Policy research officer jobs

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We are recruiting two Policy and Public Affairs Officers to join our Policy and Influencing team at Blood Cancer UK. One role will be based in London and focus on policy and public affairs activity across England and Wales, while the other will be based in Edinburgh and lead our work in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Both roles will play a vital part in ensuring that the voices of people affected by blood cancer are heard by decision-makers and that evidence-based solutions influence governments, health systems and policymakers across the UK.

Working as part of a collaborative UK-wide team, you will develop evidence-based policy positions, build and maintain relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and health stakeholders, and produce high-quality briefings and consultation responses. You will also represent Blood Cancer UK at meetings, events and stakeholder forums, helping to influence policy and drive meaningful change for people affected by blood cancer.

This role will require regular travel within your respective nations (England and Wales or Scotland and Northern Ireland) to attend meetings, events and stakeholder engagement activities. In addition, there will be occasional travel across the UK, including to London, Cardiff, or Edinburgh, Belfast and other locations, to support cross-UK influencing activity, team meetings and organisational events.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Expected interview dates: 

England & Wales

Thursday 30 July – first stage, online

Thursday 6 August – second stage, in person in our London office

Scotland & Northern Ireland

Tuesday 11 August – first stage, online

Tuesday 18 August – second stage, in person in our Edinburgh office

Closing Date: England and Wales: 9am on Thursday 23 July 2026; Scotland & Northern Ireland: 9am on Thursday 30 July 2026.

In the four years since Martingale launched, we have now supported over 200 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our thirteen partner universities.

As Martingale grows, we are building our policy and advocacy function to shape the future of postgraduate access, affordability and outcomes. We are seeking a rigorous, proactive and collaborative Policy Manager to drive the monitoring, insight and evaluation that underpin our influence, and to support the development and implementation of our policy positions and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting to the Head of Communications and External Engagement, you will lead Martingale’s policy tracking, political intelligence, evidence generation, and evaluation and learning. You will turn a fast-moving external landscape into clear, actionable insight, and produce the evidence, analysis and draft materials that enable the Head and CEO to position Martingale credibly with funders, universities, the sector and government.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role with significant autonomy. You will own workstreams end-to-end, build systems and processes where they do not yet exist, and influence more senior colleagues and stakeholders. You will sit at the centre of a landmark research and policy programme and help deliver a campaign to implement the recommendations from Martingale’s major HESA-based research partnership, making the case that talent, not background, should determine who progresses to and thrives in postgraduate study.

We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Caritas Social Action Network

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave)

Location: office in London, with mostly working from home, regular travel in England and Wales, and rare travel overseas.

Contract: full-time, to cover a team member’s maternity leave

Salary: £30,00

Closing date: Monday 13 July at 12 noon

Interview date: Thursday 16 July in person, in London

CSAN is the official agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice affecting people who live in England and Wales. We’re facing a steep rise in poverty and significant pressures on social, economic and church resources. Currently, the Church is called to raise a prophetic voice against poverty and the rhetoric of division and work for the building of a more just society.

Over the last 20 years, CSAN has built up a network of 50 diocesan and direct service charities with a combined annual spend on social mission estimated at £400m, excluding the work of schools and religious congregations. Our members build up local community life in diverse ways, and many of them support individuals in difficulty, including with housing, prison and detention, social isolation, ill-health, violence, disability, employment, care, therapeutic and welfare support.

The key responsibilities of the post are:

1. To scan the social policy environment to capture developments in legislation, consultation papers and Bills relevant to the Caritas network for the purpose of comprehensive tracking and briefing.

2. To deliver an effective programme of Catholic advocacy and political campaigns that contributes to the common good, with particular attention to the priorities of the dignity of workers, child poverty, social care and end of life; supporting and connecting well with the team’s other activities, and where possible with the CSAN membership’s priorities,

3. To draft campaign and advocacy materials for the range of media channels used by CSAN and support the CEO in engaging with the press and approaches from campaigning organisations including contributing to CSAN’s social media networks.

