971 Policy jobs

About us

New Local has a mission to transform public services and unlock community power. We publish research, lead peer learning, influence government and work with public sector organisations on some of today’s most pressing issues, informed by our network of 50-plus local authority members. 

All of our work is guided by a belief in community power – the principle that communities themselves have the best insight into their own circumstances and should be able to participate in shaping their places and services. We believe that active, empowered communities should be at the heart of a wider shift towards place-based public services and a system focused on prevention, which can lead to better outcomes and a more sustainable system for all.

Purpose

This role sits within our Practice and Programmes team and will contribute to the development and delivery of New Local’s practice and policy work, supporting community-powered public sector reform in partnership with communities, individual councils, strategic authorities, central government, the NHS and other public and voluntary sector bodies. 

In our practice work, you will confidently lead and contribute to projects alongside public sector partners and communities, using a range of innovation and practice approaches to address complex challenges and support change. This could include programme and service design, facilitation, strategy development, user-centred design, adaptive and collaborative learning, and approaches that help partners test, learn and adapt in practice. You will work with delivery partners where needed and collaborate closely with other New Local colleagues to deliver high-quality work and impact for our local authority members, wider clients and partners. Crucially, you will help partners not only to develop and test new approaches, but to understand what the learning means for wider strategy, systems and ways of working. 

A key part of the role is connecting our practice work to wider strategy, policy and thought leadership. Our thought leadership and policy approach is deeply rooted in the practice we see in places and through our member and peer-learning networks. You will help draw out and communicate learning from pioneering work, developing practical insights and narratives that challenge thinking and inform wider strategy and policy. This could include contributing to blogs and thought pieces, shaping events and member sessions, sharing learning with wider audiences or supporting engagement with key stakeholders. You will identify connections between emerging local practice and national policy agendas and contribute to relationships and opportunities that advance New Local’s work on community power and public service reform. 

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of New Local practice projects, working closely with senior members of the New Local team and using a range of innovation and practice approaches including design, facilitation, strategy development, user-centred design, adaptive and collaborative learning, and approaches that enable partners to test, learn and adapt.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with partners across local government, the wider public sector and communities, placing an emphasis on collaborative working, co-design and building the relationships needed to support meaningful change.
• Design and facilitate engaging processes and workshops that help partners explore complex challenges, develop new approaches, test ideas and build shared understanding and action.
• Help connect practice, strategy and policy, drawing out learning from innovation and working with partners to translate this into changes in policy, strategy, systems and services, while contributing to wider thinking about the conditions needed to enable and scale change.
• Ensure effective project management of our activities, working with colleagues and partners to deliver high-quality work and impact within agreed budgets and timelines.
• Support the development and growth of our practice work, including contributing to proposals, project scoping and budgets, and identifying opportunities to develop our work with existing and new partners.
• Communicate the process, findings and learning from our work, producing clear and compelling outputs for different audiences and helping to draw out wider insights that can inform strategy, practice and policy.
• Contribute to New Local’s thought leadership and policy work, identifying connections between emerging local practice and wider policy agendas, and contributing to blogs, thought pieces, events, member sessions and stakeholder engagement.
• Work collaboratively across New Local, including with our network and communications teams, using your practice expertise and learning from projects to strengthen the wider impact of our work on community power and public service reform.

How to apply

For the full job description, person specification and details on how to apply, please visit New Local's website.

About us

New Local has a mission to transform public services and unlock community power. We publish research, lead peer learning, influence government and work with public sector organisations on some of today’s most pressing issues, informed by our network of 50-plus local authority members.

All of our work is guided by a belief in community power - the principle that communities themselves have the best insight into their own circumstances and should be able to participate in shaping their places and services. We believe that active, empowered communities should be at the heart of a wider shift towards place-based public services and a system focused on prevention, which can lead to better outcomes and a more sustainable system for all.

Purpose

Our Head of Practice role sits within our Practice and Programmes team. You will lead the development and delivery of a portfolio of practice work whilst also contributing to New Local's policy and thought leadership work. We are committed to strengthening the feedback loops between practice and policy locally, regionally and nationally and this role is key to this.

