Policy leader jobs

About Starlight

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

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

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

Our Culture

We believe that our success depends upon focusing on our purpose and business results and taking individual responsibility for a culture where everyone can belong, feel safe and thrive. Our values are the agreed standards that govern our behaviour and are central to our decision-making and the choices that we make. Our development programme focuses on individual awareness of our own values, strengths, and preferences – what makes us who we are – to help all colleagues think for themselves, manage their environment, and make appropriate, balanced decisions for themselves, others and Starlight. We believe that our strength is in our differences and constantly strive towards an authentic workplace culture with equity, diversity, and inclusion as central principles.

Our Strategy and the role of Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator

As a result of the rapid progress and positive outcomes of us leading, managing and coordinating an increasingly cohesive alliance for systemic change in children’s healthcare, we are now in the position of moving some of our focus to the Government and Parliament. This will involve sensitive networking, stakeholder engagement and relationship management. To sustain the momentum and maximise these opportunities, we now want to appoint a permanent coordinator who is dynamic, empathic and curious; with the experience and ability to coordinate and administer the work of a small team working at pace in a fast-changing environment.

The postholder will need to maintain superb attention to detail while juggling multiple priorities (and a diverse range of relationships). There will be growing opportunities to be involved in policy research and preparation of briefings, as well as organising and project-managing events, publications and other activities. There will be a continued focus on meetings of various kinds; aiming to ensure these are seamless and problem free for everyone involved. This will require considerable administrative support in diary management, arranging meetings, preparation of papers, accurate minute taking and follow up actions.

Job Title: Policy and Influencing Lead

Salary: £42,500 per annum pro rata, plus 15% ILW if applicable

Hours: Part time, up to 22.5 hours per week, open to discussing working patterns

Location: Birmingham or London

Contract Type: Fixed term contract for 12 months, with plans to review

Reports to: Director of Fundraising and External Affairs

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham, which will support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a new role in an expanding and dynamic organisation. It responds to our growing ambition to share what we have learned about suicide prevention and delivering services to men who are affected by inequalities.

We understand that for more men to be saved, we need others to take action too. And we need to make this case for change as compelling and impactful as possible to influence commissioners, NHS providers, or policy makers to save more men’s lives.

This role will involve leading the influencing strategy, building evidence-based policy positions, and executing powerful messaging to effectively demonstrate the impact of crisis intervention and the importance of extending this provision to more men across the country.

Overarching priorities

· To influence national and local systems leaders on the importance of rapid, equitable, accessible and tailored treatment and support for acutely suicidal men.

· To establish James’ Place as a leading and credible voice in innovative suicide prevention practice, reducing inequalities in access and in supporting men who other services aren’t reaching.

· To strengthen our evidence base and contribute insight and data to networks and partners who can grow its impact (such as organisations with larger influencing teams, media organisations, policy makers and think tanks).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

· Identify key actors and establish, lead and execute an influencing plan for the next 12 – 24 months, in line with the above priorities, emerging insight and changing contexts.

· Lead effective relationship and network building and management across charity, health and policy sectors.

· Adopt a holistic perspective with communications and fundraising colleagues, that is deeply informed by clinical practice and aligned with strategies for growth.

· Explore future partnerships to strengthen evidence base, impact and reach, with academics, think tanks, funders and policy makers

· Ensure James’ Place responds to emerging policy and influencing opportunities (such as men’s health, inequalities work, neighbourhoods, integrated health organisations, strategic commissioning and so on)
Delivery

· Represent James’ Place on external groups at parliamentary events and sector forums as appropriate, ensuring the charity’s position and the voices of men we treat are clearly and respectfully communicated.

· Monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory changes and lead consultation responses.

· Research and produce compelling policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence-based reports

· Champion accurate data collection, evaluation and insight across James’ Place, demonstrating how crucial this is for policy and influencing work externally.

· Fully brief and support the CEO and other senior leaders’ attendance at events, meetings and media work.

· Engage with researchers, evaluators and campaigners on what James’ Place knows and does so that they can represent and champion James’ Place effectively.

· Support senior colleagues to engage with the Board on matters of policy and influence.

· Undertake any other duties as required in pursuit of organisational success.

Charity-wide

· Work closely with services, clinical, fundraising and communication colleagues to deliver our strategy and business plans to meet our charitable objectives.

