Policy research manager jobs in Belfast
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!
Hybrid / Homebased - London, Edinburgh, Belfast, or Cardiff
£49,943 (London based salary) or £45,310 (non-London based salary) FTE + excellent benefits
Part-time, 21 hours per week
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Manager (Workforce) to lead on the development and management of influencing and advocacy in national policy, legislation, funding and health and education decisions related to workforce across government sectors, providing strategic oversight and expert guidance.
Who we are
The RCSLT is the professional body for speech and language therapists across the UK. The RCSLT has over 24,000 members and employs around 70 staff predominately based in a London office. The RCSLT also has offices in Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff.
Our mission is to improve the lives of people with communication and swallowing needs by facilitating and promoting research, producing guidance, holding events, and influencing government. We aim to promote better education and training for speech and language therapists and provide information to our members and the public about speech and language therapy.
The role
We are seeking a dynamic advocate to advance and promote the speech and language therapy profession by shaping and implementing policy, monitoring national developments and responding to changes in the external environment. You will lead RCSLT’s policy agenda on workforce matters, providing strategic advice on risks and opportunities to the CEO, Executive Team, Board, Committees and senior stakeholders.
As the policy lead on workforce-related initiatives, you will influence legislation, national funding and guidance across health, social care, education, and justice sectors. You will represent RCSLT at ministerial, government, parliamentary and external stakeholder meetings, as well as on national working groups and advisory boards, ensuring the profession’s voice is prominent in policy and decision-making.
You will build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, providing leadership to drive policy initiatives that promote the profession, influence government decisions, and enhance RCSLT’s national reputation. You will also develop strategic external partnerships to support RCSLT’s influencing priorities and serve as a resource for our members. Working collaboratively within the wider team, you will help increase RCSLT’s impact across all relevant sectors.
What we are looking for
You’ll bring experience of influencing health, education or social care at a national level and carry experience of policy research, consultation, development and analysis. The ideal candidate will have experience of building external professional networks as well as be able to effectively campaign and influence. The successful candidate will be able to research, analyse, interpret and present complex and detailed information for a variety of audiences with strong written and oral communication skills.
What we can offer you
A competitive starting salary
Generous annual leave entitlement
Excellent staff training and development opportunities
Supportive and flexible working environment including, hybrid working arrangements
Generous Pension scheme
Life insurance cover
Season Ticket Loan scheme
Eye care voucher scheme
Family friendly employer including enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Cycle to Work scheme
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and more!
How to apply
Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, or for more details about the role, please contact the HR Team.
For more information and to apply, please visit our careers page.
Closing date: Monday, 9 March 2026.
Interview dates: 19 and 20 March 2026 (at our London Bridge office).
Please note, there will be a task as part of the interview process.
We are committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive recruitment process. All applications are handled with strict confidentiality to protect your privacy and encourage openness throughout the process.
The RCSLT is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. We aim to embed equity, diversity, and belonging practices throughout our recruitment and selection procedures. We strive to ensure everyone is valued equally for their contribution, experience, knowledge, and skills. We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds.
We are looking for a Research Officer to join our Campaigns, Policy and Research directorate.
This busy team uses evidence to raise the profile of issues affecting the Armed Forces community and influences politicians, officials, and the wider sector to improve policy and service delivery.
We are seeking an individual who is passionate about turning research into meaningful impact. You will play a key role in articulating the value and outcomes of our work, confidently communicating its significance to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.
Reporting to our Research Manager, some key responsibilities will include:
- Lead and deliver high-quality research and evaluation projects, from scoping and commissioning through to analysis, reporting, and dissemination.
- Generate actionable insights from qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy, policy, campaigns, and service improvement.
- Embed evidence and lived experience across the organisation, ensuring research findings shape decision-making and practical delivery.
- Monitor emerging research and sector developments, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities to strengthen understanding of the Armed Forces community.
- Translate complex findings into clear, engaging outputs (briefings, reports, presentations, digital content) tailored to diverse audiences.
- Build and manage strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, representing the organisation and championing evidence-led practice.
Here at RBL, we aim to support our people and their wellbeing, with a package including generous paid holiday allowance and pension scheme contributions, and a range of optional benefits and discounts.
Please note: candidates must submit a supporting statement with their application - guidance questions can be found in the vacancy information pack.
You will be contracted to your home address, and you will perform most of your work remotely there using our collaboration tools to work with colleagues, with occasional travel (including monthly team meetings) to our London Head Office hub.
Should you wish to explore a hybrid London working contract (to include an additional London Supplement to salary), this can be discussed at interview stage.
For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.
RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the Armed Forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.
Closing Date:12 March 2026
Interview Dates: 25 and 26 March 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Our support starts after one day of service and continues through



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about bringing art to everyone? Do you believe in the power of digital to engage people with the arts? We’re looking for an enthusiastic Philanthropy Manager to join our friendly and dedicated team.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries, particularly individuals who experience physical, mental or social barriers to accessing the arts.
About Art UK
Art UK is an art education charity and the online home for every public collection of art in the United Kingdom. It is making the UK’s national collection of art accessible to everyone online – for enjoyment, learning and research. Art UK brings together art from almost 3,500 British institutions in one of the UK's largest ever arts partnerships and showcases this art to a global audience of 5.5m users per annum. Approaching 60% of this audience is overseas.
