Policy Manager Jobs

Are you a highly motivated and dedicated Communications professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Communications Manager to lead its communications function and ensure effective, engaging, and mission-focused messaging across our Diocese.

About the Diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth comprises 88 parishes, including the Channel Islands, Rooted in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Faith, our mission is to bring people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church and to highlight the inspiring work of our parish communities in sharing the Gospel and building God’s Kingdom. We have recently launched our Ten-Year Mission Plan You Will be My Witnesses which will shape the diocese over the next decade.

Job Purpose

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective professional internal and external communications strategies for the Diocese to support the Diocesan Bishop and senior leaders as part of the Mission of the Church. This includes representing the Catholic church teaching positively, optimising multi-channel communications to reach a wide constituency, supporting key departments, managing media relations, and leading on crisis communication planning and response.

Providing high quality written management reports about the communications function using key performance indicators is part of the postholders responsibility.

The role ensures consistency and professionalism in all communications, promoting the Diocesan vision of bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church.

The Postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the Diocesan Bishop to support the delivery of the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan “You will be My Witnesses” and to provide an excellent operational day to day communications function.

Please note there is a travel requirement, you must be able to travel across the Diocese, including the Channel Islands.

Hybrid/Flexible Working by agreement with the Line Manager. Core hours in office to be confirmed on appointment. Some out-of-office hours may be required on an ad hoc basis.

Key Internal and External Relationships

• Bishop of Portsmouth
• Chief Operating Officer
• Bishop’s Office
• Clergy, Directors, and Senior Officers of the Diocesan Curia
• Fundraising Manager
• Catholic Schools and Academies office
• Parish Priests and Administrators
• Committee Chairs (e.g., Bamenda and Caritas)
• Catholic Media
• Local Media
• Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Communications

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communications Strategy

• Design, develop, and implement the Diocese’s Communications Strategy which is fully aligned with the Diocese ten-year Mission plan.
• Research and identify appropriate methods and channels including secular and religious media to raise the Diocese’s profile and in turn that of the Catholic church.
• Collaborate with partners, such as the Bishops Conference of England and Wales to help shape and influence public policy aligned with Diocesan objectives.

External Communications

• Proactively identify opportunities for promoting positive news about the work of the diocese and enabling the Diocesan Bishop to contribute to thought leadership and public debate on relevant policies.
• Drafting material appropriate for publication.
• Arranging video to support key diocesan publications such as Bishops Pastoral Letters.
• Build and develop the Diocese’s links with press and media to support strategic objectives.
• Act as the point of contact for sensitive news, advising the Bishop and senior staff about handling.
• Act as the Diocesan spokesperson when required, providing a positive and supportive representation of the Catholic Church and the Diocese.
• Develop and implement a Crisis Communications Plan, crafting media statements and briefing senior colleagues on media lines to take.
• Organise media training for senior clergy and lay leaders as required.
• Work with Bishops Office to deliver the weekly E-News, being responsible for editorial control and compliance with relevant regulations, e.g. copyright law
• Work with parishes to support our stewardship journey, including developing compelling good news stories about the work of the Catholic Church.

Internal Communications

• Work closely with HR to Oversee and improve the management of internal communications to foster transparency and engagement.
• Take overall responsibility for organising monthly team briefings for the department of Administration and for other ad hoc events involving parish employee’s clergy and volunteers.
• Manage communication channels such as the intranet, regular newsletters, and staff briefings to ensure alignment with Diocesan values and goals.
• Work with Bishops office on key publications such as the annual directory.

Website and Digital Presence

• Oversee the ongoing improvements in the functionality of the Diocesan website, ensuring it is engaging, user-friendly, up to date and supports the Bishop’s vision.
• Introduce interactive and video content to enhance user experience.
• Support parishes in developing and maintaining their local websites.

Support to Key Departments

• Collaborate with key departments to design and implement tailored communication strategies. For example, Safeguarding.
• Provide tools, templates, and guidance to ensure consistent and effective messaging across departments.
• Act as ‘brand champion’, developing, overseeing and implementing brand guidelines to professionalise and standardise all external communications output, whether it emanates from within or outside the Communications department.
• Build and maintain strong positive working relationships across the DSAS and wider Diocese to support the successful delivery of the communications strategy'.

Meeting Attendance and Reporting

• Attend meetings of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee and any other meetings required, to provide briefings, regular written reports and seek approvals as needed from the Board of Trustees about Communication related matters.
• Support the work of Multidisciplinary meetings that may be called form time to time to deal with extraordinary events.
• Attend in person meetings in parishes across the Diocese where sensitive matters indicate that an in-person meeting is preferable.
• Professional approach to Online meetings.

