Policy research officer jobs in London, greater london
Research is at the heart of our charitable objectives at Sarcoma UK. The charity provides funding for research to understand sarcoma better, improve treatments and ultimately, make a difference to the lives of people affected by sarcoma. Since 2009, we’ve funded more than 100 projects, representing an investment of more than £10 million.
The Research Officer role enjoys a varied workload and brings the opportunity to work with autonomy and develop new skills within a friendly and dynamic team. You will work on a broad range of projects, including being involved with our grant management processes, working closely with the Research Manager and Director of Research, Policy and Support. The post-holder will also work closely with other departments across the charity, including producing engaging research communications content for print, online and social media, and will also have the opportunity to interact with senior researchers, clinicians and people affected by sarcoma.
This is an ideal role for someone with a scientific background and an active interest in research management, and it offers the opportunity to make a real impact for people affected by sarcoma and their families.
At Sarcoma UK, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Benefits
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- 25 days holiday entitlement per annum plus bank holidays and the working days between Christmas and New Year
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Health and wellbeing:
- Health Cash Plan
- Therapy sessions
- Wellbeing Group
Our Values
- Pioneering we are leading the way to a better future for the sarcoma community.
- Together we are creating a community to make a difference for all those affected by sarcoma.
- Expert we use our expertise in understanding sarcoma to deliver better outcomes.
Duties and Key Responsibilites
Sarcoma UK’s research programme
- To support Sarcoma UK’s grant application processes under guidance from the Research Manager. This will include calls for proposals, identifying expert peer reviewers, administering a high-quality peer and lay review process, communication with applicants and potential applicants, administration of grant awards and supporting patient involvement.
- To provide support to the Grant Review Panel and Research Strategy Committee, including organising meetings and preparing minutes.
- To manage Sarcoma UK’s portfolio of active research grants, under guidance from the Research Manager. This will include use of grant management software for administration of newly awarded grants, monitoring progress of current grants, oversight of grant finances and reporting on final outputs.
- To support opportunities for patient involvement within the research programme, including managing a network of lay reviewers and facilitating new opportunities, with support from the Involvement and Volunteering Coordinator.
- To support new developments in Sarcoma UK’s research programme, including organising and attending events, collaborative funding calls and initiatives to support early career researchers.
Research Impact and Communications
- To monitor and gather outputs and long-term impact of research grants funded by Sarcoma UK and support in ensuring these are shared with internal and external audiences.
- To plan and produce engaging and reactive and proactive communications about sarcoma research, including website, social media, written and video content, working with the Research Manager and Communications Team to ensure our research activities and outcomes are shared with the sarcoma community and wider public.
- To proactively engage with grant holders to gather impactful insights and to support engaging communication about sarcoma research.
- To regularly review and update Sarcoma UK’s website with progress updates on research grants and promote funding opportunities.
- To support work undertaken by the Fundraising Team where required, such as lab tours and supplying information about funded grants for donor reports.
External relationships
- To be a point of contact for Sarcoma UK grant holders and their host institutions.
- To maintain positive relationships with Sarcoma UK’s research panels, potential grant applications, researchers and clinicians, and the wider sarcoma research community.
- To work directly with a range of people personally affected by sarcoma to place the voice of lived experience at the heart of our research programme.
General
- To support the integration of the research programme across Sarcoma UK.
- Attend Sarcoma UK events and contribute to the wider work of Sarcoma UK.
- Travel occasionally to meetings and events. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required (time off in lieu will be given).
- Work flexibly and collaboratively in a dynamic environment, undertaking other duties as required to support the wider operations of Sarcoma UK.
Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research and offers information and support to anyone affected by sarcoma.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you up for a new and exciting challenge, leading one of the most effective and nimble NGOs in the transport and environment sectors in England and Wales?
Transport Action Network (TAN) is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable CEO to lead its remote team of six.
