Policy research manager jobs in Belfast

Fantastic opportunity for a Fundraising and Grants Manager 

Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) is a well-established and respected national charity offering specialist and expert advocacy and peer support to families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse. We have an exciting opportunity to build upon and grow our fundraising success to date, in the role ofFundraising and Grants Manager. We are seeking an experienced fundraising professional, with the drive and determination to manage all aspects of our fundraising function.

AAFDA is currently funded by statutory bodies, trusts and foundations, corporates, events and individuals. Under your management, you will identify, cultivate and grow these existing and new fundraising streams.As AAFDA’s Fundraising and Grants Manager, you will be responsible for oversight and growth of voluntary and statutory funding income, including from individuals (regular and one-off gifts, major donors and legacy giving), community groups, trusts and foundations, corporates, the statutory sector (including Police and Crime Commissioners) and other benefactors. Starting from a strong foundation with multiple opportunities for growth, you will lead on the delivery of our ambitious, multi-year, multi-disciplinary fundraising strategy with an annual fundraising plan agreed with senior management.  With keen funder and customer awareness, you will regularly monitor and review both the plan and the strategy, in addition to working closely with our Finance Manager to manage diverse income streams and achieve income targets to fund AAFDA’s unique support and advocacy work with families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse.  Holding responsibility for maintaining and developing the website and building social media programmes, you will undertake an ambassadorial approach in all activity to assist our CEO and Director of Services to lead and manage the AAFDA brand and corporate identity, with a focus on generating earned income, by extending awareness of what AAFDA does and how successful we are.

This is a permanent role, subject to funding, but we will work hard (alongside you!) to secure this.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

• 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
• Excellent development and training opportunities
• Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Scheme
• Employee Assist Scheme

Application closing date: 11th September 2026 5pm 

We review applications on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this posting early if we find the right candidate, so early submission is strongly advised.

To apply please submit a supporting statement along with your CV.

Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the criteria in the person specification.  Please highlight and explain how you meet these in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants. 

We welcome applications from candidates with experience of domestic abuse.  We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black or Minoritised backgrounds.

We are not currently able to accept applications if you do not hold permission to work in the UK.

Registered charity no: 1185078

ID: 1861 Senior Website & Digital Content Manager  

Service: Digital Marketing

Salary: Grade 4 point 38: £37,867.30 pro rata (£46,703 FTE) per annum, plus £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum (£389 pro rata)

Location: Homebased

Hours: Part time, 30 hours per week

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contract: Temporary 12 month contract (mat leave)

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities. 

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today. 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Website and Digital Content Team through a crucial period. You will have the chance to manage a portfolio of websites, including Family Action’s and Relate’s, and oversee the development and creation of digital content for a range of channels. You will manage a small team and work collaboratively across the wider development and external affairs directorate to drive brand awareness and income generation.  

Main Responsibilities (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Strategically manage a portfolio of websites across two distinct brands and a number of sub identities, ensuring they meet organisational goals, user needs, and sector best practice.

· Lead on the development and creation of digital and multimedia content across Family Action and Relate brands to support key business objectives

· Lead continuous optimisation of sales and donation journeys across Family Action and Relate websites, including testing, personalisation, and conversion rate improvements.

· Oversee the development of a new Relate website as part of a wider adaptive change programme, working closely with the Website and UX Manager and other key stakeholders.

· Use sophisticated analytics, data and insight tools to test, measure and evaluate content and website performance against KPIs, drive decisions and prioritise enhancements.

· Line manage a small team including a Website and UX Manager, Digital Marketing Executive, Content Executive and two temporary Website Project Managers

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Extensive experience of website development and management within complex organisations

· Extensive experience of managing complex digital projects with multiple stakeholders such a website builds

· Experience of optimising website user journeys to drive a measurable increase in conversions such as sales and donations

· Ability to drive and manage content generation, working with a range of subject matter experts and within a robust governance architecture Extensive experience of using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster to successfully plan, measure and evaluate content performance

· Experience of line management

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· Click the “Apply Now” link below and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: Monday 31st August at 23:59. Please note, we may close the position early if we find the right candidate.

· To learn more about Family Action: Careers

Interviews will likely to take place virtually during the first week of September 2026.

For direct queries or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the selection process or flexible working requests, please email: matthew.dennis (full email address located on advert document)

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, and will reimburse your travel cost if you attend an interview.

Social entrepreneurs scaling their ventures face a specific set of challenges including income generation, hiring, governance, hard calls about growth and risk, all alongside scaling their social impact. We’re recruiting learning and enterprise development managers who’ve lived that journey themselves, to bring first-hand credibility and challenge directly to the entrepreneurs on our scale-up and scale-up-plus programmes.

