Policy lead jobs in Birmingham
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Location: Hybrid
Department: External Affairs & Communications directorate
Salary: £51,000 - £57,500
Hours: This is a full-time post [35 hours per week], however, we welcome applicants with proposals for shared working arrangements or other flexibilities.
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 12th January 2026, 10.00am
Benefits: 10% employers pension contribution (NEST) HSF Health cash Plan-covering employee partners and dependants under 18 28 days Annual Leave plus bank holidays and increases with length of service 2 hours weekly wellbeing time out Employee assistance program , offering GP advice lines, virtual doctors, prescription services, emotional wellbeing support, a legal help line and counselling. Funded eye site test (Specsavers) Pay it forward days- 2 days volunteering Mindful Employer Perkbox and Reward Gateway – discount platforms
Overall Purpose
We are at a critical stage in the evolution of our strategy, and to help build the next era of healthcare, our influence with national decision makers will be crucial. The 10-year plan for the NHS creates opportunities for the NHS charity sector that we must capitalise on.
This role will report to the Associate Director of Policy and Influencing to help shape our policy and influencing activity, including assessing opportunities and risks, and make recommendations for action. This will involve building and utilising strategic relationships, as well as in-depth policy knowledge, to develop and take forward evidence-based and responsive propositions which translate into funded opportunities for the sector, and to influence for improvements in the policy and regulatory environment in which NHS charities operate, to enhance impact.
You will have experience of policy development, be a strategic thinker and excellent at building relationships in a complex stakeholder environment.
Overall objectives
• Work with the AD of Policy and Influencing to scope policy and influencing strategy, assessing opportunities and risks and make recommendations for action.
• Hold relevant policy, strategy and wider contextual expertise and knowledge for the organisation – and the sector – including in-depth understanding of current frameworks and horizon-scanning future developments, identifying issues of interest to the organisation and our members.
• Build long-term strategic relationships with policymakers – including Government, especially the Department of Health and Social Care, and other relevant NHS bodies and health organisations.
• Translate knowledge and strategic relationships into:
o Opportunities for the sector – including through propositions and influencing potential funders / commissioners / decision-makers.
o Improvements in the policy, regulatory and strategic environment within which NHS charities operate, through evidence-based policy calls and influencing.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The main duties and responsibilities of the role holder are as outlined below:
• Support the AD of Policy & Influencing on organisational policy and influencing strategy.
Policy development/ expertise
• Hold organisational policy expertise on identified issues for the NHS charity sector; developing evidenced-based policy positions and relevant strategy for influence.
• Working with the Insights and Impact Specialist ensure sector learnings and impact data inform organisational policy and are shared with policymakers.
• Produce policy briefings and reports for targeted stakeholders.
• Respond to relevant policy consultations.
• Provides reports and information for colleagues within NHS Charities Together to ensure understanding of policy and public affairs and to support organisational strategy.
• Lead on the policy content and analysis for policy and influencing tools such as Financial Comparison survey.
Influencing
• Build relationships with relevant strategic partners (and potential partners) in Government, health care, academia, VCSE and other sectors to support organisational strategy.
• Identify and connect into relevant networks, including representing the organisation and the sector.
• Arrange briefings and roundtable events for targeted stakeholders.
Membership Policy engagement
• Support communication and sector engagement related to policy and public affairs, including identifying relevant policy information needed from members; mobilisation of membership behind relevant calls, and supporting development of members’ skills and capacity relating to influencing and government relations.
Other Duties
• Act as a champion for NHS Charities Together and NHS charities.
• Visibly live NHS Charities Together’s values, including our commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly by ensuring that our policy and public affairs activity takes into account the diversity of the communities and members that we support.
• Carrying out the duties of post in accordance with NHS Charities Together’s policies and procedures on Health and Safety and take responsibility for ensuring personal health and safety.
• Working flexibly, prioritising workload and working effectively as part of a team.
• Adhere to relevant legislation, best practice, policies and processes including, but not limited to charity law, the fundraising regulator, GDPR and professional codes and standards.
• Represent NHS Charities Together as needed.
REF-225 785
Registered Charity 
21 - 50
Thank you!
AMR Action UK is the United Kingdom patient organisation for people impacted by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our legitimacy comes through our small-scale research projects, our engagement with patients and their families, and from our direct support of patients through our information service and peer-support activities.
AMR Action UK seeks to empower patient, families, and carers to have their voices heard on matters that affect their lives and to be able to influence research priorities, policy and implementation changes at government level, and changes in NHS practices across the four nations of the UK.
The Policy and Advocacy lead will ensure that AMR Action UK is both well-informed across the broad-spectrum of topics relating to AMR and is impactful in its influencing work.
To be successful in the role you will need energy and enthusiasm to hit the ground running in order to make an immediate impact on appointment.
Closing date 12th January 2026, with a view to holding interviews week beginning 19th January 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.
Key Responsibilities
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Policy and Research Leadership
- Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
- Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
- Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
- Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.
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Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
- Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
- Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
- Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.
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Internal Collaboration
- Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
- Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
- Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage junior staff or associates as required.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:
- Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
- Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
- Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
- Experience in income generation or bid development.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
- Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Politically aware and intellectually curious.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and inclusive.
- Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.