Policy research jobs

This role is essential in our drive for evidencing the impact of the work we do. You will lead and manage a large-scale, multi-organisation piece of research aiming to highlight the impact of our programmes. You will play a key role in ensuring the main research project and any supplementary research projects are delivered efficiently and ethically. You will use data and evidence to inform practice and work closely with the Programme Specialist for Pilots and the wider Quality and Impact Team as required.  Additionally, you will project manage additional cross-organisational projects as required in support of our growing charity. 

This is role is a fixed-term contract for 18 months. 

Travel throughout the UK may be required.   

You will report to the Head of Quality and Impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

· You will be accountable for the oversight of the main research and any supplementary research projects from initiation to completion.

· You will collaborate with the Programme Specialist for Pilots and the Associate Director of Business Development to ensure delivery of the research and ensure alignment and fidelity to the research plan.

· You will work with the Head of Quality and Impact and Finance Team to ensure that the project/s meet agreed objectives, timelines and budgets. 

· You will support the development of project documentation. 

· You will deliver reports and presentations as required both internally and externally from DFN Project SEARCH to share information regarding the research project. 

· You will be accountable for collecting, analysing and reporting on data that is relevant to the organisation. 

This is an exciting role in a unique organisation.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 100 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible

We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator to develop and support strategies that support our policy and national influencing capacity. This role will strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers, and ensure that students voices are heard on the issues that effect them.

The role is full and permanent. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office). We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

Policy Officer-Wales

Based at home, situated across Wales including regular travel around the country and to the Senedd, Cardiff.

22.5 hrs per week

Fixed term post 2 years - with possible extension

Circa £35,000 p.a FTE depending on experience

Make a difference for kidney patients in Wales!

Are you passionate about influencing policy and driving change? Do you want to be part of a growing team making a real impact on the lives of people with kidney disease?

We’re looking for a Policy Officer – Wales to help shape policy, build relationships, and advocate for better support and care for kidney patients. In this brand-new role, you’ll work for Kidney Care UK and Kidney Wales, engaging with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and those affected by kidney disease.

You’ll spend time at the Senedd, building connections with local politicians and councillors, and ensuring the voices of kidney patients are heard loud and clear. With your knowledge of Welsh Government structures (or similar UK experience), you’ll help drive our campaigns and influence change.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible difference, working flexibly in a supportive team. If you’re ready to champion kidney patients and shape policy in Wales, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Develop or participate in work programs and undertake projects to explore policy issues under the guidance of the Policy Director of Kidney Care UK and the Managing Director of Kidney Wales.
• Support the research, development and dissemination of policy positions in Wales.
• Work with other team members to deliver events/reports or campaigns as needed
• Keep up to date with the policy department and charity work to avoid duplication and ensure good communications with our colleagues.
• Contribute to the newly created All Wales Cross Party Group.
• Undertake desk-based research involving data collection and the synthesis of information from relevant sources.
• Seek out opportunities for communications and influencing in the Welsh parliament, including the need for a kidney group. 

About you

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience. 
• Previous experience working with elected members
• Experience in conducting analysis and writing and editing reports for publication
• Can travel regularly to the Senedd Cymru Welsh Parliament in Cardiff and other parts of Wales, plus Alton Hampshire

Employee benefits

• Employee assistance programme | Generous annual leave | Pension | Cycle2Work scheme | Flexible working | Retail discounts | Family leave | Health cash plan

The advert may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser to join our Public Policy Team. The role is crucial for the development and delivery of evidence-driven British Academy policy programmes in the area of environmental policy and sustainability, using SHAPE research to impact policy outcomes that support the Academy’s and the Policy Directorate’s strategy.

The role

The British Academy’s public policy programmes explore domestic policy challenges that SHAPE research (Social sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy/Environment) can help policymakers to understand, reframe and find solutions to. We work closely with our Fellows, who are some of the world’s leading experts, alongside a diverse community of academics, experts, practitioners and importantly, policymakers. Our approach is focused on drawing together insights from SHAPE research and convening key figures to understand how these can be applied to policymaking. This gives us opportunities to bring fresh thinking to the most challenging issues, reframe debates, and develop new evidence-based solutions.

The Senior Policy Adviser will lead the delivery of evidence-driven Sustainable Futures policy programmes, with an opportunity at the outset to define the scope and strategy of these programmes. The role needs someone with understanding and knowledge of climate, nature and environmental policy from academia, policy or practice. It also needs someone comfortable bringing insights and analysis together and making new connections across policy themes to approach problems from a fresh perspective.

