Policy jobs

Are you passionate about shaping health policy and influencing decision-makers? Join The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) as our Public Affairs Adviser and play a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of our Fellows and members. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of clinical radiology and oncology.

As the Public Affairs Adviser, you will be instrumental in establishing the RCR as a key player in the health agenda. You will lead on the planning and delivery of public affairs activity, provide strategic advice to senior leadership, and work collaboratively across teams to influence policy and stakeholder engagement. You will also support the development of integrated campaigns and ensure our voice is heard across the UK and devolved nations.

What you will do: 

• Devise and deliver public affairs strategies aligned with RCR’s objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with parliamentarians, civil servants, and key stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice and briefings for senior leadership.
• Coordinate public affairs activities across the UK and devolved nations.
• Collaborate with media and digital teams to create impactful campaigns.
• Monitor political developments and identify influencing opportunities.
• Support member engagement and promote public affairs initiatives.

What you need:

• Sound knowledge of political and parliamentary processes.
• Proven experience in public affairs and stakeholder influencing and engagement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to the values and objectives of the RCR.

If you’re ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that supports doctors delivering medical imaging and cancer care, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about the role and the RCR in the candidate pack.

Why join us?

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
• Hybrid working (60% working week can be done remotely)
• Modern working environment
• Equipment provided to work from home
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

Location (UK): Office Hybrid* - London
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Benefits: Read more about the excellent benefits we offer
Travel: Occasional travel to Versus Arthritis offices (London, Chesterfield, Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow)

Join us and use your skills, knowledge, passion and energy to help us achieve a future free from arthritis.

We’re looking for a Policy Officer who will make a difference to health and social care policy for people with arthritis.  

Within the Chief Executive’s Office, the UK Advocacy and Health Intelligence Department are focused on creating lasting change. We identify creative policy solutions in response to the challenges people with arthritis face. We influence decision-makers through stakeholder engagement, public affairs activity and by campaigning alongside people with arthritis. We have expertise across health and care services, public health, and employment policy. We also work in collaboration to influence medical research and data policy and play an active role in several cross-sector groups. 

About the role

The purpose of this role is to drive policy development across our policy priority areas. The Policy Officer will lead on specific policy projects, commissioning research, developing policy positions, and producing reports and consultation responses.

This role will cover a broad range of issues across one of our strategic goals – prevention and diagnosis; access to treatment; and living well with arthritis. Our approach considers the needs of people of all ages who have arthritis.

The Policy Officer will also contribute to the wider work of the team, working closely with colleagues in the Nations Teams, the Research Directorate and the wider charity, including by representing us on cross-sector policy groups, drafting briefings, and participating in events and conferences.

We’ll give you autonomy, variety and challenge with opportunities to work with inspirational campaigners, attend events in Parliament and meet senior stakeholders in Government. We’re a supportive team who will value your well-being and professional development.

About you

If your knowledge, skills and experience include the following then we’d love to hear from you:

• Understanding of policy issues relevant to people with long-term conditions or disability.
• Experience of working in a policy team.
• Experience of developing and influencing health and social care policy.
• An ability to think creatively and communicate effectively.
• An enthusiastic, adaptive and flexible approach.

*As a hybrid worker the expectation is that you will spend around 40% of your working time in our office spaces or working in community settings. As an inclusive employer we will consider home-based working for anyone where office-based hybrid working would be a barrier to being able to work for us, for example for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability.

Are you a passionate and strategic policy professional ready to play a key role in shaping the future of social housing? Join Shelter’s Policy Team as a Policy Manager, where you’ll lead innovative, evidence-based policy development focused on boosting social rented homes across England.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity join Shelter’s Policy Team as the Policy Manager responsible for Social Housing – at a pivotal time after the funding settlement for social housing is announced at the June Spending Review.

The successful candidate will lead policy work and be responsible for managing one Policy Officer. This challenging role means understanding the problems faced by people who come to Shelter every day for help, to enable us to respond to and influence national and local policy. It includes developing innovative and workable proactive policy solutions to fix the nation’s long-term housing problems. Shelter’s Policy Team prides itself on creating well-grounded but creative policy that can challenge any think tank – and winning real world change.