4. To provide admin support and contribute to CSAN’s Alliances as required, especially the Advocacy Alliance and the Criminal Justice Alliance with information and education on policy and legislation.

5. To ensure that our advocacy is consistent with the Bishops’ understanding of the Church’s role in society and supports the priorities of the Bishops’ Conference, especially the Department for Social Justice.

6. To act as a conduit of information and communication between the Bishops’ Conference and the CSAN members, under the guidance of the CEO, assisting CBCEW where possible in gathering information and the lived experience of poverty.

7. To develop and contribute to practice materials for the network, especially in the areas of campaigning, advocacy, social policy and formation for mission.

8. To oversee monitoring of the Catholic press and relevant wider networks for relevant articles, developments and campaigns.

9. To support the general work of CSAN as required by the CEO, including leading in the development and organisation of the charity in specific areas subject to skills and experience.

The work of the small national team requires a high level of integrity and teamwork, respect for and capacity to navigate complex civil and church contexts at pace, and a stable commitment to personal formation and training. Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave) will bring a professional track record of relevant research and analysis, production of compelling communications, and diligent administration. A satisfactory basic DBS check and references are required.

CSAN is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with national agencies in over 160 countries, and among the most successful examples of organised Catholic social action in modern times.

Salary: £45000-£49000 p.a DOE

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Reports to: Senior Insight Manager

Direct reports: There is potential for line management responsibility for an Insight Officer to support their development, oversee elements of their work, and help to ensure high standards of research quality and delivery.

Location: Harlow, Essex. Easily commutable from London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale Station. We offer a free minibus service to/from Harlow Town Train Station as well as free parking and EV charging on site.

Extra Information: Open to conversation on hybrid, flexible and compressed working arrangements. The team works a minimum of two days a week from the office.

About the role:

At the Motability Foundation we fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

This role will support the Senior Insight Manager in delivering policy research and insight as part of the new insight function. This role sits at the intersection of research and policy, ensuring that evidence is not only generated, but interpreted and mobilised effectively to inform forward-looking organisational positioning.

What you will be doing:

As Policy Research Manager, you’ll play a central role in building and mobilising the evidence needed to influence policy and public debate on mobility, disability and welfare reform. Working closely with colleagues across Insight, Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll help to ensure that the Foundation has a robust, timely and compelling evidence base to support advocacy, engagement with decision-makers, and external partnerships.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing clear and persuasive evidence narratives that demonstrate the social value and impact of the Foundation’s work, drawing on research, evaluation findings and wider policy evidence
• Scoping, developing and oversight of rapid evidence reviews and insight summaries to inform policy positions, responses to consultations and support external engagement
• Delivering forward-looking policy analyses using futures and foresight approaches (including horizon scanning and trend synthesis), assessing potential implications for disabled people and organisational positioning.
• Acting as the lead for policy-relevant research on welfare reform and related priority areas, synthesising internal and external evidence to inform organisational responses
• Supporting coordination with Motability Operations on shared policy and research priorities
• Supporting relationships with external partners including Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), think tanks and public research bodies, including representing the Foundation to contribute an evidence-informed perspective
• Supporting dissemination and engagement activity, including roundtables, briefings, thought pieces and events that help shape debate and explore innovative policy solutions
• Working collaboratively across the organisation to move our evidence and insight from reactive to proactive, strengthening our influence over time

Your experience:

You’re curious, motivated and motivated by public impact. You enjoy turning complex evidence into clear messages that resonate with different audiences, and you’re keen to see research used to influence real-world decisions. You understand what makes for good enough evidence to influence policy making.

You’re comfortable working across organisational boundaries and with external partners, and you bring energy, judgement and confidence to conversations about policy, evidence and social value.

You’re likely to thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy synthesising research and data into compelling, accessible insight
• Are motivated by social purpose and improving outcomes for disabled people
• Have a strong interest in public policy
• Have a strong understanding of how evidence can be used to influence decision-making
• Are proactive, organised and able to respond quickly to emerging issues
• Are confident representing an organisation externally and contributing to policy discussions
• Like working collaboratively and building trusted relationships across teams and sectors

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Requirements

We recognise that candidates may come from a range of backgrounds. We’re particularly interested in people with strong potential who are keen to develop their skills in a purpose-driven environment.