Art UK provides significant support to museums and galleries in the UK, by providing them with a shared digital platform to showcase their art collections, reach new audiences, and generate income. Most of these collections would not be able to show their art online without Art UK. The Art UK platform is rich in story content, learning resources for teachers and students, and public engagement opportunities. A shared e-commerce infrastructure helps collections generate much needed commercial income.
About You
As the Philanthropy Manager, you will be a confident and persuasive communicator, comfortable engaging with supporters and stakeholders at all levels. You will have a solid knowledge of philanthropic giving and a deep appreciation of the value of high-quality donor stewardship. Highly organised and detail-focused, you will enjoy working with data and be skilled at producing compelling content both on and offline. You will bring initiative, creativity and the ability to work independently, while also being a collaborative team player.
The Philanthropy Manager is a new donor-facing role, which will focus on expanding and strengthening a major donor portfolio to increase five and six figure income from individual donors and family trusts for Art UK. You will lead on managing and growing Art UK’s philanthropic giving programme, which includes the Patrons and supporter events programme and our major donor activity. Working within an ambitious team, you will have the support of a freelance Prospect Researcher to identify new prospects, and the Development Manager and CRM Officer to develop donor journeys and relationship management systems. You will report to the Head of Development, work closely with the CEO and Chair of the Philanthropy Board, and collaborate with colleagues across the organisation.
You will actively promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of your work, reflecting your commitment to our organisational values and contributing to a positive workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain a robust prospect pipeline through identification, research, cultivation and relationship-building to secure five-figure gifts and long-term support
- Manage a portfolio of mid-level individual donors, converting one-off supporters into deeper donor relationships
- Manage and grow Art UK’s mid-level regular giving programme, strengthening donor relationships through face-to face meetings, events and personalised communication
- Develop donor development strategies, using CRM to analysis and identify higher gift prospects from existing donor pool and maximise giving potential
- Lead on major gifts for annual Big Give campaigns, identifying and securing keystone pledge donors, and leveraging networks to reach giving targets
- Create and implement, effectively and in a timely manner, development plans for each donor to retain and upgrade donors and document all activities in CRM Beacon
- Prepare and personalise correspondence and fundraising materials, including donor stewardship and reports, funding proposals and acknowledgement letters as appropriate
- Work closely with the Marketing team and other colleagues to showcase Art UK’s work and enhance donor engagement
- Organise and deliver events for major donors and prospects (with support from the Development team), including attending events where appropriate
- Support management of the American Friends of Art UK (launching 2026), including donor stewarding and events programming
- Support senior leadership and board members in the preparation and delivery of high-quality donor pitches to secure new philanthropic gifts
- Monitor progress against targets and maintain accurate reporting, including updates to Art UK’s Board of Trustees and the Philanthropy Board
- Ensure pledges and donations are processed efficiently and that donors are thanked promptly and personally
- Work closely with all members of the Development team to ensure prospecting and cultivation activity is aligned and complementary
- Ensure all philanthropic fundraising activity is conducted in line with legal, regulatory and ethical best practice e.g. GDPR and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Code of Practice
Necessary Skills
- Essential: Experience managing a pipeline of philanthropic supporter prospects, including researching and devising bespoke cultivation plans
- Essential: Proven experience as a major donor fundraiser with a track record of securing five-figure gifts.
- Essential: Proven experience creating, implementing and evaluating philanthropic fundraising strategies
- Essential: Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify and shape innovative partnership opportunities
- Essential: Outstanding relationship-building and networking skills, including digital engagement
- Essential: In-depth understanding of the philanthropic fundraising environment
- Essential: First-class written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage with a wide range of stakeholders
- Essential: Experience analysing and using supporter data to inform campaigns
- Essential: Strong copywriting, proofing and editing skills
- Essential: Experience using CRM databases with a high level of accuracy
- Essential: Thorough knowledge of fundraising best practice and legislation
- Essential: Self-motivated, reliable and exceptionally organized
- Desirable: Experience planning and managing fundraising events
- Desirable: Experience in donor acquisition through online giving platforms, direct marketing by email and social media campaigns
- Desirable: Active interest in the visual arts and awareness of UK art collections
- Desirable: Experience working with a diverse range of audiences
- Desirable: Experience working on projects with a broad range of partners
- Desirable: Experience of US fundraising and philanthropic giving
Contract terms
- Full-time
- Permanent contract
- Salary £38,000 per annum
- Three-month probationary period
- One-month termination clause
- Work from home, within 2-hour travel time to central London (once monthly travel to London for evening events and meetings required)
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus regional Bank Holidays
- Paid Christmas closure period (Christmas Day to New Year’s Day)
- Flexible working hours
- Workplace pension scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Above statutory paid sick leave
- Enhanced paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Monthly wellbeing hour
- Trained Mental Health First Aider’s
- Regular staff socials, both virtual and in-person
- Eye tests paid for up to £35, glasses subsidised up to £30
Art UK is a charity – the online home for the UK's public art collections
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Future Commissioning Policy and Public Affairs Lead
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £60,000 per annum plus pension
Location: Hybrid – home-based, with regular travel to meetings and team days in London and Sheffield
About the Role
Funded by ten prime providers, this is a senior policy and public affairs role leading a high-profile campaign on behalf of the employment support sector. The postholder will ensure that decision makers, policy makers, and commissioners clearly understand:
- The value and contribution of large employment support organisations as prime contract holders
- The strengths and impact of the prime provider model
- What is required to deliver effective future employment support programmes
The role will be managed by the CEO of ERSA, with the CEO reporting into a dedicated campaign working group.