Since it was set up in 2019, TAN has established itself as a thought leader on planning and transport matters, while providing hands-on support and advice to local communities seeking better transport solutions. It has successfully challenged government decisions and helped local communities fight off damaging road schemes. Some examples include schames that would have harmed Stonehenge World Heritage Site, South Downs National Park and Rimrose Valley Country Park in Liverpool.
TAN is currently supporting the Queensbury Tunnel Society, trying to stop the government blocking up an old railway tunnel so that it can be repurposed for a new greenway. It is also opposing the Lower Thames Crossing 'smart' motorway.
Fancy, getting involved and making a difference?
We look forward to hearing from you.
Deadline for returning completed applications is 23:59 (GMT), Sunday 1st February, 2026
First interviews: 27th February and 4/5th March
In addition to answering the above questions, please include a statement (max 1000 words) explaining why you want this job, what relevant experience you have and provide examples of how you meet the key responsibilities and essential person specifications.
To support local communities and individuals fight damaging or unfair transport proposals and to press for more sustainable and equitable solutions
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Hybrid working - Part London office-based and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office.
Salary: £31,800 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closing date: Tuesday 13 January 2026 at 10.00am
Interview date: Thursday 22 January 2026
This is a permanent role.
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 an enthusiastic and proactive Research and Involvement Officer to help us build on this momentum.
As a Research and Involvement Officer you will provide administrative support to the Head of Research Operations in managing our UK research portfolio, Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge funding and other UK-based funding programmes. This includes providing vital support in the pre- and post-award processes, working closely with research teams, internal colleagues and external stakeholders, as well as ensuring that information about Breakthrough T1D funding opportunities is communicated clearly through our website.
You will also play a key role in delivering our Patient and Public Involvement activities, including ensuring that opportunities to engage people who live with T1D in research are communicated clearly to people affected by T1D and the research community alike.
Experience required
You’ll have previous experience of:
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Supporting project management processes
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Use of project management software such grant management platforms or equivalent
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Providing support to committees/panels
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Awareness of Patient and Public Involvement and Participation
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Biomedical Sciences and research (Undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences or equivalent)
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:
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Hybrid working arrangements
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Flexible working and will consider compressed hours
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Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service
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Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment
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Season ticket and cycle loan
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Pension scheme
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Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates
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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.
At Breakthrough T1D we do understand that AI (Artificial Intelligence platforms like ChatGPT) can be a useful tool for candidates to assist in applying for our roles. We ask that applicants do ensure their authentic voice is present, and we look forward to seeing examples of your specific experience.
Improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure T1D and its complications
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.
As Director of Policy & Research, you will:
- Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
- Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
- Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
- Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
- Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
- Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:
- Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
- Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
- Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and visionary thinker.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader.
- Politically astute and intellectually curious.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- 3% pension contribution
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.
Key Responsibilities
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Policy and Research Leadership
- Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
- Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
- Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
- Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.
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Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
- Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
- Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
- Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.
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Internal Collaboration
- Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
- Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
- Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage junior staff or associates as required.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:
- Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
- Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
- Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
- Experience in income generation or bid development.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
- Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Politically aware and intellectually curious.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and inclusive.
- Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Employer: Community Rail Network
Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time
Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield
We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.
About us
Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.
Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.
Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.
About this role
This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.
As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.
Main responsibilities
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Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice;
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Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport;
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Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared;
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Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;
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Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport;
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Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement;
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Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact;
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Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR;
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Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact;
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Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;
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Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement.
Skills and competencies
- Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management;
- Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
- An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights;
- Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas;
- Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels;
- Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels;
- A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments;
- Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level;
- Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks;
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so;
- IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media;
- Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.
Other information
As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.
This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.
Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.