This is a varied role that requires someone ambitious to engage with a wide variety of contributors to bring together the insights from our evidence-base. You will have the ability to plan and deliver different types of activity: convening stakeholders, managing researchers, and collaborating with counterparts in academia and government. You will be proactive and always looking for opportunities, using effective communication and developing or strengthening crucial relationships to extend the reach of your programme. You will often work independently but won’t be on your own – we are a collaborative, supportive and friendly team of 12, working on the basis of mutual trust and responsibility, all working on different but connected areas, striving together to achieve our goals.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow. Find out more about the British Academy, including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement, on our website.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 – a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

Please contact the HR team if you have any questions.

Please click Apply to apply on the Applied recruitment platform.

 Applications must be received no later than 12:00 noon on 31 October 2025.

Policy Specialist (Children and Young People)

Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership. 

This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers.

This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will: 

• Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
• Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
• Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.
• Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
• Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
• Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

You will bring to this role:

• Experience of working on public policy issues.
• Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
• Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
• The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
• Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
• Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system. 
• Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability. 

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This role will close on Monday 27th October. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 3rd November.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

• Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
• Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
• Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

The Work Rights Centre is a leading advocate for the rights of migrants and vulnerable workers. Our frontline team recovers thousands in unpaid wages and helps hundreds of people to secure their immigration status every year. But we know that to create lasting change, we can't just fix individual problems—we have to change the systems that cause them. This is where you come in.

We are looking for a Policy Manager to continue leading our ambitious policy influencing work. This is a senior role, ideal for someone with substantial public affairs experience, a deep understanding of how immigration and employment laws can perpetuate exploitation, and a genuine passion for social justice. 

You will be joining us at a time of real growth. The charity has established its presence with policymakers, and has earned a reputation for high-quality research, nuanced recommendations, and extraordinary agility.  We don’t miss a single policy development concerning migrant workers, and pride ourselves for our ability to quickly digest the implications, support our arguments with data, and work with journalists to secure public support for our calls for change. This  is possible thanks to our passionate systems-change team, who bring together expertise in strategic communications, data analysis, and research, as well as our wider legal team. We are looking for a colleague who can match their passion and hit the ground running. 

The Role

As Policy Manager you will be the driving force of our policy influencing agenda. We count on you to develop nuanced recommendations, grounded in high-quality research, and to work with policy makers to raise awareness, secure buy-in, and achieve real-world change. Reporting directly to the CEO, your main responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring policy developments at the intersection of employment and work-migration. In the short term, in employment you will keep an eye on the Fair Work Agency and the implementation of the government’s Make Work Pay agenda. In immigration, you will monitor developments concerning high-risk employer-sponsored visas.

• Producing nuanced analyses that spell out the implications of policy developments in a clear and accessible manner, and conclude with actionable recommendations.

• Influencing decision-makers, including government, parliamentarians, parliamentary committees and APPGs. This includes evidence submissions, 1:1s, and working in multi-stakeholder environments.

• Contributing to research publications that document the systemic drivers of migrant worker exploitation, and draw on best practice to give policy makers options for change. 

• Contributing to the charity’s strategy, and taking up line management duties as required.

About you

This is a senior role for a candidate who can hit the ground running. We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Good knowledge of UK immigration and/or employment justice, evidenced by academic credentials and/or professional experience.

• At least three years of professional experience in policy influencing. We will consider less if you can demonstrate other relevant experience (i.e. in research or legal advice).

• Excellent analytical and research skills, evidenced by a track-record of publications (such as policy analyses, reports etc).

• Excellent communication skills, including an ability to work effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment.

• A real sense of purpose, commitment to our mission, and appreciation for the power of team work. 

We particularly welcome applicants who have lived experience of injustice at the intersection of employment and immigration policies. Even if you are unsure if you meet all the criteria, if you trust your voice and think you have a lot to offer, we encourage you to apply.

How to apply

Download the full job description and person specification, and send your CV and Cover Letter by midnight on Sunday, 26th October.  Please include links to at least two publications you authored in your cover letter. These can be blog posts, reports, or book chapters. We are particularly interested in publications related to this role, but generally want to see that you can write to a high standard.

What happens after you apply

We will consider applications on a rolling basis, and will invite strong candidates to complete a technical task. We may start interviews before the application deadline, but will continue to interview until 31 October, to ensure that all applicants are given a fair chance. We seek to appoint a candidate as soon as reasonably possible, and are prepared to accommodate hybrid working to ease their transition into the post. If you have any accessibility requirements, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities experience some of the starkest inequalities of any groups in the UK. In this role, you will be working as part of the Policy and Public Affairs Team, to tackle the root causes of inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

As Policy and Research Officer, you will play a key role in strengthening our policy, research and public affairs work across our priority areas: accommodation, tackling hate, financial and economic inclusion, health, and education.