This workstream will strengthen and add capacity to existing work being led by the ERSA CEO on future commissioning. It will enable ERSA to further and more effectively represent the interests of the employment support sector and the prime provider model across future national and devolved commissioning activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of a coordinated policy and public affairs campaign
- Research, analyse, and interpret policy and commissioning developments relevant to employment support
- Produce high-quality reports, briefings, consultation responses, and policy submissions
- Build and maintain credibility with senior stakeholders, including policy makers, commissioners, and sector leaders
- Represent ERSA externally with confidence, authority, and credibility
- Work collaboratively with the ERSA CEO, campaign working group, and wider sector stakeholders
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be:
- An experienced policy professional
- Knowledgeable about the employment support sector and commissioning landscape
- Highly skilled in policy research and analysis
- An excellent writer, able to produce clear, persuasive, and evidence-based policy documents
- A confident and authoritative communicator, able to represent ERSA with gravitas
Reporting Line
The postholder will be part of the ERSA team and will report directly to the ERSA CEO.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.
You will lead BIHR’s external communications - including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.
Please note this is not an entry‑level role.
Key Responsibilities
Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.
Communications
- Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
- Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
- Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
- Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
- Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
- Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
- Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.
Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning
- Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
- Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
- Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
- Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
- Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.
Government & Parliamentary Engagement
- Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
- Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
- Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
- Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
- Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
- Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
- Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.
Other organisational requirements
- Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
- Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
- Undertake other duties as required.
Who the Role Is Suitable For
This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.
You’ll thrive if you:
- Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
- Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
- Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
- Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
- Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
- Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.
Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.
Applying for the role
Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:
- Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and interview process/timing.
- Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).
Please also note that:
- Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
- You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.
BIHR's mission is to champion the Human Rights Act as a practical tool for everyday justice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Major Giving Administrator
Reporting to: Major Giving Manager – Trusts & Foundations
Location of work: Home-based. There will be an in-person team meeting or away day at least once every other month. Expenses will be paid in line with our Travel and Expenses policy.
Contract type: Ideally full-time, 35 hours per week. 28 hours or compressed hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work
Contract Length: Permanent
Salary: Starting Salary £25,500
JOB PURPOSE
This new role offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of fundraising within a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation.
You will play a key role in helping to futureproof and sustainably grow Magic Breakfast’s income from trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). This is a varied and rewarding role, with the opportunity for creativity with your own pool of funders.
You will be part of the Major Giving team, which secures income from trusts, foundations, and HNWIs. While your primary focus will be on trusts and foundations fundraising, you will also support the team’s work with HNWIs, adapting to the team’s needs as required.
With support from a friendly and experienced team, you will take ownership of a portfolio of trusts and foundations, managing relationships and securing donations typically ranging from £500 to £10,000. In supporting the team’s work with HNWIs, you will help to deliver outstanding donor care, nurture long-term relationships, and contribute to securing transformational gifts. Strong writing, communication, and research skills will be key to your success in this role.
You will join a creative and collaborative team that is passionate about tackling food insecurity and child poverty. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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With support, submit reports, deliver effective communications and maintain engaging relationships with your pool of existing funders.
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Collaborate with colleagues to provide your donors with key communications (e.g. organisational updates, invitations to events).
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Support with team-wide stewardship such as donor events, thank you videos and newsletters.
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Contribute to the achievement of our team income target of £3.46m in 2025/26, as well as securing funding for future years.
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Support the team to prepare, compile and submit high quality funding proposals and budgets to new funders in accordance with timetables and application criteria.
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Maximise existing tools and processes to identify, research and write applications and deliver relationship management with new, small funders, to expand the small trusts programme.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.
Please see our website for more infromation
APPLICATION PROCCESS
Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team.
Shortlisting - 16th - 18th March
Interview 1 - 23rd or 26th March
Interview 2 - 30th or 31st March
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.
Family Education Trust is recruiting a Development Manager to turn evidence-led research into real-world impact for families across the UK. This is a rare opportunity to build a fundraising function from the ground up inside a respected policy organisation - with the autonomy to do it your way.
About the role
You will build and lead FET's income growth function, securing near-term unrestricted income while developing durable fundraising capacity. Your core focus is establishing a new major donor and mid-value programme and delivering a high-performing trusts and foundations pipeline.
We have streamlined administrative responsibilities so you can concentrate on what matters: income growth and donor relationships. You will work closely with our Communications Manager, who produces copy and assets for your fundraising brief.
What we are looking for
We need someone with recent, hands-on fundraising experience in a mission-led organisation who has built income, not just maintained it. Experience building a major donor pipeline is essential, along with trusts and foundations competence. You must have genuine personal alignment with FET's mission and established public positions on family policy.
The details
Salary: Up to £40,000, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate Location: Home-based, with UK travel as required Contract: Full-time, permanent Hours: 37.5 per week Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays Pension: 5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice Closing date: 9am Monday 16 March 2026
How to apply
Please read the full job description and person specification (attached) and send a CV and covering letter by 9am Monday 16 March 2026. Your covering letter should explain how you meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a home-based role, working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications are welcome from candidates based outside Belfast, provided they are resident in Northern Ireland and able to commute to the Belfast office if required.
The External Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in empowering people with sight loss to live the life they choose. This position leads the development of policy and campaigns within the country, aligning with Guide Dogs’ strategic objectives. Working collaboratively with the central policy, public affairs, and campaigns team, as well as the country leadership team, the role builds strategic partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, societies, and other key organisations. This ensures Guide Dogs remains informed and influential on all policy initiatives affecting the organisation and its stakeholders.
The post holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and oversight of a team.
The post-holder is responsible for shaping policy positions, drafting responses to consultations from councils, combined authorities, and devolved governments, and driving impactful campaigns at a regional level. A key focus is increasing the involvement of blind and partially sighted people in advocacy and campaigning.
Additionally, the role leads the implementation of Guide Dogs’ regional marketing and communications strategy across the Devolved Nations. This includes raising brand awareness, engaging diverse audiences—service users, families, volunteers, donors, and the public—and delivering integrated communications plans that strengthen Guide Dogs’ presence and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development
- Lead the creation of country-specific policy and position papers, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
- Prepare responses to consultation papers from devolved administrations, local government, and regional bodies.
- Represent Guide Dogs on committees, working groups, and forums, staying informed on policy issues impacting the organisation and its service users.
Public Affairs
- Build and influence relationships with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials.
- Represent Guide Dogs at Government Scrutiny Committees and cross-party groups.
- Act as the primary liaison with local government and statutory agencies.
Campaigns & Influence
- Strategically lead and coordinate campaigns at a country level, ensuring alignment with devolved policy priorities.
- Develop and deliver campaigns addressing local needs of the visually impaired community.
- Foster partnerships within the Third Sector to build consensus and amplify Guide Dogs’ strategic aims.
Leadership & People Management
- Provide strong leadership to local staff and volunteers, promoting best practice and knowledge-sharing.
- Oversee recruitment, performance management, and compliance with safeguarding policies.
- Ensure high levels of engagement through effective communication and leadership.
Financial Accountability
- Support fundraising initiatives and monitor operational budgets to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Diversity & Inclusion
- Champion Guide Dogs’ diversity agenda, ensuring services are inclusive and accessible.
- Work with external partners to create a more inclusive environment for people with sight loss.
How to apply
Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.
As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.
If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.
Safeguarding
Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.
At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.
Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.
For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Action for ME
Action for ME is the only charity in the UK providing support, including healthcare, to people of all ages affected by ME. The charity was founded by Sue Finlay in 1987 and since then has been taking holistic approach so we can make an impact on multiple fronts - from amplifying the voices of people affected by ME in Government and leading on breakthrough research, to providing "lifeline" support and unique healthcare services on a daily basis.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes referred to and diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a chronic, fluctuating disease, causing symptoms such as post-exertional malaise (PEM), sleep problems, problems with thinking and memory (brain fog), pain and crushing fatigue. There are an estimated 1.3 million people living with ME or ME-like symptoms, including PEM, in the UK alone.
Even in its so-called mildest form, ME can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, and not just on their health. A lack of understanding and awareness about ME means patients can experience disbelief, and even discrimination, from friends, family, health and social care professionals, employers and teachers.
For the first time there is an increased awareness of post viral illness because of the Covid -19 pandemic. After decades of neglect this offers Action for ME an opportunity to accelerate our work for people with ME in a way we have never been able to do before.
Job Purpose
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to accelerate research and transform the lives of millions of people with ME and Long Covid. We are seeking a Business Development & Partnerships Manager for Sequence ME & Long Covid, a new research initiative designed to explore the root causes of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Long Covid using large-scale, long-read whole-genome sequencing.
By developing and delivering strategic partnerships and funding strategy, you will work as part of team committed to making change happen through whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 18,000 people, the largest ever WGS in the world of any disease.
Sequence ME & Long Covid aims to pinpoint potential targets for treatment and bring us closer to meaningful clinical advances. Led by Action for ME, the partnership includes the University of Edinburgh, Oxford Nanopore Technology (who will provide the long-read technology), the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and people with lived experience of ME, who have joined to seek funding for Sequence ME and Long Covid. Together, this multidisciplinary team brings world-class expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, co-production and ME research.
If you have experience of securing significant funding or investment for research, producing high quality communication materials and a commitment to coproduction and lived experience involvement in research or service design, we would like to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Partnerships and Business Development
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Develop and deliver a business development strategy for the Sequence ME & Long Covid (SMELC) study to secure £6m funding for the first phase of scientific research (whole genome sequencing of 9,000 already secured samples from people with ME).
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Lead on high level applications for funding to high potential strategic partners and research funding partners.
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Work with the current partnership to mobilise the study and ensure effective plans and governance are in place.
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Maintain and manage a pipeline of partnership opportunities.
Communications and Engagement
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Contribute to engagement and communications activities to market Sequence ME and Long Covid effectively.
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Create materials to support effective engagement with potential and current partners.
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As part of business and partnership development, develop pitch decks and proposals tailored to different audiences.
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Support fundraising efforts by contributing to communications materials for philanthropy and major donor engagement.
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Ensure that people with lived experience remain at the heart of planning and delivery.
Other Key Accountabilities
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To attend Action for ME meetings and courses as required.
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To work collaboratively with Action for ME and the study team colleagues across all teams.
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Keep up to date with the latest research, best practice and comply with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, working within the organisation’s policies and procedures and ensuring that good practice is observed at all times.
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Maintain confidentiality in line with relevant policy and procedure, ensuring data consent processes have been followed in relation to data protection.
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Positively promote the work and activities of Action for ME at all times.
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Undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Line Manager or any member of the Management Team.
The full recruitment pack can be found on our recruitment website.
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Project Manager, Policy Fellow
Terms: full time; 3 year contract
Salary: £36,400-46,000
Location: Remote working, option to use co-working space. There will be requirements to travel internationally.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Reports to: Programme Manager, Senior Policy Fellow, Dr Chiara Cervasio
Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in either the UK, Italy or Germany and be either currently located in one of these countries or prepared to relocate prior to commencing employment. In this case, BASIC is not providing any relocation assistance and is unable to sponsor VISAs.
About BASIC
BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.
For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.
BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.
BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary with room for growth
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30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period
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Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)
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Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours
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Remote working with option to use co-working space
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1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities
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Opportunities for professional growth and development
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Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion
The Role
The Project Manager is an adept and organised professional, esteemed within the nuclear policy community for their level. Responsible for overseeing a discrete package of work, they must demonstrate a clear understanding and alignment with broader programme goals, strategies, and objectives. The role will report to the Programme Manager.
Taking charge of project deliverables, the Project Manager will navigate the entire project cycle, from generating fundraising ideas to developing them further and building knowledge of funding relationships. The role will also include deputising for the Programme Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of delivery, external engagement, and team support as required.
The Project Manager will take responsibility for the South Asia portfolio under the Responsibilities and Global Governance (RGG) Programme. The RGG Programme works to strengthen global security by supporting the development of responsible governance frameworks for weapons and dual-use technologies in cross-cutting operational domains. Under the South Asia portfolio, the RGG Programme has facilitated research and dialogue with the Indian and Pakistani nuclear policy communities with a focus on regional crisis prevention, management, and de-escalation practices.
The Project Manager should possess a solid understanding of global security and conflict resolution and a deep understanding and demonstrable knowledge of military security dynamics in South Asia, coupled with a proven ability to design and execute high-quality project management and research. The ideal candidate is an established researcher with a specialisation in nuclear weapons issues and South Asia. As the candidate will be expected to facilitate India-Pakistan nuclear dialogues, it is important that they will show an ability to engage impartially with all parties.
It is expected that the Project Manager will have solo authored, policy relevant, publications. The Project Manager should possess the skills to expand their network in their area of specialisation, benefiting BASIC, and be capable of line managing other team members within their project.
This role necessitates a formal project or programme management qualification – BASIC will provide the Project Manager with such training and qualifications if they do not already possess one. The Project Manager will collaborate with their line manager to identify a professional development plan, closing skills gaps and aspiring to become an internationally respected leader in their field.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Delivery
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:
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Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements
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Line manage, mentor/coach, and provide pastoral care for the project team: policy fellows, project assistants and interns
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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.
Person Specification:
Essential:
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Educated to Master’s level – or demonstrate the equivalent in work experience
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5+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues
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Demonstrable knowledge of South Asian military security issues
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Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security
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Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting
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Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function
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Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research
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Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team
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Track record of previous fundraising experience and success
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Strong track record of publications, including policy-relevant ones
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Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops
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Willingness to travel internationally including to India and Pakistan when required
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Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail
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Good personal network in their research area
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Previous line management experience
Desirable:
- Educated to PhD’s level
- Formal programme/project management qualification
Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.
Working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
White Ribbon is the leading organisation in the UK working to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. Our mission is to prevent men’s violence against women through addressing its root causes, gender inequality and harmful gender norms and stereotypes. We do this by working with individual men and boys, organisations, and the community, helping them to understand the scale of the problem, and how they can be part of the solution.
This is an exciting time to join White Ribbon as our work and profile has grown significantly over recent years as the importance of engaging men in ending violence has become more apparent. We have an increasing public presence, through campaigning activities, policy influence, in the media and online.
Location: This post is remote or hybrid working at our offices in Hebden Bridge, but you must be willing and able to travel to meet with colleagues, including a quarterly full staff meeting at Hebden Bridge. This post requires travel to attend events and meetings throughout England and Wales.
You will work closely with the Campaigns and Policy Manager, take ownership of projects and work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders, from Parliamentarians to Ambassadors and Champions, our grassroots changemakers. You will help shape and implement impactful campaigns that align with our strategic aims, engage men and boys as allies, and drive forward our ambition to transform the cultures that underpin gender-based violence and will be helping to deliver our flagship campaign White Ribbon Day and the following 16 days of activism.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The UK Cystic Fibrosis Registry is a database of consenting people with cystic fibrosis across the UK collecting demographic, clinical care, and health outcomes data from clinical teams in specialist centres. The Registry is a world-leading resource, the data from which is used to facilitate research, clinical trials, real-world evidence studies and quality improvement projects for the benefit of people with cystic fibrosis.
We are looking for someone with demonstrable experience of working with large observational data sets who can support the Registry with efficient data management and reporting processes. You will have a passion for working with healthcare data and the use of data to improve health outcomes.
With excellent communication skills, you will be able to communicate your work clearly and appropriately for a wide range of audiences and be able to deliver to agreed timelines.
You will join a busy, dynamic, collaborative team and work with colleagues and stakeholders both nationally and internationally. You will be passionate about supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and uniting with us to make sure that everyone can live without the limits of cystic fibrosis.
Please note:
- This is a fixed term contract for 12 months to cover maternity leave.
- This role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
- This is a UK based role and offers a flexible location; however, if you are London office-based, a minimum of 40% working hours per week in the office will be required and if you are home-based, travel to the London office will be required in line with business needs.
- You will need to have the Right to Work in the UK before starting work with us and we will check this. In addition, we do not hold a Home Office Sponsorship Licence and therefore cannot offer visa sponsorship for any of our roles.
Our benefits
We offer a range of benefits including flexible working, 30 days annual leave plus recognised bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff), contributory pension scheme, healthcare cash plan covering dental, optical, 24/7 GP service, employee assistance programme and opportunities for learning and development.
Closing date and interview date
- Closing date for completed applications is 23:59 on 2 March 2026
- Interviews expected 12 March 2026
We reserve the right to bring forward or extend the closing date if necessary. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.
How to apply
Before applying, please ensure you read the job description for more information about the role.
Applications should be made through our recruitment portal Hireful and to apply, please use the application button provided.
Our commitment to an inclusive workplace
Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, can be themselves and achieve their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain staff with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; particularly people who have cystic fibrosis, people who identify as being from an ethnic minority group, as LGBTQ and people with disabilities.
It is our policy not to discriminate against any person because of their age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability (physical and mental), race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation or union membership.
No media or agencies please.
REF-226 895
Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland)
£41,278 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based with regular meetings in Belfast
35 hours per week, full-time
Fixed-term, 12 months
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our work in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to shape policy, influence decision-makers, and ensure the voices of paediatricians and child health professionals are heard at the highest levels.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs / Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations), you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity in Northern Ireland. You will develop and communicate policy positions that reflect the national context, engage senior stakeholders across government and the health sector, and maximise the College’s influence to improve child health outcomes.
You will work closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure our four-nation advocacy is aligned, while remaining responsive to the specific needs of our members in Northern Ireland. You will also line manage a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, supporting their development and overseeing external-facing outputs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development of policy positions and public affairs outputs specific to Northern Ireland
- Engaging with Ministers, MLAs, government officials, statutory services, and third sector stakeholders to influence policy and practice
- Producing and overseeing consultation responses and policy briefings
- Acting as a source of expertise on the Northern Ireland political and health landscape
- Supporting College Officers with high-level stakeholder engagement through briefings and policy advice
- Drafting media content including quotes, press releases and opinion pieces in collaboration with communications colleagues
- Managing the College’s presence at the Northern Ireland Assembly and party conferences
- Line managing and developing the Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Northern Ireland)
Essential skills and experience include:
- A primary degree and/or extensive relevant experience in policy and public affairs or a related field
- Proven experience of developing and delivering a measurable and successful public affairs strategy
- Experience of preparing high-quality briefings for political stakeholders and senior leaders
- Strong understanding of the political and health policy landscape in Northern Ireland
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
- Demonstrable stakeholder management skills, including engagement at senior level
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider UK team
The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows and employs around 200 staff, most of whom work in our London office in Holborn. We have a Devolved Nations team operating from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our College values: Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire, are important to us. These values ensure we bring out the best in each other, strive forward together to make the College a positive and dynamic place to work.
The RCPCH champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our workplace is inclusive, offering a supportive environment where staff can thrive. The College is keen to accept applications from people with protected characteristics. We believe that our staff should represent all of the diverse communities we serve. Join us to help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.
The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with in the exercise of its functions and responsibilities. The RCPCH expects all staff to share this commitment – we place a high priority on ensuring only those who do so are recruited to work for us.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records.
Closing date: 4 March 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advocates on child health issues at home and internationally.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the role
We are recruiting for a Strategic Evidence Manager to join on a full-time basis, working 35 hours per week on a permanent contract. This is a home-based role, with occasional travel required to attend team meetings.
As Strategic Evidence Manager, you will use evidence for good, contributing to driving major system and policy changes across England, Northern Ireland and Wales at an exciting time in dementia. You will work alongside another Strategic Evidence Manager and our Dementia Intelligence and Data Lead to provide expertise on evidence, data and insight in the context of dementia.
You will manage and support the development of two Strategic Evidence Officers, and you will ensure the Society’s choices and interpretation of dementia and the system is based on the highest quality of dementia evidence. Your role will allow us to have actionable insights and implications at our disposal. You will make our strategic evidence base everyone’s business and ultimately unignorable – to our people, and key players in the dementia system.