In our practice work you will solve challenges alongside councils, other public sector partners and communities, supporting them to deepen the impact of innovative place-based approaches and to understand the conditions needed for them to grow. You will be leading projects, working alongside delivery partners where needed, managing other New Local team members, to deliver high-quality work and impact for our partners.

Our thought leadership and policy approach is deeply rooted in our practice and peer-learning networks.You will draw on the pioneering work we see in places, and with our members, to support New Local's work to inform the national policy conversation about the conditions and enablers needed for places to accelerate and grow innovation in place-based, preventative and relational working.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of practice projects, ensuring effective project management so that practice work is delivered within budget and to agreed timelines.
• Lead the delivery of projects within our practice portfolio, using a range of innovation and practice approaches including design, facilitation, strategy development, user-centred design, adaptive and collaborative learning, and approaches that enable partners to test, learn and adapt.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with partners and clients for our practice work, across local government, the wider public sector and communities, placing an emphasis on collaborative working, co-design and building the relationships needed to support meaningful change.
• Develop and grow our practice work and generate revenues through deepening client relationships, creatively developing and responding to new partnership and business opportunities, including writing proposals and devising project budgets, aligned to our organisational purpose and vision.
• Lead effective project management of our activities, working with colleagues and partners to deliver high-quality work and impact within agreed budgets and timelines.
• Work with clients and the wider New Local team to connect practice, strategy and policy, drawing out learning from innovation and working with partners to translate this into changes in policy, strategy, systems and services, while contributing to wider thinking about the conditions needed to enable and scale change. 
• Model and promote the integration of practice and policy, through testing and iterating New Local's integrated policy and practice model and proactively contributing to our thought leadership and policy work.
• Model and promote collaborative working across New Local, including with our network and communications teams, using your practice expertise and learning from projects to strengthen the wider impact of our work on community power and public service reform.

How to apply

For the full job description, person specification and details on how to apply, please visit New Local's website.

Policy has the power to change lives – do you have the engine to drive meaningful change forward?

Bring your policy expertise, political insight and energy to help MCR Pathways transform opportunities for young people across the UK.

We’re looking for a highly driven Senior UK Policy & Public Affairs Officer to help advance our mission to bridge the education, skills and opportunity gap through the transformative power of mentoring. You’ll monitor the political landscape, turn evidence and impact into compelling policy arguments, build influential relationships and identify opportunities to put mentoring at the heart of national and regional agendas.

From Westminster and Holyrood to local and combined authorities, you’ll help build the case for change, champion the Trusted Adult Guarantee and support MCR Pathways’ continued expansion across the UK.

The Role Experience

This is a hands-on policy and public affairs role that goes well beyond monitoring what’s happening in government. You’ll be immersed in the UK political and policy landscape, identifying opportunities to influence, developing policy briefings and submissions, mapping stakeholders and cultivating relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, civil servants and strategic partners.

You’ll also be the operational engine behind senior leadership engagement. You’ll identify and progress opportunities, coordinate preparation, develop briefings, arrange meetings and drive follow-up – enabling our CEO, Development Director and other senior leaders to lead high-level engagement and representation with key policymakers and stakeholders.

Turn insight and lived experience into influence. Help make the power of mentoring a national priority.

What You’ll Bring:

• Policy & Public Affairs: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or parliamentary work, with a strong understanding of UK political systems and policy-making.

• Influencing & Relationships: The ability to map political landscapes, build strategic relationships and identify opportunities to influence policymakers and decision-makers.

• Evidence & Advocacy: Exceptional written and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex evidence, impact data and operational experience into compelling policy arguments.

• Strategic & Operational Drive: A proactive approach, able to spot opportunities, coordinate activity and ensure high-quality preparation and follow-through for senior engagement.

• Collaboration & Purpose: A highly collaborative approach and genuine commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for young people facing barriers to reaching their potential.

Safeguarding

MCR Pathways is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect you to share this commitment. This post is subject to appropriate vetting, including a criminal record check and PVG / DBS Scheme membership.