Championing the community rail movement | Connecting people and their railways | Creating inclusive, empowered, sustainable and healthy communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
FLEX is looking for a passionate advocate with a good understanding of the UK political system, of labour abuse and/ or exploitation and human trafficking in the UK, demonstrable experience of coalition working and building relationships with key stakeholders working in the anti-trafficking, employment rights, and/or immigration sectors and Project Management. This recruitment comes at an exciting and challenging time for our work at the intersection of employment rights and immigration policy and you will lead on the implementation of our Secure Reporting pilot funded by the GLA. This role will inform and support our work to influence and improve law, policy and practice affecting workers in high-risk sectors in the UK.
In this role, you will work on FLEX’s advocacy, lead on a London level Secure Reporting pilot and contribute to the joint research advocacy and project work of FLEX networks and and coalitions. These currently include the Labour Exploitation Advisory Group (LEAG) and the Taskforce on Victims of Trafficking in Immigration Detention, two networks made of expert organisations directly supporting people who have experienced or are at risk of exploitation. Above all this role requires someone with real passion and commitment to FLEX’s work to end labour exploitation and an excitement for working in a small, dynamic team.
About FLEX: Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) is a research and policy organisation working towards an end to labour exploitation. FLEX seeks to achieve this vision through the prevention of labour abuses, protection of the rights of those affected or at risk of exploitation and by promoting best practice responses to labour exploitation through research and evidence-based advocacy. FLEX is a small organisation that packs a big punch in terms of policy change and influencing.
Job title: Policy Officer
Location: FLEX office, Vauxhall, London - Flexible hybrid working with a mixture of in person and home/office working.
Salary: £33,500 per annum subject to deductions for tax and national insurance contributions as required by law, pro-rated if part time.
Working hours: Full time, 5 days
Pension: 4%, incremental pension contributions.
Contract: 2 years, renewable subject to funding
Reports to: Head of Policy
Benefits: 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays (pro rata) with incremental leave (one extra day per year worked up to 5 days); extra paid days off over the end of year holiday period; enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay; occupational sick pay; Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling support; and opportunities for skills development.
Key responsibilities:
Policy and advocacy
- Supporting the implementation of FLEX policy strategy by developing and implementing advocacy plans;
- Developing targeted policy strategies for regional and/or local level work.
- Advocating for FLEX’s proposals and issues in relevant stakeholder meetings;
- Drafting position papers, reports and any other written materials as appropriate
- Ensuring effective dissemination of written material and research findings in conjunction with advocacy aims.
Project management
- Designing, planning, and delivering project activities against targets.
- Managing small project budgets
- Developing and implementing a monitoring and evaluation plan for projects under the management of this role
- Producing progress and learning reports for internal and external purposes.
Fundraising
- Scoping, drafting and supporting fundraising bids pertaining to network activities.
Other
- Commitment to EDI and FLEX values
- Drafting communications outputs for FLEX channels
- Attending internal team meetings
- Participating in training
- Representing FLEX at external meetings as required
- Adhering to FLEX policies
We are committed to being an inclusive employer, creating a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive. This means we are committed to being an anti-racist, trans-inclusive, gender-equitable and intersectional organisation.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. In particular, those who have lived experience of the immigration system or who identify as part of marginalised communities.
If you are disabled or become disabled, we encourage you to tell us about your condition so that we can make reasonable adjustments and consider what support may be provided at the interview and task stage.
How to apply: Please download, complete and send the FLEX application form and equal opportunities from our website.
Deadline for applications: 21st January 2026 23:59
Shortlisting: Your application will be assessed against the criteria in specified in the Job Description. To ensure fairness and consistency in our shortlisting process, applications will be anonymised before being reviewed by the panel.
Interviews will be held for shortlisted candidates in person at FLEX offices, Vauxhall week commencing 5th February 2026. Please state in your application if you are not available to attend on these dates.
We are working to end labour exploitation by challenging and transforming the systems and structures that make workers vulnerable to abuse.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.
Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Employer: Muslim Charities Forum
Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)
Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.
Location: London SE1.Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North
Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.
About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)
Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy.
We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society.
Role Purpose
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors.
The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making.
