Policy manager jobs

Title: Policy and Social Change Manager
Contract: Full time, 12 months FTC, possibility to extend subject to mutual agreement
Location: Hybrid, with regular travel to our London offices
Reporting to: Partnerships & Impact Director
Direct report/s: None
Salary: £47,000-£50,000 per annum
Deadline: Midday, Tuesday 7th April 2026

About In Kind Direct

For 30 years, In Kind Direct has been at the forefront of product distribution in the UK, ensuring that no one misses out on life’s essentials. Think toiletries, period products, clothes, toys, and technology, donated by leading brands and retailers. Founded by HM The King, we are a practical response to the widening gap in society, alleviating immediate need and pushing for systemic change through new research and advocacy. We work with a UK network of over 9,000 local charities and community groups. Together, we reach 930,000 people with essentials every week and unlock almost £30m in savings for the charitable sector each year. 

Our mission and values

We know long before people go without food or heating, they forfeit feeling clean. This has a huge impact on confidence, wellbeing, and engaging with learning or work. By 2030, we are on a mission to double our impact, to meet the growing need in communities. Increasing our voice and influence is a key pillar in our new strategy. In all things, we live our values of kindness, togetherness and integrity, driving innovation.

The role

We are looking for a passionate change-maker to be our Policy & Social Change Manager, building the roadmap for strategic programmes that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and generate systemic change. The role will involve movement building and close collaboration, working with our charitable network to raise our collective voice at a national level. You will represent us in the policy and advocacy environment, holding relationships with government departments, civil servants and cross-sector alliances.

Your efforts will particularly focus on our End Hygiene Poverty campaign, working in partnership with The Hygiene Bank, and our coordinating role for the Period Equity Alliance. We believe no one should have to face the choice to heat, eat or feel clean. These two programmes tackle different parts of the systems that keep too many people going without or feeling ashamed. The scale of poverty in the UK is simply too big for any one organisation to solve. You will develop a coordinated advocacy approach to build alliances for change.

You will work closely with our marketing team to develop our voice, and our impact team to maximise our strong evidence base. Ideally you would have experience of narrative change, political advocacy and systemic thinking, but if you’re passionate about ending poverty and have led successful collaborations, delivered social change or run brilliant campaigns then we would love to hear from you. You will work closely with the Partnerships & Impact Director and CEO, with the autonomy to help shape our direction. 
The role is based out of our London Bridge office. We operate a hybrid working practice and expect the individual to be in the office for two days each week, and working remotely, usually from home for up to three days a week. This role is subject to DBS checking.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage the development and implementation of a fully integrated advocacy strategy, aligning key objectives of more influence, more products and more impact. 
• End Hygiene Poverty campaign - utilise and support delivery of new research to develop our activity roadmap, build a cross-sector coalition for change, and unlock new funding.
• Period Equity Alliance – provide coordination including drafting letters, chairing meetings and efforts to grow the wider membership. Lead delivery of funded events that embed lived experience in developing resources and policy positioning.
• Keep a watching brief on relevant areas such as child poverty, women’s health, devolution, and the VCSE sector. Create and share regular internal and external briefings, and lead on submissions to government calls for evidence.
• Develop our position on relevant advocacy issues, understanding where In Kind Direct is best placed to lead, and where we can ally and amplify the work of others.
• Proactively develop relationships with key stakeholders, representing us in the policy environment and potentially with media, to grow our voice and visibility. 
• Work with colleagues to shape organisational messaging and inform funding proposals. 
• Maximise the value of our existing evidence base and commissioned research.

To succeed in this role, you will be able to demonstrate: 

• Experience of developing effective influencing strategies that deliver real change.
• Experience leading complex projects or campaigns across multiple teams and partners, able to balance priorities, manage stakeholders and make decisions.
• Strong facilitation and convening skills, adaptable to diverse backgrounds, expertise and seniority. Comfortable speaking and presenting to different audiences. 
• Experience of successful collaborations; engaging, influencing and mobilising senior external stakeholders, ideally including corporate partners.
• A natural curiosity, able to connect information and identify gaps and trends. 
• An alignment with IKD values of kindness, togetherness, integrity, and innovation. 
• An interest in the charity sector, corporate responsibility, and In Kind Direct’s area of work 
• An understanding or experience of systems change practices is desirable, for example systems mapping and storytelling.

In Kind Direct is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our sector. We want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people who join us and are interested in applications from people from all backgrounds.