About MCR Pathways

MCR Pathways is an award-winning mentoring programme delivered in schools, further education settings and communities. We connect young people with trusted adult volunteer mentors, providing consistent guidance to help build confidence, self-belief and ambition. Through this support, young people can overcome barriers and progress towards positive destinations such as further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Head of Policy and Communications

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Head of Policy and Communications 

Location England

£58,212 per annum (pro rata for part time) 

Ref: 114REC 

Part Time - 21 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working 

Base: Home based/hybrid, in or commutable to London 

Contract: Maternity Cover 

Disclosure: Basic/Enhanced/ DBS is not required for this position as the post holder will not be working with school and community groups in the region. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Team: Strategy and Engagement/ Policy and Communications 

As the Head of Policy and Communications you will lead our policy, communications and influencing work in England, helping to increase support for walking, wheeling and cycling. As a key member of the Policy and Communications leadership team, you will raise the profile of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, strengthen engagement with supporters and influence decision-makers to create positive change. 

Working closely with senior leaders, you will shape political strategy, develop clear and compelling messages, and build strong relationships with policymakers, partners and stakeholders. You will use evidence, insight and collaboration to influence national policy and help deliver our UK-wide goals. 

This is an exciting opportunity to drive real change by championing healthier, greener and more accessible journeys for everyone. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead our influencing work with the UK Government and coordinating that with our influencing work with the other three nations, government agencies, mayors and regional policymakers.

• Build trusted relationships with UK Government policymakers and partners who share our goals. 

• Provide strategic advice to the charity’s senior leaders on communications and political risks and opportunities. 

• Lead our UK-wide and England focused media and communications team, building and protecting the charity’s reputation. 

• Working with the Head of Brand and Marketing to plan and implement our supporter engagement campaigns. 

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading both communications and public affairs for a cause, working with others internally and externally to achieve positive change. 

ABOUT YOU 

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. 

• Extensive experience influencing the UK Government, and the ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders on political and communications risks and opportunities. This is the most important experience to be successful in this role. 

• Experience working in coalition with other external partners to achieve policy and communications goals. 

• Ability to build positive profile in the media and protect reputation in a crisis. 

• Excellent communication and influencing skills. 

• Successful leader of a multi-disciplinary policy and communications team. 

• The ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk.

LIVING OUR VALUES 

At the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we’re a values‑driven organisation. We’re looking for people who are: 

Always Learning – curious, open‑minded and committed to continuous improvement. 

Championing Equity – inclusive, respectful and focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and fair opportunity to succeed. 

Taking Ownership – proactive, responsible and empowered to make things better. 

Delivering Together – collaborative, transparent and motivated by shared success. 

Through our values we make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully. 

WHAT WE OFFER 

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life. 

WellbeingSupport 

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees 

• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees) 

• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about 

• Free, confidential support service available 24/7 

• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme 

FinancialBenefits 

• Up to two extra days of paid leave (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) when travelling sustainably for holidays. 

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust 

• Bike, computer and season ticket loans 

• Discount benefits 

• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum, pro rata for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London). 

• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family FriendlyPolicies 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Application deadline: 23:59, 13 September 2026 

• Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week of 05 October 2026. To apply, please complete our online application form. 

• We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in our workforce, including people of colour and candidates with disabilities. Adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. 

• Adjustments are available throughout the application process. 

Job Title - Policy Officer

Contract - 12 months Fixed-Term

Hours - Part Time, 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE)

Salary Range - £15,000 to £19,200 per annum (£25,000 to £32,000 FTE)

Location - Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

About Coram

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Part of the Coram Group, Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC) is the UK’s specialist centre for children’s rights in education, immigration, community care and family law, and provides significant international legal systems consultancy. The centre is located on the Coram Campus in central London with a base in Colchester. We champion access to justice through information and advice, legal practice and representation, policy and strategic litigation. Our Legal Practice Unit provides advice and representation primarily under legal aid contract. Our Policy and Practice Change team promotes practice change through training and capacity building to professionals and secures systems change through research, policy and advocacy.