Team Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and line management to the Communications team, ensuring objectives are met.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and annual performance appraisals.
• Promote collaborative working within the team and across the Diocese.
• Monitor and evaluate team performance against individual and collective objectives.

Ad Hoc Duties

• Carry out additional duties as requested by the Bishop, senior clergy, or the Chief Operating Officer.

Values

• Maintain the ethos and values of the Catholic Church, positively promoting its teachings and activities.
• Role model the Diocese’s core values of integrity, dignity, excellence, accountability, and stewardship.

Person Specification

Competence, Expertise and Knowledge

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, strategic communications, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in communications at a senior level, ideally in a mission-focused, charity or public sector organisation.
• Demonstrate excellent levels of written and verbal communication, with the ability explain complicated issues fluently and persuasively.
• Capable of Analysing complex situations and provide advice to senior managers.
• Contributing to resolving the problem with the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise.
• Demonstrable experience developing, managing and motivating teams/individuals to ensure success.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Comprehensive understanding of the modern media landscape.
• Experience in crisis communication planning and response.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
• Numerate and Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Understanding of relevant legislation including data protection and copyright.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and a positive approach to work.
• Experience in budget management.
• Clean Driving Licence and own transport. 

Desirable

• Membership of relevant professional bodies such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Chartered Institute of Journalists.
• Experience in working with and managing volunteers.
• Experience in Charity sector communications. 

Want to find out more?

Please refer to the attached Applicant Briefing Pack - Communications Manager for more information and contact details, if you would like to have an informal discussion regarding this role with the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth's Chief Operating Officer.

Choices is seeking an individual to support the smooth running of all the organisation’s services and operations, as well was managing our office and general administration, while our Operations Manager is on maternity leave.

We are looking for a highly organised and creative candidate, bringing relevant experience to the role including experience with people, project and database management, to help make a real difference in the lives of mums and their partners who might be marginalised and vulnerable.

Please note that in order to safeguard Choices’ Christian culture and ethos and in keeping with the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9 Para 3) Choices’ Trustees have applied an occupational requirement to this role whereby the post holder will be committed to upholding and modelling Choices’ Christian ethos.

If you’re interested or have any questions, please read the job description and get in touch.

Final Deadline: Friday 14th February 2025 at 12pm

Interviews: 25th and 26th February 2025 in the afternoon either online or in person in Islington

Are you a highly motivated and dedicated Fundraising professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Fundraising Manager to attract grants and donations from a variety of different sources, ensuring that annual voluntary income targets are met and that all fundraising activity across our Diocese is safe, legal and compliant.

About the Diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth comprises 88 parishes, including the Channel Islands, Rooted in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Faith, our mission is to bring people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church and to highlight the inspiring work of our parish communities in sharing the Gospel and building God’s Kingdom. We have recently launched our Ten-Year Mission Plan You Will be My Witnesses which will shape the diocese over the next decade. 

Job Purpose

The Fundraising Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies to support the Diocese’s mission, including stewardship of major campaigns, identifying and securing grant funding, promoting digital and online giving, and fostering local fundraising initiatives in parishes. The role is pivotal in enabling parishes and the Diocese to serve their communities effectively while ensuring alignment with the Catholic Church’s teachings and values.

The postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior team to support the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan, “You Will Be My Witnesses.”

Please note there is a travel requirement, you must be able to travel across the Diocese, including the Channel Islands.

Hybrid/Flexible Working by agreement with the Line Manager. Core hours in office to be confirmed on appointment. Some out-of-office hours may be required on an ad hoc basis.

Key Internal and External Relationships

• Chief Operating Officer
• Parish Priests and Administrators
• Finance Department
• Estates department
• Caritas and Bamenda leads
• Communications Manager
• Grant-making bodies and major donors
• Fundraising teams in parishes
• Diocesan Data Protection Officer
• Catholic Dioceses of England and Wales Fundraising Network

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Campaigns

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet agreed targets, including stewardship of recent and existing major campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Finance Department to ensure alignment of fundraising activities with financial goals and accountability and with the Estates team to align with Estates Strategy and priorities.
• Identify and secure grant funding opportunities, including preparation of high-quality applications and maintaining relationships with funders.
• Work with parishes to design and deliver local stewardship campaigns, ensuring consistency in messaging and impact.
• Procure and deliver a user-friendly CRM platform, working with other teams to ensure that solution is fully optimised.

Digital and Online Giving

Support parishes in growing regular and ad hoc online donations by:

• Develop and promote digital giving solutions across parishes, providing training and support for implementation.
• Expand online giving platforms to increase accessibility and engagement.

