Policy research officer jobs in Belfast

We’re looking for a skilled digital communicator who understands what works online and can turn ideas into clear, compelling content across social, web and email. Your work will raise the profile and priority of public libraries with key audiences, including local and national politicians, while keeping our members informed about the impact we deliver on their behalf. 

You’ll work closely with the Communications and Advocacy Manager as part of our Policy, External Affairs and Research (PEAR) team. The team leads our work to influence policy, build partnerships and raise the profile of public libraries nationally and locally - working with government, partners, the media and our members. 

You’ll write with clarity, create simple visuals or video, and use data to improve performance. Crucially, you’ll balance creativity with consistency - working within our tone of voice while handling nuanced and sensitive issues. 

You don’t need a library background, but you must believe in the power of public libraries to open up opportunities, expand horizons and bring communities together.

About us 

Libraries Connected is the national membership body for public library services. 

We are an independent charity representing almost every public library service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – 176 services, with around 3000 branches serving over 61 million people.

We bring together the people who run these services to collaborate, share knowledge and strengthen the sector’s collective voice. 

Our work is led by our members and shaped by their priorities. This means we can respond quickly to emerging issues and provide clear, practical support where it is needed most.

Working at Libraries Connected

We are a friendly, collaborative team of around 20 staff based all around England and Wales. 

We value diversity and are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment. We strongly believe that inclusive and diverse organisations are not only better places to work, they are more innovative, make better decisions and are more successful. We value people who bring unique perspectives and knowledge to our team. 

We want to make our recruitment process as fair as possible. To reduce bias, we shortlist candidates based on their responses to up to five application questions. These are designed to tell us about your values, experience, attitudes to work, and transferable skills. We do not ask for a separate cover letter or supporting statement. 

We offer flexible working as standard, helping work fit around family and caring responsibilities. Many of our staff work their hours in different ways, including compressed hours. We are open to discussing what would work for you and be possible for the role. 

All roles are remote and are open to applicants who live anywhere in the UK. We provide staff with a home office set-up including laptop, monitor and phone. There is the option to work from our central London office or use a co-working space if it is not possible to work from home. 

We welcome requests for adjustments to our standard recruitment processes for anyone who needs them. 

Job details 

• Hours: 0.8 FTE 

• Contract: Fixed for 15 months, with an expectation to continue subject to income generation 

• Location: Home-based (with occasional UK travel) 

• Application deadline: 9am, Thursday 16 July 2026 

• Planned interview date: Wednesday 22 July (interviews will be held online) 

• Salary: £34,584.60 (pro rata). Payscales reviewed on annual basis 

• Employer pension contribution: 7%

Job description 

Overall purpose 

• Work with a high degree of autonomy to plan, create and publish digital content, taking ownership of content ideas, quality and performance, and using professional judgement to manage risks and escalate reputational issues where appropriate. 

Social media 

• Plan and publish daily content across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky 

• Use Buffer to schedule content in line with organisational priorities 

• Write engaging, accessible posts that reflect our tone of voice 

• Create a mix of content including text, video, photography and graphics 

• Work with colleagues to identify stories and opportunities for content 

• Use AI tools (such as Copilot) to generate ideas and optimise copy 

• Monitor performance and engagement across channels 

• Produce weekly reports and use insights to improve reach and impact 

Website 

• Create and update content, including news stories, project pages and resources 

• Ensure content is accurate, accessible and up to date 

• Commission and edit blog posts from members and partners 

• Work with developers to fix issues and improve functionality 

Email 

• Produce a regular (approx. monthly) email bulletin using Mailchimp 

• Work with colleagues to identify content and key messages 

• Use A/B testing and analytics to improve performance 

• Ensure emails follow best practice for design and accessibility 

YouTube 

• Manage the organisation’s YouTube channel as a repository for webinar content 

• Upload and organise recordings with clear titles and descriptions 

• Promote existing content across other channels 

Design and content production 

• Format documents into house style ready for publication 

• Create graphics and simple data visualisations for social media and reports 

• Support the production of high-quality, consistent visual content 

• Commissioning, briefing and liaising with external designers, photographers and videographers 

Advice and guidance 

• To act as the organisation’s digital communications specialist, providing expert advice on all aspects of digital communications, including best practice, design and usage 

Relationships 

• Build strong working relationships with colleagues across the organisation to identify content, align messaging and support delivery of strategic priorities. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including communications and marketing contacts in member library services, sector bodies and government departments. 