About the role

This role will contribute to delivering Coram Children’s Legal Centre’s agreed programme of policy work, which focuses on immigration policy, education policy and children’s rights. The post-holder will play an important part in creating policy impact to promote the rights of children in the areas of immigration and education policy. Working with the Head of Policy and Practice Change, the Policy Managers and teams across Coram, the key objective of the role is to deliver policy work that has impact for children and centres the views and experiences of children and young people. The post-holder will work with CCLC’s lawyers, young people, sector colleagues, Government officials, Parliamentarians, the media and wider stakeholders to achieve change for children towards CCLC’s aim of promoting children’s rights in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The role would suit a passionate individual who cares about children’s rights and young people informing policy. The ideal candidate will have experience of volunteering or working at a charity or of advocating for change. We are looking for someone who is interested in policy work in the children’s sector, with a specific interest in our core areas of immigration and education policy and children’s rights. Some knowledge of UK immigration, asylum and nationality law is important and we would welcome candidates with lived experience of the asylum or immigration systems.

This is an office-based role with some remote working after the initial settling in period. There will be some flexibility over working days.

For further information on CCLC please visit our website.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: Sunday 6th September 2026 at 23:55

Test and Interview date: Tuesday 22nd September 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

About the role

The policy officer is based in our policy, evidence and influencing team. They support our vital work to create change for people with breast cancer across the UK.

The policy officer supports our policy development work by building knowledge of key policy issues, drafting policy materials and helping with the generation of evidence and insight to shape our work. They work closely with public affairs and campaigns colleagues to develop and deliver influencing strategies to support our policy calls.

They work with others across Breast Cancer Now to inform our policy development, provide advice on key areas of policy and keep everyone informed about our work. They also work with other organisations to influence on shared priorities.

About you

You’ll have experience of policy development work, including developing written briefings, working with supporters and analysing evidence and insight to support policy development.

You’ll be an excellent communicator, who can translate complex information into accessible language. And you’ll have great interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with others including people with breast cancer and the public.

You’ll be organised, able to coordinate projects, and able to prioritise work effectively under pressure. You’ll need to work effectively as a member of a team.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with experience of the charity sector and a good understanding of the current health policy landscape.

Job description and benefits

The job description and our attractive benefits are available for you to download.

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.

The salary range is: £30,757 to £31,000

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.

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.

We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.

Closing date Tuesday 8 September 2026 11:59 pm

Interview date Thursday 17 September 2026

We're partnering with a large university undergoing significant people transformation and are seeking an experienced Senior People Policy Consultant to lead a high-profile policy integration and harmonisation programme.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior HR professional with strong employee relations and policy expertise to drive the review, development and implementation of people policies across a large workforce.

The Role

Reporting into the Head of ER, you will take ownership of a substantial programme of work focused on creating consistent, legally compliant and employee-focused HR policies and procedures.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the review, development and implementation of complex HR policies and procedures.
• Managing a programme of policy integration activity, ensuring delivery against key milestones and deadlines.
• Providing expert guidance on employment legislation, policy interpretation and best practice.
• Leading consultation and engagement activity with senior stakeholders, recognised Trade Unions and employee representatives.
• Producing high-quality policy documentation, reports and briefing papers.
• Identifying and mitigating risks associated with policy implementation and organisational change.
• Supporting and coordinating policy workstreams across the wider HR function.

About YouTo be successful, you will bring:

• Significant experience leading HR policy development, review and implementation within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong Employee Relations expertise and a detailed understanding of UK employment law.
• Proven experience managing complex programmes, projects or organisational change initiatives.
• Experience working closely with Trade Unions and leading consultation activity.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to balance legal compliance, organisational objectives and employee experience when developing people solutions.
• MCIPD qualification (or equivalent HR experience) is highly desirable.

Why Apply?✅ Opportunity to lead a high-profile people transformation programme
✅ Influence strategic HR policy across a large workforce
✅ Work with senior stakeholders and Trade Union partners
✅ Flexible hybrid working arrangement
✅ Join a collaborative and purpose-driven HR team
For a confidential discussion or to express your interest, please get in touch.

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Policy Engagement Manager - 12-month Fixed Term Contract

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.