· Play a role across the whole organisation, offering support and demonstrating leadership across the charity, helping colleagues to grow and develop.

· Recognise the value of review and evaluation and contribute to the on-going development of James’ Place as a respected, effective and sustainable charity.

· Work with the team to build our understanding of men in suicidal crisis and how suicidal behaviour develops.

· Promote and demonstrate the highest level of safeguarding best practice.

· Deputise for senior colleagues and represent the organisation externally as and when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

· Extensive experience in policy and influencing work at a senior level on a social or health issue, including mental or physical health, equity, or social justice.

· A strong track record of building and maintaining external relationships across sectors: government, NHS, public services, charities, academia or think tanks; healthcare experience is highly desirable

· Substantial experience of preparing and submitting consultation documents, position statements and advocacy materials.

· Strong communication skills, in writing and in person.

· Experience of working with quantitative and qualitative research and researchers, work with data and insight to make credible and evidence-based arguments.

· Practical, resilient, unflappable; an innovator, open to exploring new ways of working.

· Experience of working with people with lived experience of sensitive and personal issues.

Desirable 

· Experience of public speaking.

· Experience of working with NHS commissioners or mental health services.

· Working with volunteers and people with lived experience of suicidality or inequality.

WE OFFER

· A 7% employer contributory pension scheme.

· Family friendly policies.

· Death in service insurance scheme.

· 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please follow the instructions on the attached document. 

Closing date: Monday 16 March 2026, 5pm

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?

Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.

You will:

• Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work

• Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals

• Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders

• Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

• Contribute as a full member of our leadership team

We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.

This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.

If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary: £45000-£49000 p.a DOE

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Reports to: Senior Insight Manager

Direct reports: There is potential for line management responsibility for an Insight Officer to support their development, oversee elements of their work, and help to ensure high standards of research quality and delivery.

Location: Harlow, Essex. Easily commutable from London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale Station. We offer a free minibus service to/from Harlow Town Train Station as well as free parking and EV charging on site.

Extra Information: Open to conversation on hybrid, flexible and compressed working arrangements. The team works a minimum of two days a week from the office.

About the role:

At the Motability Foundation we fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

This role will support the Senior Insight Manager in delivering policy research and insight as part of the new insight function. This role sits at the intersection of research and policy, ensuring that evidence is not only generated, but interpreted and mobilised effectively to inform forward-looking organisational positioning.

What you will be doing:

As Policy Research Manager, you’ll play a central role in building and mobilising the evidence needed to influence policy and public debate on mobility, disability and welfare reform. Working closely with colleagues across Insight, Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll help to ensure that the Foundation has a robust, timely and compelling evidence base to support advocacy, engagement with decision-makers, and external partnerships.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing clear and persuasive evidence narratives that demonstrate the social value and impact of the Foundation’s work, drawing on research, evaluation findings and wider policy evidence
• Scoping, developing and oversight of rapid evidence reviews and insight summaries to inform policy positions, responses to consultations and support external engagement
• Delivering forward-looking policy analyses using futures and foresight approaches (including horizon scanning and trend synthesis), assessing potential implications for disabled people and organisational positioning.
• Acting as the lead for policy-relevant research on welfare reform and related priority areas, synthesising internal and external evidence to inform organisational responses
• Supporting coordination with Motability Operations on shared policy and research priorities
• Supporting relationships with external partners including Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), think tanks and public research bodies, including representing the Foundation to contribute an evidence-informed perspective
• Supporting dissemination and engagement activity, including roundtables, briefings, thought pieces and events that help shape debate and explore innovative policy solutions
• Working collaboratively across the organisation to move our evidence and insight from reactive to proactive, strengthening our influence over time

Your experience:

You’re curious, motivated and motivated by public impact. You enjoy turning complex evidence into clear messages that resonate with different audiences, and you’re keen to see research used to influence real-world decisions. You understand what makes for good enough evidence to influence policy making.

You’re comfortable working across organisational boundaries and with external partners, and you bring energy, judgement and confidence to conversations about policy, evidence and social value.

