Policy research officer jobs in City of london, england
Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?
Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.
You will:
-
Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work
-
Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals
-
Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders
-
Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition
-
Contribute as a full member of our leadership team
We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.
This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.
Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.
If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to FEA on this appointment.
Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence at the Fair Education Alliance
We are proud to be a coalition of 300 organisations united behind a simple but powerful belief: that no child’s success should be limited by their socioeconomic background. We exist to shift the conditions that hold inequity in place through collaboration across schools, colleges, higher education institutions, charities, youth organisations, researchers, funders, and young people themselves.
Our 2025-30 strategy, From Neighbourhood to National: A Strategy to ensure every child and young person thrives, is rooted in systems change—tackling not just policies and practices, but also the resources, relationships, power and mental models that hold inequity in place. Our work targets root causes, deepens collective impact, and embraces the complexity—and opportunity—of true transformation.
We are now recruiting a Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Influence to strengthen the FEA’s external leadership at a critical point in our development. As we implement our strategy, we are placing greater emphasis on how we represent the collective insight of our members, and how we use our convening role to shape agendas at local, regional and national levels.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and working closely with the Co-Chief Executive Officers, this role will lead FEA’s policy positioning and public affairs activity and play a central role in representing the Alliance externally. The Director will be trusted to shape where and how FEA engages in public debate and decision-making, ensuring that our collective voice is credible and influential, and grounded in the experience of our members and partners across the system. This includes working closely with young people, recognising them as critical contributors and often the most powerful spokespeople for our work, and creating meaningful opportunities for their voices to shape our policy and public affairs activity.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who is comfortable operating through influence rather than formal authority, and who brings confidence in navigating complex policy environments. It offers the opportunity to shape how a large, diverse coalition contributes to public debate and policy thinking at a moment when joined-up, system-level approaches to educational equity are increasingly needed.
We hope you will consider applying.
Key dates
-
Applications close: Monday 16 March (10 am)
-
First round interviews: 26th and 27th March (online)
-
Final interviews: 1st-2nd, 7-9th April (in person at the FEA office in London)
-
Start date: as soon as possible, to be agreed with the successful candidate
No child’s success should be limited by their socioeconomic background.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the team
The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.
The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
About this role
The Research and Evidence Officer is a new and exciting role at Impetus, an organisation at the forefront of youth policy. Impetus is evidence led and impact focused and we take this approach to our policy and public affairs activity.
The successful candidate will provide the robust data and insights needed to help us build a better understanding of young people’s experiences across education and employment, support colleagues by providing accurate data, analysis and insight that informs policy development and communication designed to improve their outcomes, and support the team to create compelling cases for change tailored to a range of audiences. They will be line managed by the Head of Education Policy but work across both employment and education policy domains.
We are a busy team doing interesting and exciting work. Day-to-day you might be extracting insights from government published data, providing evidence for a policy briefing, drafting a report for a policy audience, or working with colleagues from across the team to communicate research findings in impactful ways, following agreed templates, processes and quality standards, and seeking clarification where needed.
We are looking for someone with a commitment to supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get the support they need for a fulfilling life, whatever that means to them. You will have good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, have the skills required to analyse a range of data sets, including confidence applying quantitative research methods to conduct primary and secondary analysis of large and complex datasets, and the ability to present research findings clearly.
This is an exciting time to join a rapidly growing organisation. We work on tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds including reducing the numbers losing learning though absence and exclusion, improving GCSE attainment in English and maths and ensuring youth employment provision reaches those furthest away from work. Your contribution to this work will have a tangible impact
on these and other areas.
We are keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.
We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find the link on the recruitment pack.