They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy and Leadership
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Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives.
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Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks.
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Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture.
2. Policy, Research and Insight
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Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society.
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Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions.
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Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements.
3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement
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Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks.
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Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders.
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Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums.
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Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector.
4. Sector Capacity and Member Support
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Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy.
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Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity.
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Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
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Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work.
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Provide regular progress reports to the CEO.
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Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
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Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector.
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Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change.
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Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment.
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Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape.
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Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work.
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Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy.
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Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen.
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Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society.
Desirable Criteria
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Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations.
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Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities.
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Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks.
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Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives.
Values and Behaviours
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Strategic and forward-thinking leadership.
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Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders.
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Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments.
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Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector.
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Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices.
Additional Information
This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel.
What We Offer
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The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks.
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A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
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Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation.
Application Information
To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.
We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.
If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).
No agencies.
UK residents only.Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy Officer
Hammersmith & Fulham Law Centre
Salary: £38,000
Working hours: 35 per week, full time but will consider part time applicants
This is a hybrid role
Benefits include 30 days annual leave and significant opportunities for learning and development. Our offices in Hammersmith are on the Piccadilly, District and Hammersmith & City Line tubes.
We require a policy officer for our small, friendly team. We are looking for a confident individual with initiative.
The successful candidate will have the ability to identify policy issues in our local community as well as in the wider social justice space. They will work with local grassroots organisations to make systems change.
Closing date: 5pm on 9 January 2026
Description
Your Role will be to:
▪ Obtain and analyse information about sector trends, threats, and opportunities and use these to help shape our work
▪ Work with the CEO and casework teams to identify, develop and deliver campaigns, particularly around issues in our local community
Devise and Develop policy projects including research and producing reports.
▪ Other duties as required that are reasonable and within your capabilities.
Person Specification
Skills and knowledge:
Essential
Educated to degree level and/or can consistently demonstrate degree level outcomes
Knowledge and recent experience gained from work within a policy team
Knowledge of methods used in policy development and influencing
▪ Experience in making, developing and maintaining relationships
▪ Excellent writing and speaking skills
▪ Excellent Analytical and fact-finding skills
▪ Good IT and social media skills
▪ Personal drive, motivation and an ability to work independently
Desirable
▪ Knowledge and experience of social welfare law including immigration, housing, public law and employment
Experience of project management
Hammersmith & Fulham Law Centre is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all candidates who meet the person specification regardless of age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or race.
Please email your CV and covering letter to Dorota Hubiak by clicking apply now
Public Affairs and Policy Officer
Salary: £43,392 per annum pro-rata FTE
Duration: 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Location: London (Hybrid - 2 days per week in the office, Thursdays plus one other day)
Are you an experienced policy and public affairs professional with a strong understanding of the UK political system and a passion for influencing change?
About the Organisation
Charity People are delighted to be partnering with a respected professional membership organisation, dedicated to advancing healthcare through education, training, and advocacy. They set standards for specialist training, influence government policy, and promote public understanding of their field. Their work underpins patient care and ensures high-quality practice across the UK and internationally.
About the Role
As Public Affairs and Policy Officer, you will play a key role in shaping policy and advocacy work. Reporting to the Press and Communications Manager, you will help raise awareness of key organisational policies, influence parliamentarians and policymakers, and contribute to projects that impact healthcare and patient outcomes.
About You
You will join a busy Communications Directorate, which enhances the organisation's reputation through media, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. In this role, you will:
- Develop and deliver a policy and public affairs work programme.
- Raise awareness of key policies to influence parliamentarians, policymakers, and stakeholders.
- Support projects and advocacy work, drafting policy briefings and reports.
- Work across directorates and with members to develop policy proposals and public affairs activities.
- Provide advice to senior staff and ensure that influencing work aligns with organisational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop policy positions, briefings, and influencing plans.
- Build and maintain relationships with politicians, influencers, and stakeholders.