Person specification 

Experience, skills and knowledge 

• Ability to manage social media channels for an organisation, including planning, publishing and evaluating content 

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, engaging and accessible content and communicate complex or sensitive issues in a balanced, audience-appropriate way 

• Ability to create multimedia content, including short-form video and social media graphics 

• Confidence using AI tools (e.g. Copilot) to draft, edit and refine content in line with organisational policy 

• Ability to use email marketing platforms (e.g. Mailchimp), including segmentation and A/B testing 

• Understanding of analytics and optimisation, including Google Analytics, SEO, GEO and performance reporting 

• Ability to use social media scheduling tools such as Buffer or similar 

• Able to edit blogs or contributed content for clarity, tone and impact 

• Ability to manage website content using a CMS (preferably Drupal or WordPress) 

Desirable

• Experience of managing social media and producing content for an organisation

• Experience of working in the charity sector 

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.

Campaigns Officer at Freedom for Animals

Salary: £15,736.50 per annum
Contract: Part-time (22.5 hours per week), Temporary (12-month contract with the possibility of extension)
Location: Remote, with travel across the UK as required
Closing date: 23rd July 2026 (We may appoint before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged)

Job Description

Freedom for Animals is one of the UK's longest-running animal rights organisations. Since 1957, we have been working to end the exploitation of animals through undercover investigations, research, campaigns, political lobbying, education and grassroots activism. Our vision is simple: Freedom for all animals.

We are now seeking an experienced, enthusiastic campaigner and passionate animal rights advocate to join our team as our Campaigns Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in campaigns that expose cruelty, influence decision-makers, mobilise supporters and create lasting change for animals exploited in captivity. Working closely with the Co-Director (Campaigns), you will help shape and deliver ambitious campaigns across our key areas of work, including zoos, aquariums, mobile zoos, circuses and other areas of animal exploitation for entertainment.

The successful candidate will join a small, dedicated and ambitious team where every member has the opportunity to make a real impact. You'll lead campaign activity across digital and offline channels, coordinate supporter actions, engage with politicians and partner organisations, respond to media opportunities, contribute to consultations and represent Freedom for Animals at meetings, events and demonstrations.

We're looking for someone who thrives on turning strategy into action. You'll be equally comfortable developing compelling campaign materials, using digital and social media to engage and mobilise supporters, building relationships with politicians, coalition partners and other stakeholders, and identifying opportunities to advance our mission.

You will have a proven track record of delivering successful campaigns, excellent communication and relationship-building skills, confidence using digital campaigning tools and social media to inspire action, and an unwavering commitment to animal rights. Knowledge of issues affecting captive animals and experience of political advocacy or grassroots campaigning would be an advantage.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced campaigner looking to take the next step in their career with a respected and growing animal rights organisation. You'll have the opportunity to shape national campaigns, influence policy, work alongside investigators and campaign partners, and help create meaningful change for thousands of animals.

To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role and person specification.

Freedom for Animals is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.

The successful candidate will be expected to share Freedom for Animals' values, vision and commitment to ending the exploitation of animals.

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Development Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £34,408 per annum, FTE (£27,526 per annum for 28 hours per week), with annual salary increments for the first three years
Location: Homebased – however NCB and RiP has offices in Sheffield, Newton Abbot and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose.

The Vacancy

For over 20 years, Research in Practice has been at the forefront of supporting evidence-informed practice in adult social care. We are now looking for a passionate and experienced Research and Development Officer to join our adults’ team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled facilitator with strong experience in adult social care (or a related sector, e.g. housing, homelessness, mental health or criminal justice) who is motivated to make a real impact. While the role requires a solid understanding of research and its application, it is not a primary research post—instead, the focus is on translating evidence into meaningful learning and development opportunities.

You will play a key role in designing and delivering high-quality learning experiences, including programmes, full-day workshops, webinars, and events, working with diverse audiences such as senior leaders and practitioners.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and delivering engaging learning and development activities for a range of audiences
• Translating complex research, policy, and legal frameworks into accessible, practical learning
• Developing high-quality outputs (e.g. publications, tools, and learning resources)
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and supporting collaborative projects
• Managing multiple projects effectively in a varied and fast-paced environment

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• In-depth knowledge of adult social care, or related sectors such as criminal justice, housing and homelessness, or mental health
• Experience in facilitation and delivering learning, including workshops and webinars
• A strong understanding of research, policy, and practice frameworks
• Skills in knowledge mobilisation, with a passion for co-production and evidence implementation
• Proven experience in relationship management
• Excellent communication skills, including confident public speaking
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work flexibly (including occasional travel and overnight stays)

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break

Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Friday 10th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible .

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

We are looking for two new Senior Officers to join our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team. One role will focus on Policy, whilst the other on Campaigning, however there will be significant overlap between the two. Both will play a leading role in delivering Transport for All’s policy, public affairs and influencing work.

The postholders will be responsible for undertaking policy analysis, leading consultation responses, developing evidence-based recommendations, coordinating strategic stakeholder engagement, and representing Transport for All externally.

If you always wanted to appear before a Select Committee in Parliament, love a consultation, or read transport strategies for fun, we want to hear from you.

These roles are open to disabled applicants only.

Please note – These roles have a genuine occupational requirement of lived experience of disability. This explicitly includes those of us who are Deaf, neurodivergent, chronically ill, have a mental health condition, have age-related impairments, and people with both visible and non-visible impairments. If you do not meet this requirement, and state this in your application, you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Please download our candidate pack, including a detailed job description and information on how to apply. 

Please specify in your email subject line, and in your application whether you are applying for the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer, or the Senior Public Affairs & Campaigns role.

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Devolved Nations)

£34,839 pa plus excellent benefits

Home-based

35 hours per week, full-time

Permanent

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking a talented and motivated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our Devolved Nations team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy development, advocacy and communications activity that helps improve child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Working as part of the Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations) team, you will play an important role in supporting the College’s policy and public affairs priorities. You will help build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, support advocacy campaigns, develop policy positions and create engaging communications content that raises the profile of child health issues across the devolved nations. 

This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including paediatricians, senior College Officers, politicians, government officials, charities and healthcare organisations. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting the development of policy positions specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring they reflect the needs of RCPCH members and have influence across the wider UK policy landscape 

• Drafting consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and stakeholder communications on child health and paediatric issues

• Providing expertise and advice on the political, governmental and health service landscape within the devolved nations 

• Supporting the delivery of public affairs and stakeholder engagement activity, helping to build productive relationships with governments, policymakers and health sector organisations

• Producing content for websites, social media, newsletters and other digital communications channels to support advocacy and engagement objectives

• Drafting media content, including quotes, press releases and briefing materials, in collaboration with colleagues across the College

• Supporting senior College Officers and staff during meetings and engagement with policymakers and external stakeholders 

• Coordinating and supporting the work of Executive Committees across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

• Assisting with administrative and financial processes, including invoice processing and supplier registration 

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the College to maximise the impact of policy, communications and public affairs activity 

Essential skills and experience include:

• Demonstrable experience in policy, public affairs, communications or a related field 

• Strong knowledge and understanding of policy and legislative processes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Experience producing high-quality policy and communications outputs, including consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and media content

• Experience creating engaging content for digital channels, including websites, social media and email communications

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills 

• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment

Desirable: 

• Experience working within healthcare, government, a membership organisation or the third sector 

• Knowledge of public health, health inequalities or wider health service issues

• Experience working on issues relating to children and young people

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.

Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.

We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Devolved Nations)

£34,839 pa plus excellent benefits

Home-based

35 hours per week, full-time

Permanent

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking a talented and motivated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our Devolved Nations team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy development, advocacy and communications activity that helps improve child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Working as part of the Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations) team, you will play an important role in supporting the College’s policy and public affairs priorities. You will help build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, support advocacy campaigns, develop policy positions and create engaging communications content that raises the profile of child health issues across the devolved nations. 

This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including paediatricians, senior College Officers, politicians, government officials, charities and healthcare organisations. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting the development of policy positions specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring they reflect the needs of RCPCH members and have influence across the wider UK policy landscape 

• Drafting consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and stakeholder communications on child health and paediatric issues

• Providing expertise and advice on the political, governmental and health service landscape within the devolved nations 

• Supporting the delivery of public affairs and stakeholder engagement activity, helping to build productive relationships with governments, policymakers and health sector organisations

• Producing content for websites, social media, newsletters and other digital communications channels to support advocacy and engagement objectives

• Drafting media content, including quotes, press releases and briefing materials, in collaboration with colleagues across the College