Key responsibilities
• Monitor monthly data releases and new research published across our areas of interest and record relevant information accurately following agreed templates and systems
• Use quantitative and qualitative research skills to support and contribute to the delivery of a range of research projects and reviews, conduct data analysis, and generate robust evidence across relevant policy areas and portfolio partner activity
• Translate complex data accurately into accessible reports, briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and other content ensuring accuracy, clarity and adherence to organisational templates and approval processes
• Use research findings to provide accurate evidence and summaries that support colleagues in developing policy positions, evaluating proposals, and proposing evidence-based solutions
• Prepare accurate briefing materials and background notes to support senior colleagues on relevant policy areas ahead of meetings and events (speaking events, roundtables, and senior-level stakeholder meetings)
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop content for external priority audiences to maintain and grow the profile of policy work, by preparing draft summaries, data points and visuals in line with agreed templates and style guides
• Support the policy team in gathering, organising, summarising and using evidence from portfolio partners
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing packs, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Support the Heads of Policy to build and maintain relationships with researchers, academics, and the education sector by writing briefings, maintaining a contact database, and representing Impetus’ interests at events
• Collaborate with peers to meet deadlines and deliver results, ask for clarification when needed, share information promptly, and work cooperatively to meet deadlines.
Person specification
Essential
• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and how these can be applied to policy and practice
• Ability to support the development of research tools including surveys, interview guides, and tailored data collection plans
• Experience of analysing data and evidence (quantitative and qualitative), including working with large or complex datasets ensuring accuracy and following agreed guidance
• Experience using statistical or data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, R, Stata, SPSS, or similar)
• Ability to interpret research findings and translate complex data into clear, accessible outputs to improve clarity for non-technical audiences (e.g. briefings, reports, presentations)
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate, and well-structured content for policy or public audiences which are in line with agreed templates and processes
• Ability to gather and summarise evidence that supports colleagues in developing policy positions and decision-making
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously. Able to follow established processes, manage own tasks, and maintain accurate records
• A commitment to working with collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and to contribute positively to a team-based working culture
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
• Experience working in a policy, university or research environment, think tank, charity, or public sector environment
• An interest in education and/or employment policy and the use of evidence to drive systemic change and a willingness to build understanding
• Knowledge of the UK government and policy-making process, including the roles of departments, Parliament, and external stakeholders, and how research and evidence contribute to policy development and decision-making
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

About CoppaFeel!
CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.
We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.
Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.
The Role
CoppaFeel! is looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help grow our influence in the policy and public affairs space, and ultimately improve outcomes for younger people with breast cancer.
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will sit within the CoppaFeel! Policy and Influencing team within the Education department and will work closely with the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager. They will support the implementation of our policy and influencing strategy that aims to build our policy expertise, influence the debate, grow our networks and drive system change.
This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that you will attend the London office 2 days per week (though we are open to flexible arrangements). You will be required to attend the office for quarterly team meetings, department meetings and in person training, we will provide plenty of notice for when you are required to be in for these purposes.
This is a fixed term contract for 18 months.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advance our policy expertise
- Research policy areas to support CoppaFeel!’s evidence-based policy work
- Monitor key policy developments in breast cancer and younger people
- Stay on top of new external research and data releases
Influence the debate
- Draft policy briefings on key policy issues for younger people with breast cancer
- Contribute to policy debates, e.g. by drafting consultation responses, briefings and statements
- Support the smooth running of policy events, including event organisation, stakeholder mapping and engagement
Reach the right people
- Engage a variety of stakeholders with CoppaFeel!’s work - from policymakers to journalists and other charities
- Support the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders, and maintain CoppaFeel!’s stakeholder database
Drive impact
- Support the implementation of CoppaFeel!’s policy and influencing strategy
- Support and coordinate policy and influencing campaigns
- Measure and report impact of policy and influencing work
Work across the organisation
- Work with colleagues across CoppaFeel! to ensure policy messages are aligned and embedded across the charity’s work and audiences
- Undertake any other reasonable duties or responsibilities as required by the Charity, in line with the needs of the organisation.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- A good understanding of the UK political system and processes
- Experience working on an aspect of social policy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A passion for creating change
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work across teams
- Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders, from policymakers to the media and third sector organisations
Desirable
- Experience working on cancer or other health policy issues
- Event organisation or comms experience
Application information
Applications will close on Monday, 9 March with the aim to commence interviews in the W/C 16 March 2026.
CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.