Role specifics

As Policy Officer for Shelter, you’ll drive our strategic campaigning on social housing, working closely with teams across research, campaigns, public affairs, and media to develop impactful, evidence-based policy and campaigns. You’ll identify emerging issues, lead policy development, and produce high-quality analysis and responses to influence government and public debate. You’ll build strong relationships with key stakeholders, represent Shelter externally, and line manage 1-2 Policy Officers, supporting their development and workload. You’ll also deputise for senior leaders when needed and play a key role in embedding our Anti-Racism Strategy and equalities across the team and campaigns.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

The team is 7 people strong and sits in the Advocacy and Activism branch of the Communications, Policy, and Campaigns division.  The Activism and Advocacy branch includes the Research, Public Affairs, Digital Campaigns and Community Organising teams. Using the latest data, research and intelligence from our services, we analyse the problems in our housing system and identify effective and creative solutions. We are campaigners focused on winning change for people, and we work in multidisciplinary teams like media, public affairs, campaigns and research to develop creative and hard-hitting campaigns. We support our services to identify and campaign for local solutions and lend expertise to our Community Organisers who support communities to fight for change in their area. Our work is grounded in the experience of the people who use Shelter’s services every day and is based on expert research. The Team combines works at a national and local level to tackle the root causes of the housing emergency and fight for home.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

As Policy Manager you will lead Scope’s policy work on tackling the extra costs of disability and reducing the Disability Employment Gap. Working closely with colleagues across the Policy, Research and Influencing team and the wider organisation, you will play a key role in delivering bold policy solutions that help create an equal future for disabled people, in line with Scope’s long-term strategy. You will provide strategic policy leadership, offering expert advice and insight. As the manager for our policy work, you will represent Scope externally and build influential relationships to drive lasting change.

1 in 4 of us in the UK are disabled and we are a diverse, proud, and vibrant community. We’re here to create an equal future with all disabled people. We campaign to transform attitudes to disability, tackle injustice and inspire action. We are creating a powerful movement of disabled people, allies, organisations and businesses. Together we will be unstoppable. For more information go to the Scope website. 

It's a particularly exciting time to be joining Scope. We are making progress on our ambitious strategy.

Location: Here East Press Centre, 14 East Bay Lane, London, E15 2GW with working from home most of the time. (The post-holder may be required to work occasional evenings and weekends, as well as travel and stay away from home occasionally.)

For more information about the role’s responsibilities, and the skills and experience required please go to our website. 

About you

You will:

• Have experience in securing policy change.
• Have detailed knowledge and understanding of how Whitehall works, and you’ll know how to create change.
• Ideally, have experience of working in a large organisation, and you will understand the need for a collaborative approach that works for different audiences.  
• Have strong line management experience.
• Be passionate about disability equality and understand the challenges disabled people face. Experience of working with people from marginalised backgrounds would be another advantage.

Please give examples in your application to show how you have these skills. 

We also ask you to share how you support Scope’s values and our goal of a fair and equal future for disabled people. 

Our values are being pioneering, courageous, connected, open and fair

By living our values and trusting each other, we give our colleagues freedom and space to be creative, push boundaries and change minds.

How to apply

Click the apply button to create an account and complete your application form.

Closing date for applications: 11:59pm GMT, Thursday 24 July 2025.

• Salary: £36,500 - £41,500 gross per annum (depending on experience)

• Working pattern: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week), or 0.9 or 0.8 FTE. Flexible working requests will be considered.

• Contract: Permanent with a 6 month probationary period

• Team: Campaigns Team

• Location: This role can be hybrid, or office based. At a minimum, candidates will be required to work from the London office at least 2 days a week, as well as be able to attend ad hoc events and away days in person.

• Reporting to: Head of Campaigns and Communications

Safe Passage International (SPI) is recruiting a Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead a core area of our campaigns work, by building on the organisation’s strong record of creating diverse coalitions of public support and delivering systems change for our beneficiaries. This will support the continuing and sustainable growth in our ground-breaking work to ensure that safe routes to sanctuary exist for all people seeking asylum, and that the young people and families we work with have dignity and safety on arrival.