You’re likely to thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy synthesising research and data into compelling, accessible insight
• Are motivated by social purpose and improving outcomes for disabled people
• Have a strong interest in public policy
• Have a strong understanding of how evidence can be used to influence decision-making
• Are proactive, organised and able to respond quickly to emerging issues
• Are confident representing an organisation externally and contributing to policy discussions
• Like working collaboratively and building trusted relationships across teams and sectors

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Requirements

We recognise that candidates may come from a range of backgrounds. We’re particularly interested in people with strong potential who are keen to develop their skills in a purpose-driven environment.

Must haves:

• Experience conducting or coordinating research, evidence reviews or analysis in a policy, public affairs, research or related setting
• Familiarity with government policy-making processes, consultations and/or parliamentary engagement
• Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise written outputs
• Understanding of how research and evidence can be packaged and used effectively to inform or influence public policy
• Experience working with or alongside external organisations such as think tanks, charities, DPOs, academic or public research bodies
• Strong written communication skills and confidence contributing to external briefings, reports or events
• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in a social science, public policy or related discipline, or equivalent work experience

Nice to haves:

• Experience working on disability, welfare, transport or social policy issues
• Experience supporting advocacy or public affairs activity using evidence
• Experience designing or managing rapid evidence reviews or insight products
• A recognised professional research qualification such as the MRS Advanced Certificate, or equivalent professional research training.

Benefits

Who are we?

We are building a future where all disabled people have the transport options to make the journeys they choose.

We fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

Why choose us?

We want working for the Motability Foundation to be the best career move you’ve ever made. When you join the Motability Foundation you will join a group of people who are supportive, innovative and motivated to improve the lives of our beneficiaries.

We value everyone’s unique qualities and celebrate having a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. This is embedded into our values, Collaborative, Respectful and Evolving.

We bring our people together through our People Forum, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Social Squad and our Wellbeing Champions and our employee Spotlight Awards help us recognise the excellence and dedication of our staff.

We are proud to be recognised as Disability Confident Leader, have attained Platinum Level Award for Investors in People and are members of the Business Disability Forum.

A career with Motability Foundation can offer you so much more than earning potential, we pride ourselves in offering some fantastic benefits. Some of these include:

• 26 days annual leave, plus the option to buy/ sell up to five days.
• One wellbeing day for extra flexibility.
• Pension scheme - Up to 20%, including a 10% non-contributory contribution and matched contributions up to 5%.
• Life Assurance of four times your salary.
• Private healthcare through BUPA for you and your family, along with a Medicash Health Plan.
• Employee assistance programme: GP appointments, eye tests, flu vaccinations, sick pay and free gym and yoga sessions.
• Enhanced Parental Leave, including Adoption Pay.
• Free parking, EV charge points and a minibus service to/from the town centre and train station.
• Fresh fruit, breakfast snacks, and a Dress for Your Day dress code.
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, and we aim to be an employer of choice for candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we have committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to perform their best when interviewing and when working with us, so if you require any reasonable adjustments that would make you more comfortable, please let us know so that we can do our best to support you.

To help us create an inclusive workplace we are committed to offering to interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances, we may need to limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. re

Future Commissioning Policy and Public Affairs Lead

Contract: Permanent
Salary: £60,000 per annum plus pension
Location: Hybrid – home-based, with regular travel to meetings and team days in London and Sheffield

About the Role

Funded by ten prime providers, this is a senior policy and public affairs role leading a high-profile campaign on behalf of the employment support sector. The postholder will ensure that decision makers, policy makers, and commissioners clearly understand:

• The value and contribution of large employment support organisations as prime contract holders
• The strengths and impact of the prime provider model
• What is required to deliver effective future employment support programmes

The role will be managed by the CEO of ERSA, with the CEO reporting into a dedicated campaign working group.

This workstream will strengthen and add capacity to existing work being led by the ERSA CEO on future commissioning. It will enable ERSA to further and more effectively represent the interests of the employment support sector and the prime provider model across future national and devolved commissioning activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a coordinated policy and public affairs campaign
• Research, analyse, and interpret policy and commissioning developments relevant to employment support
• Produce high-quality reports, briefings, consultation responses, and policy submissions
• Build and maintain credibility with senior stakeholders, including policy makers, commissioners, and sector leaders
• Represent ERSA externally with confidence, authority, and credibility
• Work collaboratively with the ERSA CEO, campaign working group, and wider sector stakeholders

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be:

• An experienced policy professional
• Knowledgeable about the employment support sector and commissioning landscape
• Highly skilled in policy research and analysis
• An excellent writer, able to produce clear, persuasive, and evidence-based policy documents
• A confident and authoritative communicator, able to represent ERSA with gravitas

Reporting Line

The postholder will be part of the ERSA team and will report directly to the ERSA CEO.