Main benefits, Terms & Conditions
Annual leave entitlement: 22 days, plus office closure at Christmas, a day off on our Founders birthday, and a day off for your birthday.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health Cash Plan; cash back on everyday health expenses, as well as a GP advice line and access to PerkBox.
- Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
- Core working hours of 10am to 4pm
- Flex Friday; every other Friday off, offering the time to recharge and ensuring work life balance, while remaining available in case of emergencies
All annual leave and benefits are pro-rata'd for part time employees.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
At CoppaFeel! we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.
We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.
While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Since 1960 we have invested more than £500 million in blood cancer research in the UK. Where we’ve invested, survival rates and quality of life have improved. We’ve been working to beat blood cancer for over 50 years, and we won’t stop until we do. Be a part of our story and help us change the world.
We’re looking for a Senior Research Grants Officer to play a key role in delivering and strengthening our research portfolio spanning translational and clinical research. You’ll lead on the coordination and delivery of the Transformational Research Awards Scheme, support clinical trial review processes, and oversee a portfolio of active grants to ensure funding decisions and post-award management are rigorous, transparent and strategically aligned.
You’ll also play an important part in strengthening how we fund and manage research. From supporting the implementation of a new Grants Management System to refining processes and providing expert guidance to researchers, committee members and senior stakeholders, you’ll help ensure our investment delivers maximum impact. If you bring strong biomedical knowledge, grant administration experience and a passion for driving progress for people affected by blood cancer, we’d love to hear from you.
This is a hybrid role with regular anchor days in our London office, alongside attendance at key meetings, conferences and team events throughout the year.
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.
We research, we support, we care. Because it’s time to beat leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and all types of blood cancer.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the team
The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.
The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
About this role
The Public Affairs Officer is a new and exciting role in a rapidly expanding organisation at the forefront of youth policy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the strengthening of Impetus’ public affairs profile, as well as support colleagues to strengthen and maintain relationships with parliamentarians, decision-makers, sector stakeholders and wider civil society.
We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to getting the support young people from disadvantaged background need in education and employment. You’ll have a passion for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across government and the third sector. You will have a good understanding of the UK’s policy environment with an interest in increasing your knowledge and relationships in this area and developing and expanding links with a range of parliamentary, government and other key stakeholders.
The Public Affairs Officer will be part of the wider Public Affairs Team. Though you will report to the Head of Youth Employment Policy, you will work across both our education and employment policy work, and will be expected to regularly collaborate with the Communications Team, and will understand the role of communications in shaping the political agenda and the public debate. You will have experience of writing for a wide range of audiences, ranging from policy briefings to social media content.
This role supports the delivery of high-quality public affairs work, following agreed plans, templates and processes, and escalating risks or issues promptly.
We’re interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong organisational skills, with experience of either leading or supporting the coordination and delivery of events. We’d particularly like to hear from candidates who have managed a CRM database such as Salesforce. You will be a strong team player, with a collaborative working style.
We are also keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.
We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find more information listed in the Public Affairs Officer Recruitment Pack.
Key responsibilities
• Work with the Heads of Policy and Communications teams to contribute to public affairs plans by providing research, coordination and administrative support from the outset of each project
• Monitor and analyse political, policy developments and parliamentary activity, keeping your knowledge up to data and accurate, ensuring information is recorded using agreed templates and systems, and flagging relevant updates promptly
• Support the coordination of stakeholder engagement, including preparing briefings, organising meetings and maintaining accurate CRM records
• Coordinate and deliver public affairs events, including logistics, invitations, materials, briefing packs, on-the-day support and post-event follow-up for meetings, party conference activities, evidence sessions, roundtables, report launches and all other relevant events
• Manage our CRM database (Salesforce), ensuring data quality, completeness and accuracy, and flagging issues when needed
• Support the Communications Team to maintain and grow the profile of our policy work with priority audiences, following agreed brand guidelines, templates and approval processes
• Undertake some desk-based research to support policy projects when required, ensuring accuracy and clarity in all research outputs
• Assist in developing campaign tools and published materials
• Draft policy briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and social media content
• Brief and support senior staff within the relevant policy areas, such as to prepare for a speaking event, roundtable, or high-level stakeholder meeting
• Monitor political and parliamentary developments and flag relevant updates and opportunities for influencing public policy to senior team members
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for the internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing pack, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Attend relevant external events on behalf of the team and support colleagues by taking notes, preparing summaries and sharing relevant insights
Person specification
Essential
• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to operate effectively in a busy office environment, including the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously.