As a vital member of the Campaigns and Communications team, the Policy and Public Affairs Manager will work closely with press, digital, grassroots campaigns and youth advocacy colleagues to campaign for change. Key priorities for the role will include developing policy positions and recommendations in this fast-moving area of policy which will underpin all our campaigns and communications and developing and delivering a political engagement strategy to influence the new UK Government and parliamentarians.

The successful candidate will be passionate about ensuring that those with lived experience of seeking sanctuary and/or directly affected by the issues we campaign on, lead, and shape our policy positions and political campaigning.

This is a challenging and rewarding role for candidates with a good understanding of the challenges young people and refugees face on arrival to the UK.

We are looking for candidates with strong policy and public affairs skills, as detailed in the Person Specification. Experience in a similar role would be welcome, but this position will have a dedicated training budget, and you will be supported to grow and develop within your role.

We value equity and diversity in our organisation and are striving to build a workforce reflective of the communities we work with. We encourage applications from people of all ethnicities, working ages, genders, sex, sexual orientations, faiths (or none), marital statuses (or none) and pregnancy status. We also have full flexible working policies to support people with disabilities and caring responsibilities. People with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply.

As a refugee charity, we offer a guaranteed interview for people with direct lived experience of seeking asylum who meet most of the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification. If you have first-hand experience of applying for asylum in any country, please let us know in your application.

We respect that people’s identities is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to.

If you are excited by this role and working at Safe Passage International but do not have all the experience you think is needed, we would encourage you to apply anyway and reach out for an informal chat beforehand to discuss why you would like to apply for the role and what skills or experiences you think are relevant.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please visit the advert on our website.

How do I apply?

Please read the full Job Description & Person Specification and our ‘Application Questions and Guidance’ document.

The ‘Application Questions and Guidance’ asks candidates to submit a CV and Cover Letter answering sevenspecific questions linked to the Person Specification. Applications can be submitted via email in written form or as digital audio or video files.

For information on further application guidance, FAQs and an insight into what it’s like working at Safe Passage, please visit the ‘Working at Safe Passage’ section of our website

Closing date: Sunday 3rd August 2025 at 11:59pm

National AIDS Trust is the UK’s HIV rights charity. We work to stop HIV from standing in the way of health, dignity and equality, and to end new HIV transmissions. Our expertise, research and advocacy secure lasting change to the lives of people living with and at risk of HIV.

We’re looking for a strategic thinker and experienced policy professional to lead our policy, research and influencing work at a senior level. This pivotal role will shape and drive the organisation’s approach to evidence-based policy development, stakeholder engagement and external influencing to deliver real-world impact.

You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering policy positions, overseeing high-quality research and analysis, and building effective relationships with policymakers, partners and sector stakeholders. You’ll also provide strategic insight and support to senior leadership, helping to position the organisation as a thought leader in our field.

You’ll bring proven experience of leading successful policy and influencing initiatives, excellent analytical and written communication skills, and a strong understanding of the policymaking landscape. A confident communicator and collaborator, you’ll be comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, representing the organisation externally, and managing complex projects from inception to delivery. This is a key leadership role offering a significant opportunity to shape change and advance our mission.

JUSTICE is looking to recruit a new Criminal Policy Lawyer to join our policy team. This is a permanent post although there are options for fixed term positions on request (minimum of 12 months), for example if someone is seeking a period of time off from practice but envisages returning. This provides an exciting opportunity for a practising lawyer with a strong research background keen to engage in high-level policy and law reform work. We are looking for a lawyer mainly interested in criminal justice, as well as in cross-cutting issues affecting the functioning of the justice system (current cross-cutting projects include work on the state of the rule of law in the UK and AI, human rights and the law in the justice system).

The JUSTICE team are currently working in a hybrid manner. Staff members have access to office space in London. Attendance is currently non-compulsory, but staff based within a reasonable distance of the office are encouraged to attend at least once a week. Our staff enjoy flexible working conditions, 27 days annual leave plus a wellbeing day, a birthday day, and the days between Christmas and the New Year off, 8% employer pension contribution and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. 