Our client, a well-known anti-poverty charity is looking to recruit a Director of Policy & Engagement on a maternity contract of up to 12 months. This great charity provides front-line advice, advocacy and campaigning and policy work on behalf of people in London beneath pension age, who are experiencing issues around benefit payments, disability and housing or who are at risk of homelessness. The services they provide have become even more essential during the current cost of living crisis.

The role:
As Director of Policy & Engagement, you will lead the organisation’s policy, public affairs, and campaigns function, shaping and delivering local and national influencing to drive change on social security and housing issues. You will ensure the voices of people with lived experience are central to all of the organisation’s work, embedding meaningful participation across the organisation, in governance, services, policy and campaigns.

You will also oversee strategic external communications to support the organisation’s influencing, brand and fundraising objectives and will direct all fundraising for your department including managing funder relationships, identifying opportunities and leading on bid writing and reporting.
 
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for influencing policy and practice locally and nationally and representing the charity as a spokesperson in the media, with government ministers, MPs, and other senior stakeholders. 
 
You will manage a small multidisciplinary team of four, ensuring integrated effective delivery across the organisation. 
 
The role will cover strategic leadership, policy, public affairs & campaigns, stakeholder & media engagement, external communications, embedding participation, fundraising leadership, team leadership and cross-organisational Integration.

The person:
The successful candidate will be a strategic, politically astute leader with experience of leading policy, public affairs and campaigns at a senior level. They will have experience of integrating research campaigns, participation, external communications and fundraising to deliver impact locally and nationally. They will have excellent media stakeholder and political engagement skills, with experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation. This person will value and embed lived experience in all aspects of their work and will have a strong understanding of social security and housing policy. 

This person will also have substantial experience of leading on research for social policy influencing purposes in addition to having developed and shaped policy  for an organisation in a charity which works towards combatting poverty and other social justice issues. Having managed political and media engagement and external influencing activities in the past, this person will be an effective relationship manager both internally and externally, in addition to having provided knowledge based leadership to small teams in the charity sector. In addition to being a highly effective project manager, this person will be a very strong communicator both verbally and in writing, and will be fully committed to the aims and objectives of this anti-poverty charity.
​​​​​​​
This organisation is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of poverty, from global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and disabled people are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome evidence of experience from both work and non-work settings such as volunteering and personal life. 
 

The Policy and Campaigns Manager leads ADUK in championing reforms that pave the way for better access for all disabled people partnered with a highly trained assistance dog. Through dynamic campaigns and impactful initiatives, this role is pivotal to how ADUK amplifies the voices of those whose lives are transformed by these life changing dogs, ensuring that their rights are protected for years to come.

Key Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Executive Director (ED), continue to develop a compelling case for taking a standards-based approach to the training and welfare of assistance dogs.
• Gather, analyse and apply robust evidence to strengthen ADUK’s credibility, influence and voice on key policy and campaigning issues.
• Work with the ED to identify and progress opportunities for ADUK and its members to engage with policymakers, regulators and other decision-makers, and to support positive policy change.
• Develop and deliver written and in-person reports and briefings for different audiences, including politicians, policy officials, and other decision-makers.
• Collaborate with the ED and Head of Education and Allyship to develop relationships with key stakeholders.
• Lead, manage and convene the ADUK Advisory Panel, ensuring it operates effectively and informs ADUK’s policy and campaigning work.
•  Monitor legislation and policy developments relevant to assistance dogs and dog welfare and communicate these as appropriate to members.
• Support the ED with the delivery of ADUK’s policy function, including the preparation of policy statements, briefing papers, media responses, and submissions to consultations and inquiries.
• Provide informed policy advice to the ED on priority issues affecting ADUK and its members.
• Represent ADUK externally, articulating its policy positions at meetings, events and forums, where appropriate.
• Take responsibility for projects, with the support of the Executive Director where appropriate, including joint work with partner organisations.
• Organise meetings, policy roundtables, expert workshops, policy training and other events.
• Provide information and support to service providers on assistance dog policies to promote access rights for disabled people with assistance dogs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

Essential – applicants will:

• Have experience working in a policy, public affairs/campaigning role, with a solid understanding of how the policy development process works and how to influence national policy.
• Experience in convening and facilitating advisory groups, panels or stakeholder forums to support organisational decision-making.
• Experience in planning and delivering events, workshops or meetings that support policy, stakeholder engagement or organisational aims
• Have the ability to analyse and interpret information from a range of sources.
• Have strong interpersonal skills including being able to develop positive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people and organisations.
• Have the ability to act on your own initiative and develop new work.
• Be comfortable maintaining existing policy positions and relationships.
• Have experience in communicating complex ideas or processes to a range of diverse audiences.
• Have excellent writing and verbal communication skills and experience in producing briefings, consultation responses and other communications on behalf of an organisation and for a wide range of audiences.
• Represent ADUK with credibility and authority in all external communications

Applicants should be aligned with ADUK’s values of championing a standards-based approach to the training and welfare of assistance dogs.

See recruitment pack for full job and person spec. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Policy Advisor (maternity cover) to join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University. At a time of big changes in the world of work, we are looking for a talented individual who shares our goal to tackle structural inequalities in the UK labour market.

About you

The ideal candidate will be able to undertake research and policy analysis, help secure and manage funded research projects and clearly communicate complex issues to a range of audiences. Experience of building effective internal and external relationships with a wide range of groups including civil servants, academics, politicians, business leaders and workers will be a particular advantage.

The Policy Advisor will support the research team to deliver valuable new quantitative and qualitative evidence and insights. We are ambitious about delivering research that has a positive impact in society, and work closely with workers, employers and policymakers to realise that goal.

Working with us

We are a small, friendly and collaborative team. Flexible working is important to us at the Work Foundation and we’re open to candidates who would like to work flexible hours, part-time, or job share.

This role can either be London based at our office in Fetter Lane or based at the Lancaster University campus, with a hybrid working arrangement. Our team tend to work part of the week at home, and part of the week on site.

Benefits include a defined benefit pension with the USS Scheme, generous holiday entitlement (25 days plus five university closure days between Christmas and Easter), a Cycle to Work Scheme, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and a range of other benefits and discounts.

Further information

This is a maternity cover position for 10-months with a potential to be extended, but this is not guaranteed. Please note: it is the normal expectation of Lancaster University that the chosen candidate will be appointed to the minimum point of that grade. Key details:

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (+ £3,506 London Weighting, pro-rata - if applicable)
Contract: Full time, 10-month fixed-term contract
Location: London or Lancaster
Closing Date: 23.59, Thursday 5 March 2026
Interview Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Reference: 0020-26

If you would like to discuss this role before applying, please contact Alice Martin (Head of Research), with any questions.

To view the full Job Description and apply, please visit our website.

About the Work Foundation at Lancaster University

We believe everyone should have access to secure, rewarding and high-quality work. By engaging directly with workers, employers, policymakers and leading academics, we deliver rigorous applied research to tackle structural inequalities in the labour market and improve working lives across the UK.

About Lancaster University

Lancaster University is among the best in the UK. A top 15 university in the three major UK league tables, we are also highly ranked in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings. It has been recognised as a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Disability Confident employer, and holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award for advancing the careers of women in higher education. The university has several networks focussed on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including a Race Equality Network, an LGBT+ staff network and a Parents and Carers’ network.

Terms and conditions

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. No agencies please.

Project Manager, Policy Fellow

Terms: full time; 3 year contract
Salary: £36,400-46,000
Location: Remote working, option to use co-working space.  There will be requirements to travel internationally.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Reports to:  Programme Manager, Senior Policy Fellow, Dr Chiara Cervasio

Please note:  Applicants must have the right to work in either the UK, Italy or Germany and be either currently located in one of these countries or prepared to relocate prior to commencing employment.  In this case, BASIC is not providing any relocation assistance and is unable to sponsor VISAs.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

The Project Manager is an adept and organised professional, esteemed within the nuclear policy community for their level. Responsible for overseeing a discrete package of work, they must demonstrate a clear understanding and alignment with broader programme goals, strategies, and objectives. The role will report to the Programme Manager.

Taking charge of project deliverables, the Project Manager will navigate the entire project cycle, from generating fundraising ideas to developing them further and building knowledge of funding relationships. The role will also include deputising for the Programme Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of delivery, external engagement, and team support as required.