Stewardship and Reporting

• Foster a culture of stewardship across the Diocese, emphasizing shared responsibility and accountability.
• Provide regular updates and high-quality reports which are driven by defined Key performance Indicators,  on fundraising performance and initiatives to senior management and Trustees.

Parish Support and Capacity Building

• Support parishes with the tools, training, guidance and where necessary practical assistance for successful local fundraising initiatives.
• Facilitate workshops and support sessions for parish fundraising committees.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the Communications Manager and Communications team to ensure fundraising messages are aligned with Diocesan values and the Mission Plan.
• Share compelling stories of impact across the Diocese to encourage participation and giving.
• Build and maintain strong positive working relationships across the DSAS and wider Diocese to support the successful delivery of fundraising objectives

Meeting Attendance and Reporting

• Attend meetings of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee and any other meetings required, to provide briefings, regular written reports and seek approvals as needed from the Board of Trustees about Fundraising related matters.
• Attend in person meetings in parishes across the Diocese as required.
• Professional approach to Online meetings.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant current  legislation, including data protection, gift aid regulations, and fundraising codes of practice.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to uphold high standards of fundraising governance across the Diocese.
• Monitor compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, providing training and guidance to employees and parishes where necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of fundraising activities, donations, and grants, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Advise senior leaders on legal and ethical implications of fundraising practices, contributing to the Diocese’s reputation for integrity and professionalism.

Ad Hoc Duties

• Carry out additional duties as requested by line manager.

Values

• Maintain the ethos and values of the Catholic Church, positively promoting its teachings and activities.
• Role model the Diocese’s core values of integrity, dignity, excellence, accountability, and stewardship.

Person Specification

Competence, Expertise and Knowledge

Essential

• Degree level education
• Proven track record of delivering significant fundraising results in the charity sector, with demonstrable experience of achieving and exceeding financial targets.
• Experience and aptitude for detailed project planning and record keeping.
• Strong commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church.
• Experience in grant writing and securing substantial funding.
• Numerate, with outstanding writing and presentation skills.
• Strong influencing skills, capable of working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, hardworking, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrable experience in building and sustaining relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Competent in use of Microsoft office and CRM platforms.

Desirable

• Formal degree level qualification relevant to sector.
• Familiarity with digital giving platforms and tools.
• Experience in training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., Chartered Institute of Fundraising).

Want to find out more?

Please refer to the attached Applicant Briefing Pack - Fundraising Manager for more information and for contact details, if you would like an informal discussion with the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth's Chief Operating Officer about this role.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior External Policy Manager to join a leading charity supporting young people. This newly created, full-time, role sits within the Strategy and Insights team, responsible for developing and implementing key policies and strategies that support the organisation’s mission and long-term goals.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Lead and oversee analysis to inform the development of organisational policy and influencing strategies
• Manage cross-functional projects to support the implementation of strategic policies
• Conduct and oversee research to inform the development of organisational strategy
• Oversee evidence gathering and analysis to support future strategy development
• Design and deliver internal research and policy studies, including desk research, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting
• Manage externally commissioned research projects, including developing research briefs, procurement, and supplier engagement
• Act as an organisation-wide resource to enhance practices by embedding external insights
• Identify opportunities for innovative research and analysis to support strategic goals
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the organisation’s objectives
• Synthesise and present research findings and policy recommendations to diverse audiences
• Provide supportive line management to Associate level team members, fostering their development and wellbeing

Ideal candidate profile:

• Proven experience in policy development and strategy implementation
• Strong research and analytical skills, including proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methodologies
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and delivering against tight deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and external networks
• Adaptability and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Experience in line management, with a commitment to empowering and developing team members
• Knowledge of the charity or social impact sector, with a passion for driving positive change

Location: Central London

Salary: £42,000 - £50,000 per annum

Working hours: Full-time

Working pattern: Hybrid

Contract: 2 year FTC

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted, so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out! We are an equal opportunities organisation, welcoming applications from all backgrounds, including those with lived experience in our areas of focus.

Public Policy Manager (12 Month Contract)

Starting Salary: £46,819 - £50,562 (inc London Weighting)

Contract: Temporary - 12 months

Location: Romero House, London

Hybrid working with at least 40% of your time in the London Office.

Job Profile

This role is responsible for ensuring that CAFOD has strong, well researched and robust policy positions across our core advocacy areas, including – but not limited to - climate, debt, food systems and aid. You will work with programmes colleagues to ensure CAFOD’s policy positions are strongly rooted in the experience of our overseas partners and promotes their voices and perspectives. This post will also provide support and advice to our international programmes on advocacy development, research and monitoring.

This role will also work closely with colleagues across UK Advocacy, Campaigns, Government Relations and Media to ensure CAFOD has credible advocacy plans which are effectively influencing decision-makers.  