Working at In Kind Direct

As well as having the chance to work in a charity that helps thousands of people each year, our team benefits include volunteering days, 28 days holiday each year (including 3 days between Christmas and New Year, excluding public holidays), an interest-free travel loan, and a generous pension scheme entitlement. We are an equal opportunity employer and support our team to succeed in their roles through training, adaptations, flexibility in working, access to our Employee Assistance Platform, and a range of policies to support people in their personal, family and care responsibilities. 

We are an accredited Great Place to Work – and have additionally been recognised as a Great Place to Work amongst small Charities and a Great Place to work for Women. 

We seek to challenge discrimination and are committed to our values of kindness, togetherness, integrity, and innovation. We are on an organisational journey to achieving our EDI vision and welcome any questions about our progress and aspirations. 

We especially welcome applications from anyone with lived experience of being on a low income or working with smaller charitable organisations. 

We will meet all reasonable expenses that will support anyone invited to interview to be able to participate. If there's anything such as a disability or other circumstance that might affect your ability to take part in any stage of the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’ll do our best to provide any support or adjustments you may need to take part fully and comfortably. Sharing this information will not affect your application in any way.

How to apply
The deadline for application is midday, Tuesday 7th April. We ask all applicants to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring form, available on our website.

To apply, please send your CV and a brief supporting statement (max. 600 words), through our online applications portal. Applications submitted without a supporting statement may not be considered. 

Interview dates: first interviews Tuesday 14th April, second interviews Tuesday 21st April.

REF-227 512

The Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS) is a human rights and feminist
organisation led by and for Latin American migrant women in the UK. Our work is dedicated to
supporting the immediate and long-term needs of Latin American migrant women exposed to
violations of their fundamental human rights; facing violence against women and girls,
exploitation or trafficking; enduring difficult living and working conditions in low paid jobs, and
facing barriers to social protection.
The post holder will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of LAWRS’
policy, advocacy, and communications strategy to tackle the issues affecting migrant women in
the UK labour market, in particular those who are survivors of trafficking and exploitation, and
will work jointly with LAWRS’ policy team and the frontline teams.

This post is open to Latin American women only* in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We
particularly welcome applications from disabled and LGBTQ+ candidates as they are currently
underrepresented within the team.

Please keep in mind that if you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be
required to complete an exercise beforehand.

*women who identify as Latin Americans (1st and 2nd generation) and speak Spanish and/or
Portuguese.

Please note that only applicants with the right to work in the UK covering the duration of
the contract will be considered for this position.

Deadline: Sunday 12th April
Interviews: the week commencing 11th May

 

Senior Policy and Influencing Manager

£42,385 - £44,615 (plus £4,250.69 London weighting if applicable)

Hybrid working across the UK, with regular travel to London needed and expected. 

Interviews to be held online, virtually on 16th April

The WEA is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education, a charity dedicated to bringing high quality, professional education into the heart of communities.

We are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring lifelong learning within reach fighting inequality and promoting social justice.

Job Description

WEA are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring education within reach. If that sounds like you, then please read on! 

As the Senior Policy and Influencing Manager, you will lead our influencing strategy, helping us to raise the profile of lifelong learning in Whitehall and beyond, whilst enabling our movement to secure wins that bring learning within reach for 1000’s of adults.

Working across multiple policy areas, providing expert guidance to the Leadership Team, supporting them to engage with national and devolved public policy, and enable colleagues to bring their subject matter expertise to the fore. To support colleagues to engage with regional and local decision-makers, such as Mayoral Combined Authorities and Local Authorities.

You will play an instrumental role in driving our wider movement to advocate for lifelong learning, ensuring our campaigns are impactful, meaningful and engaging

As part of the Charitable Purpose Team, the Senior Policy Manager also has line management responsibility for the Research Specialist, ensuring a close fit between research projects and wider campaigning and influencing strategies.

We have attached the full role profile, that lists the key deliverables, performance measures and experience/qualifications needed for this role. Please take your time to read through this, and if you’d like to apply, hit that button!

We are working hard to create a workplace that reflects the communities we seek to serve and in which everyone feels empowered to be themselves and work together to drive positive change. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of candidates and encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experiences and potential to apply.

Should you need any support with your application, then please email us. 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

In our recent OFSTED inspection, we received a GOOD overall grade, with an OUTSTANDING rating for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.

You can read more about our benefits and what it’s like to work here, on our website

Endometriosis UK is the leading UK charity supporting those living with endometriosis. Formed in 1981, we offer information and support, for example through our website, information leaflets and webinars, and via our local support groups, Helplines and online forum.  As well as directly supporting those with endometriosis, we work to raise awareness of endometriosis amongst healthcare professionals, the public and the media; lobby for improved diagnosis, treatment and management; and support research. We have a big job to do and ambitious plans.