• Supporting senior College Officers and staff during meetings and engagement with policymakers and external stakeholders 

• Coordinating and supporting the work of Executive Committees across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

• Assisting with administrative and financial processes, including invoice processing and supplier registration 

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the College to maximise the impact of policy, communications and public affairs activity 

Essential skills and experience include:

• Demonstrable experience in policy, public affairs, communications or a related field 

• Strong knowledge and understanding of policy and legislative processes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Experience producing high-quality policy and communications outputs, including consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and media content

• Experience creating engaging content for digital channels, including websites, social media and email communications

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills 

• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment

Desirable: 

• Experience working within healthcare, government, a membership organisation or the third sector 

• Knowledge of public health, health inequalities or wider health service issues

• Experience working on issues relating to children and young people

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.

Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.

We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.

Closing date: 6 July 2026

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive fundraiser who enjoys both bid writing and relationship building.

Working closely with the Fundraising Manager, you will play a key role in securing income from trusts and foundations, supporting donor stewardship, and helping to grow community fundraising activity. You will contribute directly to the financial sustainability of the charity while helping more children gain access to books of their own.

The role is ideally suited to someone who is highly organised, a strong writer, and confident managing multiple fundraising activities simultaneously.

Role Purpose

The Relationship Fundraiser will support the Philanthropy Manager to secure and increase income through the charity’s Philanthropy strategy.

The post holder will support with developing a robust pipeline of prospects and will be responsible for managing a portfolio of new and existing major donor relationships. You will be creative and analytical and provide first class research, administration, relationship management and database skills and provide excellent donor stewardship.

Main Responsibilities

· Work with the Philanthropy Manager to prepare and implement creative donor cultivation and stewardship plans to secure new donors and develop current relationships, including:

- Creative cases for support with associated budgets.

- Adapting information for specific donors using different approaches for different audiences.

- Developing engaging thank you letters and reports. 

· Manage an agreed portfolio of mid-value major donor relationships and prospects, with the support of the Philanthropy Manager and deliver excellent stewardship and tailored fundraising proposals.

· Provide timely and high-quality updates to donors on the charity’s activities and impact and value of gifts. Work with the Communications team to ensure that major donor supporters receive engaging and relevant marketing materials.

· Research and identify potential donors to build a strong list of prospects, matching against key fundraising priorities, to maximise opportunities and build a healthy prospect pipeline.

· Develop processes and systems to ensure the effective management of all relevant information, including keeping all records up to date on the CRM database (Sales Force) including all actions, communications and proposals in-line with the monthly KPIs and analyse to identify further opportunities.

· Support your line manager with income tracking and processing, contributing to financial targets, re-forecasts, budgeting and reporting.

· Be an active and supportive member of the Fundraising team and wider CBUK team, contributing to the Fundraising team’s development and targets as well as working collaboratively with colleagues.

· Ensure all associated activities are compliant with charity law, regulatory requirements and best practice, including those of the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

· Develop strong working knowledge of these areas of income generation and the wider fundraising and charity sector.

· Identify and complete relevant training, regularly reviewing relevant press and publications and keeping up to date with industry news.

· Represent the charity at meetings and events as required. This will sometimes require travel within the UK and occasionally an overnight stay.

Person Specification

Education/Professional Qualification

Essential

· Fundraising experience, preferably in a charity environment

· Experience of using a CRM database

· Experience of working with High Net Worth Individuals

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Analytical approach to tasks

· Strong interpersonal skills

· Ability to multi-task and prioritise whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail

· Strong planning and organisation skills

· Strong IT skills with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programme

· Ability to travel to meetings and events within the UK as required

Desirable

· Experience of using Sales Force database

Please don’t be discouraged from applying if you don’t meet every requirement listed in the person specification. We’d still really like to hear from you and learn more about the experience and strengths you can bring.

Benefits

· 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.

· TOIL for our hours work.

· Contributory pension scheme.

· Company sick pay.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Life assurance.

· Training loans.

· Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 19th July 2026 at 5pm

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

For further details, please see the Recruitment Pack for this role.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. Recruitment will take place mainly through schools. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The HR Officer plays a key role in delivering an effective, professional, and compliant HR service across the organisation. Supporting both operational HR processes and employee experience, the post holder will contribute to attracting, developing, and retaining talent in a collaborative and values-driven research environment.

