties as necessary from time to time

Person Specification

We welcome applications from individuals who have:

• Significant experience designing and delivering impactful original research which is robust and policy relevant
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of research methods, particularly quantitative research, and is fluent in data analysis software such as R/SPSS/Stata/Python.
• Experience leading, managing or commissioning research delivered by others
• Experience securing funding for research projects
• A qualification in a numerate discipline, including education, economics, statistics, or similar discipline in the social or natural sciences, either at degree or postgraduate level, or comparable experience.
• An understanding of the British educational system and issues related to social mobility and inequality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and analytical skills
• Line management experience
• High degree of initiative and the ability to lead a programme of work
• Excellent attention to detail
• Personable, flexible and discreet; able to fit into a small team in a fast-paced environment

We are also looking for an individual who:

• Is sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
• Has knowledge and experience of the higher education and/or education sectors, as well as government and the public policy environment
• Has experience communicating research in the media
• Has first-class interpersonal skills - a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust in a range of settings
• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)

Terms of Appointment

• Salary: £56,000-£64,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• Contract: Full time, Permanent
• Working location: Minimum of 2 office days per week
• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends
• DBS check may be required
• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 10am, Wednesday 21st May , with first round interviews held on Thursday, 29th May and Friday 30th May, and second round interviews held on Tuesday, 10th June and Wednesday, 11th June. Both interview rounds will be held at our London offices.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

Contextual recruitment

The Trust is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented at present at the Trust, to apply for this role. As such we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work and know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the young people we support.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout our recruitment process and during employment.

We also operate contextual recruitment at the Sutton Trust. Our application process gives you the option to include information about your background, such as whether you were eligible for free school meals, whether your parents went to university, or whether you attended a state school. For more examples and information on contextual recruitment, please see our website.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Take on a pivotal leadership role as Director of People, where you'll be at the forefront of shaping strategic priorities and cultivating a culture defined by innovation, collaboration and excellence. In this influential position, you'll be part of the executive team to craft and execute transformative people strategies that span the entire employee lifecycle; from talent acquisition and development to recognition, performance and employee engagement.

Our mission is simple: to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. We see Harris Federation as a system disrupter – whose purpose is to make life fairer for children in and around London. Our focus is to take on the most challenging schools and turn them into exceptional places of learning where everyone – staff and students – thrives.

This is a rare opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on a high-performing, purpose-driven organisation. Join a passionate, forward thinking people team committed to positioning Harris Federation as an employer of choice within the education sector. We're seeking a visionary leader to champion this exciting transformation and help drive our collective success.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Director of People is part of the executive team at Harris Federation, leading the organisation to deliver the strategic priorities and foster an environment of innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and leading the implementation of the people strategies and supporting policies, frameworks, and processes, consistent with the firm’s strategic priorities and values.
• Lead organisational design and change initiatives, ensuring people are at the centre, and act as custodian of the organisation’s cultural evolution
• Create and maintain a strong employee value proposition, including reward strategies, recognition and holistic wellbeing initiatives, ensuring Harris Federation becomes an employer of choice
• Engender a continuous improvement ethos within the HR team, encouraging innovative thinking and a future-focused mentality

A full list of responsibilities can be found in the Job Pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Demonstrable experience in senior HR leadership roles, overseeing people strategy and leading a team of HR professionals
• Proven ability to think strategically to create strategies combined with a strong understanding of how to align strategy to operational excellence and commercial reality
• Extensive experience in shaping and leading organisational change initiatives, including experience in managing TUPE and union engagement
• Demonstrable success in designing and implementing leadership development and talent programmes
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, with experience of navigating complex employee relations situations

For a full person specification please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Elliott, Talent Acquisition Partner, via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

Policy Officer-Wales

Based at home, situated across Wales including regular travel around the country and to the Senedd, Cardiff.

22.5 hrs per week

Fixed term post 2 years

Up to £34,500 p.a FTE depending on experience

Make a difference for kidney patients in Wales!

Are you passionate about influencing policy and driving change? Do you want to be part of a growing team making a real impact on the lives of people with kidney disease?

We’re looking for a Policy Officer – Wales to help shape policy, build relationships, and advocate for better support and care for kidney patients. In this brand-new role, you’ll work for Kidney Care UK and Kidney Wales, engaging with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and those affected by kidney disease.