The post holder will be responsible for line managing four policy posts and will be managed by the Director of Advocacy and Communications

Key Responsibilities

Ensure CAFOD’s policy and advocacy work is robust and rooted in the experience of our partners and provide support to international partners.

• Support the development of key policy positions across our advocacy areas and ensure these are developed strategically and take in to account the experience of our partners, Catholic Social Teaching and current political trends, both in the UK and domestically.
• Work cross-organisationally to help develop and deliver advocacy plans which are well targeted towards the appropriate decision makers.
• Working closely with relevant policy leads, take the lead on signing off public policy positions, statements and external briefs directed towards decision makers.
• Provide oversight of CAFOD’s policy positions and advocacy plans, ensuring consistency and balancing priorities to enable us to deliver across different thematic areas.  
• Work as part of the International Programme Leadership Team (IPLT) and its individual members to ensure strong links with the international programme and provide guidance, expertise and support for advocacy work across CAFODs programmes. Especially in support of our aim of local leadership and equitable partnerships.
• Work closely with international teams on the delivery of the Global Advocacy Programme on Food Systems and Land.
• Provide policy advice to the Director of CAFOD and other Executive members.

Work closely with other Teams to bring about change through CAFODs advocacy work.

• To be an active member of the Advocacy, Communications and Education Leadership Team. Through which priorities for our advocacy work will be discussed and agreed,planning, budgeting, reviewing, approving and managing change and ensuring effective communication across the Group

• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of joint advocacy strategies across the organisation working particularly closely with the Campaigns Outreach and Campaigns and External Networks Managers.

Develop CAFODs relationships with decision-makers and other organisations to best affect the change we’re seeking. 

• Represent CAFOD at policy and lobby meetings, especially with civil servants 
• Represent CAFOD in public meetings
• Support the Government and Parliamentary Relations Co-ordinator on engagement with Special Advisers and others
• Manage CAFOD’s policy relationship with other NGOs such as via Bond, CIDSE and CI groups.
• Act as a CAFOD spokesperson for media interviews

Manage the Policy Leads and support accountability

• Manage four members of staff: the Lead Economist, Lead Analysts on Food Systems, Climate and the Food Systems and Business and Human Rights Adviser.
• Ensure that the different policy areas are working as closely as appropriate with clear objectives and timelines and monitoring mechanisms.

• Efficiently and effectively manage the budget and grants including planning, forecasting, monitoring and reporting
• Manage internal reporting on KPI’s, organisational outcomes and advocacy strategies to the Exec and Board. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is by no means exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake other relevant and appropriate duties as required. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.

Person Specification

1. Proven experience of working on policy development and implementation with a good understanding of how UK government departments work
2. Experience of working with UK government officials and elected representatives.
3. Experience of successfully running advocacy campaigns that have resulted in meaningful policy change, preferably on international issues.
4. Good understanding and experience of working with partners overseas, developing advocacy and research projects with them.
5. Good knowledge of the UK and international political arena and events, and an understanding of how to influence change.
6. Understanding of the Catholic church and knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching.
7. Excellent inter-personal skills with experience of working with multiple external stakeholders, and as part of a team.
8. A track record of strong written and spoken communication skills.
9. Leadership skills, with experience of project management and/or people management.
10. Highly organised, able to manage a busy workload and consistently meet deadlines.

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures.

Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits

Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities.

Job Title: Policy & Communications Assistant

Position Type: Permanent/Full time

Reports to: Senior Press and Comms Officer/Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer

Based at: School Food Matters, The Bridge, 7b Parkshot, London TW9 2RD

Working Hours: 9am-5pm (flexible)

Salary: £28,770 

Pension: School Food Matters matches pension contributions at 5% of pensionable earnings

Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays

School Food Matters is closed between Christmas and New Year

________________________________________

Background to School Food Matters

School Food Matters (SFM) exists to teach children about food and to improve children’s access to healthy, sustainable food during their time at school. We provide fully funded food education programmes to schools. Our experience delivering these programmes informs and strengthens our campaigns, bringing the voices of children, parents and teachers to government policy.