Must haves:

• Experience conducting or coordinating research, evidence reviews or analysis in a policy, public affairs, research or related setting
• Familiarity with government policy-making processes, consultations and/or parliamentary engagement
• Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise written outputs
• Understanding of how research and evidence can be packaged and used effectively to inform or influence public policy
• Experience working with or alongside external organisations such as think tanks, charities, DPOs, academic or public research bodies
• Strong written communication skills and confidence contributing to external briefings, reports or events
• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in a social science, public policy or related discipline, or equivalent work experience

Nice to haves:

• Experience working on disability, welfare, transport or social policy issues
• Experience supporting advocacy or public affairs activity using evidence
• Experience designing or managing rapid evidence reviews or insight products
• A recognised professional research qualification such as the MRS Advanced Certificate, or equivalent professional research training.

Benefits

Who are we?

We are building a future where all disabled people have the transport options to make the journeys they choose.

We fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

Why choose us?

We want working for the Motability Foundation to be the best career move you’ve ever made. When you join the Motability Foundation you will join a group of people who are supportive, innovative and motivated to improve the lives of our beneficiaries.

We value everyone’s unique qualities and celebrate having a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. This is embedded into our values, Collaborative, Respectful and Evolving.

We bring our people together through our People Forum, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Social Squad and our Wellbeing Champions and our employee Spotlight Awards help us recognise the excellence and dedication of our staff.

We are proud to be recognised as Disability Confident Leader, have attained Platinum Level Award for Investors in People and are members of the Business Disability Forum.

A career with Motability Foundation can offer you so much more than earning potential, we pride ourselves in offering some fantastic benefits. Some of these include:

• 26 days annual leave, plus the option to buy/ sell up to five days.
• One wellbeing day for extra flexibility.
• Pension scheme - Up to 20%, including a 10% non-contributory contribution and matched contributions up to 5%.
• Life Assurance of four times your salary.
• Private healthcare through BUPA for you and your family, along with a Medicash Health Plan.
• Employee assistance programme: GP appointments, eye tests, flu vaccinations, sick pay and free gym and yoga sessions.
• Enhanced Parental Leave, including Adoption Pay.
• Free parking, EV charge points and a minibus service to/from the town centre and train station.
• Fresh fruit, breakfast snacks, and a Dress for Your Day dress code.
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, and we aim to be an employer of choice for candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we have committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to perform their best when interviewing and when working with us, so if you require any reasonable adjustments that would make you more comfortable, please let us know so that we can do our best to support you.

To help us create an inclusive workplace we are committed to offering to interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances, we may need to limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. re

Policy and Research Coordinator 
Location: Hybrid (typically 3 days in the office), central Manchester with occasional travel 
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 
Closing date: 10am, Monday 13th July 2026 

About Belong 

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is a national organisation working to strengthen social cohesion and integration across the UK. Through research, policy development and place-based programmes, we bring people together, support communities and champion approaches that help create a more connected and less divided society. 

Belong is entering an exciting new phase of growth. With a strengthened national profile, an ambitious strategy and a passionate team, we are looking for talented people who share our commitment to creating positive change. 

About the Role 

As Policy and Research Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of Belong’s policy and research work. Working closely with the Policy and Research Lead and wider team, you will help ensure projects are well organised, rigorous and impactful. 

This varied role combines research coordination, stakeholder engagement and project support. You will contribute to research and policy projects from planning through to dissemination, supporting activities such as literature reviews, data collection and analysis, stakeholder engagement, report writing and project administration. You will also help coordinate meetings, workshops and consultation activities, ensuring research findings and insights are effectively shared with a range of audiences. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with information and evidence, managing multiple priorities, and contributing to work that informs policy, practice and positive social change. 