You’ll spend time at the Senedd, building connections with local politicians and councillors, and ensuring the voices of kidney patients are heard loud and clear. With your knowledge of Welsh Government structures (or similar UK experience), you’ll help drive our campaigns and influence change.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible difference, working flexibly in a supportive team. If you’re ready to champion kidney patients and shape policy in Wales, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Develop or participate in work programs and undertake projects to explore policy issues under the guidance of the Policy Director of Kidney Care UK and the Managing Director of Kidney Wales.
• Support the research, development and dissemination of policy positions in Wales.
• Work with other team members to deliver events/reports or campaigns as needed
• Keep up to date with the policy department and charity work to avoid duplication and ensure good communications with our colleagues.
• Contribute to the newly created All Wales Cross Party Group.
• Undertake desk-based research involving data collection and the synthesis of information from relevant sources.
• Seek out opportunities for communications and influencing in the Welsh parliament, including the need for a kidney group. 

The advert may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

SolarAid is recruiting for a Director of Finance & Organisational Effectiveness to lead our finance function and enhance operational excellence across our charity and social enterprise group. The position is full-time, based in the UK, with hybrid working arrangements. The salary offered is £60,000 to £68,000 depending on experience.

As a key strategic partner to the CEO and a core member of the Senior Management Team, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping the direction and performance of SolarAid and our social enterprise SunnyMoney. This role oversees finance, planning, IT, facilities, HR liaison, policy, and governance – ensuring strong systems and structures support our mission to achieve 100% energy access for the hardest to reach communities across Sub-Saharan Africa,

We’re looking for a qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or CIPFA) with senior-level charity finance experience, excellent analytical and leadership skills, and a strong track record in organisational operations and governance.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered for the role.

Closing Date for Applications: May 21st, 2025

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for an Interim Deputy Director of External Affairs to join our team on a 9 month FTC.

While this role covers all our External Affairs functions, you'll be particularly expected to have knowledge and expertise in providing leadership in policy-influencing and campaigns. You'll provide leadership of AaA's External Affairs strategy to ensure the needs of autistic children and their families are high on the political and media agenda.

You'll have an externally-facing role in policy influencing, representing AaA in coalitions with relevant government departments among parliamentarians, as well as increasing AaA's profile through an effective communications strategy.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Substantial experience, knowledge and understanding of the policy landscape, including political and legislative processes, and local government structures and processes
• Extensive experience of developing and delivering strategic, integrated communications programmes
• Demonstrable leadership of successful policy-influencing activity, including stakeholder engagement and above/below the line influencing strategies
• Proven experience in strategy development

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

The Vacancy

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is a faith-based humanitarian relief and development organisation working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.  Established in 1984, with an active presence in over 45 countries, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for those affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters. 

IRW’s Office of the General Counsel Division is recruiting for the position of ‘Policy Coordinator’ to join its dynamic team. The organisation is currently operating a hybrid working model.

Job purpose:

With increasing accountability to our regulators, partners, institutional and community donors, it is essential that we have robust and effective policies and processes in place that are regularly reviewed and demonstrate the learning and growth of the organisation and holding ourselves to account both internally and externally. Our policies and internal protocols must reflect good practice within the INGO sector, adapt to advances in technology and frequent changes to legislation and regulatory requirements. Our commitment to developing our internal policies, protocols and processes illustrates how our organisation proactively manages and oversees the potential risks and requirements we must address on a daily basis in a structured way.  Our aim is to foster an environment of consistency in our working practices that increases confidence in the way we manage our operations and workforce.

This post will provide leadership for the highest possible quality and consistency of Operational Policy and Guideline Documents meeting rigorous international sector-relevant and ethical standards to help achieve our vision, mission, global strategy and year-to-year objectives.

The role will support the Policy and Compliance Manager by co-ordinating and leading in the development and improvement of our current internal processes to ensure the timely review, development and approval of our policy documents and providing appropriate technical and operational support to internal stakeholders and wider IR family.

The role will provide technical and administrative support to the Policy Review Committee and help maintain internal record keeping and associated resources.

The successful candidate must have:

• A degree or equivalent in English or relevant area
• Experience of writing and communicating effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of producing written materials for internal and external audience
• Experience and working knowledge within a humanitarian/INGO setting
• Experience in report writing and presentation of data/information
• Experience of working with senior managers and executive to agree effective outcomes
• Research skills
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of policy compliance and implementation
• Ability to work autonomously and use initiative
• Experience of identifying and mitigating risks to the organisation  
• Excellent MS Office skills
• Ability to convey complex and technical information persuasively and with clarity to a diverse audience
• Ability to contribute to the review of policies and processes
• Process mapping
• Strong communication and representation skills
• Ability to manage workload independently and efficiently
• Good eye for detail - proof reading and editing documents
• Excellent organisational and record keeping skills
• Ability to synthesise data and information effectively
• Report writing skills in English
• Strong inter-personal skills
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships
• Excellent analytical skills
• Good oral presentation skills
• Working calmly under pressure and meeting strict deadlines
• Ability to work independently and excellent time management skills
• Innovative thinker, able to develop and translate strategy into tactical action plans and deliverables

For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description.