________________________________________

Job Purpose

• To support the policy and communications work of School Food Matters

________________________________________

Key Tasks

· Work with SFM colleagues and networks to coordinate and support campaign activity

· Attend meetings to support policy and campaign discussions and provide meeting services, including organising agendas, venues, and minutes

· Keep up-to-date with policy and media developments that could benefit or have relevance to SFM

· Identify award opportunities and write applications to gain recognition for our work

· Track the impact of SFM’s communications/campaigns, including in the press and on social media

· Assist with maintaining our database of press contacts and MPs and keep a record of interactions

· Attend programme sessions to capture photos, videos and quotes 

· Design and create communications assets such as presentations and social media content 

· Contribute to policy/campaign briefings, letters to MPs, web content, articles and blogs

· Staying 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 Communications Assistant 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

· Exceptional oral and written communication skills in fluent spoken and written English, for a range of audiences

· A strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex data and policies into accessible language and engaging stories and communication materials

· Strong administrative and organisational skills, including the ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload

· Experience designing communication assets 

· Confident and competent IT skills across Office suite of programmes

· Ability to work in a team, and seek help when needed

· Ability to work independently with a can-do attitude

· Good time management and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

· Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity

Desirable

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

· Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation

· Experience of working in education

· Knowledge of issues and policy around school food, children’s health and education

· An interest in food education and children’s health

· Digital campaigning and social networking skill

About you

You will be an experienced policy, campaigns and public affairs professional with a passion for change and social justice. You will have great working knowledge of the policy and legislative landscape and be able to demonstrate changes that your work has delivered. You will have experience of developing policy and research which helps to bring about change. Self-motivation, with sound experience of planning, but an ability to respond quickly to a changing external environment, will be at the heart of your approach.

You’ll have a strong sense of purpose to bring about change that improves carers’ lives and will be results driven. Collaboration internally and externally will be important to you, and you will have good experience of line management.

About the role

The Public Affairs and Policy team is responsible for Carers UK’s policy, media, campaigns, research, public affairs and media functions, working with colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are a small team carrying out the full range of public affairs activity from raising awareness of caring through public campaigns and in the media, to influencing Parliament, Government and wider stakeholders through new research, policy expertise and our campaigning work.

This role plays a vital part in delivering the charity’s core aims to make life better for carers by:

• Contributing to Carers UK's policy and campaigns function in the development and dissemination of policy, leading key projects to maintain and improve the reputation of the organisation.
• Monitoring, highlighting and analysing key policy developments by the UK Government and other public bodies regarding their potential impact on carers.
• Representing Carers UK, reflecting our policy externally and influencing decision makers, political audiences, carers, practitioners and the general public to achieve Carers UK’s goals.
• Liaising and building strong working relationships with departments and colleagues across the organisation to deliver the policy and public affairs team’s objectives.
• Ensuring that Carers UK effectively communicates its purpose, policy and campaigns to decision-makers, political audiences, carers, practitioners, media and the public to achieve change, helping to build the carers movement.
• Having responsibility for aspects of the organisations work and being involved in the full range of Carers UK’s policy, public affairs and campaigns activities.

About us

Carers UK’s vision is to create a society that recognises, values and supports carers. As the leading national charity for unpaid carers, we exist to make life better for carers, however caring affects them. Our support, advice, information and campaigning work are now needed more than ever, as unpaid carers are providing more and more care, adversely impacting on their own health and wellbeing.

Diversity and inclusion

Carers UK is committed to becoming a diverse and truly inclusive organisation. We strive to create a workplace where our colleagues and volunteers can truly be themselves and feel like they belong and constantly seek to ensure all voices are heard.

To embrace this culture of diversity, our employee and volunteer recruitment should reflect our stakeholders and the society that we serve and support, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, disabilities or religious practices. We value individual diversity and are actively building diverse teams here at Carers UK and value our colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds.

As a membership charity for carers, we particularly seek employees and volunteers with a real understanding of the issues faced by carers. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the process and role dependent on the needs of the applicant.

At Carers UK we want our application process to be as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments to apply please email the recruitment team to discuss.

The closing date for applications is 12pm, Sunday 9 February 2025

Carers UK anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Carers UK reserves the right to appoint at any stage, should an outstanding candidate emerge.

First stage interviews will take place week commencing 17 February 2025.

Carers UK may carry out online and social media checks before a formal offer is made.

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

You 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 is London based at our office in Fetter Lane, 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 (6.1% employee contribution, 14.5% employer contribution), 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. Please note: it is the normal expectation of Lancaster University that the chosen candidate will be appointed to the minimum point of that grade.

About the Work Foundation

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.

Leukaemia UK – Our Charity

Leukaemia UK is growing! We are expanding our team to achieve a step-change in income, profile and impact in 2025 and beyond.

We are a ‘small but mighty’ charity with one big ambition: to stop leukaemia devastating lives. Over the next 10 years we want to help save and improve the lives of more people with leukaemia through finding and funding life-changing research and campaigning for change.

Despite progress in recent decades, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer every 16 minutes and survival rates are among some of the worst of any cancer.  And the physical and psychological impact can be lifelong. 