To help us in supporting our communities in Wales, we are now looking for a motivated Policy Engagement Manager with a strong understanding of the social policy context, and the environment in which our grantholders operate.  You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening our engagement with government, voluntary and community sector organisations, and funding partners. Working closely with the Head of Policy and Engagement in Wales, you will help build influential relationships, provide strategic policy insight, and ensure that the experiences of communities inform our funding and development priorities. You will play a key role in enabling the Fund to use our insight, position and influence in Wales to celebrate and promote the power and expertise of communities.

Key Responsibilities

As Policy Engagement Manager, you will be an excellent relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. You will be comfortable working across complex stakeholder environments and translating policy developments into practical insight, including providing insight and policy context to inform medium and long-term funding initiatives across the UK.

You will develop a thorough understanding of the policy environment relating to our four community-led missions and our commitment to addressing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage through an equity-based approach. 

You will maintain a broad understanding of the political and social context in which our grantholders operate, convening grantholders and stakeholders to explore shared challenges and opportunities. We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We invite you to join our team and contribute your skills and experience to creating lasting change for communities and society.

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.

The successful candidate must have an understanding of Welsh language legislation and the Welsh Language Standards of the Fund. Ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable.

Interview Details:

Date: 21 September 2026

Format: In Person

Location: Cardiff, Wales

Our office is in Cardiff, but we are flexible about location within Wales. We have a hybrid approach to working.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the recruitment team.

For any questions about the recruitment process, please email the recruitment team.

How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.

Essential criteria

• Experience of engaging with government, public sector, VCSE or funding stakeholders.
• A strong grasp and knowledge of the policy environment and the developing issues and themes relevant to our Missions and grantholders in Wales.
• Experience of analysing and interpreting policy and political developments.
• Demonstrable strategic influencing skills
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and contribute to strategic planning and development.
• Understanding of the use of digital tools and systems to manage relationships, share information and support policy development.
• Experience of project management

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.) 

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Policy Engagement Manager - 12-month Fixed Term Contract

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.

To help us in supporting communities in Scotland, we are now looking for a motivated Policy Engagement Manager with a strong understanding of the social policy context in Scotland, and the environment in which our grantholders operate. You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening our engagement with government, voluntary and community sector organisations, and funding partners. Working closely with the Head of Policy Engagement in Scotland, you will help build influential relationships, provide strategic policy insight, and ensure that the experiences of communities inform our funding and development priorities. You will play a key role in enabling the Fund to use our insight, position and influence in Scotland to celebrate and promote the power and expertise of communities.

Key Responsibilities

As Policy Engagement Manager, you will be an excellent relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. You will be comfortable working across complex stakeholder environments and translating policy developments into practical insight, including providing insight and policy context to inform medium and long-term funding initiatives across the UK.

You will develop a thorough understanding of the policy environment relating to our four community-led missions and our commitment to addressing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage through an equity-based approach. 

You will maintain a broad understanding of the policy and social context in which our grantholders operate, convening grantholders and stakeholders to explore shared challenges and opportunities. We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We invite you to join our team and contribute your skills and experience to creating lasting change for communities and society.

Regular travel around Scotland 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 Details

Date: 17th September 2026

Format: In Person

Location: Glasgow -  We have a hybrid approach to working.

We will be hosting a briefing session  on Wednesday 26th August at 1 pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the role, gain insight into the team and key responsibilities, and ask any questions you may have. To register or ask any questions please email the recruitment team.

How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.

Essential Criteria

• Experience of engaging with government, public sector, VCSE or funding stakeholders.
• A strong grasp and knowledge of the policy environment and the developing issues and themes relevant to our Missions and grantholders in Scotland.
• Experience of analysing and interpreting policy and political developments.
• Demonstrable strategic influencing skills.
• Strong communication including written communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and contribute to strategic planning and development.
• Understanding of the use of digital tools and systems to manage relationships, share information and support policy development.
• Experience of project management

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 seeking to recruit a Parliamentary and Policy Assistant to support our legislative and policy programme. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to develop a career in environmental policy while gaining first-hand experience of how Parliament and the legislative process work, and insight into the nuts and bolts of the operations of a small not-for-profit environmental organisation.