If you are talented, reliable, service-minded, resilient and a highly motivated professional looking for a meaningful career, with a strong commitment to IRW’s mission and values of sincerity, excellence, compassion, social justice and custodianship, please apply by completing our online application form.

For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit our website.

PLEASE NOTE: Interviews are expected to take place on 16th June 2025.

Pre-employment Checks:

Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

• Screening clearance
• Proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
• Receipt of satisfactory references

Please note, for UK-based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer

Director - Workforce Policy and Services

Location: AoC London Office
Department: Workforce
Salary: £68,400 - £85,500 (depending on experience)
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 Hours per week
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Association of Colleges (AoC) in a new position of Director – Workforce Policy and Services. As the national voice for further education (FE) colleges in England, AoC represents and supports member colleges with professional services, advocacy, and sector leadership. We are a not-for-profit organisation established by colleges, for colleges – supporting over 95% of the sector, transforming 2.2 million lives each year.

This senior leadership role will oversee the strategic direction and delivery of AoC’s workforce function – including directing FE workforce policy, industrial relations and pay, employment advice, recruitment, and consultancy. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, the successful candidate will work collaboratively across the organisation and with key external stakeholders to promote and represent the employer interests of colleges across England.

We are seeking an experienced leader with a strong background in at least one area of the workforce remit, strategic insight, advocacy skills and a commitment to supporting colleges and their people. A deep understanding of the challenges facing the FE workforce and a collaborative, inclusive approach to leadership is essential. You will bring excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, strong strategic thinking, and the ability to drive service quality and innovation.

As Director, you will lead and manage a multi-functional team delivering high-quality workforce services and advice to colleges, ensuring these are responsive to sector needs. You will represent college employers in national pay negotiations and workforce policy development, oversee recruitment and consultancy services, and with your team drive policy influencing and evidence-based decision-making through strong stakeholder engagement and data insight. This is a varied and strategic role that combines leadership, sector advocacy, and operational oversight across FE employment and workforce priorities.

This role is offered on a permanent, full-time basis. There will be regular travel to AoC’s national office in London and across the country to attend meetings and represent the organisation. Flexible working requests will be considered. If you’re a senior workforce leader with a passion for improving outcomes in education and want to be at the forefront of shaping FE workforce policy and services, we’d love to hear from you!

At AoC, we value trust, flexibility and professional growth. You’ll join a high-performing, mission-led organisation that offers generous benefits, flexible working, and opportunities to develop your career while making a positive impact on the FE community.

Please review the full job description and person specification, which outlines the role in more detail. 

How to Apply

If you think you have the skills, experience, and attributes to hit the ground running in this position, we would welcome your application. Click 'apply now' below.

To be considered for this role, your application must be submitted and received by 9am on 26 May 2025.

Interviews: 

Date: W/C 2 June 2025
Venue: In person, AoC London Office

AoC is committed to providing equal opportunities and embracing diversity. We encourage applications from everyone and will not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to join the AoC team.

REF-221501

At The National Lottery Community Fund we are passionate about strengthening communities and improving lives. We are driven by our strategy, ‘It starts with community’ and its four community-led missions, as well as our equity-based approach to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. As part of our commitment to being more than a funder, we are serious about enabling collaboration, sharing best practice, amplifying the impact of our grantholders and influencing future policy making.

We are now seeking to appoint a Head of Policy Engagement to lead our engagement with policymakers and senior sectoral stakeholders under those four community-led missions. Using your deep understanding of the political and social environment in which our grantholders operate, you will explore the context for new funding initiatives, including potential partnerships, ensuring that we are making the greatest impact possible.

You will already have well established relationships with Executive Departments, other funders and the voluntary and community sector and you will use this to share learning and insight from our funding, lead consultations and identify opportunities for future collaboration. You will convene both grantholder and stakeholder networks to inform our analysis and ensure that community voice is at the heart of our decision-making.

You will be part of a policy and practice network across the Fund, working collaboratively with colleagues across the UK to develop One-Fund approaches to our missions.

We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. You will have a strong track record of influencing at a senior level and be able to articulate strategic ambitions clearly and effectively. You will also have a nuanced understanding of the role of a non-Departmental Public Body in the policy landscape and experience of working collaboratively across organisational boundaries. As a member of the Northern Ireland Senior Management team, you will provide inspiring leadership and strategic direction to the wider team.

Regular travel around Northern Ireland is expected, as well as some travel to other parts of the UK to connect with colleagues. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and an excellent all-round benefits package.

Interview Date: Week commencing 9th June – In person interviews

Location: Northern Ireland. Our office is in Belfast and we have a flexible, hybrid approach to working.

On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below:

Essential Criteria

1. Deep understanding of Northern Ireland communities. Knowledge of the context for the third sector, the funding landscape, public policy and the people and organisations who are influential in these areas.
2. Demonstrable experience in high-level engagement, influencing and senior relationship management, internally and externally.
3. Excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate strategic ambitions, positioning the organisation in the funding landscape and social policy debates.
4. Passionate about the Fund’s purpose evidencing understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion and related best practice.
5. Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire colleagues and work collaboratively in matrix structures.
6. Strong planning and analytical skills, with expertise in research and consultation.
7. Proven commitment to continuous improvement, self-reflection and personal development.

Desirable Criteria

1. Clear understanding of the role of a UK-wide non-Departmental Public Body and the implications for policy and influencing.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)

Job purpose

This is an exciting time to join Action for ME. With developments in research and policy alongside delivering services which are in high demand, you will enjoy working in a fast-paced and continually changing environment. You will be responsible for overseeing operational programme design and delivery, reporting of progress, and measuring the impact of all Action for ME work to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow. You will also assist the Chief Executive in implementing the organisational strategy, and by adapting and evolving delivery models on the ground. As you will have operational management and oversight for our Healthcare Services and hold the Designated Safeguarding Lead role for the organisation, you will bring considerable services-related experience at a management and leadership level. The Chief Executive will focus predominately on external matters and therefore you must have experience of managing an organisation to achieve high quality programmes with evidenced impact and motivated teams. You will act for the Chief Executive on topics, as agreed, and deputise during their absence.

Key duties

1. Leadership

• Ensure that children and adults with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of our work.
• Deputise for the CEO and represent and promote the Charity at national meetings and events.
• Deputise for the CEO during periods of absence, and in relation to specific matters, issues or elements of operation as delegated from time to time by the CEO, ensuring a consistency of approach and decisions aligned with the organisation’s objectives.
• With the CEO and HR Business Partner, lead on implementing the People and Culture Strategy and ensuring our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging plan is achieved.
• To provide support, leadership and coaching to the Management Team to ensure the smooth running of the organisation and development of the Charity.
• Contribute to the development of the overall strategy for Action for ME, ensuring that the best use is made of available resources within agreed priorities. Ensure that agreed strategy is delivered to target and in line with agreed budgets.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees to ensure effective reporting to the Board and sub-committees.

2. Operations & management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Charity ensuring high quality service provision that meets all best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal policies and procedures.
• Hold overall management responsibility for our Healthcare Services including the role of the CQC Nominated Individual, ensuring all regulatory requirements and compliance are met.
• Manage the staff and volunteer team, including holding regular meetings and ensure the efficient running of the office ensuring a culture that supports, inspires and motivates the team while ensuring required standards and quality are met at all times through effective performance management.
• Act as the organisational Designated Safeguarding Lead (children and vulnerable adults), working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Officers, colleagues and the Safeguarding Lead Trustee; facilitate the annual safeguarding audit (led by the Lead Trustee) and ensuring safeguarding standards across the organisation are maintained.
• Contribute to the learning and development of key personnel including coaching support (either directly or through the identification of external coaches) to enhance performance.
• Establish (where not already in place) and maintain a clear performance outcome-focused management system driving positive change and improvement across all teams.
• Ensure that policies and procedures are effectively implemented and kept up-to-date to enable the effective management of operations and support growth.
• Take the lead role for data protection, health and safety, compliance and risk management across the organisation and act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

3. Finance & income generation

• Hold financial leadership responsibility, working closely with the Finance Manager and the Fundraising Director to ensure sustainability for our work.
• Ensure effective financial management with procedures in place which are kept up-to-date and implemented accordingly.
• Provide support and engagement, where appropriate, to actively grow our income.

4. Working with others

• Lead, nurture and develop relationships with key stakeholder groups and partner organisations, both locally and nationally, supporting Action for M.’s place as the ‘go to’ organisation for people affected by ME
• Lead on new business ideas and pilot projects in line with the strategic objectives; with colleagues, develop the business case, identify and manage risks, lead implementation across teams, evaluate success and learning and make recommendations for future development.

5. Other key accountabilities

• Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting operations and maintain and improve personal competence through continuous professional development.
• Take direction on projects and priorities from the CEO, which may vary from time to time.
• To ensure best value in all service delivery.

Person specification

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience in an operations, leadership, or senior management role, ideally within the charity service delivery or healthcare sector, with the ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive organisational growth and reporting that demonstrates impact delivered. If you come from outside a support services background, you must demonstrate sound understanding of the regulatory and best practice requirements related to delivering support and/or healthcare services.
• An understanding of ME and associated/overlapping illnesses, the impact on people affected by it or a commitment and ability to understand the illness and lead services to meet the needs of children and adults with ME
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, including remote workers, and fostering a supportive workplace culture where change is a constant.
• Safeguarding understanding at a management/decision-making level.
• Proven experience of building and nurturing strong relationships internally and externally at all levels.
• A sound understanding of outcome-focused, effective performance management, quality assurance and risk management.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource management in the voluntary sector.

Skills and Behaviours

• Experience of governance, risk management, and compliance, including within regulated services, ideally within a charity and/or service delivery setting.
• Proven ability to think strategically, balance competing demands, use initiative to solve problems and actively seek innovative approaches to problem solving and delivering results.
• Strong interpersonal skills including motivational, negotiating influencing and networking skills which build strong internal and external relationships.
• An ability to understand, analyse and make effective use of data across all of our work.
• A proven ability to coach and motivate staff and to build and lead teams reflecting organisational culture and values, a respectful, constructive and energetic style.
• Proven, strong MS Office skills that supports writing, email, internet and database use.
• Demonstrable ability to work within our organisational values

Marie Curie is the UK's leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they're likely to die from.

The Research Officer role at Marie Curie is a key position within the Research Team and the larger Policy and Research Directorate. The role is focused on driving evidence-informed policy and practice in palliative and end of life care. This position offers an exciting opportunity to apply research experience and passion to make a significant impact on the lives of people affected by dying, death, and bereavement.

You will be responsible for:
- Supporting the associate directors with ongoing and new research projects, including data analysis (qualitative and quantitative), preparing manuscripts for publication, and creating academic posters for research conferences
- Conducting or supporting research such as scoping reviews, rapid reviews, and qualitative or quantitative analysis, and summarizing information to inform research and policy work
- Developing summaries and impact reports from funded Marie Curie research and other research that supports Marie Curie's ongoing work
- Organizing events and conferences, including the annual Marie Curie Palliative Care Research conference, and planning new local conferences and workshops focusing on knowledge mobilization and quality improvement
- Providing general administrative support to the research team, including arranging meetings, taking minutes, and tracking actions

Key Criteria:
- An interest in end-of-life care research.
- Experience in undertaking or supporting research, including literature reviews.
- Highly motivated, positive, proactive, and solution focused.
- Ability to work independently and manage own workload, work calmly under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
- Effective team member with excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent administrative and IT skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and web-based databases.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships with Marie Curie staff and external stakeholders.
- Qualitative or quantitative research skills and experience of presenting research and capturing data in compelling ways.
- Experience of supporting committees, organizing meetings, and taking minutes.
- A degree that includes a good grounding in data analysis and research methods, or equivalent skills learned in the workplace.

Please see the full job description here: https://mariecurie.pagetiger.com/moftoh/1
Application & Interview Process
- As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and covering letter. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
- Close date for applications: 26th May 2025
- We encourage early applications as we will be conducting screenings in advance of the deadline.
Salary: £26,370 - £29,297 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Based: This role is predominantly home-based and can be based anywhere within the UK. You will be expected to travel to our sites across the UK occasionally. For those within commutable distance to London, you will have the option of working flexibly between home and in our modern open plan offices in Embassy Gardens (1 day per week in office).

Benefits you'll LOVE:
- Flexible working. We're happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
- 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
- Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- Industry-leading training programmes
- Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
- Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
- Access to Blue Light Card membership
- Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible hours

Location: Primarily office based in central Bristol, with use of other partner locations for ad hoc use. This role will involve travel across the Western Forest region and occasionally within England, with a travel expenses budget. Hybrid arrangement by agreement.

Closing Date: 17th May 2025, submissions will be accepted up to 26th May on other job boards such as Indeed, Total Jobs, and Environment Job.

The Western Forest is a brand-new programme having been launched with national and Ministerial profile in March 2025. The Forest will support over 2.5 million people, cultivating a greener, more connected future by creating a landscape with trees and woodlands at its heart.

The Western Forest will deliver landscape scale change and real green investment, connecting people and nature across three regions – Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).

The Western Forest Director will drive, direct and manage the delivery and strategic direction of this new national forest. The Director will inspire and work alongside partners and the core Western Forest team to achieve the goals and targets set for the forest, ensuring it develops sustainable income streams and models of delivery by 2030.