You’ll hold ownership of SSE’s scale-up approach, shaping our learning content on strategy, profitability and the systems that hold a growing venture together – grounded in what actually works, not just what’s written down. Facilitation sits at the heart of this role. You’ll design and deliver learning programmes and group sessions for cohorts of entrepreneurs as well as leading 1-2-1 coaching and diagnostics, and delivering Action Learning Sets, SSE’s long-standing peer-coaching method (training provided).

We’re looking for people who’ve founded or led a VCSE with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more and held financial accountability such as statutory reporting to the Charity Commission and, where relevant, Companies House, reporting to a board or funders, and making hard calls about growth, income and risk.

You’ll succeed in this role if you believe in what social entrepreneurship can achieve and want to turn your experience into supporting social ventures to scale and create more impact in their communities and beyond

We are entering a period of unprecedented opportunity. Advances in treatment, increasing recognition of the condition, and growing awareness of healthcare inequalities provide a unique chance to strengthen our impact and expand our reach across the UK. Our ambition is bold: to engage and support at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community as members within the next five years, creating a movement that is representative, influential and impossible to ignore.

The successful candidate will lead the development of a thriving national community of people affected by myasthenia, ensuring that individuals and families feel connected, represented and empowered. They will transform community insight into meaningful campaigns, influence policy and healthcare decision-making, and position myaware as the authoritative voice for everyone affected by the condition.

Success in this role will be measured not only by influence and campaigning outcomes, but by the growth, engagement and mobilisation of our community. The Director will play a central role in delivering our ambition to reach, engage and retain 50% of the UK's myasthenia population as members and active supporters within five years, creating a change-maker movement that is representative of our goals.

Key Responsibilities

Community Growth and Engagement

• Contribute towards the development and delivery of a comprehensive membership growth strategy aimed at engaging at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community within five years.
• Build a deep understanding of the patient journey and identify opportunities to connect with people from diagnosis onwards.
• Lead the development of services, programmes and engagement approaches that increase membership recruitment, retention and participation.
• Ensure that people affected by myasthenia are at the heart of all organisational decisions, campaigns and strategic priorities.
• Create pathways for members, volunteers, supporters and ambassadors to actively contribute to myaware's work.
• Use data, insight and market intelligence to measure community reach, identify underserved groups and drive continuous improvement.

Campaigning, Policy and Influence

• Develop and implement a national campaigning and influencing strategy focused on awareness, equity of care, access to treatment and service improvement.
• Position myaware as a leading voice within healthcare, policy and rare disease discussions across the UK.
• Build strategic relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards, NICE, clinicians, researchers, industry partners and allied charities.
• Lead public affairs activity, including consultation responses, parliamentary engagement, policy briefings and stakeholder events.
• Ensure lived experience evidence informs policy development, healthcare decision-making and treatment access discussions.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organisational strategy and performance.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and measurable impact.
• Work closely with fundraising, communications, partnerships, and service delivery colleagues to maximise organisational reach and effectiveness.

Awareness and Public Engagement

• Increase awareness and understanding of myasthenia among healthcare professionals, policymakers, media and the public.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen myaware's visibility, reputation and influence.
• Support the development of compelling campaigns, media activity and storytelling that inspire engagement and drive action.
• To be the spokesperson for myaware.

What Success Looks Like

Within five years, the postholder will have:

• Led significant growth in membership, progressing towards engaging at least 50% of the UK's myasthenia community.
• Increased participation in surveys, campaigns, events, volunteering and lived-experience activities.
• Established myaware as the recognised national voice for people affected by myasthenia.
• Secured meaningful influence in policy, healthcare and treatment access discussions.
• Generated evidence of improvements in awareness, service delivery, treatment access and patient representation.
• Built a highly engaged and empowered community capable of driving change at local, national and system levels.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, healthcare, membership, public affairs or advocacy sectors.
• Proven success in growing and engaging communities, memberships, movements or supporter bases at scale.
• Experience developing and delivering campaigning, influencing or public affairs strategies that have achieved measurable outcomes.
• Strong track record of building relationships with senior external stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Experience using data, insight and lived experience to shape organisational priorities and influence strategy.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Outstanding strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of community mobilisation, supporter engagement and membership growth.
• Ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into compelling public narratives and calls to action.
• Strong analytical and performance management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, co-production and patient-centred approaches.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Ambitious about building one of the UK's most engaged rare disease communities.
• Passionate about amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.
• Collaborative and inspiring.
• Politically astute and credible with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, innovative and outcomes focused.
• Motivated by creating lasting change for people living with long-term health conditions.

Why Join Us?

myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

This is a rare opportunity to build a community movement capable of transforming lives. You will lead the growth of a national membership community, shape policy and healthcare conversations, and help ensure that every person affected by myasthenia feels informed, supported, represented and connected.

Together, we aim to ensure that within five years, at least half of everyone living with myasthenia in the UK knows, trusts and actively engages with myaware as their community, their advocate and their voice.

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Friday.4th September

Provisional interview dates will be week commencing: 28.9.26

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

You will be one of the key points of contact for World Physiotherapy membership. The position is instrumental in assisting the smooth running of World Physiotherapy membership services and supporting the work of the membership manager, the regional executive committees, member organisations, and other staff across the full range of functions.

You will use your experience, initiative, confidence, project and organisational skills to provide business support across the organisation and its activities. These include the membership function requirements of the organisation, project support, operational logistics, member services and education activities. This will require liaising with staff, member organisations, board/committee members, and external stakeholders.

You will love working for a growing, values-driven organisation where you can use your skills to support the organisation’s business as usual activities as well as strategic projects working at all levels in the organisation and with key stakeholders.

You thrive in a dynamic, international team where you can implement systems and processes for effective and efficient operations, as well as bring your ideas to specific projects.

Duties and key responsibilities

Operational support

1. Liaising with member organisations, regions, specialty groups and networks as required by the membership manager and other staff.
2. Technical and logistical support across all operations for any meetings and webinars.
3. Work with relevant staff to ensure that activities are set up on Teamwork® (project management software) and support their ongoing management.
4. Ensure the CRM (Salesforce) is updated with relevant organisational and individual contacts and interactions.
5. Management of membership queries

Administrative support to the membership manager, regional executive committees and specialty groups, and those representing World Physiotherapy on defined activities or events

1. Scheduling of all regional executive committee meetings and supporting other meetings and webinars both via teleconference and face-to-face.
2. Drafting forms and surveys using Microsoft Forms and SurveyMonkey
3. Other project areas: work with the membership manager to carry out activity analysis
4. Provide day-to-day administrative support for World Physiotherapy’s membership activities and services.
5. Assess ways to improve project management and outcomes.
6. Provide general project support and carry out any other tasks requested by the manager.

Person specification

The membership support officer must have experience in project support and organisational administration. They must be highly organised, self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative in managing complex and competing demands from different sources.

It is expected that the individual will ideally have a good first degree, or relevant experience gained across a range of comparable settings, preferably with additional experience or qualifications in project management and/or business administration. Experience of working with senior staff and committees is essential.

The individual must have a legal right to work in the UK.

Attributes

Essential:

• advanced computer literacy skills and competency with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Surveymonkey, Salesforce, Teams, and Zoom.
• strong communication skills (in a cross cultural/professional environment)
• the ability to multi-task, prioritise and manage own workloads
• cultural awareness and sensitivity
• tact and discretion for dealing with confidential information

It is expected that the person appointed will have:

• a minimum of two years in a relevant work environment
• demonstrable ability to organise and prioritise own workload effectively
• experience of meeting planning including webinars
• experience gained working with teams and individuals across time zones internationally
• delivered a variety of business support and office services
• an efficient and well organised working style

Desirable:

• understanding of the physiotherapy profession
• ability to speak an additional language such as French, Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic

Candidates with relevant experience who meet the above attributes will be invited for an initial interview, which may be followed by a technical interview and skills test.

Experience of designing, delivering and improving participation, voice, involvement or lived experience programmes with children or young people is an essential requirement for this role. Please see the person specification below for all essential requirements before applying.

Role title: Voice Manager

Reporting to: Head of Impact and Innovation (note that this role will work collaboratively across the organisation to drive this agenda on lived experience being embedded through the charity) 

Location of work: The post holder will be home-based, with office visits required approximately once a month, and department/organisational away days which will be discussed with Line Manager. The role may involve some occasional irregular travel to attend events and meetings throughout England and Scotland.

Contract type: Ideally full time, 35 hours per week, although flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work. 

Contract length: Permanent 

Salary: £43,500 

Background

For more than 20 years, Magic Breakfast has been helping children and young people start the day with the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive. But the impact of breakfast goes far beyond food. Every morning, we help pupils arrive at school feeling valued, included, and ready to reach their potential.

Today, 2.1 million children across the UK are at risk of hunger, the equivalent of four pupils in a classroom of 30. Working with schools in disadvantaged communities across England and Scotland, Magic Breakfast is committed to ensuring no child is too hungry to learn. One breakfast at a time, we are helping children and young people build brighter futures.

This is a pivotal moment to join Magic Breakfast. Governments in both England and Scotland have committed to expanding access to free school breakfasts, recognising the vital role they play in children’s wellbeing and attainment. Yet significant gaps remain. Pupils in secondary schools, alongside younger children in nursery and early years settings, are still at risk of starting the day hungry. Hunger does not begin at age five, nor end at age 11, and neither does our mission.

By joining Magic Breakfast, you will become part of a passionate, ambitious organisation driving lasting change for children and young people across the UK.

Job Purpose 

Magic Breakfast has already begun developing its approach to embedding children and young people's voiceas outlined in ourorganisational Nourishing Futures strategy and business plan, launched in 2025. Alongside this, a Lived Experience strategy and roadmap set out the plan to ensure child and youth voice is heard at all points in our decision making.This role will operationalise that roadmap, strengthening the systems, standards, capability and accountability needed to embed participation across the organisation. 

The Voice Manager will lead the development and delivery of Magic Breakfast’s approach to lived experience voice, with a particular focus on children and young people. They will ensure that the processes, policies, practicalguidanceand organisational capability is in place to enable the views, experiences and priorities of children and young peopletoshapethe organisation. 

This is a new roleat Magic Breakfast, responding to our Nourishing Futures strategy with a vision of a UK where every child is nourished, empowered and thriving.It’sa dynamic, matrix role, that works with teams across the organisation and will evolve over time, initially seeking to develop and embed new practices and approaches,which will impacton the culture and practices of the organisation.Previous experience of working ina similar role is vital as this role will provide lead counsel on child and youth participation across the organisation. 

The role holder will provide expert advice to colleagues across the organisation, helping teams embed meaningful, safe,inclusive and non-tokenistic participation in their work.The aim is for children and young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, including those who may face barriersto engaging,are able to influence Magic Breakfast’s work.Anessential part of this role will be ensuring that,as well as the necessary internal infrastructure, the culture and mindset is in place to support the wider strategic aims. 

Key Responsibilities 

Voice leadership and organisational practice 

• Shape and operationalise Magic Breakfast’s children and young people’s voice function, ensuring it is aligned to organisational strategy, business planning and evaluation, safeguarding requirements and EDI commitments. 

• Reviewand maintain organisational guidance, processes andparticipation infrastructure that supportschildren and young people’s participation, includingconsent, accessibility, safeguarding,risk, recognition (e.g.remuneration), feedbackloopsand ethical storytelling. 

Organisational capability-buildingand support 

• Provide specialist advice to internal teams on when and how to involve children and young people, for examplein decision-making, service development, policy influencing, communications, fundraising,researchand evaluation. 

• Develop and deliver training, resources and reflective learning opportunities that help staff understand the importance of children and young people’s voice and build confidence in applying participatory approaches. 

• Work closely withourPeople and Culture team to embed voice and participation learning into wider performance expectations, ways of working, internal culture and learning,and development pathways. 

• Chair,coordinateor contribute to internal working groups that bring colleagues together to embed children and young people’s voice across teams and projects. 

• Champion a culture of listening, accountability and continuous improvement, highlighting whereand howchildren and young people’s views have influenced decisions to provide positive reinforcement of actions. 

Participation, engagementand co-design 

• Design,pilotand develop participatory approaches(such as regional lived experience panels, pupil panels, advisory groups, workshops, focus groups, creative consultation methodsand digital activities) for engaging children and young people,and support organisation-wide adoption. 

• Ensure participation approaches are accessible and inclusive for children and young people with different needs,experiences and communication preferences, including those who may be less likely to engage through traditional methods. 

• Ensure appropriate feedback loops are in place,s oparticipants and contributors understand how their views have shaped decisions, proposals, policy asks, breakfast provision or further research priorities. 

Safeguarding,ethicsand risk management 

• Ensure all voice and participation activity is delivered safely and in line with Magic Breakfast’s safeguarding, data protection, health and safety,consentand risk management policies. 

• Ensure children and young people are appropriately prepared, supported and followed up before, during and after participation activities, including signposting to support where needed. 

• Be an active member of the internal Safeguarding Committee, proactively flagging issues and developing or updating anyappropriate processes, whilst supporting a shift in approach from compliance to culturally embedded. 

• Support colleagues to develop appropriate risk assessments for online and in-person participation activities, and where needed, escalating concerns in line with organisational processes. 

• Support colleagues to apply ethical and inclusive approaches to gathering,analysingand using children and young people’s views, particularly where sensitive personal experiences may be shared. 

Insight and Influence 

• Develop and maintain approach to measure participation, influence, reach,qualityand impact, ensuring alignment with Magic Breakfast’s existing evaluation and reporting cycles. 

• Represent Magic Breakfast in external working groups,coalitions and participation networks, sharing learning and bringing sector insight back into the organisation. 

• Support funder conversations and proposals where required by clearly articulating Magic Breakfast’s ambitions,approachand impact in relation to children and young people’s voice. 

• Promote organisational learning by sharing participation insights, emerging themes and examples of influence across teams, helping to strengthen practice and decision-making. 

• Commission or manage external support, suppliers or partners where needed,ensuring quality of work 

Person Specification 

Essential knowledge and experience

• Experience of designing,deliveringand improving participation, voice, involvement or lived experience programmes with children or young people. 

• Experience of applying safeguarding, consent, confidentiality, data protection and risk management processes in participation or engagement activity. 

• Experience of managing projects or workstreams from design through to delivery, monitoring,learningand reporting. 

• Experience of facilitating workshops, focus groups, panels or advisory groups, both online and in person. 

• Experience of translating qualitative insight into clear findings, recommendations,reportsor resources for different audiences. 

• Experience of developing or managing place-based, community-ledor regional engagement structures. 

• Experience of developing guidance, tools,trainingor resources that support others to adopt good practice. 

• Experience of building trusting,appropriateand inclusive relationships with children and young people from a range of backgrounds and experiences. 

• Experience ofmatrixworking across teamsand influencing decision making 

Essential skills and behaviours  

• Strong understanding of meaningful,ethicaland non-tokenistic participation, co-designand lived experience practice within the UK. 

• Good understanding of safeguarding, emotional wellbeing, healthy boundaries and inclusive practice when working with children and young people. 

• Strong facilitation skills, with the ability to create inclusive spaces, encourage participation and manage group dynamics or challenging conversations sensitively. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make complex information clear,accessible and engaging for different audiences. 

• Ability to work with data and evidence to develop metrics,monitor progress and report impact. 

• Commitment to equity,diversityand inclusion, and to reducing barriers to participation for children and young people. 

Desirable Knowledge, experience and skills 

• Experience of child or youth voice activity in schools, education, youth work, anti-poverty, food insecurity, health, socialactionor charity settings. 

• Experience of supporting children and young people to engage with policymakers, funders, media,campaignsor public-facing opportunities. 

• Experience of working with community partners, local authorities, combined authorities, youth organisations, faithgroupsor other trusted local intermediaries to support inclusive participation. 

General requirements 

• Willing and able to travel across the UK for school visits, workshops,eventsand partner meetings. 

• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends where participation activity requires it, with time off in lieuinline with organisational policy. 

• Enhanced DBS check may be required depending on the final design of the role and level of direct work with children and young people. 

APPLICATION PROCCESS

You can access our job pack and more information about Magic Breakfast via our website. 

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team (hr @ magicbreakfast. com)

Shortlisting: w/c 31st August

Interview 1: w/c 14th September

Interview 2 and Informal Panel: w/c 21st September

Due to the high volume of applications, this role is likely to close early and we reserve the right to do so. 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. 

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

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

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

This is a 4-day a week position (30 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will: 

You will bring to this role:

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. Applications close on Tuesday 1st September, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 7th September 2026.

• Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
• Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
• Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the health needs and experiences of people with a learning disability and their families.
• Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
• Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
• Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Experience of working on health policy issues.
• Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
• Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
• The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
•  Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
• Knowledge of the health issues facing people with a learning disability, as well as the health and wider parliamentary system. 
• Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability. 

Benefits

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

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

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

About Mencap

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

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

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

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

· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. 

· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes 

· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. 

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

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

Lead change. Shape policy. Amplify the voices of bereaved families.

Child Bereavement UK is looking for an accomplished Head of Policy & Research to lead our evidence and policy agenda at a pivotal time for the charity.

You'll bring a strong track record of leading policy and research activity, developing influential partnerships, and translating evidence into meaningful change. With an established understanding of the policy landscape and the credibility to engage senior stakeholders across health, social care, government and the voluntary sector, you'll play a key role in shaping policy and practice for bereaved families across the UK.

You'll lead our research programme, develop evidence-based positions, build strategic partnerships, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are reflected in policy and practice across the UK.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience and established networks in policy and research.
• Can translate complex evidence into compelling recommendations for change.
• Is an exceptional relationship-builder, communicator and strategic thinker.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents.

This is a rare opportunity to shape national conversations, influence decision-makers and ensure lived experience is at the heart of policy and practice.

Please note, the role will involve regular travel to London based conferences, events and network meetings as required, plus occasional travel to team meetings in Birmingham.

Join us and help create lasting change for bereaved families across the UK.

Research Manager

Location: Flexible, London Head Office (minimum 2 days per week in the office) or Home Based
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £44,598 (London, Hybrid) or £40,320 (home-based)
Closing Date: 9.00am, Monday 17 August 2026
Interview Dates: Thursday 3 September and Friday 4 September 2026 (expected)

Join Homeless Link

Homeless Link is the national membership charity for frontline homeless agencies in England. With more than 750 members, we work to improve services and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness and ensure that everyone has a place to call home and the support they need to keep it.  

As part of the Social Change directorate the Policy and Research team lead Homeless Link’s evidence, policy influencing and thought leadership activities. The research team generates robust evidence and practical insight to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. We exist to contribute to the national evidence base needed to shape policy, challenge narratives, and advocate for system-level change. We deliver applied mixed-methods social research that helps organisations, commissioners, and communities understand needs, experiences, and what works to strengthen responses to homelessness.

About the Role

We’re looking to recruit a Research Manager to support the delivery of our strategic research portfolio. This role will involve managing and delivering research design, data collection, analysis and reporting, while working collaboratively with colleagues across Homeless Link, member organisations, academics, government officials, partners and people with lived experience.

The successful candidate will be an excellent project manager with strong quantitative research skills. They will have communication and relationship building skills, understanding of interpreting research findings in wider policy contexts, and of making strategic recommendations for national and local policy and decision makers.  For full details of the role please download our Recruitment Pack.

About You

We're looking for an experienced researcher with strong project management skills and expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. You'll be comfortable working with data, producing high-quality analysis and communicating findings to a wide range of audiences.

You will bring:

• Experience managing research or evaluation projects from inception to completion.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Experience analysing and interpreting data from multiple sources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Experience using research and data analysis software such as SPSS, R, NVivo or Power BI.

Location and Working Arrangements

This role can be based at our London Head Office or b can be home-based, with flexibility to work remotely. The successful candidate must be willing to travel across the UK when required, including occasional overnight stays.

Employee Benefits

Homeless Link is proud to offers a wide range of generous benefits including:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Enhanced Maternity, Parental, Adoption and Sick Pay schemes
• Enhanced employer pension contributions and Salary Exchange Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan scheme
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
• Group Life Assurance scheme (4x Scheme Salary benefit)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Homeless Link is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively welcomes applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, people from Black and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and other underrepresented groups. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role to recruitment email. Applicants that do not submit a covering letter, will not be considered. If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, please contact the recruitment team on the above email address.

Please note: All successful applicants will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK and complete or provide a basic DBS certificate.  

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Research and Policy Officer 
Job Description 

About DigitalCare Hub 

Digital technology helps care services spend more time caring. It helps the people we support keep control of their lives, and of their care. Over the last few years, the need for information to be shared securely and efficiently between health and care services has become even moreapparent. But this introduces new risks – for example how information is kept safe and secure, and what happens if a digital system fails. 

This is a shared role across DigitalCare HubandtheBetter Security, Better Careprogramme which wemanage. 

Digital Care Hubis runwithsocialcare,for social care.The Digital Care Hub provides free information,guidanceand support to enable adult social care providers to make the most of digital technology – and to do it safely. 

We are an independent, not-for profit, Community Interest Company, guided by care providers, so we understand the needs and challenges facing the diverse range of organisations in our sector. 

Better Security, BetterCareis a support programme– funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and managed by Digital Care Hub -to help adult social care providers to store and share information safelyby using the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). The DSPT is a free, online self-assessment for health and care providers to evaluate and improve their data and cyber security. 

The programme is delivered by acentral team and our local support organisations across the country. Most of these support organisations arelocal care provider trade associations. We also work closely with colleagues from the NHS, ADASS, DHSC and local councils. 

About you and the role 

We're looking for an inquisitive, analytical and collaborativeResearch and Policy Officerto join our growing team. 

You'll play a key role in helping Digital Care Hub become the leading source of evidence, insight and practical guidance on digital transformation, data, AI and cybersecurity in adult social care. 