• Able to follow agreed processes, templates and guidance, maintaining accurate records and escalating issues early
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to write copy for a range of audiences and formats based on complex content e.g. policy briefings, blogs, articles, website content and more, and willingness to seek feedback to improve clarity and impact
• Demonstrable record of building and maintaining effective working relationships across an organisation, working co-operatively as part of a team, welcomes feedback, and seeks clarification when tasks or priorities are unclear
• Strong IT Skills (Microsoft Office skills essential)
• Comfortable handling data, ensuring accuracy, and following data quality and confidentiality standards
• Interest in politics and UK public policy and enthusiasm for developing professional knowledge in this area
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
• Experience supporting engagement with external stakeholders such as parliamentarians, civil servants, academics, researchers, and/or charity partners who influence and shape policy and its implementation (e.g. scheduling meetings, preparing briefings, drafting correspondence)
• Experience managing a CRM database or similar, ensuring information management systems are up to date
• Experience of leading and supporting event delivery and management including logistics, preparation, and coordinating inputs from colleagues
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

Inclusion London is a leading disability equality organisation run by and for Deaf and Disabled people. We have built a national reputation for effective policy and campaign work and for providing innovative business and organisational support to local Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations (DDPOs) in London. Our mission is nothing less than full equality and inclusion for Deaf and Disabled people, with our communities leading the change we need to see.
About the roles
We have two exciting junior level positions for people who want to build a career in policy and campaigns. You will play a vital role in promoting Deaf and Disabled people’s rights to local and national decision-makers and raising awareness of the structural inequalities facing the Deaf and Disabled community in London and the UK.
You will be eager to support DDPOs to secure policy change at local and national government levels. You will do this by analysing national and local policy developments that affect Deaf and Disabled people’s lives, gathering evidence, drafting policy papers and briefings, and coordinating DDPOs to work together to design and implement influencing strategies.
One of the two new roles will focus on our campaigns for an adequate standard of living for all Deaf and Disabled Londoners, and one will work on our campaign to secure affordable accessible housing in the capital.
You will receive regular support from colleagues to develop your knowledge and skills across a range of policy areas.
About you
- Are you passionate about social justice and promoting Deaf and Disabled people’s rights?
- Do you have experience of working in policy or producing social policy research and analysis, whether through work, activism, or academia? Do you have good campaigning and influencing skills that you want to develop and use to bring about tangible social change?
Then this job might be for you! You can be a recent graduate, someone who is looking for a career change, or someone who wants to build on their existing policy skills. This job will give you the chance to work across a range of policy and campaigning disciplines, including media, activism, lobbying, research, and peer support, to make a real difference to the lives of thousands of Deaf and Disabled people in London and the rest of England.
IL is committed to equality, diversity and human rights. As a DDPO, we welcome applications from all Deaf and Disabled people, especially those from Black and racially minoritised communities and the LGBTQI+ community.
What we offer
We know our organisation flourishes because of our committed staff. We value initiative and will encourage and support you to develop your talents and skills, including accessing relevant training. You will learn a lot on the job and will be supported by senior colleagues to develop your skills. We provide a flexible working environment to enable our employees to enhance their personal and professional development.
We support flexible/homeworking with a mix of home and office at our fully accessible office in Vauxhall.
To apply
Please click on the Redirect to recruiter tab which will guide you to our webiste for more information including BSL videos of all the contents of this recruitment.
Closing date for applications: 5pm, Sunday 15 March 2026
Candidates invited to interview will be informed by: Thursday 19 March 2026
Interviews will take place in person on: Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March 2026
Please note: This role is for residents of the UK with permanent right to work status.