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will monitor parliamentary activity; research environmental policy; help prepare briefings and updates; support engagement with parliamentarians and stakeholders; contribute to communications; and help deliver events. No two days will be the same and you will gain broad exposure to the work of a busy policy team.

Role profile

• Monitor parliamentary activity including questions, debates, select committees, and legislation.
• Support with preparation of written briefings and other outputs, such as weekly summaries and updates.
• Undertake research on climate change, nature and other related environmental policy areas to inform legislative work, briefings and regular policy updates.
• Provide support to the legislative and policy team including through research, reviewing Hansard and logging and tracking updates 
•  Assist with data capture and entry into organisational databases.
• Support senior colleagues in preparing for meetings with parliamentarians and external stakeholders. 
• Support the delivery of the organisation's communications activity as required, including assisting with drafting website content, blogs and social media posts.
• Support the team with the delivery of parliamentary and external events and visits including venue booking, coordinating invitations, assisting with preparation of event materials and providing administration and logistical support.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to policy and legislative colleagues, including document filing, note taking in meetings and coordination of meetings.  
• Attend parliamentary and external events to support policy research, insights and stakeholder outreach.
• Undertake ad hoc projects and tasks as required. 

Skills/experience

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds who are interested in politics and parliamentary process. More important than any particular qualifications or experience is your ability to communicate effectively; express ideas clearly and precisely in writing; manage competing priorities with a can-do attitude; and work with accuracy and attention to detail. If you are intellectually curious, proactive, and eager to develop your skills and knowledge while contributing to meaningful policy change, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Key knowledge and skills for the role include:

• Knowledge of or an interest in legislation and parliamentary processes.
• Good judgement and eagerness to develop strong political instinct
• Persuasive and clear communicator (oral and written).
• Happy to work in a fast-paced environment with a willingness to work in a flexible and agile way. 
• Team-oriented and collaborative: able to build great relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Good IT and social media skills.
• A personal commitment to climate change and environmental issues. 

Policy Engagement Manager - 12-month Fixed Term Contract

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.

To help us in supporting communities in Northern Ireland, we are now looking for a motivated Policy Engagement Manager with a strong understanding of the social policy context in Northern Ireland, and the environment in which our grantholders operate. You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening our engagement with government, voluntary and community sector organisations, and funding partners. Working closely with the Head of Policy Engagement in Northern Ireland, you will help build influential relationships, provide strategic policy insight, and ensure that the experiences of communities inform our funding and development priorities. You will play a key role in enabling the Fund to use our insight, position and influence in Northern Ireland to celebrate and promote the power and expertise of communities.

Key Responsibilities

As Policy Engagement Manager, you will be an excellent relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. You will be comfortable working across complex stakeholder environments and translating policy developments into practical insight, including providing insight and policy context to inform medium and long-term funding initiatives across the UK.

You will develop a thorough understanding of the policy environment relating to our four community-led missions and our commitment to addressing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage through an equity-based approach. 

You will maintain a broad understanding of the policy and social context in which our grantholders operate, convening grantholders and stakeholders to explore shared challenges and opportunities. We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, passionate about the Fund’s purpose and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We invite you to join our team and contribute your skills and experience to creating lasting change for communities and society.

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 Details:

Date: 1 October 2026

Format: In Person

Location: Belfast - We have a hybrid approach to working

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the recruitment team.

For any questions about the recruitment process, please email the recruitment team

How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.

Essential criteria

• Experience of engaging with government, public sector, VCSE or funding stakeholders.
• A strong grasp and knowledge of the policy environment and the developing issues and themes relevant to our Missions and grantholders in Northern Ireland.
• Experience of analysing and interpreting policy and political developments.
• Demonstrable strategic influencing skills
• Strong communication including written communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and contribute to strategic planning and development.
• Understanding of the use of digital tools and systems to manage relationships, share information and support policy development.
• Experience of project management

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.) 