Working across our national programmes, you'll design and deliver research projects, analyse policy developments, engage with providers and partners, and translate complex issues into clear, practical resources that help the sector improve. You'll contribute to consultation responses, produce reports and briefings, support national events and webinars, and help us demonstrate the impact of our work. 

This is a varied role that combines research, policy development, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery. No two weeks will look the same—you could be facilitating a roundtable with care providers, analysing survey data, drafting a briefing for government, interviewing providers for a case study or helping develop new guidance on AI in social care. 

You'll work closely with colleagues across Digital Care Hub and our national partners, taking an entrepreneurial approach to identifying emerging issues, generating insight and turning evidence into action. You'll report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will have the opportunity to shape the development of our research and policy function as the organisation continues to grow. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research and Insight 

• Design and deliver research projects. 

• Develop surveys and analyse data. 

• Conduct interviews and focus groups. 

• Facilitate provider roundtables. 

• Review policy and academic literature. 

• Produce evidence summaries. 

• Identify emerging issues across digital health and adult social care. 

Policy Development 

• Draft policy papers and consultation responses. 

• Translate research into practical recommendations. 

• Produce briefings for government, boards and senior leaders. 

• Track developments across DHSC, NHS England, CQC and ICO. 

• Support Digital Care Hub policy positions. 

Programme Delivery 

• Support grant funded programmes. 

• Develop guidance and resources. 

• Produce webinar materials and case studies. 

• Coordinate advisory groups. 

• Support monitoring and evaluation. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build relationships with providers and representative bodies. 

• Collaborate with universities, government and sector partners. 

• Engage technology suppliers where appropriate. 

Communications 

• Write reports, briefings and newsletters. 

• Draft articles and presentations. 

• Support thought leadership. 

Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Develop outcome measures. 

• Analyse programme impact. 

• Produce evaluation reports. 

• Identify lessons learned. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Degree or equivalent experience. 

• Experience designing research projects. 

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills. 

• Excellent written communication. 

• Ability to explain complex subjects clearly. 

• Excellent organisational skills. 

Desirable 

• Charity experience. 

• Knowledge of digital transformation. 

• Understanding of AI and cybersecurity. 

• Experience evaluating programmes. 

• Experience working with government. 

 
Main terms and conditions 

• £36,000 per annum including pension. 

• Full timefixed term12 month fixed term contract 

• Homebased,withsometravelacross England 

• 28 days annual leave plus Bank holidays 

This role leads the development of evidence-based, equity-driven research, policy and legal interventions that advance a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK.

About us

Uplift supports efforts to create a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK. We urgently need to phase out oil and gas drilling to stay within safe climate limits. Yet, despite having renewable resources in abundance, the UK remains Europe’s second largest oil and gas producer. We can and must be ambitious about moving past oil and gas production, while empowering and supporting workers and communities who rely on the industry for their livelihoods. Working with everyone from policy-makers and Parliamentarians, to academics and campaigners, Uplift undertakes research, analysis and campaigning to support a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK.

About Us

We are an environmental charity with science at our heart. We help people to take action to protect the nature around them; by connecting them with it and giving them the tools they need to do so. We passionately believe in citizen science and are leaders in it. Our current focus areas include helping to create nature-friendly urban spaces, growing the impact of internationally known citizen science programmes such as Freshwater Watch, developing early career scientists and sharing learning internationally, and working with partners to advance the science, tools and thinking behind citizen science.

Role purpose:

To drive the growth of income from businesses, local authorities and public sector funders by identifying, developing and securing strategic partnerships. The role will build high-value relationships, generate new funding opportunities, and lead the development of compelling proposals, working closely with colleagues across Earthwatch to convert opportunities into longterm partnerships and sustainable income. This role will focus on building connections and opening doors, working closely with the Director to convert opportunities into funding to meet organisational targets.

Key deliverables:

Partnership Management and Development

• Lead on building and maintaining positive relationships with existing contacts in businesses, local authorities, and other partners in line with organisational priorities.
• Carry out excellent stewardship and management of partnerships, overseeing delivery plans, strategic activities and routine partnership activities.
• Lead all aspects of the partnership development process, including prospect research, proposal development and pitching, ensuring a seamless pathway from opportunity identification to funding secured.
• Cultivate relationships with other charitable organisations to expand Earthwatch’s network of partners and collaborate on joint environmental initiatives.

Proposal Writing and Project Development

• Lead the preparation of compelling funding proposals, tailored to meet the specific interests and priorities of potential partners.
• Ensure proposals are timely, impactful, and demonstrate clear outcomes.
• Work closely with the Finance team to develop accurate project budgets, ensuring all proposals are cost-effective and financially viable.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects and funding opportunities, contributing to agreed annual income targets. 