We support Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations in London and campaign for equality for Deaf and Disabled people



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in suicide prevention policy? We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team at Samaritans. Join our team and help influence public policy to achieve our vision: fewer lives lost to suicide.
This is a meaningful, high impact role where your work will directly contribute to safer, more compassionate public policy.
Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change in legislation and policy.
About the Role
As Policy Officer, you will lead the development and influencing of policy positions on suicide prevention, using research and evidence to produce high-quality briefings, consultation responses and reports. You will build strong internal and external relationships, monitor the policy environment, and work collaboratively across the charity to communicate and advance our policy work.
Contract
- £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits
- Full Time (35hrs per week)
- Permanent
- Hybrid working with link to Ewell office
- In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.
- We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
What You’ll Do
- Support the development of Samaritans’ policy positions on suicide prevention.
- Produce clear briefings, consultation responses and policy reports.
- Analyse complex evidence to inform policy development.
- Spot emerging policy issues and support research needs.
- Keep teams updated on policy changes across the UK and Ireland.
- Represent Samaritans at policy events and support external communications.
- Work closely with colleagues across nations to ensure cohesive policy approaches.
What You’ll Bring
- Experience in policy or public affairs and understanding of influencing national/local change.
- Strong ability to turn complex info into clear policy insights.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong project management and stakeholder engagement experience.
- Understanding of mental health or suicide prevention issues.
- Knowledge of mental health/suicide prevention policy, charity sector experience, familiarity with Samaritans, or experience in research processes (desirable).
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.
You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Apply now
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer short application questions (please keep your answers to max 300 words) and to upload your CV (please avoid special characters in the file name).
We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.
Applications close: Tuesday 3rd March
Interviews: w/c Monday 9th March
We prevent suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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, which sits 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, 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 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 other 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.
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 anti-oppression 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 12pm Monday 23 February 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 on 11th and 12th March
Second round interview will be held on 18th March
Apply via the Job Board on our website.
Liberty challenge injustice, defend freedom and campaign to make sure everyone in the UK is treated fairly.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About The Job
Contract: Permanent, full time contract.
Hours: 35 hours per week (1 FTE)
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Location: This is a hybrid role, anchored to the London Carers Trust office 1-2 days a week. It will require travel across England and occasionally the UK.
The Policy and Practice Officer will help drive Carers Trust’s priority to improve support for young carers and young adult carers. You will strengthen our growing policy and parliamentary work, coordinate the ever-growing Young Carers Alliance, and act as the main contact for the Young Carers Covenant.
You will work with a wide range of stakeholders including civil servants, MPs, local carer services and other charity partners, local authorities, health organisations, senior colleagues, and most importantly, young carers and young adult carer services themselves. In this role, you will champion young carers’ voices through public campaigning and private influencing, becoming an expert in the issues they face and the support organisations that work with them.
As the postholder you will:
· Proactively support young carers, young adult carers and local carer organisations to become involved in policy and external affairs activity.
· Build strong links with other organisations across areas such as education, health and social care to ensure that young carers are proactively being considered within policy, research and practice.
· Produce engaging reports, briefings, digital copy and articles for external use outlining and evidencing the need for change and potential solutions.
Please download the attached recruitment pack to find out more.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager
Position Type: Maternity Cover
Reports to: Founder/Chief Executive
Based at: School Food Matters, Blackfriars Settlement 9 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB
Salary: £40,500
Working Hours: 9am-5pm (flexible)
Pension: School Food Matters pays pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings
Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays
School Food Matters is closed between Christmas and New Year
Job Purpose
· To lead and shape School Food Matters’ policy and advocacy strategy, ensuring our voice influences national and local decision-making on school food and food education
· To design and deliver campaigns that support and advance SFM’s mission
· To line manage the Policy and Communications Assistant and Press and Communications Officer
Key Tasks
· Lead and provide strategic input to campaigns, convene groups and partnerships
· Represent SFM at external meetings and coalitions such as the School Food Review
· Monitor, analyse and interpret relevant research, policy developments and news, identifying implications or opportunities for SFM
· Oversee the strategic direction of SFM’s external affairs and communications, ensuring all policy, campaigns, and public messaging align with the charity’s mission and priorities
· Provide policy research and analysis to support the activities of the School Food Review
· Oversee meetings and governance for the School Food Alliance
· Provide policy and communications expertise for the Food Education Network workstreams
· Represent SFM at relevant policy consultations, meetings and conferences to influence and inform policy discussions, and deliver presentations as required
· Lead drafting of responses to government consultations
· Working closely with the Press and Communications Officer, provide insights to inform timely media responses to policy developments
· Ensure colleagues are regularly briefed on policy activities, priorities and messages, and run internal workshops to keep them up to date with the school food sector
· Provide strategic input to meeting content for the School Food Review, and support the Policy and Communications Assistant to organise meetings for workstreams
· Oversee the development web content, articles, blogs and newsletter content by the Press and Communications Officer and the Policy and Communications Assistant
· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures
· Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times
· The Policy and Advocacy Manager will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time. Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!