The Western Forest Director will head up the core team in supporting and directing resource and expertise throughout the region. Some key duties include:

• Lead on strategic development and impact.
• Support the shaping and organisational effectiveness of the Western Forest team and partnership, with a focus on collaboration, learning and knowledge sharing.
• Be responsible for the creation and management of relationships with partners and funding bodies working to build and develop existing partnerships and encouraging new ones.
• Develop open, trusting and respectful relationships throughout the governance structure and between the team and Boards.
• Manage and ensure delivery of the programme KPI’s and partnership delivery model.

This list is not exhaustive but highlights the key duties of this role. A full job application pack can be found attached to this advertisement.

To meet the needs of this role you will need:

• Demonstrable experience of impactful leadership, working across organisations and a wide range of sectors and stakeholders.
• Experience of advocacy, engaging with external stakeholders to influence social change or public policy.
• Proven track record of securing significant financial resource for an organisation through large funding bids or other sources of income generation, ideally with a good knowledge of the tree and woodland funding sector.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, community groups, and the public.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to plan resources appropriately and understand financial reports including budgets/cashflow management, risk management and forecasting models.

Forest of Avon are an equal opportunity employer and applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, veteran status or age. The Forest of Avon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. We seek to challenge the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We encourage different perspectives and seek to support our team and partners to share and implement new ideas, to continue improving and to realise our full potential.

This is a rare, unique and exciting opportunity to take a lead role in developing the programme and setting the strategic path for the Western Forest – the first new national forest in over 30 years.

To apply for this role please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience and a covering letter of no more than 4 A4 pages to the recruitment team.

Role Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead ProVeg UK in this next phase of growth and impact. This role combines strategic leadership with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organisational development. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial energy, exceptional communication skills, strong credentials in the UK NGO sector, and a passion for food systems transformation.

ProVeg UK has a very strong track record in influencing public food through its School Plates programme, which has, to date, swapped over 47m meals from meat-based to plant-based or veggie. We work in over 8,000 schools across the UK, reaching over 1.3 million children every day. We are keen to expand this excellent work to a wider range of stakeholders, including hospitals (a new manager has just been recruited to develop a Hospital Plates pilot), policymakers, the corporate sector and media. 

The Executive Director will be at the forefront of this expansion, while also ensuring the continued success of our existing programmes. As such, this is a high-impact role, offering the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change in the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein movement — helping to shape a more sustainable future.
 

Job Details

Reports to: Deputy CEO
Country: UK
Location: Greater London Area (within 1.5 hours by train)
Hours: Full-time (35 h/week)
Salary: £55-60k (plus London allowance of £3k, if applicable)
Start date: ideally ASAP
 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver ProVeg UK’s long-term strategy aligned with ProVeg International’s mission
• Lead the design and scaling of UK-based programmes that create measurable impact and reflect local opportunities and needs
• Represent the organisation to increase ProVeg’s visibility and influence.
• Sit as a member of the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.

Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic partners including food companies, government agencies, foundations, and major donors
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government tenders and philanthropic partnerships, with a strong focus on climate and health-related funding
• Act as a public thought leader and spokesperson in the UK for food systems transformation in line with ProVeg International’s strategy
• Manage governance and engagement with the UK board

Team & Organisational Development

• Lead and support our fantastic, high-performing UK team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, impact and evaluation
• Provide regular coaching and feedback, ensuring clear objectives, performance development, and providing recognition
• Foster innovation, improvement and a growth mindset in the team, and identify new opportunities to grow our UK work
• Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and other ProVeg countries on shared programmes and goals

Financial Management & Reporting

• Develop and oversee the UK annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations, reporting requirements, and ProVeg International policies
• Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board

Qualifications

Essential

• Proven leadership experience (5+ years at deputy- or C-level)  in a UK-based NGO or mission-driven organisation, ideally in food, climate, or health sectors
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership building, especially with foundations, governments, or climate philanthropies
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience speaking to media and government bodies, at public events, and with internal stakeholders of all levels (Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers)
• Deep understanding of UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs 
• Experience leading diverse and remote teams, with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
• Commitment to ProVeg’s mission and values, and strong alignment with our strategic goals
• Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
• Committed to following a plant-based lifestyle
• Knowledge of good governance practice
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

Desirable

• Existing network of funders, policymakers, or influencers relevant to food systems or climate in the UK
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. in public policy, environmental studies, food systems, business, or similar)
• Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based programme design
• Understanding of plant-based innovation, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins

Benefits of working with us

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.
• Provision of a work laptop.
• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.
• Career development support
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
• Compassionate animal companion leave
• Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
• Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service
• Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members
• Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts
• Membership to the OpenUp platform
• We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
• And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!
   