The Project Manager will take responsibility for the South Asia portfolio under the Responsibilities and Global Governance (RGG) Programme. The RGG Programme works to strengthen global security by supporting the development of responsible governance frameworks for weapons and dual-use technologies in cross-cutting operational domains. Under the South Asia portfolio, the RGG Programme has facilitated research and dialogue with the Indian and Pakistani nuclear policy communities with a focus on regional crisis prevention, management, and de-escalation practices.

The Project Manager should possess a solid understanding of global security and conflict resolution and a deep understanding and demonstrable knowledge of military security dynamics in South Asia, coupled with a proven ability to design and execute high-quality project management and research. The ideal candidate is an established researcher with a specialisation in nuclear weapons issues and South Asia. As the candidate will be expected to facilitate India-Pakistan nuclear dialogues, it is important that they will show an ability to engage impartially with all parties.

It is expected that the Project Manager will have solo authored, policy relevant, publications. The Project Manager should possess the skills to expand their network in their area of specialisation, benefiting BASIC, and be capable of line managing other team members within their project. 

This role necessitates a formal project or programme management qualification – BASIC will provide the Project Manager with such training and qualifications if they do not already possess one. The Project Manager will collaborate with their line manager to identify a professional development plan, closing skills gaps and aspiring to become an internationally respected leader in their field.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Delivery

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements

• Line manage, mentor/coach, and provide pastoral care for the project team: policy fellows, project assistants and interns

• Write high-quality, policy-relevant research reports, op-eds and briefings

• Organise international roundtables, workshops and other events with track 1 and 2 participants

• Manage relationships with stakeholders and build BASIC’s network and reputation

• Independently represent BASIC at international meetings

2. Fundraising

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop a project, by independently and confidently scoping funding opportunities

• Liaise with the Programme Manager on funding priorities and opportunities

• Manage projects with minimal day-to-day manager input.

• Develop new and existing relationships with funders

• Write and edit funding applications

3. Communications

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Collaborate with various stakeholders including international partners to build strong relationships.

• Facilitate dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

• Promote our / their work confidently and internationally 

• Confidently use online social media platforms, and if possible, press contacts

4. Office support

Applicants will need to be able to support the running of the organisation and colleagues with a range of administrative tasks wherever required.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Educated to Master’s level – or demonstrate the equivalent in work experience

• 5+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues

• Demonstrable knowledge of South Asian military security issues

• Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security

• Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting

• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function

• Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research

• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team

• Track record of previous fundraising experience and success

• Strong track record of publications, including policy-relevant ones

• Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops

• Willingness to travel internationally including to India and Pakistan when required

• Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail

• Good personal network in their research area

• Previous line management experience

Desirable:

• Educated to PhD’s level
• Formal programme/project management qualification

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.

CUF’s strategy has a vision of ending poverty together.  Over the next three years we will be developing our relationships with our networks, partnerships, Dioceses and churches to respond, primarily, to relational poverty, recognising its place within the web of poverty. Our work will be mission and community resilience focussed, in the framework of asset based community development.

Through our work we will see more impactful, confident and mission focussed churches who are empowered to serve their local communities.  We will witness greater cohesion across Dioceses, schools, Christian denominations and Christian charities as a national movement to love and serve our neighbour, and challenge unjust structures of society. We will also work more strategically with communities of different faiths

in our resilience work, facing the challenges of relational and identity poverty.  We will work closely with the Church of England who have highlighted ministry in low income communities as a priority for resourcing.

We will be more confident in speaking out the truth about poverty, through a renewed influencing, policy and research team, who will take our grassroots and collaborative work to highlight unjust structures on poverty, and shape an ecclesial, political and sociological response.

In this newly created role you will develop our work on influencing and telling the truth about poverty, this is one of two objectives for the charity.  You will help build relationships of influence within the Church of England, Government and other decision makers to use our stories and impact to show the difference churches and faith groups can make in ending material and relational poverty.  You will develop policy positions on areas of CUF’s work in relation to poverty that will give a firm basis for our work, and that we will be able to speak out on with confidence and knowledge based on connection to grassroots churches and organisations.  You will develop a robust mechanism for reporting on impact, which goes beyond just evaluating our work but demonstrates the difference that faith based social action can make on ending poverty together.