About You 

You will be an organised and proactive individual with experience supporting research projects, policy development or related activities, ideally within a charity, public policy or research environment. 

You will have strong information-handling skills, with the ability to analyse, summarise and synthesise complex material clearly and accurately. Alongside excellent written and verbal communication skills, you will be comfortable building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and managing competing priorities effectively. 

Most importantly, you will be intellectually curious, collaborative and committed to Belong’s mission and values. You will bring a solutions-focused approach, a strong attention to detail, and a genuine desire to learn and develop within a policy and research environment. 

Benefits  

• 30 days’ annual leave per year 

• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office) 

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our recruitment partner's site, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. As part of your application, you will be asked to answer three questions. 

1. Please tell us about a piece of work that you are particularly proud of and the role you played in its success. (max. 300 words) 

1. Please describe a situation where you had to work with a range of different people to achieve a shared outcome. (max. 300 words) 

1. Belong works with people, communities and organisations from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. What values or principles guide how you work with others? (max. 300 words) 

Deadline:  10am on Monday 13th July 2026 
Interviews: 21st or 22nd July 2026 (in-person in Manchester)

For questions or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact Atkinson HR Consulting.

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion  

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.

Salary: £35,159 to £36,935 (starting salary range)

Working pattern: Full-time, Permanent (35 hours per week)

Pension: USS

Annual leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays, 3 well-being days, and a Christmas office closure

Location: Hybrid, flexible working model with an office located in central London. Occasional UK-wide travel for GHE and relevant events.

Reports to: Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International)

Purpose

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

Key Responsibilities 

Policy Analysis & Communication

1. Horizon Scanning: Monitor government departments (e.g., DSIT, DfE), funding and regulatory bodies (UKRI, Research England, OfS, Innovate UK), and other stakeholders for policy updates, funding calls, and consultation launches in relation to Research and Innovation policy.

2. Briefings: Produce concise policy briefings, data summaries, and position papers for GuildHE members and leadership on key Research and Innovation issues (e.g., REF, knowledge exchange, KEF, commercialisation, research culture, open research). Develop high-quality external reports, consultations, blogs and other materials articulating member challenges and opportunities.

3. Consultation Drafts: Assist senior policy colleagues in gathering evidence, analysing member feedback, collaborating with sector stakeholders, and drafting compelling arguments that articulate the unique perspectives of GuildHE institutions.

4. Share Best Practice: Identify case studies across the GHE membership to share best practice internally and externally and drive national conversations about new ways of working and operating in the sector.

5. Policy issues: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and institutional research and innovation policies indicated by the Head of Research Policy or Policy Manager (Research, Innovation, International).

Member Support & Consortium Coordination

1. Member Engagement: Maintain regular, positive communication with research and innovation leads across member institutions, fostering a collaborative network.  Support relevant GuildHE member networks, including the Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place network, promoting communication, collaboration, and best practice exchange to inform evidence-based policy development.

2. Member development: Provide support for timely implementation of good practice guidelines and associated resources, within agreed budgets. This includes assisting with members' business development initiatives, such as Research Degree Awarding Powers.

3. Event Delivery: Develop and deliver content for events including the GuildHE Research Consortium meetings, the Research and Knowledge Exchange Symposium, PGR Doctoral Festival, the PGR Network for global majority students and sandpits/match events, workshops and roundtables. 

4. Shared Services: Collaborate with other GHE teammates to maintain and deliver our shared services (i.e. research outputs repository, shared postgraduate online training, research impact tracking and researcher development tools) and explore new services in response to members’ needs

5. PGR Students: Develop and deliver initiatives for postgraduate students and early career researchers (e.g., our PGR Support Programme and associated student networks), working closely with the Policy Manager (Student Experience) to ensure postgraduate students are reflected in broader student support policies.

The postholder will also be expected to:

1. Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.

2. To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.

3. Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.

4. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions and sector agencies, including senior leaders, academics, and policy staff.

5. Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.

6. Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.

7. Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects and deputise for the Head of Research Policy or the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation and International) as appropriate.

8. Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.