When?

Application deadline: 15.06
First (People & Culture) interview: 23.06 - 26.06
Trial task: 03.07-06.07.
Second (team) interview: 14.07 - 22.07
Final (executive) interview: 24.07 - 26.07
 

Further information

Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate your motivation for the role and describe how you meet the requirements. Please send us your application using our online form. Thank you!

Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.

Spotlight on Corruption has an exciting opportunity for a passionate and talented individual to lead our strategic engagement with Westminster and external stakeholders.

Deadline for applications is 23.30 on Sunday 25th May

About Spotlight

Spotlight on Corruption is a small team with outsized impact that shines a light on the UK’s role in corruption at home and abroad. 

We build the evidence base for reform through investigative research and extensive engagement with experts and frontline staff, and act as policy entrepreneurs, developing innovative and pragmatic solutions. We disseminate our work through hard-hitting reports and briefings for decision-makers and the general public and follow through with dogged advocacy to shape the narrative, as well as working in a highly collaborative manner to build consensus for reform.

About the role

We are looking for a passionate and talented individual to lead our strategic engagement with Westminster and external stakeholders. You will be an energetic and creative individual with a flair for building common ground, making connections as well as identifying and maximising political opportunities. You will be able to grasp complex details quickly and communicate them to a wide range of audiences. And you will have strong strategic nous, excellent networking skills, and an ability to keep your ear to the ground.

This role will work across our two thematic areas of ending impunity for corruption and defending democracy, liaising closely with the policy leads for those areas. You will be Spotlight’s organisational lead on developing our networks in Parliament, maintaining our relationships with Coalitions, and creating opportunities to get Spotlight messages across to policy and decision makers. 

Spotlight on Corruption is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all staff feel respected and valued. We conduct anonymous long-listing to help promote fairness and diversity, and encourage candidates from different backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Growing and maintaining Spotlight’s relationships and networks with parliamentarians, policy makers and external partners, including by attending events, receptions and proactively setting up meetings with key stakeholders and decision makers. 

• Developing strategies to enhance Spotlight’s profile and influence with policy makers including organising policy briefings and events in person and online.

• Monitoring developments related to Spotlight’s priorities in political, policy and legislative processes and identifying opportunities to highlight and promote Spotlight’s work and reform agenda.

• Developing and writing compelling briefings, statements and other communications including social media posts tailored to diverse audiences.

• Supporting research and helping brief staff members ahead of public appearances where appropriate.

• Representing Spotlight in NGO coalitions where appropriate and building our relationships with other NGO stakeholders.

• Supporting fundraising initiatives for Spotlight.

Person specification - Essential:

• Experience of engaging with UK parliamentary procedures, and legislative processes and influencing parliamentarians in support of advocacy objectives.

• An interest in strategic influence and policy development and the ability to navigate complex political environments.

• Excellent and persuasive communication skills and messaging abilities to get across complex legal and technical issues in an engaging way for a wide range of audiences.

• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills, and the ability to forge and nurture constructive dialogues and working relationships across the political spectrum and within civil society.

• High levels of organisation, an ability to prioritise a busy workload and a willingness to chip in with administrative tasks where necessary as part of a small team. 

• A track record of using initiative and seeking opportunities to secure policy impact. 

• A track record of operating to high standards as a strong team player in a collaborative manner.

• Strong understanding of the UK political and anti-corruption landscape and a passion for fighting corruption.

• Eligibility to live and work in the UK.

Person specification - Desirable:

• Direct experience of working in Parliament.

• Ability to undertake research and data analysis, including using the FOI regime.

• Experience of working with campaigning organisations.

• Experience of stakeholder management and convening.

Working arrangements:

Full-time, 35 hours per week. 30 days of annual leave (plus public holidays). Remote working from home required, with one day a week in the office, and regular meetings - sometimes at short notice - in London. Flexible working, including nine-day fortnight.

Responsible to: Executive Director

Start date: As soon as possible 

The eoa exists to grow and strengthen employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy. With 800+ member businesses and a community of thousands of employee owners, we are the national voice for employee ownership in the UK.

Our refreshed strategy is focused on accelerating impact through people powered growth. We’re here to make employee ownership a mainstream business model choice—by expanding the sector, setting the standard for excellence, and building a connected, values-led ecosystem. We do this through sharp insight, high-impact advocacy, and a thriving member experience.