This role will report to the CEO, but work across all of CUF’s teams and departments and will be responsible for the line management of the Listening and Learning Officer.

How to apply

For an informal conversation about this role and for more information, please contact our Deputy Chief Executive, Rev’d Adam Edwards, please see our Job Pack for details.

To apply, please email an up-to-date CV and covering letter outlining your relevant skills and experience, relating to the listed responsibilities and person specification to: HR Officer, please see our Job Pack for details.

Closing date: 17:00 Monday 16th March, with interviews to be held on 26th March in London.

Role purpose

You are responsible for planning, delivering and evaluating the Sector Connected Leaders Programme which is a new scheme and in a pilot stage. The role combines project management, stakeholder coordination and delivery of high-quality events and learning activity across the UK nuclear sector. You hold day-to-day accountability for delivery, budget control and reporting.

Job Description and Job Specification

Job title: Project and Events Lead, Sector Connected Leaders Programme
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months, with the possibility of extension or transition to a permanent role, subject to funding and performance
Working pattern: 0.5 FTE, 17.5 hours a week. Flexibility on the working days / hours
Salary: £15,000 - £17,000 per annum (0.5 FTE, £30,000 - £34,000 FTE equivalent)
Annual leave entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays, pro rata.  At 0.5 FTE this equates to 12.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, calculated on a pro rata basis in line with NI policy.
Location: Wholly remote, UK based, with regular travel
Reporting to: CEO

Key Tasks

Programme and project delivery

• Plan and manage the end-to-end delivery of the 12-month pilot programme.
• Develop and maintain a delivery plan, milestones, risks and mitigations.
• Manage delivery within the approved budget.

Events and learning delivery

• Design and deliver a structured programme of in person events, webinars, workshops and site visits.
• Coordinate venues, logistics, suppliers and facilitators.

Stakeholder management

• Act as the primary liaison with the organisations from whom scheme participants will be recruited, including both Government departments and nuclear industry.
• Build effective relationships with sponsors, facilitators and participating organisations.
• Support organisations to endorse and release participants.

Participant management and communications

• Manage participant recruitment, onboarding and ongoing communications.
• Ensure a high-quality participant experience throughout the programme.
• Promote the programme through NI communications, events and conferences.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Define and track KPIs including participation, satisfaction, diversity and outcomes.
• Produce progress updates and a final evaluation report for NI leadership and the Board.
• Capture learning to inform a sustainable Year 2 delivery model.

Governance and representation

• Support steering group meetings and prepare clear papers and updates.
• Represent NI and the programme at sector events when required.
• Ensure alignment with NI membership, CPD and nuclear professionalism standards.

Person specification

Essential experience

• Proven experience in project or programme management.
• Experience delivering events, both in person and virtual.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and delivery schedules.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across organisations.
• Experience supporting learning, development or leadership programmes.

Essential skills and knowledge

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a small team environment.
• Practical understanding of adult learning or blended learning delivery.
• Ability to work effectively in a pilot or evolving programme.

Essential behaviours

• Takes ownership and accountability for delivery.
• Works collaboratively across industry and government.
• Demonstrates an inclusive approach to working.
• Comfortable engaging senior stakeholders with credibility.

Desirable experience

• Experience of working with event management systems and applications.
• Experience working in or with the nuclear, energy, engineering or infrastructure sectors.
• Knowledge of professional bodies, CPD frameworks or membership models.
• Experience commissioning or coordinating external facilitators or coaches.

Working requirements

• Ability to travel within the UK for a few events and site visits as required.
• Availability to work three days per week over a 12-month fixed term.

Flexibility and accessibility

We offer flexible hours and remote working options to accommodate individual needs. This role is wholly remote and can be carried out anywhere in the UK, with monthly travel to London for team meetings.

Support is available for remote workers who require specific adjustments, including ergonomic equipment or assistive technologies.

Commitment to inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the nuclear sector.

Our recruitment process is fair and accessible. Reasonable adjustments are available at any stage. If you require adjustments, please contact us so we can support you.

The Nuclear Institute is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing positive and supportive working conditions.

Informal discussion

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact:
Robert Gofton, CEO
 

CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER

Head of Engagement and Partnerships – Equalities

• Permanent
• Salary £60,571 per annum
• Full time
• Flexible working options will be supported.
• Central London Office and Hybrid working

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

About the role

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to drive our mission to reduce inequalities in ageing and ensure the experiences of disadvantaged and marginalised older people sit at the heart of everything we do.