We are looking for an experienced Policy and Campaigns Manager to manage our policy and campaigning work. You will have a strong understanding of the UK political system and how to influence it, and will be confident in drafting reports, consultation responses and working with and disseminating data. You will have worked on health policy before, and will have strong knowledge of how to influence health policy at local and national level.
You must be pro-active in your approach to monitoring the external environment and seeking out opportunities for Endometriosis UK to have the most influence. You’ll be able to work in a small team and understand how we can make the most impact with our limited capacity.

You will be passionate about menstrual health and ensuring patient voices are at the heart of all we deliver, and will be able to turn policy asks into strong campaigns.

 About the role:

This is a pivotal role in our Campaigns and Communications Team, reporting to the Head of Campaigns and Communications. You will be managing the drafting of evidenced-based policy positions (for example analysing research, data and lived experience insight) and work with the Head of Campaigns and Communications to ensure these are translated into effective campaigning activity that drives real change.

You will oversee the integration of policy and campaigns activity, working closely with the Campaigns and Policy Officer, and enabling the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to engage with parliamentary and high-level stakeholder engagement.

This role offers a great opportunity for an experienced Policy and Campaigns Manager to shape how Endometriosis UK uses evidence, policy and campaigning together to improve diagnosis times, access to treatment, and support for those affected by menstrual health conditions across the UK.

Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager

Position Type: Maternity Cover

Reports to: Founder/Chief Executive

Based at: School Food Matters, Blackfriars Settlement 9 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB (At least three days per week in the office)

Salary: £40,500

Working Hours: 9am-5pm (flexible)

Pension: School Food Matters pays pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings

Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays

School Food Matters is closed between Christmas and New Year

Job Purpose

· To lead and shape School Food Matters’ policy and advocacy strategy, ensuring our voice influences national and local decision-making on school food and food education

· To design and deliver campaigns that support and advance SFM’s mission

· To line manage the Press and Communications Officer and Policy and Communications Assistant

Key Tasks

· Lead and provide strategic input to campaigns, convene groups and partnerships

· Represent SFM at external meetings and coalitions such as the School Food Review

· Monitor, analyse and interpret relevant research, policy developments and news, identifying implications or opportunities for SFM

· Oversee the strategic direction of SFM’s external affairs and communications, ensuring all policy, campaigns, and public messaging align with the charity’s mission and priorities

· Provide policy research and analysis to support the activities of the School Food Review

· Oversee meetings and governance for the School Food Alliance

· Provide policy and communications expertise for the Food Education Network workstreams

· Represent SFM at relevant policy consultations, meetings and conferences to influence and inform policy discussions, and deliver presentations as required

· Lead drafting of responses to government consultations

· Working closely with the Press and Communications Officer, provide insights to inform timely media responses to policy developments

· Ensure colleagues are regularly briefed on policy activities, priorities and messages, and run internal workshops to keep them up to date with the school food sector

· Provide strategic input to meeting content for the School Food Review, and support the Policy and Communications Assistant to organise meetings for workstreams

· Oversee the development web content, articles, blogs and newsletter content by the Press and Communications Officer and the Policy and Communications Assistant

· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures

· Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times

· The Policy and Advocacy Manager will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time.  Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!

Person Specification

Essential

· At least two years post degree experience

· Experience of research and analysis, ideally in a policy environment

· General knowledge of issues around school food, children’s health and food education

· Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s political system

· Experience of coordinating policy/research-based projects

· Experience designing, coordinating and delivering campaigns

· Experience of working in coalitions

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain relationships with a range of individuals and organisations

· Confident and competent IT skills across Office suite of programmes

· Exceptional oral and written communication skills in fluent spoken and written English, with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex data and policies into accessible language and engaging stories and communication materials

· Strong understanding media landscape and social media platforms to oversee the communications activity of the organisation

· Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation

· Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

· Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity

Desirable

· Strong knowledge of the public health, food and education policy landscape

· Experience managing others

· Experience managing projects

· Experience managing meetings

· Experience of working with Drupal CMS

· Experience of working within a network or coalition of campaigning organisations

· Established contacts with media outlets/journalists/bloggers

· Digital campaigning and social networking skills

· Experience writing news articles and blog posts with clear structure, purpose and an engaging narrative

· Experience managing or supervising team members to deliver communications projects effectively