Person Specification
Essential
· Experience of research and analysis, ideally in a policy environment
· General knowledge of issues around school food, children’s health and food education
· Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s political system
· Experience of coordinating policy/research-based projects
· Experience designing, coordinating and delivering campaigns
· Experience of working in coalitions
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain relationships with a range of individuals and organisations
· Confident and competent IT skills across Office suite of programmes
· Exceptional oral and written communication skills in fluent spoken and written English, with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex data and policies into accessible language and engaging stories and communication materials
· Strong understanding media landscape and social media platforms to oversee the communications activity of the organisation
· Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation
· Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
· Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity
Desirable
· Strong knowledge of the public health, food and education policy landscape
· Experience managing others
· Experience managing projects
· Experience managing meetings
· Experience of working with Drupal CMS
· Experience of working within a network or coalition of campaigning organisations
· Established contacts with media outlets/journalists/bloggers
· Digital campaigning and social networking skills
· Experience writing news articles and blog posts with clear structure, purpose and an engaging narrative
· Experience managing or supervising team members to deliver communications projects effectively
We campaign for a better school food system. We support schools, local authorities and MATs to improve food in schools.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
White Ribbon is the leading organisation in the UK working to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. Our mission is to prevent men’s violence against women through addressing its root causes, gender inequality and harmful gender norms and stereotypes. We do this by working with individual men and boys, organisations, and the community, helping them to understand the scale of the problem, and how they can be part of the solution.
This is an exciting time to join White Ribbon as our work and profile has grown significantly over recent years as the importance of engaging men in ending violence has become more apparent. We have an increasing public presence, through campaigning activities, policy influence, in the media and online.
Location: This post is remote or hybrid working at our offices in Hebden Bridge, but you must be willing and able to travel to meet with colleagues, including a quarterly full staff meeting at Hebden Bridge. This post requires travel to attend events and meetings throughout England and Wales.
You will work closely with the Campaigns and Policy Manager, take ownership of projects and work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders, from Parliamentarians to Ambassadors and Champions, our grassroots changemakers. You will help shape and implement impactful campaigns that align with our strategic aims, engage men and boys as allies, and drive forward our ambition to transform the cultures that underpin gender-based violence and will be helping to deliver our flagship campaign White Ribbon Day and the following 16 days of activism.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior Policy Officer
We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.
We currently have around 95 staff based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to grow our staff team to deliver our ambitious strategy, On a mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.
Senior Policy Officer Job Description
Do you want your policy work to genuinely change lives? As a Senior Policy Officer, you’ll lead a defined area of our UK-wide policy work, shaping evidence-based positions that influence decisions across health systems and government. You’ll have the autonomy to own your brief, the space to think strategically, and the support of an expert, collaborative team who care deeply about impact. Your work will directly affect people living with bowel cancer.
This role is ideal if you’re an experienced policy professional who enjoys tackling complex problems, building trusted relationships, and turning evidence into action. You’ll work closely with policymakers, clinicians and sector partners, represent us in high-level forums, and help steer how we respond to fast-moving health policy developments. In return, we offer flexibility, trust, and a strong values-led culture and the chance to be part of a growing organisation delivering an ambitious strategy at a critical moment.