Salary: £39.326
Contract: Permanent, full time

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay policy
• Private GP Service
• Salary sacrifice schemes for gym, bicycles, annual leave buying, and nursery/childcare
• Free Premium Headspace membership
• Financial, life and leadership coaching
• Life Assurance policy of 3x annual salary
• Access to free online, in-person or telephone therapy

Location: Head office (8-10 Grosvenor Gardens) and Grosvenor Square, with time at Camley St Natural Park, Woodberry Wetlands, Walthamstow Wetlands, Centre for Wildlife Gardening, Gunnersbury Triangle, and Sydenham Hill Wood
Hours: 35 hours per week, typically 9:00am – 5:00pm. We welcome flexible working requests from day one.

Role & Responsibilities

As wildlife faces unprecedented challenges, inspiring the next generation to care for and champion the natural world has never been more important.

We're looking for a passionate and experienced Learning Manager to lead and develop our thriving learning programmes, which currently engage over 10,000 school children and 12,000 family learning participants every year. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of environmental education across London, building on our successful primary school offer while expanding opportunities for secondary-aged young people and ensuring our programmes are inclusive and accessible to all.

Working as part of our ambitious Learning & Engagement team, you'll oversee learning delivery across multiple sites, manage a team of Learning Officers, and play a key role in developing innovative programmes that deepen people's connection with nature. You'll balance strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, helping ensure our learning programmes are high-quality, impactful and responsive to the needs of London's diverse communities.

You'll be involved in:

• Leading the delivery and continuous development of our formal learning programmes for schools and families across the Trust.
• Expanding our offer for 11-16-year-olds, helping to address the "high school gap" through engaging nature connection activities, curriculum-linked programmes and green careers initiatives.
• Developing inclusive learning opportunities that meet the needs of children, young people and families from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with additional needs.
• Building strong relationships with schools, teachers and community partners to increase participation and maximise impact.
• Managing and supporting a team of Learning Officers, creating a positive culture of development, collaboration and high performance.
• Overseeing learning budgets, resources and programme planning to ensure effective and sustainable delivery.
• Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on programme outcomes, helping demonstrate the impact of our work and secure future investment.
• Representing London Wildlife Trust with funders, schools, local authorities, community organisations and other external partners.

Our Ideal Learning Manager

• An experienced education professional with a passion for connecting people to nature.
• Experience designing, delivering and evaluating learning programmes for children, young people and/or families.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing, motivating and developing staff
• An excellent communicator who can build positive relationships with schools, funders, community organisations and colleagues.
• Experience developing inclusive programmes that engage diverse audiences and remove barriers to participation.
• Organised and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and budgets effectively.
• Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with practical, hands-on delivery when needed.
• Committed to London Wildlife Trust's mission, values and approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.

(Please see the job description for the full list of responsibilities and person specification.)

Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!

Closing date: Monday 21st September at 9am

Our vision is a London alive with wildlife, with nature in everyone's neighbourhood. To achieve our goal of inspiring everyone to help restore London’s wildlife, we recognise that our team must better reflect and represent all of London’s diverse communities.

We are also committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is at the heart of our engagement with people

Would you like to help create a brighter future for nature? 

Wildlife and Countryside Link is a coalition of 97 environmental charities. We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help develop, advocate and win policy improvements for nature, with a particular focus on the marine environment. 

The Government has promised to halt the decline of wildlife and protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The marine environment is on the frontline of action – how can we restore habitats at the same time as huge investment in renewable energy? How can we restore fish stocks in a way that supports the future of coastal communities? How can we lead the way on reducing the pollution that is blighting our seas?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help environmental organisations agree bold answers to key questions like these. This role will manage our marine, bycatch and marine mammal working groups to secure ambitious progress of protection and recovery of the marine environment. This is an exciting opportunity to be to work alongside some of the leading experts in marine policy to deliver joint policy that will transform nature at sea.

You will also play a key role in delivering environmental priorities to key influencers in Government and in Parliament. 

So, we are looking for someone with a keen eye for detail, a good networker with the ability to listen and negotiate, and a reasoned and convincing style of written and verbal communication, with a passion for nature conservation.