You will also be able to spot opportunities to generate and commission new evidence, working in collaboration with external suppliers, think tanks or academics. As Strategic Evidence Manager, you will be at the forefront of emerging evidence in dementia, ensuring specialist knowledge is kept up to date by being aware of developments and by attending training courses (where appropriate) and participating in other knowledge sharing events or networks.
Interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled to take place via MS Teams on Friday 20th March.
About you
Joining us, you will have experience of using a wide range of research methods, including evidence synthesis, in addition to knowledge on current and emerging treatments for dementia. You’ll have experience of working in the science, health, care or policy sectors or equivalent knowledge. You’ll be able to manage projects successfully, using your skills to manage and deliver large and complex programmes of work with budgets and high exposure.
Crucially, you will have the skills required to manage, support and develop a team with a proven ability to inspire and motivate people to towards shared objectives and goals. You’ll also be able to work effectively in collaboration with others to find solutions to problems. This role will require you to represent Alzheimer’s Society at conferences, events and different types of media, therefore you’ll need to be able to use your communication and networking skills to raise the profile of strategic evidence as a critical function to the organisation.
What you’ll focus on:
- Operationalising a strategic evidence plan, ensuring that the Society’s decisions and interpretation of dementia and the system is based on the highest quality of dementia evidence.
- Managing and monitoring internal and external delivery of evidence projects that involve internal and external stakeholders.
- Developing a sound, rounded knowledge of research evidence and other data and insight and overseeing strategic approaches to evidence collation, management and horizon scanning.
- Providing functional expertise on research evidence, data and insight to your team, and others, across the Society.
- Managing the consolidation of research, data and insight through the preparation of evidence briefs and other content.
- Responsible for designing and implementing new and existing tools, processes and standards that create reciprocal mechanisms.
- Developing and managing direct reports, including setting clear development objectives and appraising performance.
About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.
Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.
Our hiring process
We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? We know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart.
Giving back to you
At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Health Shield Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.
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.
Context:
Kinship provides direct support to, raises awareness of and campaigns for the rights of kinship carers across the UK. Kinship carers are navigating complex family relationships, trauma, poverty, discrimination. The children that they care for have frequently experienced abuse or are at risk of harm. Safeguarding concerns can be disclosed by kinship carers at all contact points with Kinship.
Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility and requires a safeguarding approach that is aligned to statutory frameworks, is professional, consistent, trauma-informed and proportionate to level of risk.
The designated safeguarding officer holds organisational responsibility for Kinship’s safeguarding framework and actions. The role works collaboratively with a team including a Safeguarding Trustee and a group of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads drawn from key service areas across the charity.
The role provides expertise, professional guidance and clear direction across the organisation, supporting staff and volunteers to make sound safeguarding decisions within a framework.
Purpose of the role:
The Designated Safeguarding Manager works closely with all teams across Kinship to embed proactive, person-centred, and partnership-driven safeguarding practice to protect children and adults at risk of harm.
The role provides professional oversight to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads through individual and group reflective practice and supports high-quality and defensible safeguarding decision-making. The role drives contextual safeguarding approaches, promote professional curiosity, continual professional development and ensures safeguarding responses are informed by lived experience and the realities of kinship care.
At Kinship safeguarding concerns come from risks of harm to adults and children often with risks of harm to multiple people in the same family context.
This requires careful, trauma-informed decision-making and support for staff responding to complex safeguarding situations.
How the role works:
Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the Designated Safeguarding Manager holds responsibility for safeguarding practice across the organisation and provides expert oversight and organisational assurance ensuring safeguarding is embedded consistently, proportionately and in line with best practice.
This role will require flexibility for occasional travel in England and Wales.
Key responsibilities:
Organisational safeguarding accountability and assurance
- Act as Kinship’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, holding organisational authority for safeguarding decision-making and escalation.
- Hold organisational accountability for safeguarding practice, ensuring responsibilities are well defined, understood and embedded across the organisation.
- Maintain and assure a robust safeguarding framework, including defined roles, escalation routes, decision-making thresholds and accountability arrangements and balance safeguarding rigour with compassion and proportionality.
- Provide safeguarding oversight and assurance during service development, mobilisation and organisational change to ensure risks are identified, assessed and mitigated.
Trauma-informed safeguarding practice and oversight
- Embed trauma-informed safeguarding practice, ensuring all decisions, interventions, and organisational processes:
- Recognise the impact of past and ongoing trauma on children, kinship carers, and families.
- Prioritise emotional and psychological safety while balancing protection, autonomy, and empowerment.
- Integrate trauma-awareness into risk assessments, safety planning, case management, policies, and service design.
- Support staff through reflective supervision, guidance, and training to respond effectively.
- Provide professional oversight and reflective practice support to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
- Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to staff and managers, supporting the assessment of concerns, threshold decisions, appropriate escalation, and proportionate, trauma-informed decision-making.
- Quality-assure safeguarding practice and decision-making to ensure actions are proportionate, person-centred, trauma-informed, and defensible.
- Maintain appropriate oversight of safeguarding records, risk assessments, and safety planning.
Policy, compliance and organisational assurance
- Develop, review and maintain safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance in line with legislation, statutory guidance and Charity Commission expectations.
- Ensure safeguarding systems, processes and recording arrangements are robust, accessible and consistently applied.
- Provide regular safeguarding assurance, analysis and learning reports to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Culture, capability and continuous improvement
- Embed trauma-informed, contextual and culturally responsive safeguarding practice across the organisation.