Our current strategy outlines our plan to increase our investment into ground-breaking world class research and policy development focused on improving access to kinder, more effective diagnosis, treatment and care for leukaemia and other blood cancers. To do this, we are embarking on a period of significant growth, investing strategically to grow our income, profile, influence, and engagement and impact.

As we begin the fourth year of this ambitious 5-year strategy, we are seeking a talented, creative, and motivated Policy and Evidence Officer to strengthen our policy development activity.

Team

We are a close-knit team, who are all passionate about Leukaemia UK and putting those affected by the disease at the heart of everything we do.  We are all focused on “keeping it real” with pragmatic, practical solutions, as well as ensuring that our charity gets the funding it needs to continue to help those diagnosed with leukaemia and other blood cancers.

From us you can expect fun and creativity, as well as great challenge and support. We may not be about the corporate life here, but we are all about delivering exceptional expertise and making a real change to people’s lives.

Leukaemia UK and You 

We are looking for a self-motivated Policy and Evidence Officer to take a leading role in Leukaemia UK’s evidence-based policy development that will effectively enable our policy influencing work and position Leukaemia UK as the ‘go-to’ charity to improve leukaemia outcomes. The successful candidate will be an innovative, driven and forward-thinking individual with a proven track record of developing evidence-based policy positions, recommendations and solutions within the health sector.

The Policy and Evidence Officer will be instrumental in ensuring that all our plans and activities are evidence-driven and meet the needs of patients and those who care for them. The role will be responsible for developing, expanding and maintaining Leukaemia UK’s knowledge base that will help us thoroughly understand of how diagnosis, treatment and care are delivered to people affected and how this translates to patient experience and clinical outcomes. Moreover, we want to understand at a policy level the roles of the research and treatment landscapes in improving leukaemia diagnosis, treatment and care.

The successful candidate will be adept at using quantitative and qualitative research to gather intelligence, develop insights and turn them into evidence-based, solution-focused policy positions to drive our policy, health improvement, campaigning and public affairs programme. This includes gathering insights from desk-based research, patient groups, and health experts, as well as contributing our voice to drug appraisals to ensure patients benefit from the latest treatments. This role ensures that the 'patient voice' is heard, while also ensuring that the needs and priorities of individuals with leukaemia and other blood cancers are understood, represented and valued.

This role will be essential in leading our evolving work on drug appraisals to ensure that innovative treatments are approved and become available for patients with leukaemia and blood cancers who can benefit from those treatments.

This role requires the ability to engage patient representatives and a wide range of stakeholders at different levels of seniority, such as healthcare professionals, researchers and policy/health improvement experts to understand what changes are needed across diagnosis, treatment and care of those with leukaemia and other blood cancers. A strong understanding of the health policy landscape, coupled with exceptional communication skills and a keen attention to detail, is essential.

Experience and Skills

Essential

• Good experience of working in the health policy landscape
• Good experience in evidence-based policy development
• Good experience in undertaking evidence gathering exercises
• Proven experience of engaging and managing a range of external stakeholders and facilitating reference and advisory groups, including people with lived experience
• Proven experience of cross-team working
• Good time management skills, with an ability to organise own workload and respond reactively as required
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to disseminate complex information in a way that is easy to understand by a range of audiences
• Good ability to take on multiple activities and projects at the same time

Desirable

• Experience in medical charities
• Experience within cancer policy
• Project management skills
• Experience in drug appraisals

Knowledge and Personal Traits

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in health policy or health related area
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods to develop and analyse evidence
• An understanding of the importance of engaging with people with lived experience of leukaemia and related conditions; with a view to include their insight in our work
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• An understanding of health inequalities and the importance of engaging with marginalised groups
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Desirable

• Knowledge of the health system and/or health policy across the UK

Spark! are a growing and ambitious organisation, with a motivated and passionate team who are more determined than ever to reach our target young people and to have a deeper impact on their employment prospects and life chances. 

A key element of our success will be in our ability to:

1. understand and articulate the needs that we are seeking to meet
2. effectively demonstrate and communicate our impact
3. ensure we are evidence and data-led in our approach
4. influence change at every level across all stakeholders

This role will lead and steer the organisation towards these objectives, in order to significantly reduce youth unemployment in west London and beyond.

If you have experience of designing and carrying out both formative and summative evaluation and are highly research literate, with experience of working at the interface of policy and research, then we would like to hear from you.

We particularly welcome applicants with backgrounds that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and from candidates with links to our priority areas of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.

Please read the full Job Pack to find out more about the organisation and role and how to apply. If you have any questions please contact our CEO, Matt Lent.

Our client is a leading mental-health charity who has been supporting children, young people and families for the past 70 years. We are pleased to be assisting them in their search for a temporary Policy & Research Associate. The role is running until the 31st of March in the first instance and is full-time (35 hours per week) and is fully remote.