Person Specification

Core Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships

• Clear, concise writing skills for drafting policy responses, reports, and emails to senior stakeholders with excellent attention to detail.

• Problem-solving, Influencing and advocacy skills 

• Ability to digest complex, lengthy policy documents and extract key themes relevant to GuildHE members.

• Confident digital skills and highly proficient user of computer packages including MS Office and G Suite

• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, adhere deadlines, and maintain project momentum. This includes the capacity to monitor progress, identify and mitigate potential risks, and proactively address challenges.

• Experience in using data and evidence to enhance and impact assess activities. 

• Facilitation and convening skills would be advantageous 

Core Attributes

• Ability to build professional relationships quickly and sustainably with members and a wide range of stakeholders

• Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail

• A collaborative, communicative and flexible team player who is also comfortable working independently.

• An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.

• An understanding of, or a keen interest in, the UK higher education sector, research funding landscape, or public policy.

• To be willing to travel across the UK for meetings with members, stakeholders and events and to work flexibly, when and where necessary.

Ideal Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of higher education policy, working in research and innovation and/or supporting a research environment. 

• Experience of developing policy positions and responses

• Experience in synthesising complex data and/or ideas

• Experience in supporting training and development

Job Advert

GuildHE is a formal representative body, representing diversity in the higher education sector and the widest variety of institution types across the UK.  We are undergoing an exciting period of transformation, evolving our policy approach and member-focused services to significantly increase our impact within the sector and ensure we’re providing timely, proactive support to our members as they address emerging 21st century challenges.  

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

If you think you can bring bold, creative and proactive energy to our small-and-mighty team to help take us to the next level, we want to hear from you!

Application closing date: Sunday 12th July

Interviews: Tuesday 21st July 

Please submit your cv and a cover letter via the jobs portal

Curious about the role? Please contact Dana Gamble, Policy Manager for more information

Purpose of the Role

As the Policy and Campaigns Officer for Scotland, you will be the driving force behind our policy development, political monitoring, and strategic advocacy in Scotland. Your work will champion the strategic interests of dietitians as both a professional membership body and a registered trade union. Alongside core policy work, you will take direct ownership of designing and delivering a high-profile national campaign which is delivered across the UK. This allocated campaign will focus on a critical theme impacting both public health and our workforce.

The role sits within the BDA’s policy and public affairs function, and you will be part of a small team of policy officers and a public affairs officer who work across the other home countries and the UK. You will have access to an established Scotland board, a colleague who covers trade union representation in Scotland and a supportive professional practice, communications and leadership team based at our Birmingham head office.

Key Areas of Responsibility

The post holder will deliver on the following key responsibilities:

Policy development and advocacy (55%)

• Monitoring the political environment in Scotland in our key areas of interest, providing briefs and advice to the Scotland board and BDA senior leadership team on developments within Holyrood, NHS Scotland, STUC and local government.
• Policy development including work with relevant committees and BDA staff in the development of key policy documents and position statements with particular responsibility for policy positions in Scotland which balance clinical standards with social impact, workforce and employment rights.
• Co-ordinate and draft robust, evidence-based responses to consultations from Scottish government, public bodies and parliamentary committees. May also respond to UK consultations where appropriate for a campaign theme.
• In conjunction with the BDA public affairs officer, advocacy for the dietetic profession and the BDA in Scotland by maintaining a network of contacts across the Scottish political spectrum including MSPs, government officials, health board executives, and policy influencers.
• Translate political updates and complex policy changes into clear accessible updates and guidance for BDA members via newsletters, webinars and the website.
• Represent the BDA with internal and external stakeholders including BDA Specialist Groups, AHP policy officer and working groups/networks and other alliances.
• Represent the BDA at Allied Health Professions Federation Scotland (AHPFS) working groups and events, building relationships, contributing dietetic priorities and ensuring the profession’s interests are reflected in shared policy discussions and collaborative activity.