- Promote professional curiosity and reflective practice, supporting staff to exercise sound professional judgement and avoid overly procedural responses.
- Design and deliver safeguarding training and guidance for staff and volunteers, building organisational capability and confidence.
- Lead learning reviews following safeguarding incidents or near misses, ensuring learning informs service and practice improvement.
Equity, inclusion and anti-racist safeguarding
- Ensure safeguarding practice actively considers how race, ethnicity, racism and intersecting inequalities shape risk, vulnerability and access to support.
- Support teams to identify and challenge bias and assumptions through reflective practice, supervision and learning.
- Embed equity, inclusion and anti-racist principles within safeguarding frameworks, policies, training and quality assurance processes.
Partnership working and external accountability
- Work collaboratively with statutory partners and external agencies to support effective safeguarding responses.
- Represent Kinship in multi-agency safeguarding forums, reviews or regulatory engagement as required.
Experience (Essential)
- Significant experience in adult and child safeguarding practice, including oversight of complex, high-risk, and multi-agency safeguarding situations.
- Experience providing professional oversight, reflective supervision, and structured learning support to safeguarding practitioners or leads, without direct line management responsibility.
- Experience embedding contextual safeguarding approaches and promoting professional curiosity in decision-making.
- Experience of working confidently with complexity, challenging constructively and supporting teams to do the right thing in difficult situations.
- Experience developing, reviewing, and embedding safeguarding policies, procedures, training, and learning frameworks.
- Substantial experience working with dispersed or multi-disciplinary teams, supporting wellbeing, professional development, and reflective practice.
- Experience working in voluntary sector, community-based, or service delivery organisations, particularly where safeguarding concerns arise through multiple routes.
Knowledge (Essential)
- Strong working knowledge of adult and child safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised safeguarding frameworks, with the ability to apply them proportionately in practice.
- Up-to-date knowledge of children’s and adult social care systems.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based practice in work with adults, children, and families.
- Awareness of how racism, inequality, and structural disadvantage can increase risk and shape safeguarding experiences, particularly for Black and minoritised communities.
- Understanding of organisational safeguarding governance, including accountability, assurance, escalation, and risk management.
- Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within the voluntary and community sector, including Charity Commission expectations, trustee duties, and regulatory requirements
Skills and abilities (Essential)
- Strong professional judgement, with confidence in making and defending complex safeguarding decisions.
- Calm, credible, and reflective approach in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
- Ability to support and challenge colleagues constructively through reflective discussion, learning, and coaching rather than directive management.
- Clear, compassionate, and adaptable communicator, able to translate safeguarding complexity for diverse audiences, including operational and service delivery teams.
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple safeguarding priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively across wide-ranging professional teams and external partners.
- Values-led, with a demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racist practice, and culturally responsive safeguarding.
Qualifications (Essential)
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, health, or related field), or equivalent professional experience.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding children and adults.
- Permission to work in the UK.
Attributes and general characteristics (Essential)
- Commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of Kinship.
- Respectful, empathetic approach to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Flexible and willing to travel across England as required.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Lived experience of kinship care.
- Experience using Salesforce, Asana, Notion, and/or general AI tools for case management, project management, or documentation.
- Experience in innovation and continuous improvement within safeguarding practice or organisational culture.
How to apply:
Please apply for the role of Designated Safeguarding Manager by sending a tailored CV and responding to these 5 questions below in the online application process. Please read the guidance notes in the job pack.
Closing date is 9am on Mon 2 March, with a first interview (30 mins online) that week and a second interview in person on Tues 10 March 2026.
For all questions, please provide a maximum of 250 words per answer.
1.Alignment with Kinship: Why do you want to work for Kinship, and why does this Safeguarding Manager (Designated Safeguarding Lead) role matter to you at this point in your career? Please refer to Kinship’s work and services in your answer, and explain what specifically about this role you are drawn to.
2.Trauma informed practice: Describe a specific example where you have led or overseen a safeguarding concern using a trauma-informed approach.
3. Contextual safeguarding and professional curiosity: Tell us about a time you applied contextual safeguarding or professional curiosity to a situation where the initial concern did not tell the full story. What did you notice, what questions did you ask, and how did this change the safeguarding response?
4. Reflective practice and supporting others: Give an example of how you have supported others to improve safeguarding decision-making through reflective practice (for example group reflection or one-to-one discussion). What was the issue and what changed?
5. Equity, racism and safeguarding: Describe a situation where race, ethnicity or structural inequality affected safeguarding risk or decision-making. How did you recognise this and what did you do to ensure a fair and proportionate response?
What we offer you:
- Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
- 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
- Charity Worker Discounts.
Read the guidance notes in the job pack.
Make sure you’ve read the job description and the essential requirements – make sure your application reflects those points in the requirements very clearly.
Tell us why you want to work for Kinship. We’re interested in working with people who share our values. You can read about our values above.
Keep your response clear – use bullets points and short paragraphs if that helps. It will help the recruitment team to focus on your knowledge, skills and experience.
We know people might use AI – however make sure the answers reflect you and who you are and your experience. So many applications are the same because they’re using AI. Make sure you stand out.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.