In this role, you’ll lead the development and delivery of our inequalities in ageing programme - shaping strategy, managing collaborative research and influencing projects, and building powerful partnerships with equalities, community and faith based organisations. You’ll champion best practice in accessibility and involvement, ensuring experts by experience inform all aspects of our work-based organisations. You’ll champion best practice in accessibility and involvement, ensuring experts by experience inform all aspects of our work.

You’ll provide organisation wide leadership on equalities, support our advisory groups, and strengthen our approach to meaningful involvement. You’ll also represent Ageing Better externally, contribute to policy development, and support funding bids.‑wide leadership on equalities, support our advisory groups, and strengthen our approach to meaningful involvement. You’ll also represent Ageing Better externally, contribute to policy development, and support funding bids.

If you’re a strategic thinker with deep equalities expertise, excellent partnership skills and a passion for driving change, we’d love to hear from you.

About you

You’re a strategic, collaborative leader with deep expertise in equalities issues, theories and approaches and a passion for tackling inequalities in ageing.

You excel at building trusted partnerships, with community and faith‑based organisations in particular, and you’re confident working with people with lived‑experience to shape meaningful, inclusive practice.

You’re skilled at managing complex programmes, guiding teams, and bringing clarity and direction to evolving work. You will be comfortable representing an organisation externally, and are able to communicate with credibility and influence across senior stakeholders.

Above all, you’re committed to amplifying marginalised voices, challenging inequalities, driving systemic change, and ensuring our work reflects the full diversity of later life.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society. 

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. 

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

To apply please follow the link to complete an application and EDI form. 

Please address in your supporting statement how you meet the person specification for the role as fully as possible to demonstrate why you should be shortlisted for interview for this post. Failure to do so will result in your application being automatically rejected.

The closing date for this role is 9am Monday 9th March with in-person interviews to take place 19th March. 

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

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

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

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

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

What you’ll be doing

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

About you

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

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

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

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland)
£41,278 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based with regular meetings in Belfast
35 hours per week, full-time
Fixed-term, 12 months

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our work in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to shape policy, influence decision-makers, and ensure the voices of paediatricians and child health professionals are heard at the highest levels.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs / Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations), you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity in Northern Ireland. You will develop and communicate policy positions that reflect the national context, engage senior stakeholders across government and the health sector, and maximise the College’s influence to improve child health outcomes.

You will work closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure our four-nation advocacy is aligned, while remaining responsive to the specific needs of our members in Northern Ireland. You will also line manage a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, supporting their development and overseeing external-facing outputs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of policy positions and public affairs outputs specific to Northern Ireland
• Engaging with Ministers, MLAs, government officials, statutory services, and third sector stakeholders to influence policy and practice
• Producing and overseeing consultation responses and policy briefings
• Acting as a source of expertise on the Northern Ireland political and health landscape
• Supporting College Officers with high-level stakeholder engagement through briefings and policy advice
• Drafting media content including quotes, press releases and opinion pieces in collaboration with communications colleagues
• Managing the College’s presence at the Northern Ireland Assembly and party conferences
• Line managing and developing the Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Northern Ireland)

Essential skills and experience include:

• A primary degree and/or extensive relevant experience in policy and public affairs or a related field
• Proven experience of developing and delivering a measurable and successful public affairs strategy
• Experience of preparing high-quality briefings for political stakeholders and senior leaders
• Strong understanding of the political and health policy landscape in Northern Ireland
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• Demonstrable stakeholder management skills, including engagement at senior level
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider UK team

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows and employs around 200 staff, most of whom work in our London office in Holborn. We have a Devolved Nations team operating from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our College values: Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire, are important to us. These values ensure we bring out the best in each other, strive forward together to make the College a positive and dynamic place to work. 

The RCPCH champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our workplace is inclusive, offering a supportive environment where staff can thrive. The College is keen to accept applications from people with protected characteristics. We believe that our staff should represent all of the diverse communities we serve. Join us to help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.

The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with in the exercise of its functions and responsibilities. The RCPCH expects all staff to share this commitment – we place a high priority on ensuring only those who do so are recruited to work for us. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. 

Closing date: 4 March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.