Policy research officer jobs
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The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will:
Design and execute an impactful influencing plan
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Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones.
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Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.
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Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks.
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Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.
Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation
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Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives.
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Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert.
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Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic.
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Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change.
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Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.
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Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus.
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Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact.
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Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference.
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Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following:
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Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice.
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Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).
We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply.
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you an experienced Media or PR professional looking for the next step up in your career?
With homelessness at record highs, St Mungo’s are looking for a politically engaged, creative, and driven Press and PR Officer to amplify our frontline work and influence efforts to end homelessness for good.
You’ll join a small, dynamic team of three and lead all media and PR activity linked to our policy, research, and influencing work. This is a pivotal role in our busy press office, building strong relationships with political and social affairs journalists to share compelling stories from one of the UK’s leading homelessness charities.
In this role, you will:
- Respond to varied media requests, from service visits to commentary on major Government announcements like the National Plan to End Homelessness.
- Create impactful, politically savvy press materials, press releases, opinion pieces, responses to breaking news and letters to editors.
- Advise senior leaders on policy-related PR, providing briefings and practice interviews.
- Use St Mungo’s data creatively to tell stories about issues affecting people experiencing homelessness.
- Support ministerial visits and collaborate with government and sector partners to showcase our frontline work.
About you
You might already be working as a Senior Press and PR officer looking for a new challenge or looking for the next step in your media career. To be successful in this exciting role you will be someone who:
- Thrives under-pressure and can juggle multiple and competing demands, while prioritising your own workload.
- Is a team player who is happy to take ownership of projects and step up to support colleagues at all levels as required.
- Works with a solution focused approach who can see the ‘big picture’ and problem solve in a pressurised environment.
- Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Has experience of delivering proactive PR and communications campaigns and the ability to deal with crisis communications.
In this role you will be required to work flexibly for at least 2 days per week from our Central Office in London. This allows for training, in person collaboration, team building, and other relationship building opportunities. We support a flexible approach to work with opportunities for agile working for the rest of your week; from home, or other St Mungo’s London or regional locations.
While our Central Office is currently based in Tower Hill, London we plan to relocate in the summer of 2026 to a new space in Farringdon, London.
How to apply
To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.
When you're ready to apply click the ‘Apply Now’ Button to submit your CV and Supporting Statement.
To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.
Closing date: 10am 28 January 2026
Interview and assessments on 5-6 February 2026
St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.
What we offer
- Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
- A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
- Great Pay and Other Benefits
For over a century, The King’s Fund has worked to improve people’s health and care. We do this through our research, analysis and insight; leadership and organisational development with health and care leaders; convening and events; and partnering with others. With bold thinking for better health, we’re on a mission to inspire hope and confidence that we can create a world where everyone lives a healthy life.
As a key part of this our events bring together people using our independent voice to help tackle the thorniest questions facing our health and care system, and in turn society.
We provide insightful and sector leading events which:
• Support our combined impact and build the profile of The King’s Fund
• Help enact change through bringing people together to find shared solutions
• Support our audiences to make sense of the health and care landscape
• And provide a space for honest conversations and collaboration.
The events team is responsible for the end-to-end development and delivery of a full programme of paid for in-person and virtual events (such as our Annual Conference, and Annual Leadership and Workforce Summit) and for delivering a large portion of the free events that take place across The Fund; including online events, roundtables, workshops, receptions and dinners. The events team ensures that there is a co-ordinated and uniform approach to delivering virtual or in-person events, and that each is delivered to the same high standard.
This role will give you an exciting opportunity to work in our busy events team within a well-respected health think-tank and charity. You will work with colleagues on planning and delivering a mixture of pay-to-attend conferences (virtual and in-person), roundtable discussions, dinners, and free online events. You will also manage the content design and delivery of our joint-badged events with our sponsors, Corporate Partners and Supporters.
You will lead on several events in the schedule; developing content in line with colleagues across The King’s Fund and more widely in-line with our new strategy. You will be responsible (with the rest of the events team) in ensuring they are insightful, run smoothly, keep to strict budgets, are delivered to a very high standard, meet the expectations of colleagues and delegates, and enhance our reputation and public profile. You will also play a key role in shaping the future of our portfolio of in-person, virtual and hybrid events.
To join us, you’ll need a degree (or equivalent) and experience in planning and delivering virtual and in person conferences and other smaller events. With this background, you’ll know how to research and develop event content to create engaging programmes and attract wide audiences. You will have excellent organisational skills and the ability to lead effective logistics arrangements in preparation for and on the day of events. We’ll expect you to work hard to support the team and you will be given responsibility for your own areas of work. You’ll also need to be flexible, diligent, and comfortable being the main point of contact for many people from sponsors to speakers.
Here at the Fund, we actively encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBT+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.
The Fund is committed to a hybrid working model that meets the organisation’s needs, while giving staff flexibility to choose between office and home working. Staff are expected to work a minimum of 40% from our central London office and are free to work more days from the office if they prefer.
Additionally, if you would find it helpful to have a short, informal conversation before applying for the role, please contact Michael Ryan, Events Content Manager.
How to apply
To apply, please visit our website and read our supplementary guidance documents, then download and fill in our application form. Please do not send CVs. If completing the application form presents any challenges, contact us by email so we can discuss options.
Please note that in order to apply, you must have existing documented proof of your right to live and work in the UK.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday, 23 January at 3pm. Late applications will not be considered.
We regret that we cannot respond individually to all applicants due to the high number of applications we receive. If you have not been contacted within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted for interview. Please note that we are unable to offer feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted for interview.
First interviews will be held on 4 February, but the panel can be flexible for a particularly strong candidate. The role is available to start shortly thereafter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Wales)
Directorate: Strategy and Knowledge
Team/Department: Policy and Public Affairs
Salary range: £ 28,337 - £33,301 (recruitment is typically at the bottom of the range)
Location: Cardiff (hybrid working, with at least one day per week in the Cardiff office). The post holder maybe expected to travel to locations across the UK to support business needs, as and when required.
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Context and Background
The NSPCC’s vision is that together, we can stop child abuse and neglect. Through the collective power of our staff, volunteers, supporters, partners, and over 100 years of experience we will move closer to achieving that vision.
We launched our ten-year strategy in 2021, which is centred around three impact goals. This is the difference we want to make by 2031:
- Everyone plays their part to prevent child abuse: we’ll work together to make it easier for everyone to play their part and create a social safety net that prevents child abuse and neglect.
- Every child is safe online: together, we’ll transform the online world, so it’s safe for every child to go online.
- Children feel safe, listened to and supported: more children will be able to speak out, so they feel safe, listened to and understood – and abuse doesn’t shape their future.
The Policy and Public Affairs team works to ensure that national laws, policies and guidance across the UK are fit-for-purpose in preventing cruelty to children. We work across the four nations of the UK. We develop and maintain the NSPCC’s positions on key public policy issues, drawing on research and policy analysis and feed in organisational insight and expertise gained through our services. We use our evidence-based positions to shape and influence national policy discussions on issues affecting child protection and manage the NSPCC’s political relations and work with governments, legislatures and stakeholders across the UK.
We focus on five key policy priorities: the child protection system and children’s social care; early years and health; child sexual abuse; online safety; and young victims and witnesses.
Job purpose
We are recruiting a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to contribute to the work of the Wales Policy and Public Affairs team in delivering real change and reform in the best interests of children.
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will be responsible for undertaking policy work to achieve the NSPCC’s strategic goals, using their skills and experience to strengthen the NSPCC’s impact on public policy, and in doing so make a significant contribution to keeping children safe. The post holder will support the delivery of a range of policy-focused projects both within the Wales policy team, and across the wider UK policy team:
- Within the Wales team, the Officer will research and help build persuasive, evidence-based policy positions, support the NSPCC’s influencing activity as appropriate, and write consultations and impactful briefings. They will play a key role in supporting policy analysis, policy research and public affairs activity with a range of external stakeholders, including relevant elected members and government officials. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this role.
- Across the wider UK team, the Officer will also support policy colleagues working on one or more of our policy priority areas (which are focussed on: child protection; child sexual abuse; early years; online safety; young victims and witnesses). The post holder will help to coordinate collaboration across the teams, facilitate information-sharing and support the delivery of relevant cross-nation projects
Key relationships - Internal
- Reports to the Policy and Public Affairs Manager Wales)
- Colleagues in the wider Policy and Public Affairs and Campaigns teams across the UK
- Colleagues in the Strategy and Knowledge directorate
- Colleagues in the Media team
- Colleagues in the Services directorate (to ensure policy development is informed by experiences and learning from our frontline professionals/ volunteers)
- Colleagues working with children and young people (to ensure the experiences and voices of young people are embedded in policy and influencing work)
Key relationships - External
- Key civil servants and policy advisers in Welsh Government
- Elected representatives in the Senedd and local government structures
- Colleagues in relevant voluntary and statutory agencies
- Practitioner bodies
- Key academics, researchers and research networks
Main duties and responsibilities
- Develop and maintain expertise on key policy areas, enabling the NSPCC to predict and react to changes in the external environment.
- Scope, develop and refine key policies on priority issues, in line with the NSPCC’s strategic goals and outcomes.
- Support the smooth running of one of more NSPCC policy workstreams, supporting effective four-nations collaboration
- Prepare high-quality briefings, summaries and papers for internal and external audiences.
- Draft responses to government consultations and other public policy initiatives.
- Use project management skills to plan effectively the delivery of policy development activity and aligned public affairs activities.
- Undertake policy research and analysis, using a wide range of primary and secondary sources of evidence (such as policy documents, academic literature, survey data and qualitative data from interviews and focus groups), to develop high impact, credible policy positions
- Be a point of contact for internal and external requests for information and advice on NSPCC’s positions public positions
- Coordinate the delivery of NSPCC policy events and conferences (working with colleagues from across the organisation) and represent the NSPCC at external events.
Responsibilities for all Staff within the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate
There is a set of responsibilities for all staff within each directorate.
- A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
- To carry out the responsibilities of the post in a manner consistent with promoting equality and diversity, and which demonstrates respect for children’s rights
- To participate actively in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy, discussions and decisions
- To maintain an awareness of own and other’s health and safety and comply with the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures
- A willingness to take a flexible approach to work.
Person specification
- A good understanding of public policy relating to the NSPCC’s work, child protection issues and knowledge of the wider legal and political context in Wales.
- Demonstrable public affairs skills, with good knowledge of policymaking and parliamentary processes in Wales and experience of successfully influencing government or other policymakers.
- Proven policy development and policy research skills, with experience of collecting and analysing data, forming robust, evidence-based policy positions, and clearly presenting findings to make a clear and compelling case for policy and legislative change.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences and deal effectively, efficiently and appropriately with internal and external stakeholders.
- Good organisational and project management skills, with demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a time-pressured environment.
- Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
- Experience of organising and successfully delivering external influencing events
- Support for the NSPCC’s mission and values
Safer Recruitment
As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.
Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.
The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Our principles:
- Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.
- Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.
- We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.
- Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.
- As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.
- All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.
About the role
At St Mungo’s, we are dedicated to transforming lives and ending rough sleeping. Beyond providing direct services to our clients, we leverage the experience, data, and evidence from our work to advocate for systemic change across the UK. Our Strategies, Policy, and Research team is at the heart of this mission, using rich insights to shape policies that drive positive change.
We are currently looking for a Strategy and Research Officer to join the team, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing development of St Mungo’s approach to strategy and research and supporting the delivery, implementation and reporting of strategies and action plans. In this role you will:
· Uphold rigorous and ethical research standards across the organisation, ensuring all research activities and commissioned projects adhere to best practices and our strategic priorities.
· Manage and conduct smaller research projects, with support from the Strategy and Research Manager, including undertaking qualitative and quantitative data collection (such as interviews, focus groups or surveys) and data analysis.
· Support the Strategy and Research Manager with oversight of organisational strategies and delivery of associated action plans.
In this role you will be required to work flexibly for at least 2 days per week from our Central Office in Tower Hill, London. This allows for training, in person collaboration, team building, line management and other relationship building opportunities. We support a flexible approach to work with opportunities for agile working for the rest of your week; from home, or other St Mungo’s London or regional locations.
About you
About you
We are looking for a candidate with experience in developing, designing, and delivering research and evaluation projects that align with the organisation’s strategic goals.
The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of working collaboratively with stakeholders to produce accurate research reports.
They will have experience of analysing data from various sources to compile comprehensive reports and in monitoring and evaluating organisational strategies.
Above all, we are looking for people who share our ambitions and have a genuine interest in working as part of an organisation to support people experiencing homelessness.
How to apply
To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.
To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.
St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.
Closing date: 10am on 26th Jan 2026
Interview and assessments on: 10th / 11th Feb 2026
While our Central Office is currently based in Tower Hill, London we plan to relocate in the summer of 2026 and are currently exploring alternative office locations on the eastern edge of the City of London
What we offer
- Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
- A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
- Great Pay and Other Benefits
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
FLEX is looking for a passionate advocate with a good understanding of the UK political system, of labour abuse and/ or exploitation and human trafficking in the UK, demonstrable experience of coalition working and building relationships with key stakeholders working in the anti-trafficking, employment rights, and/or immigration sectors and Project Management. This recruitment comes at an exciting and challenging time for our work at the intersection of employment rights and immigration policy and you will lead on the implementation of our Secure Reporting pilot funded by the GLA. This role will inform and support our work to influence and improve law, policy and practice affecting workers in high-risk sectors in the UK.
In this role, you will work on FLEX’s advocacy, lead on a London level Secure Reporting pilot and contribute to the joint research advocacy and project work of FLEX networks and and coalitions. These currently include the Labour Exploitation Advisory Group (LEAG) and the Taskforce on Victims of Trafficking in Immigration Detention, two networks made of expert organisations directly supporting people who have experienced or are at risk of exploitation. Above all this role requires someone with real passion and commitment to FLEX’s work to end labour exploitation and an excitement for working in a small, dynamic team.
About FLEX: Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) is a research and policy organisation working towards an end to labour exploitation. FLEX seeks to achieve this vision through the prevention of labour abuses, protection of the rights of those affected or at risk of exploitation and by promoting best practice responses to labour exploitation through research and evidence-based advocacy. FLEX is a small organisation that packs a big punch in terms of policy change and influencing.
Job title: Policy Officer
Location: FLEX office, Vauxhall, London - Flexible hybrid working with a mixture of in person and home/office working.
Salary: £33,500 per annum subject to deductions for tax and national insurance contributions as required by law, pro-rated if part time.
Working hours: Full time, 5 days
Pension: 4%, incremental pension contributions.
Contract: 2 years, renewable subject to funding
Reports to: Head of Policy
Benefits: 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays (pro rata) with incremental leave (one extra day per year worked up to 5 days); extra paid days off over the end of year holiday period; enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay; occupational sick pay; Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling support; and opportunities for skills development.
Key responsibilities:
Policy and advocacy
- Supporting the implementation of FLEX policy strategy by developing and implementing advocacy plans;
- Developing targeted policy strategies for regional and/or local level work.
- Advocating for FLEX’s proposals and issues in relevant stakeholder meetings;
- Drafting position papers, reports and any other written materials as appropriate
- Ensuring effective dissemination of written material and research findings in conjunction with advocacy aims.
Project management
- Designing, planning, and delivering project activities against targets.
- Managing small project budgets
- Developing and implementing a monitoring and evaluation plan for projects under the management of this role
- Producing progress and learning reports for internal and external purposes.
Fundraising
- Scoping, drafting and supporting fundraising bids pertaining to network activities.
Other
- Commitment to EDI and FLEX values
- Drafting communications outputs for FLEX channels
- Attending internal team meetings
- Participating in training
- Representing FLEX at external meetings as required
- Adhering to FLEX policies
We are committed to being an inclusive employer, creating a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive. This means we are committed to being an anti-racist, trans-inclusive, gender-equitable and intersectional organisation.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. In particular, those who have lived experience of the immigration system or who identify as part of marginalised communities.
If you are disabled or become disabled, we encourage you to tell us about your condition so that we can make reasonable adjustments and consider what support may be provided at the interview and task stage.
How to apply: Please download, complete and send the FLEX application form and equal opportunities from our website.
Deadline for applications: 21st January 2026 23:59
Shortlisting: Your application will be assessed against the criteria in specified in the Job Description. To ensure fairness and consistency in our shortlisting process, applications will be anonymised before being reviewed by the panel.
Interviews will be held for shortlisted candidates in person at FLEX offices, Vauxhall week commencing 5th February 2026. Please state in your application if you are not available to attend on these dates.
We are working to end labour exploitation by challenging and transforming the systems and structures that make workers vulnerable to abuse.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Birthrights is recruiting a Campaigns and Policy Manager to help drive transformative change in maternity care. This is a powerful opportunity to shape national policy and campaigns that centre human rights, racial justice and the lived experiences of women and birthing people.
Reporting to the CEO, you will lead our policy and campaigns strategy, shaping how we influence government, the NHS, regulators and professional bodies. You will identify leverage points for change, develop strong and persuasive policy positions, and deliver bold, creative campaigns that challenge harmful practice and shift power. Working closely with our legal, information & advice, training and communications teams, you will ensure our policy and campaigning work is grounded in evidence, lived experience and human rights law.
You will also contribute strategically to Communities Imagine — a core organisational initiative rooted in racial justice, community leadership and a radical re-imagining of maternity care — while working alongside and supporting dedicated roles focused on its delivery.
Birthrights is a small but mighty charity with a national profile and a strong track record of influencing maternity policy and practice. We offer flexible, remote working, a supportive team culture and generous benefits.
If you are a values-driven campaigner with a passion for racial justice, reproductive justice and human rights, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 26th January – please refer to the candidate pack for full details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about driving change in government, promoting British Heart Foundation's (BHF) mission to fund life-saving science, and advocating for the millions of people living in the UK with a heart and circulatory disease?
If so, you may be the Policy Officer we need!
About the role
BHF's Policy and Public Affairs team exists to build support amongst decision makers so we can address key issues relevant to cardiovascular research, health and care, public health, and the wider charity environment.
As our Policy Officer for Health and Care you’ll research, develop and disseminate policy positions to support BHF’s strategic aim to achieve the best health outcomes for those living with cardiovascular disease.
Acquiring a solid understanding of topics relevant to our health policy portfolio in England, particularly those aspects most directly tied to improving the detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, you’ll be responsible for researching and drafting new policy positions, proactively identifying gaps and opportunities, and working closely with colleagues in Public Affairs and Communications to drive change based on policy positions.
Working arrangements
This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
About you
With experience working in policy development, health and care, or a related field, you’ll have knowledge of healthcare systems in England, health and care policy and/or experience of working in a research environment.
You’ll have the following skills and experience:
- A proactive approach to planning your own workload, ensuring effective time management and meet deadlines
- Excellent research and analysis skills
- A desire to work as part of a team and contribute to team activities
- Able to take a flexible approach to work within a matrixed team
- A willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Able to develop good working relationships with senior managers and colleagues
With an excellent technical grasp of policy portfolio, seeking to continually develop the portfolio further, you’ll have relevant stakeholder engagement experience and will be able to identify other partners within/outside the sector to engage with to drive policy change.
About us
Every single one of us is vulnerable to the heartbreak caused by heart and circulatory diseases – they are the world’s biggest killers. But the research we fund represents hope. And nothing matters more than finding cures and treatments that give us more time with the people we love.
We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.
What can we offer you
As an organisation we're open to flexible working arrangements. In return we offer a generous holiday allowance, an excellent working environment and a welcoming supportive group of colleagues.
Interview process
The interview process will be held in person, at our London offices, w/c 26th January 2026 and will involve a pre-prepared task, details for which will be provided when interviews are arranged.
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click through to our careers site to apply. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.
As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Mesothelioma UK
Mesothelioma UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Our mission is to help people live better and longer, champion equitable access to improved treatments, advance research, and amplify the voices of those living with mesothelioma. We are proud to provide specialist nursing, information, research, and advocacy services across the UK.
The Opportunity
As our founder and current CEO steps down, we are seeking a visionary and values-driven Chief Executive to lead Mesothelioma UK into its next chapter. This is a pivotal moment for the charity, offering the chance to build on our strong foundations and drive forward our ambitious strategy to improve outcomes for all those affected by mesothelioma.
About the Role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will:
- Inspire and lead a high-performing team, including our unique NHS-based nursing network.
- Develop and deliver organisational strategy and operational plans.
- Ensure robust financial management and income generation.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders including the NHS, donors, partners, and research teams.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, raising our national and international profile.
- Uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
About You
We are looking for an exceptional leader who brings:
- Proven experience at CEO, Director, or equivalent senior level in a non-profit or health sector environment.
- A track record in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, governance and fundraising.
- Strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Passion for our mission and values, with high ethical standards and integrity.
- The ability to inspire, motivate, and unite staff, volunteers, and partners.
What We Offer
- Salary circa £75,000 (negotiable, dependent on experience)
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible working arrangements
- The chance to make a profound difference to people’s lives
We are a national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by mesothelioma through expert care, information, and advocacy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Research is at the heart of our charitable objectives at Sarcoma UK. The charity provides funding for research to understand sarcoma better, improve treatments and ultimately, make a difference to the lives of people affected by sarcoma. Since 2009, we’ve funded more than 100 projects, representing an investment of more than £10 million.
The Research Officer role enjoys a varied workload and brings the opportunity to work with autonomy and develop new skills within a friendly and dynamic team. You will work on a broad range of projects, including being involved with our grant management processes, working closely with the Research Manager and Director of Research, Policy and Support. The post-holder will also work closely with other departments across the charity, including producing engaging research communications content for print, online and social media, and will also have the opportunity to interact with senior researchers, clinicians and people affected by sarcoma.
This is an ideal role for someone with a scientific background and an active interest in research management, and it offers the opportunity to make a real impact for people affected by sarcoma and their families.
At Sarcoma UK, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Benefits
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- 25 days holiday entitlement per annum plus bank holidays and the working days between Christmas and New Year
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Health and wellbeing:
- Health Cash Plan
- Therapy sessions
- Wellbeing Group
Our Values
- Pioneering we are leading the way to a better future for the sarcoma community.
- Together we are creating a community to make a difference for all those affected by sarcoma.
- Expert we use our expertise in understanding sarcoma to deliver better outcomes.
Duties and Key Responsibilites
Sarcoma UK’s research programme
- To support Sarcoma UK’s grant application processes under guidance from the Research Manager. This will include calls for proposals, identifying expert peer reviewers, administering a high-quality peer and lay review process, communication with applicants and potential applicants, administration of grant awards and supporting patient involvement.
- To provide support to the Grant Review Panel and Research Strategy Committee, including organising meetings and preparing minutes.
- To manage Sarcoma UK’s portfolio of active research grants, under guidance from the Research Manager. This will include use of grant management software for administration of newly awarded grants, monitoring progress of current grants, oversight of grant finances and reporting on final outputs.
- To support opportunities for patient involvement within the research programme, including managing a network of lay reviewers and facilitating new opportunities, with support from the Involvement and Volunteering Coordinator.
- To support new developments in Sarcoma UK’s research programme, including organising and attending events, collaborative funding calls and initiatives to support early career researchers.
Research Impact and Communications
- To monitor and gather outputs and long-term impact of research grants funded by Sarcoma UK and support in ensuring these are shared with internal and external audiences.
- To plan and produce engaging and reactive and proactive communications about sarcoma research, including website, social media, written and video content, working with the Research Manager and Communications Team to ensure our research activities and outcomes are shared with the sarcoma community and wider public.
- To proactively engage with grant holders to gather impactful insights and to support engaging communication about sarcoma research.
- To regularly review and update Sarcoma UK’s website with progress updates on research grants and promote funding opportunities.
- To support work undertaken by the Fundraising Team where required, such as lab tours and supplying information about funded grants for donor reports.
External relationships
- To be a point of contact for Sarcoma UK grant holders and their host institutions.
- To maintain positive relationships with Sarcoma UK’s research panels, potential grant applications, researchers and clinicians, and the wider sarcoma research community.
- To work directly with a range of people personally affected by sarcoma to place the voice of lived experience at the heart of our research programme.
General
- To support the integration of the research programme across Sarcoma UK.
- Attend Sarcoma UK events and contribute to the wider work of Sarcoma UK.
- Travel occasionally to meetings and events. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required (time off in lieu will be given).
- Work flexibly and collaboratively in a dynamic environment, undertaking other duties as required to support the wider operations of Sarcoma UK.
Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research and offers information and support to anyone affected by sarcoma.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, dedicated yet compassionate leader to drive the charity forward with a fresh strategy, new ideas and a bold vision. As CEO you will provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, ensuring we fulfil our mission and grow sustainably. You will act as a key ambassador, building partnerships and maintaining our reputation for excellence ensuring we move forward with impact sharing the strength and passion that we have continued to experience for almost 70 years.
Key Responsiblities (see breakdown within attached job specification)
- Strategic leadership
- Operational Management
- External Engagement
- Governance and Board Relations
- Team Leadership
What we do
IA offers peer-to-peer support to those with, or about to have, either an ileostomy or an internal pouch. We also help fund research into bowel disease and other conditions leading to the removal of the colon, as well as providing relevant information to interested parties using a range of channels.
Our strapline, “Because we know, we care”, sums up our whole ethos. Individuals can join either their local IA member organisation, or the IA national charity, and in either case, gain access to a range of services and support, including our flagship quarterly Journal, local and national meetings and information events, and other services such as our One2One peer support and Support Through Therapy services.
What you offer
Essential
• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or Director in the charity or social enterprise sector
• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, professionals and volunteers both internally and publicly
• Work empathetically with vulnerable adults employing working knowledge of safeguarding
• Financial management and budget oversight
• Demonstrable experience of implementing and monitoring services based on financial benefit and social benefit
• Track record of income generation and fundraising
• Demonstrable experience of operating within a governance and regulatory framework
• Experience of developing, managing and supporting high performing teams with a strong growth mindset
• Builds effective relationships with a strong network instilling confidence and trust
• Experience of leading a team delivering effectively against objectives
Skills and Qualities
• Visionary and values-led leadership
• Ethical decision-maker
• Strong, confident and decisive performing well under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience, adaptability, empathy and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
What we offer
Contract: Part time 60% FTE – flexible over 3-5 days, permanent role.
Location: Remote (with regular travel to National Office (Rochford, Essex) and other UK locations, as required)
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 equivalent FT (pro-rata 60%), commensurate with experience plus benefits
Please see further information about us, what you will offer and who we are looking for within the attached role profile.
Submit:
1. Your CV (max 4 pages)
2. A covering letter outlining suitability including responses to the following questions (maximum 1000 words)
Additional Questions:
• What motivates you to join IA and why this role?
• What makes you an ideal candidate to take the charity forward?
• What three priorities do you think non profits, in general, should focus on in the current climate and why?
• How would you introduce positive, effective change into a 70-year-old organisation?
Applications should be submitted via the advertising platform including your CV and covering letter. See attached role profile for recruitment timetable and further details about us/the role, including contact details for an informal chat, if required, before applying.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Mslexia, the UK’s best-loved writing magazine for women, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into an exciting new phase of growth and impact.
Founded in 1999, Mslexia is a national publishing and outreach charity dedicated to addressing gender inequality in literature. We support over 50,000 women writers through our magazine, books, competitions, courses, events and online community. Financially independent for more than 20 years, we now want to build on our success, strengthen our sustainability and extend our reach.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a respected, values-driven organisation with a strong brand, loyal audience and passionate team.
About the role
As CEO, you will provide strategic, operational and inspirational leadership for Mslexia, working closely with the Board of Trustees and leading a team of talented staff.
You will be responsible for:
- Setting and delivering organisational strategy with the Board.
- Leading and supporting the staff team, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
- Overseeing financial management, budgeting and long-term sustainability.
- Developing and diversifying income streams, including commercial activity, partnerships and fundraising.
- Acting as the public face of Mslexia, championing its mission locally, regionally and nationally.
- Strengthening governance, systems, policies and risk management.
- Building partnerships and promoting the Mslexia brand and influence.
We are looking for an inspiring, values-driven leader with the vision, credibility and skills to lead a purpose-led organisation.
You will bring:
- Senior leadership experience in the charity, public, commercial or related sector.
- Strong financial literacy and experience managing multiple income streams.
- A track record of leading and motivating teams.
- Experience working with a Board or similar governance structure.
- Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to turn vision into action.
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable:
- Experience in the arts, culture or creative industries.
- Experience of hybrid earned / grant-funded income models.
- Events or publishing-related experience.
Why join Mslexia?
- Lead a nationally respected charity with a clear social mission.
- Work with a skilled, passionate and supportive team.
- Shape the future of women’s writing and gender equality in literature.
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- City-centre Newcastle location.
How to apply
Mslexia is working with Jobs with Purpose to recruit to this role. You can access a detailed candidate pack below, including a job description and person specification.
To apply, please forward a detailed CV and a supporting statement (maximum three sides) explaining how you meet the requirements of the person specification and any other information relevant to the role to David Robinson at Jobs with Purpose.
For a confidential discussion about the role, email David with your availability and brief details regarding your experience and interest in the position.
Closing date: Monday 9 February 2026, 12 noon
Interviews: Week commencing 16 February 2026
Mslexia is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
To apply, please submit a detailed CV and a supporting statement (maximum three sides) explaining how you meet the requirements of the person specification and any other information relevant to the role
For a confidential discussion about the role, email David with your availability and brief details regarding your experience and interest in the role.
The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Head of Campaigns & Media to lead the development of a new team within our Policy & Influencing Directorate.
Deadline: 9am on Monday 2nd February
Location: London OR Glasgow
Salary: Starting salary £52,166 rising to £60,861, plus London weighting of £4,000 where applicable
Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week) [part-time considered]
Contract type: This is a permanent role
This exciting role has been created to develop a new campaigns function at the Mental Health Foundation, incorporating our existing media team and working closely with policy, research and lived experience colleagues across the UK, with the aim of driving support for policy change.
What does the role involve?
- Developing a campaigns strategy for MHF and deliver its execution.
- Manage the campaigns and media team, commission engaging content, oversee campaign budgets, and collaborate with stakeholders to create a better policy environment for good mental health.
- Contribute to the leadership of the Mental Health Foundation and its Policy and Influencing Directorate.
What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?
- Experience of developing and implementing campaign strategies to support policy change in the charity sector.
- Comprehensive understanding of communication disciplines (e.g. digital marketing, media relations, content creation) and how they integrate to achieve campaign objectives.
- Understanding of mental health policy, prevention and public health.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.
How to apply
If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 9am on Monday 2nd February and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for Monday 9th & Wednesday 11th February.
We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.
If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Our vision is good mental health for all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chief Officer
Citizens Advice Woking (CAW) provides free, independent, and confidential advice and information to the residents of Woking, and anyone who works in the Borough, particularly the most vulnerable, to help with the problems they face. We are the only organisation locally that can and does address client issues holistically, across areas such as debt, housing and welfare benefits, not just single issues, and this is increasingly important as client problems become more complex.
We are looking for a Senior Manager who will bring both innovation and experience to lead a valued local charity.
Reporting to the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Officer
- Is responsible to the Trustee Board for the management and leadership of Citizens Advice Woking,
- Represents Citizens Advice Woking to funders, partners and stakeholders,
- Ensures the delivery of a high quality, impartial and confidential service, utilising both paid staff and volunteers,
- Is responsible for the continuing funding, planning and financial management of the service,
- Represents the organisation in Woking and contributes to the overall provision of strategic advice services in the borough.
In particular, the priorities for the Chief Officer in 2026/27 will be to:
- Manage CAW’s external relationships with our funders and the Woking community generally, to ensure satisfaction with the delivery of current projects, and their continuation,
- Collaborate closely with the other Surrey LCA Chief Officers to respond to the changing funding landscape. In parallel, continue to identify and deliver local projects for local funders,
- Ensure that suitable alternative premises are secured, and the transition is managed as smoothly as possible,
- Ensure the staff and volunteers are enabled to work effectively, particularly during this period of disruption,
The Chief Officer has an important leadership role, working closely with the Operations Manager, who has line responsibility for the staff and, generally, the internal CAW operation. The volunteers are managed on a day-to-day basis by the Advice Session Supervisors, who are critical to ensuring the quality of advice to clients, and the smooth running of the office.
How to apply
To apply for the role of Chief Officer at CAW, please see the Job Pack on our website.
You will need to send us your CV and a maximum 2 page supporting statement. The supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification and outline why you are interested in becoming the CO of Citizens Advice Woking.
Closing date for applications: Friday 6th Febraury
Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and we reserve the right to close earlier if applications from sufficient suitably qualified candidates have been received
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.
You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact.
The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.
We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.
As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.
How to apply
The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.
The website form will ask you to:
1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
2.Upload your current CV
3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.
For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.
Selection Process
We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.
We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.
We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.
Eligibility
Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.
Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.
We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.
We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.
We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.
We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.
If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.