Key Responsibilities for this role include:

• Being the lead researcher and using specialist knowledge of research methods and family support services, designing a research approach and framework to develop learning in relation to family hubs and preventative services.
• Using a wide range of sources to identify and quality assure evidence and insight relevant to the development of Family Hubs and integrated family models.
• Reviewing relevant reports, papers and publications.
• Generating evidence with the regional and participation teams, including designing, planning and conducting both qualitative and quantitative research enquiries e.g. surveys, interviews and focus groups.
• Working with the wider EYP team to reinforce the triangulate insights generated into key themes that support the development of practical evidence-based guidance.
• Leading meetings with a variety of key stakeholders, shaping activity and outputs and participating in wider networks as appropriate.
• Analysing and interpreting relevant research and complex data.
• Writing and contributing to a variety of written resources e.g. case studies, website toolkit modules, reports, policy briefings and training content.
• Designing and delivering presentations to relevant stakeholders e.g. presenting findings & learning and training & workshops.
• Supporting the wider functions of the EYP department including bid writing, reports to funders and designing and monitoring evaluation frameworks.

To be considered for this position, you should possess:

• Previous experience in a similar role, preferably within a research setting.
• Demonstrable experience in translating evidence and research into practice.
• Knowledge of relevant Local Authority and Voluntary Community Sector practices.
• Excellent research skills, including research methods & design, data handling, gathering & analysis and presentation of findings.
• Ability to prioritise varying workloads and project requirements.
• Strong communication skills including verbal and written communication, specifically in translating policy, academic and clinical research into accessible resources.
• Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and statistical software.

The position aims to start as soon as possible, requiring candidates to be available immediately or have a short notice period to be considered.

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, kindly express your interest by submitting your CV in Word format.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

SCIE Vision

We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.

At the SCIE, we are driven by our values:

· Progressive – always learning and developing.

· Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness.

· Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable.

· Transparent – open and honest.

The role:

A great opportunity for you to join our small friendly team and make a real difference to people’s lives by:

· Ensuring that SCIE’s evidence, drawn from research and people’s lived experiences, influences social care policy and practice.

· Developing and delivering influencing strategies, drafting policy papers and legislative briefings, and managing relationships with various stakeholders and key partners.

· Growing SCIE’s profile as an influential, informed, and powerful voice in the social care sector.

· Positioning SCIE to work as a partner to government, responding independently to new government policy, supporting and advising on a range of national policy programmes, initiatives, and influencing guidance and practice.

· Producing high-quality research and evaluations demonstrating what works and makes a difference in social care, promoting evidence-based good practice.

What we are looking for:

· Knowledge of the policy and political landscape developed from previous experience working in a policy or public affairs role, either in government, the civil service, charities, or non-governmental organisations.

· Proven experience developing and delivering public affairs strategies and leading influencing activities.

· Proven experience producing policy papers and applying policy research skills, such as evidence gathering, analysis and reporting.

· Proven experience as a strategic and analytic thinker who can influence policymakers with persuasive arguments, policy ideas and campaigns.

· Proven ability to manage a wide range of internal and external stakeholder relationships, including at senior levels, and to engage with people with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.

What we offer in return.

We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary and homeworking allowance. We provide an employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum, an award-winning employee assistance programme, and an attractive holiday package which rises with length of service.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us. (You can find our contact email in the 'How to apply' section)

Policy and External Affairs Officer

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title Policy and External Affairs Officer

Hours 35 hours per week

Salary £26,000 per annum

Location Home based with travel to our London office for team and other meetings

Reports to Communications Manager

National Voices

Making what matters to people matter in health and care

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our Vision:

People shaping their health and care.

Our Mission:

We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:

· Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.

· Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.

· Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

The Role

The purpose of the Project and External Affairs Officer role is to:

• Communicate National Voices’ policy positions and project work to members, decision makers, external influencers and media
• Assist senior members of the policy team to develop policy positions and communications materials which support the adoption and spread of equitable and person-centred health and care services and help deliver National Voices’ five year strategy
• Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to develop National Voices’ policy positions and deliver funded project work

The role will predominantly be a mix of communications and policy-focused work, with a larger share of the work likely focused on communications.

Support our communications work

· Develop engaging content that conveys National Voices messages to members, external stakeholders, and media (including managing the day to day running of social media platforms) to maximise the reach and impact of the organisation’s policy messages

· Create National Voices’ membership content, including members communications, managing the National Voices’ blog and draft website content

· Support the maintenance of National Voices’ website, keeping the site up to date and coordinating input and content from National Voices staff. 