JUSTICE is at the forefront of work promoting access to a fair criminal justice system for all. The successful candidate will be building on our recent work on racial injustice in the youth criminal justice system and post-conviction decision making including the parole system and administrative decision making in prisons as well as our cross-cutting workstream on the state of the rule of law in the UK. They will also be scoping and setting up a new criminal justice project relating to fraud.

We would like to a recruit bright, motivated person who is passionate about criminal justice system reform, the promotion of access to justice and fair trial. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team. With excellent interpersonal skills, they will be able to work closely with JUSTICE members, who include senior figures in the legal profession. The post holder will work with our Deputy Legal Director to further develop our criminal justice work stream and assist on system-wide proposals for change. This role is focused primarily on England and Wales, though it will touch on UK wide issues and Scottish criminal justice system from time-to-time.

The candidate pack including the Job Description for the role can be found on our website.

To apply, please complete the application form which can be found on our website.

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on 13 July 2025.

Interviews will be held during the week starting 28 July 2025. Candidates may be required to complete a test as part of the interview process.

JUSTICE is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, but particularly welcome applications from individuals from marginalised groups, those with lived experience of the justice system, as well as those underrepresented in the legal professional including women, people of colour, trans and non-binary people, and disabled people.

Please note that we will not respond to any enquiries from recruitment agencies. 

This vacancy is restricted to Black and minoritised women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

We reserve the right to close these adverts early if we have sufficient interest, so early applications are encouraged.

Are you driven by a commitment to social justice and equality? Do you want to utilise your expertise to support vulnerable women and children in their fight against inequality and discrimination? Southall Black Sisters has the perfect opportunity for you. We are seeking a dedicated Immigration Solicitor to provide specialised, personalised advice to our clients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.

In this crucial role within our Immigration Team, you will collaborate closely with colleagues to deliver confidential OISC Level 2 advice and representation. Additionally, you will support and train colleagues working at Level 1, ensuring the highest standards of service and advocacy.

The postholder will play a vital role in advancing Southall Black Sisters’ (SBS) policy, communications and public affairs work. This includes shaping and delivering strategies that:

· Promote SBS’s mission to end violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly for Black, minoritised and migrant (BMM) women and girls.

· Influence public policy and legislation to secure justice, safety and rights for Black, minoritised and migrant women and girls.

· Strengthening the public voice and visibility of SBS through impactful communications and campaigning.

They will work closely with senior staff, partner organisations and stakeholders to ensure that SBS’s policy positions, campaigns and services are effectively communicated, and that the lived experiences of the women and girls SBS supports are at the forefront of public and political discourse.

By joining our team, you will be at the forefront of the fight for equality and justice, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 our four community-led missions and lead our customer support offer. 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 Welsh Government 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. 

Working with our Funding Team you will ensure we provide first class customer support leading our advice service and working closely in support of our outreach work, ensuring an appropriate level of general and targeting applicant and customer support. 

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 and environmental responsibility. 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 Wales Leadership Team, you will provide inspiring leadership and strategic direction to the wider team. 

Regular travel around Wales 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 4th August

Location: Wales. Our offices are in Cardiff and Newtown. We have a flexible, hybrid approach to working.

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

Essential Criteria 

• Deep understanding of Welsh 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. 
• Demonstrable experience in high-level engagement, influencing and senior relationship management, internally and externally. 
• Experience of managing customer facing support services. 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate strategic ambitions, positioning the organisation in the funding landscape and social policy debates.
• Passionate about the Fund’s purpose, evidencing a deep understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion and related best practice.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to inspire colleagues and work collaboratively in matrix structures. 
• Strong planning and analytical skills, with expertise in research and consultation. 
• Proven commitment to continuous improvement, self-reflection and personal development.

Desirable Criteria

• ​Clear understanding of the role of a UK-wide non-Departmental Public Body and the implications for policy and influencing.
• ​The ability to speak and write in Welsh.

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.) 

We are looking for someone who is truly passionate about the potential of research to influence the policies and practices that affect refugee children and young people’s ability to access and thrive in education - and the determination to get the evidence into the hands of those who need it.