Sector Awareness and Marketing

• Monitor plans and strategies from businesses, local authorities and government bodies with a view to spotting opportunities for partnership working.
• Collaborate with the Communications teams to create high-quality marketing materials that support partner engagement and public relations.
• Represent Earthwatch at partner and networking events. 

Monitoring and Reporting

• Oversee the end-to-end grant management process, including timely submission of progress reports and financial narratives to ensure full compliance with donor requirements.
• Maintain a comprehensive reporting process via the CRM, providing accurate income generation updates, dashboards, and pipeline forecasts.
• Monitor environmental and sustainability issues in the media including emerging policies, trends and the performance of organisations with whom we have relationships. 

Collaboration and Team Support:

• Work closely with colleagues across the organisation, particularly the Income Generation, Programmes, Communications, and Finance teams, to ensure that funding proposals and reports are aligned with Earthwatch’s programs and objectives. 

In undertaking these roles, the postholder should also have regard to:

• Acting as an ambassador for the work, vision and values of Earthwatch Europe.
• Ensuring continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post, undergoing training and performance review as required.
• Working within all the policies and procedures of Earthwatch Europe, ensuring compliance with health & safety policies and all legal and contractual obligations associated with the post.
• Collaborating with other Earthwatch teams to ensure effective delivery of partnership programmes.
• Carrying out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post, as requested by the postholder’s line manager.

Please see the full job description attached.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; Earthwatch is unable to support visa applications. 

Earthwatch is committed to making any adjustments we can for short-listed candidates, to facilitate participation in our interview process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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. 

About Us

We are an environmental charity with science at our heart. We help people to take action to protect the nature around them; by connecting them with it and giving them the tools they need to do so. We passionately believe in citizen science and are leaders in it. Our current focus areas include helping to create nature-friendly urban spaces, growing the impact of internationally known citizen science programmes such as Freshwater Watch, developing early career scientists and sharing learning internationally, and working with partners to advance the science, tools and thinking behind citizen science.

Role purpose:

To play a pivotal role in growing income from trusts, foundations and statutory funders by proactively identifying opportunities, cultivating high-value relationships and developing compelling funding proposals that align with Earthwatch's strategic priorities. This role will focus on raising funds from trusts and foundations, working closely with the Director to meet organisational funding targets. 

Key deliverables:

Relationship Development and Management:

• Identify and develop new funding opportunities and build relationships with trust, foundation and statutory funders at a senior level.
• Manage all aspects of the trusts and foundations fundraising cycle, including prospect research, application development, stewardship, retention and long-term funder engagement.
• Cultivate relationships with other charitable organisations to expand Earthwatch’s network of partners and collaborate on joint environmental initiatives.
• Maintain excellent stewardship of funders through regular communication, impact reporting and relationship management, supporting long-term engagement and repeat funding.
• Represent Earthwatch at donor and networking events.

Proposal Writing and Grant Applications:

• Lead the preparation of compelling funding proposals, tailored to meet the specific interests and priorities of potential funders.
• Ensure proposals are timely, impactful, and demonstrate clear outcomes.
• Work closely with the Finance team to develop accurate project budgets, ensuring all proposals are cost-effective and financially viable.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects and funding opportunities, contributing to agreed annual income targets.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Oversee the end-to-end grant management process, including timely submission of progress reports and financial narratives to ensure full compliance with donor requirements. 
• Maintain a comprehensive reporting process via the CRM, providing accurate income generation updates, dashboards, and pipeline forecasts. 

Collaboration and Team Support:

• Work closely with colleagues across the organisation, particularly the Income Generation, Programmes, Communications, and Finance teams, to ensure that funding proposals and reports are aligned with Earthwatch’s programs and objectives.

In undertaking these roles, the postholder should also have regard to:

• Acting as an ambassador for the work, vision and values of Earthwatch Europe.
• Ensuring continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post, undergoing training and performance review as required.
• Working within all the policies and procedures of Earthwatch Europe, ensuring compliance with health & safety policies and all legal and contractual obligations associated with the post.
• Collaborating with other Earthwatch teams to ensure effective delivery of partnership programmes.
• Carrying out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post, as requested by the postholder’s line manager.

Please see the full job description attached.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; Earthwatch is unable to support visa applications. 

Earthwatch is committed to making any adjustments we can for short-listed candidates, to facilitate participation in our interview process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.