The postholder will support work to influence decision-makers, amplify the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and advocate for fairer laws and policies.

The role involves undertaking research, producing evidence-based briefings, supporting parliamentary engagement, and working with partners to promote equality and human rights.

Due to the nature of the role, the successful applicant will need to be based in our Brighton office, and we may be able to accommodate a degree of flexible working subject to successful completion of a three-month probation period.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Research

• Undertake research, analyse data, and produce high-quality briefings and reports.
• Monitor and respond to government consultations and emerging policy issues.
• Contribute to reports and other external submissions, such as human rights treaty monitoring and select committees.

Parliamentary and Public Affairs

• Support the organisation’s role as Secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gypsies, Travellers and Roma, including liaising with parliamentarians, drafting parliamentary questions and correspondence, and organising events.
• Work with colleagues and partners to influence decision-makers and ensure the experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are heard.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across sectors.

Other Key Responsibilities

• Deliver on designated work streams, ensuring objectives and deadlines are met.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of project plans and track progress against agreed outcomes.
• Gather and present data for monitoring and evaluation reports to funders.
• Provide the necessary administrative support for the policy and public affairs work.

• Ensure all work complies with organisational policies on confidentiality, safeguarding, and equality.
• Undertake other duties as reasonably required.

o you want to use your research skills to drive social change?

At HCT, we’re showing how lived experience can transform public health. With almost 500 staff and volunteers working across every NHS area and prison in England — and in parts of Scotland and Wales — we connect some of the most marginalised communities to the services that too often miss them.

We’re now seeking a Research & Impact Manager to lead a programme that places inclusion, impact and lived experience at the heart of research. You’ll shape and deliver studies that improve understanding, influence local and national policy, and demonstrate how peer-led approaches can achieve real health equity.

About the role

As Research & Impact Manager, you’ll take day-to-day leadership of our research and evaluation programmes. 

You’ll manage and develop our incredible team of peer researchers, supervise our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate with the University of Essex, and build partnerships across academia, government, the NHS, and the voluntary sector. 

You’ll also design and deliver evaluations of our programmes, help evidence how lived experience-led services can improve equity in health and care, and support funding bids and grant applications, and the dissemination of impactful research.

About you

You’ll bring both strategic insight and hands-on research skills, ideally with a strong qualitative background. You’ll be comfortable working across academic, policy, and lived experience settings — and you’ll share our deep commitment to social justice and inclusion health.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about peer research and the power of lived experience
• Skilled in designing and delivering research and evaluation projects
• Collaborative and relationship-focused, with experience across academia, the NHS or the voluntary sector
• Able to mentor and empower others, including peer researchers and research colleagues
• A clear communicator who can translate research into impact

Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Salary: £43,000 - £48,000 depending on experience
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time: 37.5 hours per week
Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal.

Closing date: Sunday 16 November 2025

Preliminary telephone interviews will be held on 18 and 19 November 2025

In-person interviews will be held in Peterborough week commencing 24 November 2025

No agencies please

Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.

We are recruiting a research operations lead who will lead our grant funding programmes, with responsibility for the smooth running and delivery of grant rounds and all operational aspects of the research award process. The postholder will also oversee the day-to-day management of our expanding research portfolio, ensuring processes are efficient, accurate and delivered on time.

You will have experience of working within a grant funding environment and a clear understanding of the end-to-end processes that underpin it. This includes planning and delivering funding rounds, managing application and review systems, issuing and monitoring awards, and ensuring compliance with organisational policies and governance requirements. You will be comfortable balancing accuracy with efficiency, maintaining high standards of service to applicants and award holders, and supporting your team to deliver consistently reliable processes.

We are also seeking a confident, experienced professional with a strong background in operational programme delivery and a proven track record as an effective line manager. You will thrive on leading people: supporting staff development, providing clear direction and creating a positive, collaborative team culture. Your ability to motivate and support others will be central to this role: you will set clear objectives, manage performance fairly and consistently, and encourage professional growth across the team.

With enthusiasm and passion for the mission of Kidney Research UK, you will bring excellent organisational and administration skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities at once. You will be confident and assertive, able to make sound decisions, delegate effectively and keep processes moving at pace. Strong communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal) will enable you to work well across teams, build productive relationships with colleagues, and liaise effectively with external stakeholders.

If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK:

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.

At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.

Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.
Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.

Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

You may also have experience in the following: Research Operations, Grant Funding Management, Research Grant Programmes, Research Administration, Grant Application Process, Peer Review Management, Funding Rounds, Grant Compliance, Research Governance, Portfolio Management, Research Projects, End-to-End Grant Process, Operational Delivery, Research Strategy Implementation, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.

REF-224 661

We are seeking a highly motivated Policy Analyst to join Centre for Mental Health and lead a new, high-profile programme of work. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the national conversation on mental health at a time of major political and policy developments.

As Policy Analyst, you will convene and coordinate activity across leading sector partners, producing and commissioning robust analysis that addresses key challenges such as early intervention, waiting lists and the economic impact of poor mental health. You will turn evidence into clear, compelling messages for policymakers, ensuring that the collective voice of the sector is heard at the highest levels, including with MPs, Ministers and No.10.

This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on mental health policy in the UK. You will work closely with partners, colleagues and people with lived experience to develop credible, influential positions that can shift national priorities and tackle inequalities. If you are an excellent communicator with strong analytical skills and a passion for driving change, we would love to hear from you.

Centre for Mental Health is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, to help create better mental health for all. We are taking active steps to become an antiracist organisation, and we value and support staff with lived experience of mental health challenges. We aim to build a diverse and representative team, and we strongly encourage people from minoritised backgrounds to apply. We are happy to provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process for disabled applicants.

Are you ready to shape the future of research that makes a real difference to people’s lives?

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Research Funding to lead our research funding activities and play a key role in implementing our new research strategy. Based in Northampton, this role offers the opportunity to oversee the development of new funding opportunities and ensure our work continues to drive meaningful progress for people affected by MND.

As Head of Research Funding, you’ll ensure our research investment delivers impact where it’s needed most. Working closely with colleagues across the Research and Innovation Directorate, you’ll manage a dedicated team, develop effective funding schemes, and strengthen connections with researchers, review panels, and grant holders.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the Association’s research funding activities, delivering to agreed budgets and timelines.
• Ensure research priorities are focused on the needs of people affected by MND.
• Develop and implement new funding schemes that accelerate progress and support our strategic aims.
• Lead improvements to grant management systems, processes, and documentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues to involve people affected by MND in funding decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the research community, including members of our review panels, peer reviewers and grant holders
• Oversee all reporting to the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees related to research funding
• Contribute to annual business planning and continuous improvement within the Research Funding team.

About You

• Degree in a relevant subject.
• At least five years’ experience in research management, ideally within a charity or government funding organisation.
• Experience in management of complex operational functions related to the management of research funding
• Line management and performance management experience
• Strong background in developing and implementing grant management systems and processes.
• Experience in financial management, including budgeting and financial reporting.
• Experienced in business planning and process improvement

About Us

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

What We Offer

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Hybrid working.

The full job description and further information about working for the MND Association is available in the candidate pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

Company Description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end of life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

You’ll join Marie Curie’s Policy & Public Affairs team in Scotland – part of our award-winning UK Policy & Research Directorate. We are a collaborative, passionate, and evidence-driven team working to influence national and local government, challenge inequalities, and ensure palliative and end of life care is accessible and high-quality for everyone.

As Senior Policy Manager, you’ll play a leading role in shaping Scotland’s end of life care agenda. You will develop evidence-based policies, build influential relationships with decision-makers, and lead strategic campaigns to drive meaningful change. Working alongside colleagues across the UK, you’ll help deliver Marie Curie’s vision of a Scotland where everyone’s right to palliative care becomes a reality.

Your Impact:

• Lead development of high-impact policy projects to influence end of life care in Scotland.
• Build and maintain relationships with MSPs, ministers, government officials, and sector leaders.
• Develop and deliver public affairs and campaign strategies to influence decision-makers.
• Analyse and respond to government consultations and legislative developments.
• Represent Marie Curie Scotland externally through media, conferences, and events.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners across the UK to deliver evidence-led, coordinated policy change.
• Contribute to the Scotland policy team’s strategic direction and deputise for the Associate Director when required.

Key Criteria:

• Significant experience leading policy and public affairs work, ideally in health or social care.
• Strong political awareness and proven ability to influence at national and local levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting high-quality reports and briefings.
• Strategic thinker with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of Scottish Government and Parliament structures, and health and social care policy context.
• Experience engaging with media and speaking at public events.
• Commitment to tackling inequity and improving end of life experiences for all.

Please see the full job description .

Additional Information

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary details. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: 28 Oct 2025.

Salary: £45-50,000 per annum

Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent

Based: Home-based with regular travel to Edinburgh

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

Join our team! We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer 

Are you a policy-oriented researcher with strong economic analytical skills and a commitment to gender equality? 

If so, this could be the role for you.

The Women’s Budget Group (WBG) is the UK’s leading feminist economics think tank, providing evidence on women’s economic position and proposing policy alternatives for a gender-equal economy.

You will produce research analysis on women's economic circumstances, helping us to translate complex ideas into policy recommendations for a more gender-equal economy. 

WBG is committed to diversity and inclusion. We use positive action under section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race. This means that if we have two candidates of equal merit in our process, we will seek to take forward the disabled or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidate in order to diversify our staff team. 

Hours:  30 hours per week for full pay (WBG operates a shorter working week). We are happy to consider flexible working arrangements and welcome secondment applications. Some out of hours working will be required for which TOIL will be given. 

Location: Hybrid London / remote with at least one day per week in the office.  The postholder must be resident in the UK with the right to work in the UK. Office is in Vauxhall, London. 

Duration: Nine-month contract (with possible extension to one year subject to work return of postholder).

Salary: £37,377 for 30-hour week plus 5% pension contributions.

Line management: Reports to the Head of Research and Policy

The Policy and Campaigns Officer will develop policy positions and campaigns that will help ensure that the needs, rights and priorities of those living with DMD are understood and acted on by decision makers, policy makers, parliament and government. The Officer will work closely with colleagues in the Policy and Communications team to support a cohesive and impactful approach to policy, engagement and communications.

Job Description

• To ensure that the charity’s policy and campaigning work is firmly grounded in the views and experiences of the DMD community and to ensure that they are consulted and involved in the development (and delivery where appropriate) of Duchenne UK’s policy positions and campaigns.
• To maximise the benefits of our existing relationships with civil servants, parliamentarians, policy makers, relevant organisations (such as NICE) and charity sector professionals and to create new relationships which help us to achieve our aims.
• To organise events and parliamentary activity working with parliamentary supporters and the DMD community.
• To devise low-budget campaigns aimed at creating positive change in policy, practice or attitudes that will improve the lives and outcomes of those living with DMD. 
• To create campaign assets such as digital and social media content in collaboration with the communications team.
• To draft consultation responses, policy positions and occasional short reports summarising the findings of research we have conducted or commissioned.
• To monitor relevant government proposals and initiatives, identifying those likely to have a major impact on the lives of those living with DMD, and to seek to influence their development.
• To stay abreast of relevant academic research, build relationships with key academics and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Person Specification

Essential experience:

• Experience of working in a policy and/or campaigning role.
• Experience of writing for a range of audiences and using different channels to produce convincing, clear and succinct content across a range of platforms such as blogs, web and print.
• Experience of working with civil servants and parliamentarians.
• Experience of using digital and social media for influencing and campaigning purposes.

Desirable experience:

• Project management experience including initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating campaigns and organising events.
• Experience working in health and social care space, with pharmaceutical industry and/or a highly regulated industry and engaging with regulators.

Essential knowledge:

• Working knowledge of the healthcare system, regulatory framework and the social model of disability. 
• Knowledge of how policy and legislation are developed in Westminster and Whitehall.
• Knowledge of campaigning techniques.

Essential skills and attributes:

• Highly motivated with a passion for improving the life outcomes of people living with DMD.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with people of all ages and backgrounds. 
• Ability to draw out the most salient features of complex issues and debates.
• Ability to analyse large amounts of information and produce easy to digest summaries and position statements.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to build excellent working relationships both internally and externally.
• Good organisational and workload management skills.
• Proficient with all main Microsoft Office packages.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave + 8 days of public holidays (both pro rata)
• 3 days of office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Summer Fridays – half days on Fridays in July and August (pro rata)
• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid working
• Standard Employer Pensions contributions after 3 months
• Team wellness day and team away day
• Training and development opportunities

Terms and conditions

The appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an initial six-month period of probation, during which performance will be regularly reviewed.

The applicant must have the right to work in the UK and provide relevant ‘right to work’ documentation.

Relevant training will be provided during induction as well as opportunities to develop your career through experience of different aspects of the charity’s work and working with colleagues on new initiatives.

The organisation’s hybrid working policy is at the discretion of the line-manager during the first three months of employment, to support the induction process.