· Coordinate the production of key publications, from liaising with partner organisations to overseeing design and production, ensuring final documents are accessible.

· Support media relations activity by drafting media statements, liaising with journalists, developing and maintaining press lists, and other activity as required

· Track press coverage and other analytics where needed

· Help build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders relevant to policy and communication work, through networking and participation in advisory groups and within alliances.

Support the policy team

· Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to understand their experiences, perspectives and ambitions, for example via workshops, focus groups and in-depth interviews.

· Draft policy briefings, position papers, consultation responses, blogs, reports, letters and other policy and communications documents that capture agreed positions.

· Work with senior members of the team to organise, deliver and facilitate events and post event analysis, both large and small, online and in-person.

· Assist senior members of the team on a range of short-term and long-term policy and insight projects, by horizon scanning, scoping and developing ideas for future projects and new business.

· Read and analyse the influencing work our members undertake (reports, events) and share content with the National Voices team, identifying and making connections.

General

· Take a pro-active approach to including our members and people with lived experience in all areas of our work.

· Support the senior team in identifying potential new members and funding opportunities where possible.

· Support good project, financial and data management.

· Follow processes set out to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work.

· Contribute to the National Voices’ team planning activities where relevant and undertake other relevant duties as appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential values, attitudes and behaviours

· Passionate about National Voices’ mission and work.

· Proactive, flexible and responsive.

· Able to work as part of a team towards a common goal.

· Committed to reducing inequality and embracing diversity.

· Comfortable with a range of views and perspectives and keen to make connections and build relationships.

· Willing and confident to assert views and constructively challenge others.

Essential skills, abilities and experience

· Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

· Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.

· Strong organisational and project management skills, including demonstrable ability to prioritise workload and maintain quality.

· Able to synthesise complex information and present it in simple and impactful ways.

· Strong listening skills and ability to identify themes within interviews, focus groups and workshops.

· Strong attention to detail

· Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes, CRM systems, online conference/meeting software and other programmes where required.

· Able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.

· Experience of working under pressure and to deadlines in a high performing team.

Our approach to hybrid working

We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.

We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to- face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.

We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time. We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.

Application guidance

Please submit a cover letter along with a CV to apply.

Applications should be addressed to our Director of Policy and External Affairs, Sharon Brennan, and submitted through CharityJob.

Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 2 February at 11:59 pm.

The interviews will take place the week commencing Monday 10 February 2025 on Microsoft Teams and please expect to complete a written assignment

Details of an interview task and interview questions will be emailed to you prior to the interview.

We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. So we strongly encourage people from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, and people who live with health conditions or disability to apply. Our offices are fully accessible and we are an LGBT+ friendly employer. Men are currently underrepresented in our team so we would welcome applications from men and non-binary people.

You can find our workplace policies on our website under Work with us>Vacancies>Our workplace policies

Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts is the leading voluntary sector infrastructure organisation in Broxbourne and East Herts. We provide a diverse range of capacity-building services to voluntary and community sectors and deliver projects and initiatives that engage the community and improve people’s quality of life. We aim to be the first choice of our partners and beneficiaries in everything we do.

We are looking for a HR manager who shares our passion for supporting the community to join our team. This will be a new role for the organisation and will play a vital part in supporting the organisation to deliver the wide variety of services the charity manages. Working closely with the CEO and senior management, the role will provide day-to-day support while also addressing the longer-term ambitions of the organisation.

Benefits include: pension, healthcare, flexible and hybrid working.

Skills and Qualities

Essential:

• Chartered CIPD membership and/or postgraduate qualification in either Human Resources Management or Employment Law, or working towards these qualifications
• Generalist HR experience and a good working knowledge of HR systems
• Experience at recruitment interviewing and assessment, including at a senior level
• First-hand experience of providing HR support for organisational change
• Experience of writing and implementing employment policies and procedures
• Excellent verbal, presentation and written communication skills
• Excellent IT skills, including MS Office package
• Ability to plan, prioritise and delegate and to work closely within a busy team / able to work independently and confidentially
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
• Ability to deal professionally, tactfully and confidently with people at all levels, both internal and external audiences
• Good working knowledge of relevant legislative framework and HR best practice, including equality, employment, immigration and data protection

Desirable:

• Education to degree level
• Experience in a HR role within private sector and / or ”not for profit” organisations employing at least 50 people
• Previous experience of designing and delivering HR training/briefings for managers
• Experience of managing budgets
• Understanding the issues inherent in operating within a geographically dispersed organisation
• Interest in current community and/or environmental issues

For more information and to apply for this post, please visit our website for the full job pack which includes an Application Form.

Please submit a completed Application Form by Thursday, 30th January 2025 at 12pm.

This post will be employed by Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts.