Policy research jobs
We are recruiting a policy and communications officer to join our small and growing team. The role will combine policy, analysis, communications, and programme support functions. We are therefore looking for applicants keen to work across a range of tasks, in a small organisation where flexibility and adaptability is important.
About the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies
At the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, we bring people together to challenge conventional thinking on justice, spark fresh ideas, and develop real solutions to issues that matter.
Our vision is of a fair, effective and accountable justice system, in a society less dominated by criminalisation and punishment, because it has developed better ways of preventing and addressing the problems of crime. We prize intellectual openness, and a willingness to engage with difficult questions and challenging ideas. We welcome and encourage scrutiny of our work and are comfortable with the uncertainty that comes from not always having the answer. We recognise the importance of building solidarity and common cause, and reject superficial divisiveness and purity politics.
Our work combines a general programme of educational activities including events with an in-depth programme, focusing on areas of injustice and public interest, such as Imprisonment for Public Protection and joint enterprise laws. If this sounds like your kind of organisation, we’d love to receive your application.
Key duties for this role include:
· Researching and creating engaging content – from written reports to digital media.
· Coordinating, reviewing, editing and correcting written material produced by others.
· Keeping abreast of developments in relevant policy and practice areas and communicating these with others.
· Developing effective relationships with relevant policy makers and opinion formers, advocacy and campaign groups, researchers and academics, policy and practice organisations.
· Managing and creating content for the Centre’s website, social media feeds and eBulletins.
· Assisting in the production of the Centre’s programme of events and publications.
Why join us?
· 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
· Flexible hybrid working. We put a high value on face-to-face work and collaboration though in office work and offer the flexibilty to work from home up to two days a week.
· 8% employer pension contribution
· A supportive, collaborative, team culture.
· Opportunities to work with and communicate interesting and impactful ideas
Apply for the role
For more information, including a job description and person specification, please see attached application pack. To apply, visit our website via the redirect button below for an application form.
Deadline for completed applications: 5pm Friday, 19 September 2025. Interviews to be held Monday, 29 September at our Vauxhall office.
No agencies please.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About us:
Are you passionate about financial capability? Join us to develop knowledge, resources and tools that are accessible to all!
At The London Foundation for Banking & Finance (LFBF), our story began in 1879 when a group of visionary bank workers set out to elevate professional standards and leadership in the industry. Over the past 145 years, we became a recognised leader in financial services education, offering industry-leading qualifications and setting the gold standard for professional competency.
In 2023 we entered an exciting new chapter as an independent charity, revitalising and refocusing our mission to improve financial capability and empower professionals in the sector. We are now seeking a passionate leader to join our Chief Executive and senior management team on an interim basis to cover a period of family leave.
Our charitable objective is the advancement of knowledge and education in financial services, and to carry out research and publish useful results for the benefit of the public. In doing so, we seek to improve levels of financial literacy and skills, as well as support those working within or considering a career in the financial services industry.
Our objective is just as relevant, perhaps even more so, today as it has been in our long history. If you're inspired to make a real impact and contribute to the advancement of financial knowledge for the benefit of society, we want to hear from you.
About the role:
In this senior research professional role, you will be instrumental in executing strategic objectives, specifically through the delivery of a comprehensive research strategy that aligns with our charitable objects and goals. You will work closely with the Director of Communications to support content creation initiatives with research and evidence.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior research professional who is looking to apply their expertise in a strategic leadership role while enjoying both the flexibility of hybrid working and flexible part-time hours.
Key Responsibilities:
- Delivering the research strategy ensuring alignment with our charitable goals.
- Developing, conducting and managing research projects, content creation and storytelling.
- Implement and report on LFBF’s newly developed impact measurement framework.
- Communicate research findings by presenting at conferences, workshops and seminar.
- Communicate with stakeholders and maintain partnerships
You will have:
- Worked in a senior Research role, preferably at Director level.
- Proven experience in developing, delivering or overseeing research projects, including sourcing funding and sponsorship
- Deep understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Ideally in-depth knowledge of the charity’s focus area, financial capability, to guide relevant and impactful research although we are open to different research specialisms with applicability/ relevance to financial capability.
- Experience in content creation, storytelling, and managing multi-channel content delivery, such as podcasts.
- Project management skills to oversee research plans, and expertise in identifying and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
What we offer:
- An opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of the strategy of the charity.
- A collaborative, adaptable and supportive work environment where integrity and innovation are valued.
- Competitive compensation based on your experience and the charity sector
- Hybrid working – work from home and work from our London office based in the City: we’d like you to be in the office on two fixed days a month (Thursday) but otherwise we’re flexible.
- Flexible working days and times: We’re happy to be flexible as we trust you to get things done
- We recognise that physical, mental and financial wellbeing is important:
- so enjoy our generous annual leave (31 days plus bank holidays for full time hours, pro rata for part time hours) – which increases further after two and five years’ service. You can also buy and sell annual leave.
- join our Private Medical insurance scheme.
- provision of generous life insurance cover, to provide financial security to your loved ones should the worst happen.
If you meet the requirements of the role and are looking for a new challenge, then submit your covering letter and CV using the Quick Apply button above.
Please note LFBF does not hold a sponsor licence so is unable to offer a Skilled Worker Visa for this role.
The London Foundation for Banking & Finance, a charity incorporated by Royal Charter, dedicated to supporting knowledge and lifelong education.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you interested in working with a reputed international sustainability organisation to influence policy developments on sustainability globally? ISEAL is hiring a Senior Policy Officer to join our team responsible for public engagement and policy influencing. This is the perfect role for someone who is keen to work in an increasingly dynamic regulatory and policy landscape to strengthen the role of voluntary sustainability tools alongside emerging mandatory measures.
The core objective of the Policy and Engagement team is to support governments, civil society and other business influencers to understand, identify and use credible sustainability systems. We do this through direct engagement with relevant government bodies in priority countries, engagement with individual businesses and business platforms and building member awareness and knowledge about relevant policy files and implications of new policies for their schemes and impact. The team focused on the UK, Switzerland, EU-wide policy and key EU members states, as well as on countries in the global south, including Colombia, Indonesia, India and Brazil.
The Senior Policy Officer will help drive engagement with policymakers in key countries in which ISEAL and its partners have a strategic policy interest, with a view to influencing the policy narrative on sustainability and specific policies. The role will identify policy engagement opportunities and provide insightful analysis of policy developments and trends. In addition, the role will work closely with ISEAL members based in these regions to combine efforts and align on policy influencing.
The ideal candidate will have had exposure to working in an international policy context, either working as part of civic society with governments or as part of a government department. A strong grounding in sustainability issues and related key political and policy debates will be essential, along with some working knowledge of key policy trends in the human rights, climate and sustainability standards space. Prior experience in working in the EU, UK at policy and regulatory landscape or public affairs level will be an advantage. The Senior Officer reports to the Director, Policy and Engagement.
Key Responsibilities we will entrust you with:
Policy and government engagement
- Support ISEAL´s strategic engagement with identified key policymaker targets and audiences from a policy influencing and role of voluntary tools perspective
- Keep track of policy developments in key areas and jurisdictions and provide insights and analysis to inform ISEAL’s policy engagement work
- Help identify opportunities for engagements with relevant policymaker audiences and government agencies in key jurisdictions and engage with them as delegated and supported by other colleagues
- Set up direct meetings and other engagement opportunities for ISEAL, coordinate ISEAL’s input, advise and engagement and prepare briefs, reports and submissions for engagement purposes
- Contribute to establishing engagement and influencing strategies and to the development of ISEAL’s policy positions
- Provide internal advisory support to other teams on critical policy files based on own subject matter and jurisdiction knowledge
- Support team in development of policy papers, position papers, press releases, strategic messaging on policy issues
- Facilitate webinars and workshops on policy related topics
Other
- Track policy developments and analyse how they affect sustainability systems, ISEAL and its members
- Help shape ISEAL’s work on global policy engagement and outreach in the next strategy period
- Conduct or support other team members with background research on specific regulatory proposals and policy frameworks and related topics
- Support ISEAL’s member-facing policy activities liaising with the rest of the team
- Provide policy advice and analysis as requested on priority topics
- Participate actively in team and organisational planning and activities
- Participate in internal staff management processes such as performance reviews, supervisory meetings, etc.
Experience, Knowledge and Attributes
- Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. sustainability or environmental studies, human rights, law, int. development/ social policy, EU policy etc.) and/or equivalent work experience
- Proven experience working in a policy context as part of civic society or within a government department supporting policy engagement
- Good working knowledge of the sustainability policy landscape and key debates in the space
- Strong skills in policy analysis and policy intelligence
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
- Excellent writing skills and ability to synthesise information
- Prior exposure to sustainability standards, passionate about sustainability linked policy issues such as human rights, climate, nature, due diligence
- Some experience and comfortable with public speaking, e.g. facilitating webinars or workshops
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with cross-functional teams in a largely remote, international environment, including occasional international time-zone calls
- Confidence in using IT systems, familiarity with virtual meeting tools (e.g. MS Teams, Skype, GoToMeeting, etc), use of contact management databases (e.g. Salesforce) and proficiency in MS Office
Additionally desirable
- Other languages: Spanish
- Prior experience working with remote manager and team
- Exposure to working on strategic policy questions
- Experience in tracking, engaging in development issues in global south countries
About ISEAL
ISEAL supports ambitious sustainability systems and their partners to tackle the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges – from the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis to human rights and persistent poverty. ISEAL Community Members include many of the most respected sustainability schemes worldwide and are active across a diverse range of sectors. Read more about us on our website iseal(.)org.
ISEAL´s culture and how we will help you thrive
Our values are Connection, Empowerment, Inspiration, Well-being, Creativity and Celebration.
These are traits we value in each other and in the organisation overall and we instil these in all our processes and interactions.
The issues we work on are of a global nature and our team reflects this, with individuals from many different backgrounds and nationalities. We know this diversity adds to the high quality of work we deliver as an organisation and through our commitment to diversity and inclusion we want to add strengths and perspectives in our team with each recruitment. Diversity for us includes race and gender identity, age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion and many other areas forming part of someone´s identity. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
As an organisation, we also support our people in their personal and professional development, with specific budgets and processes enabling individuals to take advantage of growth and development opportunities.
We offer 25 days of annual leave, to which we will add a day a year after 2 years (to a maximum of 30 days), as well as an extra five days as a one off once you have been with us for a full five years.
We recognise individuals’ preferences when it comes to where and when to work through a hybrid working model with a minimum of 4 days per month in the London office as well as the opportunity to apply for flexible working arrangements to suit individual´s needs.
Other relevant information
Term: This is a fixed term 12 months contract from December 2025 / January 2026
Salary: £40,000-£45,000 p.a. depending on experience (full time, 37.5 hours per week)
Location: London is the preferred location. An ability and willingness to work in a hybrid work environment is required.
International travel: The post holder will be required to undertake a fair amount of international travel and should ideally have the passport (UK, EU) to enable this smoothly
How to apply
Specific enquiries about this role and the application process can be sent to the recruitment(atisealalliance(.)org.
Deadline for applications is 24 September 2025
Please note that we will only contact shortlisted applicants.
Interview process
Please see below the planned interview process (please note that we will endeavor to keep to this schedule, but some dates may be subject to change)
First interviews (Teams): 1-3 October
Pre-interview timed exercises (between 60 – 90 minutes from home): 7-9 October
Panel interviews (Teams): w/c 13 October
Decision: w/c 20 October
Accessibility
If candidates require additional time or other considerations for the interview process, we are committed to accommodating any reasonable requests.
Please note that ISEAL will cover travel expenses for in person interviews for candidates travelling from outside of Greater London. ISEAL also covers caring expenses for candidates who are carers and need to arrange of cover for the duration of the interview/exercises
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Research Engagement Officer
Permanent
Full time (34.5 hours), we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours
Home-based / Split between home and our London Office
Salary: £39,500 - £43,500
About us
At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions.
About the role:
We’re looking for a Research Engagement Officer to support and coordinate our Cancer Clinical Research Groups—formerly the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Research Groups. This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in shaping practice-changing cancer research across the UK in living with and beyond cancer, palliative and end of life care and radiotherapy.
What you’ll be doing
- Coordinate and support the Cancer Clinical Research Groups, facilitating meetings (virtual and in-person), communications, and collaborative activities.
- Act as the secretariat, managing logistics, agendas, minutes, and follow-ups for key research groups including Living with and Beyond Cancer, CTRad, and SPED.
- Work closely with the Research and Health Data team to align group activities with Macmillan’s strategic priorities.
- Lead on research priority setting, lived experience involvement, and grant funding processes.
- Support the dissemination of research outputs at conferences and events, and contribute to academic literature reviews and publications.
What you’ll bring
- Experience in medical or health research, ideally within a charity or research organisation.
- Strong project coordination and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex meetings and events.
- Confidence in taking accurate minutes of scientific discussions and managing communications with diverse stakeholders.
- A proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build and maintain professional networks across multi-disciplinary teams.
Who you’ll work with
You’ll collaborate with:
- The Centre of Clinical Expertise
- Insight and Performance teams
- Core Strategic Groups
- The UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research (UKCCCR)
- The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)
- And other emerging stakeholders in the cancer research landscape
Recruitment Process
Application deadline: 15th Sept 2025
First interview dates: Early October 20205 (TBC)
At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Senior Discrimination Caseworker will play an enormously important role in supporting people living with HIV who experience unlawful discrimination – whether at work, in accessing services, or in healthcare settings.
You’ll be responsible for working with people who experience discrimination related to their HIV status, to provide them with information and advice, and to take forward advocacy work and representation with them and on their behalf. You will challenge poor practice in a whole range of settings, through high-quality written advocacy documents as well as in meetings, and your work will directly result in securing the protection of rights for people living with HIV.
With your ability to take in a whole range of different experiences and information, you will be able to analyse and identify appropriate legal frameworks and remedies, providing clear information to people, and support them in deciding how they want to advocate for their rights.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Richmond Group has delivered a programme of work, funded by Sport England, including delivery of We Are Undefeatable (WAU), a social marketing campaign, the development of resources for patients and professionals, packs, evaluation of a suite of physical activity projects and a system influencing programme.
We are now entering a new phase of the programme, through extended partnership funding from Sport England, which aims to increase both our system influencing and place-based activity and integrate this work with our WAU campaign. The aim is to drive system change with a focus on reducing physical inactivity levels amongst people with long term conditions, who are twice as likely to be inactive as the general population.
To deliver this work we need a Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in supporting the system change we're seeking through impactful influencing activity. This role will:
* Support delivery of our influencing plans nationally and locally with a focus on policy and public affairs activity
* Report to the Senior Influencing Manager
* Work closely across the whole RG Physical Activity Programme team, RG secretariat and our coalition members.
This is a fixed-term contract ending March 2028.
We operate a hybrid working model. We offer flexibility on working from home but require the applicant to be in our central London office once per week, on average. Travel costs to the London office are the responsibility of the postholder and are not covered by the charity.
Age UK Grade 6L
Must haves:
The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process: Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P
Experience
- Developing policy positions, proposals and analysis and delivering influencing activity that drives change in policy and practice A, I
- Writing effective, accessible communications including influencing briefing resources and reports T
- Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, collaboration and negotiation to develop and manage successful relationships, ideally at a national and local level. A, I
- Presenting at conferences, facilitating meetings confidently and effectively, and networking. I, T
- Monitoring and evaluating influencing activity I
Skills and knowledge
- Understanding of the lived experience of people with multiple long term health conditions I, T
- Strong political awareness, with an understanding of the health and care system and policy landscape in England, including public health, prevention and the social determinants of health I
- Strong analytical skills - interpreting statistical evidence, research and lived experience to develop practical insights and purposeful recommendations and understand the impact of influencing activity A, I
- Confidence navigating complexity, ambiguity and change and ability to digest complex policy issues and translate into influencing opportunities and practical implementation I
- Ability to work in a fast paced, complex environment, and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders I
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to adapt tone and message for different audiences and produce clear, concise and persuasive communication A, I
- Excellent team working skills along with an ability to use own initiative and work independently A, I
- Proactive, creative and flexible approach to identifying and taking forward opportunities and shaping new ideas I, T
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads, manage competing demands and work calmly and confidently under pressure A
What we offer in return
- Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
- Wellbeing days - 2 paid days per year (pro rata for our part-time colleagues)
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Bupa health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit scheme, Cycle to Work scheme
- Home & Tech - apply to buy any Home & Tech items from 'Currys' & 'IKEA', up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free.
- Blue Light Card scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
Additional Information
Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an 'A' in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.
Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.
Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
For a full list of benefits please visit our website.
The Role
This is a great opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of legal policy issues and contribute to the work of a dynamic policy department.
You'll support both the Public Law and Private and Commercial Law teams, working closely with Policy Advisors to track legal and political developments and carry out supporting research. You'll help shape robust, evidence-based policy positions and contribute to policy analysis and development, including opportunities to engage with expert solicitors from Law Society Committees and our wider membership.
Under guidance, you'll help draft policy content such as consultation responses, reports, and briefings. You'll also support the Law Society's engagement with key stakeholders, including members, legal professionals, civil servants, and partner organisations. This will include attending and representing the Law Society at external meetings.
The role also includes administrative tasks, such as helping to organise events, maintaining reporting systems, and supporting day-to-day team operations.
This is a varied and rewarding role, ideal for someone looking to develop their skills and start a career in legal policy.
What we're looking for
You will have good understanding of the law and legal environment, and an enthusiasm for developing your knowledge across a broad range of legal issues. You will be able to work closely with others to produce high-quality research and understand the key points of new issues quickly.
You will have good written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and develop relationships with people from a broad range of backgrounds.
You will be flexible, organised and proactive and have experience of working to deadlines and adapting to new priorities as they arise.
Please see the job description for more details.
What's in it for you
This is an excellent opportunity to work with contemporary thinkers in a progressive membership organisation. The successful candidate will join a strong brand with a reputation for excellence and legal expertise, committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and a culture of trust, clarity and respect.
We offer a generous flexible benefits package, a friendly working environment and the opportunity to develop your career within a professional organisation.
Please note: if you are an internal applicant, Pay Policy will apply.
The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales. From negotiating with and lobbying the profession's regulators, government and other decision makers, to offering training and advice, we're here to help, protect and promote solicitors.
Would you like to help create a brighter future for nature?
Wildlife and Countryside Link is a coalition of 90 environmental charities. We are looking for a Policy Officer to help develop, advocate and win policy improvements for nature.
The Government has promised to halt the decline of nature by 2030 and to net zero by 2050, committing to decarbonising our energy systems as a core government mission. Such commitments have been made within the backdrop of a challenging economic environment. The next few years will be critical in securing nature based solutions as part of the drive to reach net zero and in developing our understanding of and engagement with private investment for nature’s recovery as these fledging funding streams evolve.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Policy Officer to convene environmental policy experts to agree bold shared policy positions. This role will focus on economic systems change, including innovative work on ways to drive private investment in nature; and on the role that nature must play in helping us to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. There will be lots of thinking, lots of writing, and lots of opportunities to shape shared campaigns with excellent opportunities to engage with and work alongside some of the leading experts in these policy areas. You will also play a key role in delivering those messages to key influencers in Government and in Parliament.
So, we are looking for someone with a keen eye for detail, a good networker with the ability to listen and negotiate, and a reasoned and convincing style of written and verbal communication, with a passion for nature conservation.
Please find the full job description and how to apply here. To apply, please send your CV, with a short covering letter and a completed diversity monitoring form by 9am on Monday 15 September.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Job Title: Head of Policy and Engagement
Location: London, (The Foundry, Vauxhall)
Type: Permanent, hybrid
Hours: 4 days/28 hours a week
Salary: £50k pa (FTE)
About Equally Ours
Equally Ours (previously the Equality and Diversity Forum) is a UK charity that brings together people and organisations working across equality, human rights and social justice to make a reality of these in everyone’s lives.
Through our members and networks, Equally Ours joins up research, policy and communications to shift public opinion and policy in positive and powerful ways. This is an exciting and pivotal time for us. At the end of 2022, we launched a 10-year strategy, 'Together for social justice', which sets out our bold agenda to increase equality and strengthen rights at scale.
We are a voluntary membership organisation dedicated to supporting networks, communities and grassroots groups across the UK to influence public policy and decision-making processes.
This important new role aims to support London-based members and our wider networks in shaping meaningful, structural public policy changes that address climate action, social justice, and economic opportunity. This role will work at the intersection of national and London government agendas, ensuring that the diverse experiences of Londoners shape a more socially just London and the UK that protect and advances people's equality and human rights.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Head of Policy and Community Engagement to lead our policy advocacy and community engagement initiatives. This role is crucial in helping our members develop a collective voice, influence policy at both local and national levels, and drive long-lasting, systemic change. The successful candidate will work closely with London-based members and grassroots organisations, convening and facilitating opportunities to develop a unified and impactful voice and advocate for systemic change on key issues such as climate justice and resilience, employment inequality and economic inclusion, particularly in the context of public sector investment and the green economy. They will have a passion for human rights, equality and social justice, and strong policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement experience.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Advocacy & Engagement
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Support Member Voice: Facilitate opportunities for our members (and their networks) to develop a unified and impactful voice on key policy issues.
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Drive structural change: Advocate for systemic, rather than piecemeal, policy reform on issues relating to climate action, law and economic opportunity.
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Policy research & analysis: synthesize research data, commission research, and stay informed on the priorities of national government, Greater London Authority and local borough councils, as well as those of funders, to provide members with strategic analysis and support in developing and influencing policy.
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Focus on intersectionality: Promote the adoption of an intersectional, pan-equality, and human rights-based framework in policy areas such as the equality and human rights legal framework, climate justice and social investment.
Community & Network Development
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Develop and strengthen membership model: Lead efforts to develop and adapt our membership and engagement model, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of our London network and the wider movement.
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Equip grassroots groups: Work closely with grassroots organisations to build their capacity and influence on key issues, supporting them to engage directly with policymakers and participate meaningfully in policy debates.
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Promote collaboration and capacity building: Promote collaboration among members, encouraging the sharing of best practice, strengthening their collective voice, and enhancing their effectiveness in advocating for their communities.
Strategic Initiatives & emerging trends
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Horizon scanning and trend analysis: Monitor emerging trends in the climate, social justice, and community development sectors, ensuring strategies are adapted to address these developments.
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Network expansion: Identify opportunities to grow our network and extend our reach, ensuring more grassroots organisations are empowered to engage with policy agendas and drive systemic change.
What skills and experiences we’re looking for:
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Strong policy expertise: demonstrable experience of analysing evidence from a range of sources (lived experience, think tank and academic reports,) and working collaboratively with communities to identify the root causes of inequality and create policy solutions. Ideally in one or more of the areas of climate justice, economic opportunity, and social inclusion.
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Community Engagement: Experience of working with grassroots organisations and local communities, with a focus on building capacity and amplifying their voices at local borough, London and UK government levels.
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Advocacy Skills:
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Strong understanding and demonstrable experience of public policy change processes at the intersection of UK and London government agendas
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Proven ability to develop, lead, implement and monitor influencing strategies that drive systemic change
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Strategic Thinking: Ability to think creatively and strategically about developing engagement models and responding to emerging trends in social and environmental justice movements.
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Commitment: commitment to and a sound understanding of how to apply equality, intersectionality and human rights principles to public policy development, and the credibility to build trust with communities.
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Network Building: Demonstrable experience in growing and supporting membership networks or coalitions, ideally in the voluntary or charity sector.
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Emotional intelligence: High levels of emotional intelligence and resilience, including the understanding and ability to manage how lived experience of our privilege and inequality can impact in the workplace for yourself, colleagues and external stakeholders.
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Managing staff: Experience managing at least one staff member, providing both task centered and pastoral support. The ability to hold and manage difficult feelings and conversations with tact and sensitivity.
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Anti-racism: Commitment to embed anti-racism across all aspects of our work.
Desirable:
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Experience of commissioning different types of research
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Experience of working with impact monitoring and evaluation frameworks, for example theory of change methodology.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £37,000 - £42,000 per annum, depending on experience
Remote: This role is homebased with travel for meetings, events and conferences and staff residentials.
What we do
As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.
We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of youth work in England. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the National Youth Agency (NYA), you’ll play a central role in influencing national policy and driving change that impacts young people’s lives.
We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic individual to join our Policy, Insights and External Affairs Directorate. You’ll work closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, line manage the Policy and Public Affairs Officer, and collaborate with colleagues and sector partners to deliver a bold and proactive policy agenda that champions youth work in policy making. Your work will ensure the voice of the NYA and the youth sector is placed at the heart of national policy and funding decisions.
This role is central to driving NYA’s policy impact: you will lead high-profile policy projects, build strong relationships with political and policy stakeholders, produce influential written outputs, curate strategic events, and represent the organisation at key external engagements. You’ll also be at the forefront of monitoring and interpreting developments across Westminster - from government consultations to parliamentary debates - using these insights to shape our influencing and advocacy efforts.
This is an exciting time to join the NYA. Your work will directly contribute to meaningful change for young people, helping to secure the recognition, investment and support that youth work deserves.
Key responsibilities for this role will include:
- Work with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Policy and Public Affairs Officer, and key internal and external stakeholders to help design, manage and deliver a cutting-edge policy agenda and stakeholder outreach programme
- Line manage the Policy and Public Affairs Officer, delegating work effectively and supporting their professional development
- Identify and build positive relationships with key political and policy stakeholders who are critical to advancing our mission and amplifying the voice of the youth work.
- Manage policy projects, including drafting project plans, timelines and budgets, in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders
- Monitor the shifting national policy and political landscape, including parliamentary inquiries, consultations, political briefings and government announcements, and advise internal and external stakeholders on opportunities and risks
- Provide the secretariat for the National Youth Sector Advisory Board (NYSAB), convening the youth sector with government departments
- Build strong relationships with peer organisations and stakeholders and identify opportunities for collaborative working to further NYA’s mission
- Organise high-quality events and policy seminars to raise the profile of the organisation
- Manage the creation of a range of high-quality written outputs for various audiences, including policy briefings, blogs and consultation responses
- Work closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and Local Policy and Partnerships Manager to connect and align our national and local policy influencing and work
- Represent the NYA at external meetings and events
- Please refer to our Candidate Pack for more information on the role and the requirements.
Why Work for NYA?
- NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
- NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
- A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
- NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
- We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Sunday 14th September 2025:
- A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
- A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
- We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.
Please note: the covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 30% AI generated content with be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.
The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.
At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.
We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.
REF-223415
Project Manager, Policy Fellow
Terms: Part-time 4 days a week; fixed-term contract 24 months, with possibility of extension
Salary: £36,050-46,350
Location: Remote working, with the opportunity to work from co-working space if agreed and regular in-person team meetings.
Start Date: October 2025
Line Manager: Programme Manager, Risk Reduction Programme
Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 12 September 2025.
Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.
About BASIC
BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come.
For nearly 40 years, we have developed a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to help states overcome complex strategic and political differences.
We comprise an intellectually and culturally diverse team of expert-practitioners with wide-ranging areas of expertise, globally headquartered in London with presences in Berlin and Rome. We are recognised internationally for our inclusive and positive team culture.
We are proud to be an independent voice in policy debate, and we are transparent about our funders and funding ethics. We receive no core funding from any state.
Role Description
BASIC is seeking a motivated and dynamic Project Manager (Policy Fellow) to lead BASIC’s deliverables within our joint project with the Federation of the American Scientists (FAS): ‘From the Noise, the Signal’.
The project investigates how emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) pose credible threats and disrupt traditional assumptions regarding relative military advantages and disadvantages. One such assumption is the traditional dominance of hiders over seekers in the military domain which appears to be increasingly challenged by a package of EDTs. These technologies operate across military domains, including: outer space and the upper atmosphere, air, ground, sea surface, undersea, and cyber. Research has, however, not yet fully assessed EDTs collective impacts on hider-seeker dynamics, at a time where technologies are advancing faster than policy.
This joint FAS-BASIC project addresses this gap in both the research literature and policy discourse through collaboration with an interdisciplinary community of scientific, technical, and OSINT experts, to build a higher-resolution picture of the technological readiness according to the open-source.
This high-impact role offers the opportunity to deliver the research and manage the part of the project that covers sea-based dimensions. The second phase will bring the project’s sea- and land-based dimensions together, and assess the overall strategic implications of these technological advances for nuclear stability.
The Project Manager is expected to have a solid understanding of global security, nuclear nuclear issues, and expertise in EDTs and nuclear weapons issues demonstrated through a record of relevant (policy) research. The successful candidate will have experience with convening and leading high level dialogues and experience with project delivery.
The successful candidate will manage and lead the project’s delivery across several outputs, working closely with FAS partners.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
1. Project Delivery
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:
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Deliver high quality desk-based research.
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Manage the project’s critical path and risk register, implementing mitigation plans as required.
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Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements.
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Write high-quality, policy-relevant research reports, op-eds and briefings.
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Organise international roundtables, workshops and other events with track 1 and 2 participants.
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Manage relationships with stakeholders and build BASIC’s network and reputation.
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Independently represent BASIC at international meetings.
2. Fundraising
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:
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Develop a project, by independently and confidently scoping funding opportunities.
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Liaise with the Programme Manager on funding priorities and opportunities.
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Manage projects with minimal day-to-day manager input.
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Develop new and existing relationships with funders.
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Write and edit funding applications.
3. Communications
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:
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Collaborate with various stakeholders including international partners to build strong relationships.
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Facilitate dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.
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Promote our / their work confidently and internationally.
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Confidently use online social media platforms, and if possible, press contacts.
4. Office support
Applicants will need to be able to support the running of the organisation and colleagues with a range of administrative tasks wherever required.
Role Requirements
Essential: Educated to Master’s level – or demonstrate the equivalent in work experience
Essential: 7+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues.
Essential: Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security.
Essential: Familiarity with issues relating to strategic stability and emerging and disruptive technologies is essential.
Essential: Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting
Essential: Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function.
Essential: Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research.
Essential: Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team.
Essential: Strong track record of previous fundraising experience and success.
Essential: Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops.
Essential: Willingness to travel internationally when required.
Essential: Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail.
Essential: Good personal network in their research area.
Essential: Previous line management experience.
Essential: Education in science/technology is essential.
Desirable: Formal project management qualification.
Working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic (Senior) Research Officer. This exciting role involves undertaking research on gambling related financial harms and engaging with stakeholders in financial services firms to practically apply our research to their work. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent critical thinking, research and policy development skills, with the ability to digest complex information quickly and appraise firms work against regulatory requirements, best practice examples and policy recommendations.
The successful candidate will primarily work as part of the Gambling Harms Action Lab team where we’re bringing together seven representatives from financial services firms to explore ways to reduce gambling related financial harms. The (Senior) Research Officer will be an integral part of the team working to tackle gambling related financial harms through delivering timely and insightful research and consultancy support.
We are looking for an exceptional team member who is driven to create meaningful change and is passionate about tackling gambling related financial harms. The successful candidate should have a genuine commitment to our organisation's mission, as well as to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Finally, we’re looking for an individual who can work independently and as part of a team, with strong organisational skills, who can manage their own time, meet deadlines reliably, plan work effectively and drive work forward.
Key tasks in the role will include:
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Developing and maintaining a strong understanding of key developments in gambling and financial services sectors, including regulatory guidance and best practice.
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Developing and strengthening relationships within financial services firms by delivering support to practically apply existing and new research to financial services work with customers with experience of mental health problems and or gambling harms.
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Collaborating, brainstorming and analysing to identify potential policy solutions to address gambling related financial harms.
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Collating insights from our Research Community of people with lived experience of mental health problems, and sharing these learnings through insight reports and briefings with financial services and other stakeholders.
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Supporting the Head of the Gambling Harms Action Lab with monitoring and measuring the impact of our work, engaging with key stakeholders, and suggesting innovative new ways to increase our impact.
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Supporting other teams within the organisation to deliver our programme of research and consultancy work
Together, the charities Sands and Tommy’s have formed a Joint Policy Unit (JPU) focussed on achieving policy change that will save more babies’ lives during pregnancy and the neonatal period and on tackling inequalities in loss, so that everyone can benefit from the best possible outcomes.
The JPU’s mission is to secure policy change that will reduce rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth and neonatal death, and to work to eliminate inequalities in these outcomes.
While there is widespread agreement on the need for change to improve the safety of maternity and neonatal services, what that change looks like is not clear. To save more babies’ lives we believe that a continued focus is required, and that governments should set new commitments to reduce perinatal mortality and preterm births, focused on matching the best-performing countries in Europe.
This role will be crucial to the continued success of the JPU unit; leading, shaping and coordinating all the unit’s work.
We are looking for an independent and assertive problem-solver, a policy expert who can manage multiple priorities, take the initiative, lead the national conversation and is as excited as we are about taking the helm of this venture for both of our organisations.
The successful candidate will need to have a substantial track record of effectively leading and implementing national policy and influencing programmes, driving change and achieving the desired impact.
You will have considerable experience across research, data analysis, policy development, public affairs and communications. Additionally, you will be well-versed in research and data management, including analysing complex data and evaluating policy developments.
Experience of being a member of a senior management team with successful, significant and relevant management and leadership experience is also essential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're looking for a self-starter who thinks strategically about their relationships and communication approaches, constantly identifying innovative ways to engage and influence stakeholders. You will be confident and experienced with working with a wide range of audiences from policy makers, other charities, and companies.
The policy and public affairs manager will lead on policy development and influencing at Autistica, the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity. This role sits within the external affairs team and will support the organisation to communicate the latest evidence and build the relationships that will ensure that the charity achieves their 2030 Goals to enable autistic people to live happy, healthy and long lives.
The perfect candidate will have experience of:
- Working in a policy role and influencing national policy
- Working within a charity or non-profit organisation
- Building and managing strategic relationships and developing partnerships
- Working with research data to develop recommendations
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Research Team is pivotal to ensuring that research funded by Children with Cancer UK is at the
forefront of the children and young person’s cancer research area. You will have the opportunity to be at
the cutting edge of cancer research in children and young people and work closely with members of the
scientific community, surrounded by people working towards the same mission.
The post-holder will be responsible for line managing 2-3 members of the Research Team, providing them
with support and identifying areas and opportunities for them to expand and develop their experience
and skillset.
Our vision is a world where every child and young person child survives cancer.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.