Campaign co-ordination (30%)

• Completion of campaign workplan/s template with the campaign working group/s.
• Co-ordinate campaigns in conjunction with working group/s.
• Monitoring the landscape with regards to allocated campaigns. Provide advice when relevant issues are trending or becoming topical.
• Build appropriate alliances with third-sector organisations, networks and charities, food policy alliances and other health unions to amplify the campaign’s impact.
• Working with colleagues in communications, design and public affairs to create compelling campaigning materials, digital content, and toolkits to mobilise members, the public, and parliamentarians to lobby for legislative and budgetary changes that support dietetic services and interests.
• Establish clear KPIs for the campaign/s, monitoring progress, media coverage, member engagement, and policy shifts, and reporting these to senior leadership.

Cross BDA engagement and communications (15%)

• Help and deliver the BDA’s participation in profile raising events in Scotland, such as NHS Confederation.
• Regular engagement with the Chair of the Scotland Board on policy, political and government matters, resulting in input to Board agendas and support for political engagement.
• Provide expert advice and briefings to senior leadership ahead of high-level meetings or media appearances in Scotland.
• Be a valuable member of the BDA policy and public affairs function, contributing to the evolution of the policy function and contributing to the wider work and objectives of the Trade Union team

Person Specification

Knowledge

• Degree educated.
• Campaign/project management.
• Health policy development.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Public policy making process, particularly within Scotland.
• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care policy landscape in Scotland and the devolved nature of public services.
• It is also desirable if you have an understanding of the trade union movement in Scotland.

Experience

• Experience of working in a policy, public affairs or research role in healthcare, membership, charity, public sector, or trade union.
• Experience of lone working and being part of a small field-based team.
• Working within a health professional body or trust/board.
• Working in a political environment.

It is also desirable if you have worked as a dietitian or dietetic support worker.

Ideally you should be confident working independently in a small field-based team, able to build relationships and translate complex policy into clear advice, with desirable experience in a professional body, trade union, or dietetic setting.

This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.

The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
• Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis  translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
• Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
• Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence  including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
• Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
• Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
• Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network

About The Difference

• Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.

About You

Essential

• Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
• Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
• Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
• Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
• Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
• Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired

• Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
• Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
• Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
• Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
• Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.

Policy and Research Officer

This exciting role covers both legal and policy work with real scope to develop professional skills and make a tangible impact. It would suit someone who is legally and analytically minded, who is also interested in reducing destitution by influencing Home Office policy and practice.

ASAP’s policy work emerges from evidence gathered from our appeals work and our Advice Line, ASAN and training work. We focus on the quality of Home Office decisions on asylum support, including whether they are lawful, as well as access to justice through the appeals system. As such, our policy work always has a legal slant. We carry out our policy work through discussions with officials, and where necessary parliamentary work and strategic litigation.

The role includes:

1. Legal Advice - The post-holder will represent destitute people seeking asylum at the AST as well as offering advice to other advisers via ASAP’s second-tier Advice Line.
2. Policy and Research - Working closely with colleagues, the post-holder will:

• Look for emerging trends emanating from ASAP’s legal work to support the development of external policy positions;
• Alongside colleagues in the policy team, undertake in-depth research based on this analysis;
• Assist the Policy and Research Manager to engage with the Home Office, the AST and other stakeholders to influence improvements to policy and practice

       3. Monitoring: the post-holder is responsible for collating and analysing operational data from our appeals and Advice Line work. This is used to inform policy and operational decisions. They will also assist the Policy and Research Manager with the transition to a new database which we are in the process of acquiring.

You will:

• Have strong communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly and confidently to a range of audiences.
• Be legally minded, with a strong interest in the law and how it can be used to challenge injustice and uphold rights.
• Have an aptitude for interpreting data and presenting information in an accessible way.
• Have a good understanding of the asylum support system — ideally gained through direct advice work or closely related experience.
• Be a collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with others in a small, supportive team.

You do not need to be legally qualified, but you do need enthusiasm for legal work and a commitment to using the law as a tool for positive change.

You’ll be joining a small, friendly and supportive organisation where colleagues work closely together and value learning, collaboration and mutual support.