- Draft responses to parliamentary and government consultations.
- Support advocacy projects and prepare reports for senior leadership.
- Represent the organisation at meetings and events to promote policy positions.
Key skills needed to succeed in this role:
- Strong understanding of UK political systems and parliamentary procedures.
- Experience drafting policy documents and translating complex concepts for policymakers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritise, work under pressure, and adapt to changing policy environments.
- Collaborative, diplomatic, and resilient approach.
- Advanced IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CMS
How to Apply
Please apply without delay, as we are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis for this urgent role.
Closing date: Wednesday 7th January at 9:00
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to ensure the application process works for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. 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 do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Birthrights is recruiting a Campaigns and Policy Manager to help drive transformative change in maternity care. This is a powerful opportunity to shape national policy and campaigns that centre human rights, racial justice and the lived experiences of women and birthing people.
Reporting to the CEO, you will lead our policy and campaigns strategy, shaping how we influence government, the NHS, regulators and professional bodies. You will identify leverage points for change, develop strong and persuasive policy positions, and deliver bold, creative campaigns that challenge harmful practice and shift power. Working closely with our legal, information & advice, training and communications teams, you will ensure our policy and campaigning work is grounded in evidence, lived experience and human rights law.
You will also contribute strategically to Communities Imagine — a core organisational initiative rooted in racial justice, community leadership and a radical re-imagining of maternity care — while working alongside and supporting dedicated roles focused on its delivery.
Birthrights is a small but mighty charity with a national profile and a strong track record of influencing maternity policy and practice. We offer flexible, remote working, a supportive team culture and generous benefits.
If you are a values-driven campaigner with a passion for racial justice, reproductive justice and human rights, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 26th January – please refer to the candidate pack for full details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Hybrid working - Part London office-based and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office.
Salary: £31,800 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closing date: Tuesday 6 January 2026 at 10.00am
Interview date: Tuesday 13 January 2026 on Teams. Please note that there may be a second stage in person on Wednesday 21 January.
This is a permanent role.
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 Social Media and Content Officer to help us build on this momentum.
We’re looking for a creative and proactive person to join us as our new Social Media and Content Officer. We’re looking for someone with excellent content creation skills, a strong understanding of social media platforms and trends, and an ability to deploy tactics to ‘stop the scroll’ on our owned content.
As the Social Media and Content Officer, you will be responsible for our social media channels, creating compelling campaigns and content that engage our communities and build support for research into type 1 diabetes (T1D). You will help us build our engaged online T1D community and proactively seek out new and innovative approaches to digital communications, while protecting and enhancing the Breakthrough T1D brand.
Experience required
You’ll have previous experience of:
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Working across multiple social media platforms and monitoring engagement e.g. Meta, Linkedin, X
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Producing audience-specific, engaging and shareable daily content in different formats
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Training and supporting others to create and publish content
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Supporting and delivering unique and vibrant social media campaigns
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Growing online social communities and rates of social media engagement
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Interpreting social media analytics and providing insight on content performance
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:
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Hybrid working arrangements
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Flexible working and will consider compressed hours
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Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service
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Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment
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Season ticket and cycle loan
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Pension scheme
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Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates
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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.
At Breakthrough T1D we do understand that AI (Artificial Intelligence platforms like ChatGPT) can be a useful tool for candidates to assist in applying for our roles. We ask that applicants do ensure their authentic voice is present, and we look forward to seeing examples of your specific experience.
Improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure T1D and its complications
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Centre for Justice Innovation is looking to recruit a creative and pragmatic policy professional to help us advocate for evidence-based reform to criminal and family justice policy in the UK.
What will You be doing?
Our policy officer will play a key role in building on our research and practice insights to make the arguments for evidence-based policy in the UK’s justice systems, with a focus on building links in Westminster and Whitehall. You will work across our portfolio of work on issues such as:
- Diverting young people away from unnecessary criminal justice system involvement
- Ensuring that the justice system works with vulnerable women in a gender-sensitive and trauma-informed way
- Making sure that children and families involved in the family justice system have the right support.