Main responsibilities

HR Operations & Administration Support

• Lead recruitment campaigns in consultation with hiring managers, including drafting job adverts, short-listing and coordinating interviews.
• Manage employee life cycle process, including background checks, onboarding and offboarding.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in compliance with GDPR and organisational policies.
• Administer HR systems, contracts, and employment documentation.
• Manage relationship with 3rd party suppliers including HR consultancy and DBS check providers.
• Support payroll preparation including monthly absence reporting and ensuring accurate data submission and coordination with Finance/Payroll.
• Support the wider central administrative team as required.

 Employee Relations

• Provide first-line HR advice to managers and staff on policies, procedures, and employment matters.
• Support casework relating to absence, performance, disciplinary, and grievance processes.
• Support managers and the COO with complex people cases, working with the external HR partner as required.
• Promote a positive and inclusive working culture aligned with the organisation’s values.

Learning & Development

• Coordinate training activities and support professional development initiatives for research and support staff.
• Some delivery of internal people-related training
• Assist in identifying skills gaps and contributing to workforce development plans.

Policy & Compliance

• Ensure HR practices comply with employment legislation, charity sector regulations, and best practice.
• Monitor and assist with the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures, including handbook updates.
• Support equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the organisation.

HR Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to HR projects such as staff engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and organisational development.
• Support the implementation of HR systems improvements and process efficiencies.
• Collect and analyse HR data to inform decision-making and reporting.

Knowledge, skills and experience 

Essential

1. Experience in an HR administrative or officer-level role.
2. Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
3. CIPD Level 3 or equivalent.
4. Experience of supporting payroll and finance processes.
5. Proven ability to establish and evolve people processes in a growing organisation.
6. Proficiency in HR systems, such as BreatheHR or equivalent, and Microsoft Office applications.
7. Experience of working in organisations with multiple staffing arrangements i.e. direct employees, secondees, contractors etc.
8. Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
9. Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
10. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable

1. CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards).
2. Experience working in the charity, academic, or research sector.
3. Experience supporting EDI and wellbeing initiatives.
4. Familiarity with public funded and/or project-based staffing environments.
5. Experience supporting or negotiating secondment arrangements, particularly within academic, charity or research environments.

Dimensions

• This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, offered initially as an 18-month fixed-term contract with potential route to permanency.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

All candidates are required to complete the application form which can be found when clicking 'Apply Now' via Charity Job. 

Please refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section of the downloadable application form.

Please note that only applications submitted directly to Gravitate HR will be accepted for this position.

The closing date for applications is 11:00pm on Sunday 5 July 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to take place on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

 AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of:

• Gender, including gender reassignment
• Marital or civil partnership status
• Having or not having dependants
• Religion or belief
• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Age

We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.  All job applicants and employees who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be unfairly discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions about recruitment and selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination. 

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Are you ready to make a real impact every day? We're looking for a passionate and driven Fundraising Officer to join our dynamic Fundraising Team working from home, 37.5 hours a week.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in growing vital, non-statutory income for Victim Support across a range of fundraising streams, including legacies, corporate partnerships and trusts.

If you're someone who thrives on building relationships, developing compelling fundraising materials and working collaboratively to drive meaningful change for people affected by crime and trauma, then we want to hear from you.

What we offer

At Victim Support we believe in attracting and retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the role

In this role, you'll support and deliver fundraising activity across multiple income streams, with a particular focus on developing and growing income from legacies, corporate partnerships and trusts.

You'll build and manage relationships with prospective and existing supporters, develop high-quality applications and proposals, and contribute to effective supporter stewardship and engagement. You will play a key role in strengthening Victim Support's fundraising activity across the organisation, working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to maximise opportunities.

The role also involves supporting legacy fundraising activity, including responding to enquiries, stewarding pledgers and contributing to legacy marketing activity. Alongside this, you will support the development of corporate partnerships through prospect research, pitching, proposal writing and relationship building.

You'll ensure all activity is delivered in line with fundraising best practice, relevant legislation and organisational policies, while helping to embed a strong fundraising culture across Victim Support.

We're looking for someone who is proactive, organised and a strong communicator, with the confidence to build relationships and work both independently and as part of a team.

We're seeking candidates with the following competencies and attributes:

• Experience of securing income or contributing to fundraising activity (e.g. legacies, corporate, trusts)
• Excellent written skills, with the ability to develop clear, engaging and accurate fundraising content
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and manage competing priorities effectively
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Good research skills, with the ability to identify and assess funding opportunitie

If you're ready to take initiative and grow your career in a supportive, values-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you.