For founders and business owners exploring employee ownership, or for leaders and managers building Great EO businesses, the eoa offers tools, knowledge, experience and connection. We facilitate powerful peer learning, codify what works, and champion the stories that inspire others to choose EO.

Together with our members, we’re creating the conditions for employee ownership to thrive—seizing the political, cultural, and digital opportunities ahead. and this is where you come in.

As Director of Partnerships and Growth, you’ll be the driving force behind the eoa’s external influence and reach. you’ll lead our advocacy and external affairs strategy, build meaningful partnerships, and deliver powerful events programmes that accelerate adoption of Great EO. You’ll also shape the narrative—ensuring our insights, policy recommendations and thought leadership land with impact.

This is a high-profile, senior leadership role at a pivotal time for the EO community. It calls for someone with a track record in advocacy or external affairs, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to lead high-performing teams. It also needs a big-picture thinker - someone who can champion EO, influence change, and help us build a more inclusive, resilient economy.

If you’re excited about the opportunity to grow an economy that puts people at the heart of business, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Details

At the heart of this Director of Parnterships & Growth role is the opportunity to shape the external environment for employee ownership, champion the voice of our members, and lead high-impact strategies that grow both our reach and the sector itself.

You’ll lead on policy, advocacy, external affairs and events—crafting compelling narratives, building powerful partnerships, and delivering programmes that drive commercial sustainability and sector-wide change.

From shaping relationships with key stakeholders and securing strategic sponsorships, to overseeing the delivery of thought leadership, content, and events, you’ll ensure that the eoa is not just part of the national conversation—but leading it.

Your ability to influence, convene, and inspire will be critical to removing barriers to employee ownership and unlocking the potential of our £1.7m organisation to deliver even greater impact.

Join us on this exciting journey where your leadership will shape policy, grow influence, and contribute to our mission of unlocking the potential of people, businesses, and the economy through employee ownership.

This role is remote, however regular travel to our HQ in Brough and across the UK is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead external affairs, collaborating with stakeholders to shape policy, advocacy and best practice that removes barriers and expands EO.
• Establish relationships and secure commercial partnerships and sponsorships, generating revenue to support advocacy, events, and sector growth initiatives.
• Engage key stakeholders to co-produce content that positively influence EO practice and policy and amplify the eoa’s voice in public affairs.
• Oversee delivery of an effective content strategy that delivers our commercial objectives and positions the eoa as the leading EO authority.
• Oversee events programmes, ensuring they drive knowledge-sharing, sector development, and commercial sustainability.
• Represent the eoa at industry forums, policy roundtables, and public affairs events, championing the employee ownership model.
• Collaborate with the Director of Membership & Operations to align advocacy efforts with member needs and engagement.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering innovation and delivering measurable impact across advocacy, policy, event activities.

Success in this role

Success in this role means having a positive impact on the growth rate, influence and adoption of great EO across the employee ownership sector. Strengthening and expanding stakeholder relationships, driving advocacy impact and securing commercial sustainability through a diverse mix of sponsorships, partnerships will also be indicators of success.

Key outcomes for the role

• Growth of the employee ownership sector. Measured by increased number of EO businesses, heightened sector awareness
• Strengthened corporate engagement. Measured by growth in strategic partnerships, corporate and government engagement
• Strong Commercial Sustainability. Measured by increased sponsorship revenue, secured long-term commercial partnerships
• Increased policy influence. Measured by policy recommendations adopted, increased government engagement
• Enhanced sector insight and intelligence. Measured by utilisation of high-quality data and insights for regular sector related content outputs.
• Development and adoption of best practice. Measured by creation, adoption and promotion of best practice across the EO network.
• Successful events programmes. Measured by iIncreased participation, sponsorship growth, positive feedback.

About you

• Proven expertise in advocacy, public affairs, or policy leadership, ideally within a business, trade body, or membership association.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing government, media, and corporate partners.
• Demonstrated ability to drive sectoral or policy change, leading successful advocacy initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in sponsorship acquisition, revenue generation, and developing financially sustainable initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic communication and storytelling skills, able to engage and mobilise diverse audiences.
• Experience in event programme development, ensuring high engagement and sector impact.
• Passion for employee ownership and economic models that promote shared prosperity.
• Innovative, creative, and proactive in problem-solving and strategy execution.
• A confident and transparent leader who fosters collaboration and inclusivity through teamwork.
• Self-aware with emotional intelligence, resilience, and integrity.

Role Summary

• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
• Location: Remote, with regular travel to eoa offices and national events
• Salary & Benefits: £65,000 p/a + 7% Pensions. 30 Days leave + Bank Holidays.
• Reports to: CEO
• Management: TBC