REUK carries out high-quality, rigorous and bold research into refugee education, and uses this research to influence the policies, systems and practices that enable young refugees to thrive in education. We have a track record of over 10 years of impactful, timely and relevant research that has influenced change in the refugee education sector in the UK and internationally.

This role will lead and manage REUK’s research and policy portfolio, ensuring that it maintains and develops REUK’s external position as a thought leader on refugee education practice and research. 

Over the year ahead we will be working on a range of commissioned research projects, both domestic and international, and building the evidence we ourselves know is needed as a result of our frontline work. You will lead these projects, whilst securing new work for the months and years ahead.

We want to hear from experienced social researchers who can demonstrate excellent research, policy analysis, project management and writing skills and experience, alongside a strong track record of research business development. 

The role is 4-5 days a week and is based in London (NW10). The post holder will be expected to work in person at least 3 days per week. Regular travel to research locations across London and the UK will be required, and the post-holder must be willing to travel internationally several times each year if needed.

ABOUT US

We are National Energy Action (NEA) – and our vision is to end fuel poverty. Our work to improve and promote energy efficiency brings social, environmental, housing and employment benefits.  We believe everyone should be able to afford to keep their homes warm and safe. However, low incomes, high energy bills and poor energy efficiency currently deny this to millions of households across the UK.  Never has this been more important than today. 

NEA’s teams are friendly, knowledgeable and are dedicated to what we do.  We are proud of our expertise and proud of the service we deliver to our clients. 

We offer colleagues a friendly, rewarding workplace and the chance to build a worthwhile career with a not-for-profit organisation that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives each and every day.

THE ROLE

This post provides an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help the charity build its profile among national stakeholders while delivering projects that seek to bring an end to fuel poverty and to the misery of cold homes. The role will largely focus on working with the UK Government and local authorities to ensure that efforts to decarbonise homes are in the best interests of NEA’s client group.

You will have responsibility for the production of NEA’s responses to relevant consultations and the ability to produce and deliver briefings on current relevant policies for internal and external audiences. This will include responding to and influencing Government policy across key areas with a particular focus on our work to ensure that energy markets work in the interests of fuel poor households.

You will have a key responsibility for analysing relevant aspects of policy at a local, national and UK level – you will also represent and enhance the co-ordination of NEA’s stakeholder’s relationships and help us capture key insights and impacts from our practical work to ensure these are reflected in policy positions and our advocacy. 

The post sits within the Policy and Advocacy Directorate and is part of a creative and caring team of professionals who bring a wide range of skills and expertise to this growing department. 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

You will have demonstrable experience of developing and/or managing projects in the fields of energy efficiency, community development and regeneration, housing, social policy or consumer issues.

It is important that you have an awareness of the environmental, social and economic problems of deprived areas and the roles of the public, private and voluntary sectors in tackling them. 

You will need good organisational skills, as well as excellent written and communication skills, as you will maintain appropriate records and data, and produce regular written reports on project progress. 

You will be an excellent communicator, with experience and understanding of how to effectively address the energy needs of low income, vulnerable or disadvantaged householders - with the desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Knowledge of energy efficiency, particularly within the domestic sector and community buildings, is desirable.

The job description provides a list of the duties of the post and the person specification provides the list of essential and desirable criteria. 

WE ARE OFFERING:

• £33,931 to £38,594 (Points 23 – 28) (plus £3,300 London Weighting if applicable). New appointments are usually made at the starting point of the scale.
• 11.5% non-contributory pension.
• 25 days annual leave plus 3 additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum.
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for hybrid working.
• Enhanced family friendly payments.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee benefits platform.

This is an exciting senior policy role in our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development of a UK-wide child poverty strategy in government means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will enjoy working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions, working closely with colleagues across the organisation as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the development and implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, sharing analysis and expertise as part of the DWP’s review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of the green paper on the changes to disability benefits, and the white paper on employment.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Senior Policy and Research Officer job pack.

Closing date for applications: Monday 7 July (midnight)

Interviews will be held in London on Monday 14 July

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the policy, evidence and influencing team. You’ll help us to deliver change for people affected by breast cancer, undertaking research that informs our policy positions.