Closing date for applications by: midnight on Sunday 5th July

Face to face interviews will be held in London on Thursday 16th July

Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast 

Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week 

Interview date will be scheduled as and when applications are received. Please apply promptly as the vacancy will close once we have appointed a successful candidate.  

This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding). 

Who we are looking for  

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum.

The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.  

You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.  

Experience required 

• Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs stakeholders to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse across the devolved nations

• Experience of leading public affairs delivery in at least one (preferably all) of the devolved nations 

• Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings  

• Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions   

• Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels   

• Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment 

• Experience of organising stakeholder events  

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Bowel Research UK is looking for a permanent Research and Grants Manager to coordinate and evaluate the management of the charity’s research activities. This role covers all aspects of pre- and post-award research management, impact reporting, grant finance management and governance, co-ordination of the Charity’s scientific committees and shaping external scientific communications to supporters and other stakeholders. Additionally, you will foster and maintain strong relationships with researchers, serving as the primary point of contact for engaging with the research community. 

Bowel Research UK are bringing this permanent role following time spent with an interim postholder in position to create a solid foundation and understanding of what the role needs.

This is an opportunity to work with the UK’s leading specialist bowel cancer and bowel disease research charity. Bowel Research UK believe that a cure for bowel cancer and effective treatments to mitigate, or entirely eradicate, other bowel diseases is possible – but only if vital research is funded and investment made into the scientific and medical communities today, to see the benefits tomorrow. 

Bowel Research UK are a flexible employer, for this post they are looking for someone to be comfortable with joining the team in the London office once a month. If the post holder would prefer to work more regularly from an office base, the charity has office space at Royal College of Surgeons in central London. Most team members work from here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

For further information and to apply please follow the guidance in the Candidate Pack to arrange a conversation about your suitability for the role and next steps.

Closing date: midnight Wednesday 22nd July

The selection process will involve a two-stage interview process.

Liberty is looking for an exceptional Policy & Campaigns Officer with a strong understanding of civil liberties and human rights to join the team as we begin work on our exciting new three-year strategy.

This position in the Policy & Campaigns team plays a key role in developing and implementing Liberty’s policy and campaigning priorities: undertaking high-quality research, influencing decision-makers in Government and Parliament, building coalitions, producing policy and campaign materials, providing policy input to strategic litigation, and building public and political support for Liberty’s work.

We are seeking someone who holds Liberty’s values and ambitions close to their heart, as we work to ensure everyone in the United Kingdom is treated fairly, with dignity and respect. This is a key role in securing the long-term policy change needed to protect the human rights and civil liberties of everyone who lives in the UK.

Policy & Campaigns Officers monitor and respond to policy threats to our human rights frameworks, to our rights to protest and free speech, and to live free from discrimination. They work with political players and civil servants to steer policy and legislation. They produce high-quality, persuasive content and translate complex legal and policy arguments in a clear and compelling way for mass audiences. They lead and support networks of human rights and civil society organisations, lending expertise and building solidarity. We have worked with civil society to fight back against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023, and to see off threats to our Human Rights Act and Equality Act.

We are looking for a strategic thinker with strong political instincts who brings a collaborative approach to their work. You will have policy and research experience in human rights, or a related field. You will have a strong understanding of how to secure policy change in challenging political environments.

You will have a strong commitment to Liberty’s values and strategy.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the Westminster office.

The deadline for applications is 9am Wednesday 15 July 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held online on Thursday 30 July 2026

Second round interview will be held in Liberty’s Office on Wednesday 5 August 2026

About The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is an independent membership organisation dedicated to the education, training and advancement of surgeons, dental surgeons, doctors, and various individuals throughout healthcare who are involved in the surgical care of patients. The College has a current membership approaching 32,000 and growing, with members spanning over 100 countries around the world.

From our founding in 1505, the College has been committed to the advancement of surgery and driving patient safety standards worldwide. In our 515-year history, there has never been a better time to join the College than now.

Working with us

At the College we aim to embrace views from across the organisation, sharing common goals and values for the betterment of healthcare through the advancement of surgical and dental professionals. We aim to develop teams that are reflective of the needs of our members and maximise the potential of every employee.