Your duties will include:
- Producing policy materials and engaging with political stakeholders (e.g., submitting evidence to committees, emailing MPs, writing briefings);
- Working with our teams to translate research and practice work into products appropriate for policy audiences;
- Building our networks with policymakers and legislators in Westminster;
- Building our networks with third sector organisations and others who seek to influence policy, and representing the organisation at external meetings;
- Monitoring relevant parliamentary business and providing updates to the teams;
- Generating ideas for, planning and delivering on events and webinars;
- Contributing to the organisation’s thinking on strategic justice policy, and scoping new areas of work.
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
- Engaging with political stakeholders;
- Producing high-quality written materials to engage different policy audiences;
- Conducting desk-based research;
- Delivering events.
Skills, abilities and knowledge
- Excellent writing skills and good spoken English;
- Excellent analytical skills to succinctly develop and express key arguments;
- Good understanding of the UK political environment
- Demonstrable interest in and understanding of social policy issues
- Awareness of parliamentary processes and opportunities;
- Insight into the challenges policymakers face in delivering change;
- A creative approach to solving social problems and identifying practical solutions;
- The ability to balance multiple priorities and manage 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.
Timeline
The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday, 12th January 2026. Interviews will be held at our office in Kennington in the week commencing 19th January 2026.
Other benefits
- Matched pension contributions
- Employee healthcare scheme
- Flexible hous
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.
We are a charity representing and advocating for people living with dyslexia. Our mission is simple but powerful: to influence government and institutions so that society becomes truly dyslexia-friendly – enabling individuals of all ages to reach their full potential.
This is a key role leading our parliamentary engagement and policy development, ensuring that dyslexic children, young people, families, and adults have a strong voice in Westminster, Whitehall, and across the UK. Working closely with senior leaders, campaigns and media colleagues, and external partners, you’ll help shape policy and drive change in education, health, and employment.
Your work will make sure policymakers understand the barriers dyslexic people face - and the evidence-based solutions we champion. You’ll ensure our positions are grounded in lived experience, research, and best practice, and that our engagement is proactive, impactful, and aligned with our mission.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and deliver a parliamentary engagement strategy to advance our policy priorities.
- Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers, and civil servants.
- Provide timely briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders.
- Monitor political developments and identify opportunities for early influence.
- Lead policy research and produce clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
- Represent the charity at events, roundtables, and forums.
- Work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy insights inform campaigns and communications.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven, up-to-date experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement, or a related policy-influencing role, with a strong track record of delivering impact.
- Strong understanding of UK parliamentary and governmental processes.
- Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
- Political awareness, strategic thinking, and confident networking ability.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.
Please review the full job description for complete details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.
Why Join Us?
This is your chance to make a real difference – shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change.
Closing date: 14 January 2026 (5pm). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early.
Use of AI in Applications
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you.
To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice.
To change society by removing barriers so that everyone with dyslexia can reach their full potential in education, in employment and in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
AMR Action UK is the United Kingdom patient organisation for people impacted by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our legitimacy comes through our small-scale research projects, our engagement with patients and their families, and from our direct support of patients through our information service and peer-support activities.
AMR Action UK seeks to empower patient, families, and carers to have their voices heard on matters that affect their lives and to be able to influence research priorities, policy and implementation changes at government level, and changes in NHS practices across the four nations of the UK.
The Policy and Advocacy lead will ensure that AMR Action UK is both well-informed across the broad-spectrum of topics relating to AMR and is impactful in its influencing work.
To be successful in the role you will need energy and enthusiasm to hit the ground running in order to make an immediate impact on appointment.
Closing date 12th January 2026, with a view to holding interviews week beginning 19th January 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