You’ll develop and deliver a strategy for driving research and insight that supports policy development and provides the basis for our influencing activity. You’ll interpret and summarise existing research in key policy areas and undertake new research - either by designing and delivering it yourself, or commissioning external partners to do this for us - and ensure the results are shared both internally and externally.

About you

You’ll have experience of working in a relevant research role, using a wide range of research methodologies, commissioning research and involving people with lived experience and other stakeholders in your work.

You’ll be an excellent communicator who is able to translate complex information into accessible language, have strong analytical skills, be able to think strategically whilst also having an eye for detail, and experience of managing projects.

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role and hybrid working

This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home if working 35 hours per week.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact Breast Cancer Now recruitment. 

As this role is offered on 28 to 35 hours per week, please confirm in your supporting statement the hours you are applying for.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

Closing date 15 July 2025 at 9am

Interview date 28 July 2025

Employer Policy Specialist

Working Hours: 0.6FTE (full-time equivalent 37.5 hours). There is a degree of flexibility surrounding the working hours which will be determined by the demands of the role.

Salary: 0.6FTE: £40,658 (the full-time equivalent salary is: £67,763).

Start Date: 1st September 2025.

Reporting to: Director of Public Affairs & Policy

Deadline for applications: Friday 18th July 2025, 5pm

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted online on Thursday 24th July

Overview

The DfE has nominated CST as the employer representative for academy trusts for specific purposes (for example, the school support staff negotiating body).  The postholder will be required to work directly with the Department for Education at a senior level to undertake the duties associated with this employer representative role.  CST also wishes to strengthen its support to members on wider matters of employer policy. There is significant scope to shape and develop this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Have a detailed understanding of the terms and conditions of employment of teaching and support staff and the workforce issues affecting the education sector, particularly those influencing recruitment and retention of staff.

• The ability to build relationships with key stakeholders (members, senior DfE officials and ministers) and work closely with other employer representative organisations.

• Working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO, build relationships at senior level with trade unions (leadership, teacher and support staff unions).

• Lead on developing CST’s employer policy and guidance, working with our members and commanding their support and respect, and working closely with the policy team.

• Support the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Public Affairs and Policy to influence and respond to government policy in respect of employer policy, including drafting responses to government consultations and being our representative on the DfE’s formally constituted groups.

• Provide professional support and guidance to members on matters relating to employer policy, within the restrictions of what we are insured to do as a professional body.

• Support our HR professional community.

• Speak with authority at events and conferences as CST’s nominated representative on employer policy.

• Offer support to the wider CST policy team in other areas that fall within the postholder’s experience or expertise. This may include occasionally deputising for other team members for example covering for annual leave or sickness absence.

• Any other duties and responsibilities that may be delegated by the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive or Director of Public Affairs and Policy from time to time.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Likely educated to degree level (or holding a similar professional qualification or experience) with significant knowledge and experience of employment matters within the education sector and employer policy.

• The ideal candidate will have experience working at senior level likely within an educational, policy or consultancy setting. Knowledge of schools and the trust sector is essential as is the ability to respond to issues in a way which conveys the practical realities of working in schools.

• A sound understanding of the differences between academy trusts and the maintained sector.

• Secure knowledge of legislation, regulations and policy that affect school trusts.

• Authority and gravitas with the ability to speak up at meetings with senior officials with the required diplomacy and at all times with the members’ interests in mind.

• People-centred, with excellent relational skills, adept at forming and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, members and senior external stakeholders (including policy makers, employer representative organisations and trade unions).

• Output focused, able to execute a range of communications across channels efficiently.

• Fluent and precise, an excellent communicator who writes well.

• The ability to analyse detail and distil key points, identifying matters of concern or interest to school trusts.

• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines, including turning around high-quality responses to members and DfE in short timescales.

• Someone who embodies the Nolan Principles and acts with integrity and discretion.

• Aligned with CST’s aims to promote education for public benefit.

• Skilled at working remotely as part of a close-knit team. Whilst this position is remote (home-based) there will be the requirement to attend in person meetings from time to time.