To reflect the varying needs across the organisation, we offer a range of policies and benefits for our workforce including a generous 42 days annual leave, flexible working practices, enhanced employer pensions contribution and various discounts throughout the College including the Ten Hill Place Hotel, 1505 Café and free entry to Surgeons’ Hall Museums.

About the Role

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer is a strategic role that offers an exciting opportunity to make an impact on healthcare policy on a national scale.

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, the post holder will develop and communicate the College’s core policy messages and engage with governments, NHS organisations and other healthcare bodies across all four nations. They will also oversee responses to policy consultations and prepare policy reports, statements and conduct research that helps the College understand and influence the shape of the surgical and dental workforce.

This role can be based in either our Edinburgh or Birmingham offices, with candidates expected to be on site two days per week. There may be requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal working hours and travel for work occasionally. 

Experience/Qualifications/Key Skills

This is a superb opportunity for an individual who is confident, methodical, organised and conscientious.

Educated to a minimum level of degree level you will have proven policy and analytical experience as well as excellent communication and strong team working skills. A self-starter, you will have the ability to manage your workload with minimum supervision and develop your own strategies and campaigns. 

A high level of professionalism and diplomacy is required for the role as is a willingness to take on new challenges and be receptive to change.

Please note that we do not accept CV’s and agencies need not apply.

Job purpose:

 The postholder will provide public affairs and policy support for the Association’s Advocacy and Campaigns programme as key elements in the Association’s strategic plan.

This role is based at our head office in 21 Portland Place, London. We offer a hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week.

Key responsibilities:

•  Assist the organisation with developing its external voice by responding to policy developments and parliamentary opportunities, bringing together members’ views, evidence and information.
• Monitor relevant parliamentary business and produce short summaries of events where appropriate.
• Track the progress of relevant legislation, committee inquiries and consultations.
• Develop briefings and position statements setting out the Association’s views on issues relevant to membership, that support the advocacy and campaigns work and topical issues.
• Prepare briefings in advance of, and attend, where appropriate, meetings with key stakeholders and organise meetings when required.
• Assist with the developing and updating of stakeholder maps and spreadsheets.
• Assist with the development of campaigns by carrying out research and producing supporting briefings.
• Support the Head of Public Affairs and Policy with producing responses to consultations and policy developments, following up on finalised responses and taking forward related actions.
• Produce statements, latest news updates and contributions to the Association’s publications that promote the policy, advocacy and campaigns work.
• Encourage member engagement on relevant policy issues and campaigns via the Association’s website and other online and offline communication tools.
• Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, to facilitate collaborative working on priority campaign areas.
• Work with the Digital Content Team to make sure the website and social media are kept up to date with current policy developments and announcements

Operational management

• To work on individual projects, reports, events and publications within the Association as directed by the Head of Public Affairs and Policy.
• Maintain and improve your own competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice as described in the Staff Handbook.
• Support and promote the Association’s commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.

This job description is intended to reflect the main duties and responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list of duties. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which are commensurate with the role.

Person specification

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

Educated to degree level or equivalent (e.g. relevant professional qualifications and/or vocational training).

Excellent oral communication skills and written communications skills, with particular emphasis on attention to detail (spelling and grammar).

Experience of writing policy statements and briefings and articulating these clearly to decision-makers and stakeholders.

Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of people including staff, Board, Council, members, stakeholders from other organisations.

Strong time management skills including an ability to manage competing requests and an ability to prioritise.

Well-developed IT skills, including the Microsoft Office suite of products.

Demonstrable experience in parliamentary affairs and an excellent knowledge of the UK political landscape.

Desirable

An understanding of current policy issues affecting the health sector.

Experience of working in a membership organisation.

Experience of working in a political environment.

Strategic thinking and interest in contributing to innovation and change.

Experience of engaging with political monitoring organisations and database management.

Digital copywriting skills and experience of writing for web or social media, and content management systems.

Applications close on 31 July and interviews will take place on 11 August.