If you’re motivated by purpose, confident in your judgement, and ready to step into a role with real responsibility and influence, we’d love to hear from you.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.
We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Terms and Conditions:
Working hours: 28 hours
- Support Women in Prison to influence policy makers to reduce the unnecessary criminalisation of women and improving the rights of women in the criminal justice system
- Ensuring women with Lived Experience are at the heart Women in Prison’s policy and public affairs work
- Political analysis and monitoring
- Supporting the wider work of the Policy and Public Affairs Team
We are happy to invest in developing the right person, so you are welcome to apply even if your professional experience does not fully meet the job description or person specification.
- Is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement
- Requires the right to work in the UK
- Is subject to a basic DBS check
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Research Officer
The Centre for Justice Innovation is looking to recruit a pragmatic and thoughtful Research Officer to help us advocate for evidence-based reform to criminal and family justice policy and practice in the UK.
Terms: Full time (35 hours per week), permanent, 27 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 2 years’ service). Job share arrangements may be considered.
Pay: Starting salary of £35,000
Other benefits: Matched Pension Contributions, Employee Healthcare Scheme, Flexible Hours, Employee Rewards and Discounts Platform, Volunteering Days, Monthly Lunch & Learns, Personal L&D Budget
Location: Edinburgh House, 170 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DP (hybrid working available)
Reporting to: Head of Data and Evidence
Application deadline: 09:00am on 13th March 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 23rd March 2026, in person at our offices in Kennington, SE11 5DP
Expected start date: As soon as possible
What will you be doing?
Our Research Officer will play a key pivotal in strengthening the evidence base for innovation across the UK’s justice systems. The role will have a particular focus on improving outcomes for women in the criminal justice system and for families in the family justice system, including through our work overseeing FDAC.
Undertaking qualitative and mixed methods research, you will draw out the voices of people with lived experience and frontline practitioners on issues like:
- Improving the treatment of women in the criminal justice system
- Joined up responses to domestic abuse
- Making sure that children and families involved in the family justice system have the right support.
Your duties will include:
- Undertaking qualitative and mixed-methods research projects
- Working with other team members to design research methodologies
- Carrying out fieldwork with people with lived experience, practitioners and other informants
- Drafting research reports and other research outputs
- Presenting your findings at events
- Working alongside our practice team to produce accessible evidence summaries for practitioners
- Working with our policy team to frame research findings to create policy change
Every member of our team plays a part in influencing how the Centre develops. Roles and objectives may shift, and we ask everyone to work with creativity and flexibility in response to changing business needs.
Skills, Experience and Knowledge
Through your application, you should demonstrate the experience, skills and knowledge you have in the areas described below.
Experience
- Professional experience of undertaking qualitative or mixed-methods research projects
- Experience of undertaking research with participants facing additional barriers or vulnerabilities
- Experience of drafting high quality research reports or other outputs
Skills and knowledge
- Knowledge of research methodologies
- Excellent writing skills and good spoken English
- The ability to summarise research findings clearly for a non-specialist audience
- Demonstrable interest in and understanding of social policy issues
- A pragmatic approach to solving social problems and identifying practical solutions
- The ability to balance multiple priorities and managing your own workload to meet deadlines
You will also need to have:
- A willingness and ability to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas
- Eligibility to work in the UK legally
Application Guidance
All application questions should be answered in your own words without AI assistance. We're looking to understand your individual experience, thinking, and communication style. Please note that applications are screened with AI detection software
The deadline for applications is 9am on Friday 13th March 2026. Interviews will be held at our office in Kennington in the week commencing 23rd March 2026.
Equal opportunities
It is the policy of The Centre for Justice Innovation to treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability, offending history or trade union membership status.
We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive.
The Centre is committed to fair recruitment and the inclusion of applicants with criminal records. It is essential that people do not face unfair discrimination in any role within the charity, whether paid or voluntary. For that reason, we do not use criminal records to exclude people. We only ask about criminal records if they are relevant to the role.
At the Centre for Justice Innovation, we seek to build a justice system which everyone believes is fair and effective.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.