This role is home-based (within England and Wales) with some national travel and overnight stays.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Role: Communications Officer

Reporting to: Head of Communications

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Location: Remote (UTC-4 to UTC+5) (with some international travel for events)
Candidates must be located within ±4 hours of the UK timezone (GMT/BST) to ensure sufficient team crossover.

Closing date: 9am (UK time) on Monday 13th July.

The opportunity
We are seeking a structured and proactive Communications Officer to play a vital role in the day-to-day delivery of our global communications. From managing our content calendar and compiling email campaigns to updating website content, you will support our small, dynamic team in continuously improving the quality, impact, and consistency of our outputs for United for Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH) and the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN). 

About Us
United for Global Mental Health is dedicated to creating a world that enables good mental health for all. We draw on our expertise in policy, advocacy, and financing to work with organisations who share our commitment to driving mental health up the political agenda - and securing additional funding for mental health at national and global level. We founded and act as the secretariat for the Global Mental Health Action Network, an open coalition of mental health professionals of over 10,000 individuals and organisations across 170 countries. 

About you 
Our ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented communicator who genuinely enjoys the practical delivery of communications outputs. You are highly organised, skilled at managing multiple tasks, and comfortable keeping the gears of a busy communications function turning. You understand how to tailor messaging for diverse global audiences and geographies. Ideally, you bring experience working within an international non-governmental organisation (INGO) or global health context.

The role 
Key components of the role include: 

• Social media content development - collaborate with internal subject specialists to produce consistent and frequent on-brand written and visual content for social channels, in support of brand and advocacy goals. You’ll use Canva, Adobe Creative Suite and AgoraPulse for this. 
• Email - develop, write and send UnitedGMH’s regular email newsletter, working with internal staff to source news, updates and relevant content tailored for email subscribers.
• Website development - develop, maintain and update content for the UnitedGMH website - including uploading content and editing pages.
• Social media channel and community management - lead on day-to-day management and posting on UnitedGMH social media channels, including LinkedIn and Pinterest. Manage paid social campaigns where required. Use monitoring tools to manage social media comments (organic and paid). 
• Brand guardian: Be a steward of the UnitedGMH brand, helping to ensure consistent application of visual identity and tone of voice across all external organisational outputs, maintaining high standards of design.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting - create regular analytic reports for social, website and email channels. 
• Editorial planning and communications calendar management - lead on the maintenance of the organisation’s communications calendar, ensuring content across channels is planned-in-advance of key advocacy moments. 
• Team support - support the communications team through project management, meeting management, processing supplier invoices, keeping journalist lists up-to-date, and other responsibilities where needed. 
• Ad-hoc support for the Global Mental Health Action Network - you’ll also provide a supporting function as needed for the GMHAN team, including tasks related to website and social management, plus others where needed. 

Requirements 

• Digital Channel Expertise: Proven experience managing website Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace), diverse social media platforms, and email marketing software (e.g., Mailchimp).
• Exceptional Copywriting: A skilled writer with a track record of crafting engaging copy for varied audiences. Note: We want an authentic writer who cares deeply about the words they craft, rather than someone whose first instinct is to rely on LLMs/AI to generate content.
• Editorial Rigour: Strong research and proofreading skills with an uncompromising eye for detail.
• Organisation & Delivery: Highly organised with experience providing team administrative support and the ability to prioritise a busy workload under tight deadlines.
• Tools & Systems: Comfortable utilising digital project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Trello, Google Drive).
• Mission Alignment: A genuine interest in global mental health, international development, and political advocacy.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship management skills, with the flexibility to work effectively with a globally distributed team.
• Travel: Willingness to travel internationally to support at global events up to 5 times per year for up to a week at a time. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in an advocacy / international NGO environment within a fast-paced globally distributed staff team
• Demonstrable experience in working with journalists
• Additional language skills (note the position requires fluent English)

Unfortunately, we are not able to recruit team members in the following countries/regions: Afghanistan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine (specifically the occupied regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya), Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

For non-UK candidates: Please note that you would be hired via Deel as an Employer of Record.

Interviews:
Interviews will be conducted remotely. There will be 2 interview rounds and a task to complete.
How to apply:
To apply, please submit your cover letter, outlining how you meet the required competencies, and a CV, via the Charity Job site.