Policy research officer jobs in London, greater london

About the role:

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up and see the direct impact of your work on people experiencing homelessness across London. As our first Philanthropy and Major Gifts Officer, you will work closely with the Assistant Director of Fundraising to bring our new strategy to life, shaping how we engage major donors and grow a powerful community of supporters who are motivated to stand alongside Single Homeless Project (SHP) and our clients. Every relationship you build and every gift you secure will help create real opportunities for our clients to move away from homelessness and towards safety, stability and independence.

You will take the lead in developing and managing meaningful relationships with major donors, creating thoughtful and engaging journeys that bring them closer to our work and the difference it makes day to day. Alongside nurturing existing supporters, you will identify and secure new funding opportunities, building a strong and sustainable pipeline of donors and driving forward this new area of income generation within the team. Working collaboratively across SHP, you will connect philanthropists with our services in a way that feels personal, impactful and rooted in the realities of our work, while contributing to the wider fundraising targets that enable us to keep delivering life changing support.

Hybrid working for us means a mix of in office working in Kings Cross and home working. Currently two days in the office (usually Wednesday and Friday) with the rest from home. 

About you:

• You have experience building relationships with donors, supporters or partners, and know how to turn those relationships into meaningful income or long term support.
• You’re a confident communicator, able to bring a cause to life through conversations and written content that genuinely connects people to impact.
• You’re proactive and driven, comfortable spotting opportunities, growing a pipeline and following through to secure results.
• You’re organised and detail focused, able to manage multiple relationships and keep accurate records using CRM or similar systems.
• You’re motivated by purpose and excited by the chance to help shape and grow a new area of fundraising that directly supports people experiencing homelessness in London.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 26th April at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th May online via Microsoft Teams 

Please note suitable candidates will be invited to a second stage interview in Kings Cross

This post will require a Basic DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

Starting Salary: £44,766 - £48,225 (inc London Weighting) 

Contract: Permanent

Location: Hybrid working with a minimum of 40% of your time in the Romero House Office. 

Job Profile

Based in CAFOD’s Education Section and working closely with staff across the organisation, you will be responsible for the creation and development of high-quality resource materials for Catholic Schools and Youth Programmes.

The resources you create will enhance pupils’ knowledge and understanding of global justice issues, assist schools with CAFOD’s fundraising and campaigning activities, support the Catholic Life and mission of schools and inspire young people to put Catholic Social Teaching into action by working for social justice.

The successful candidate will be an experienced Secondary school practitioner currently working in a Catholic school with secure knowledge of how to engage young people in important issues of faith and social justice.

You will have experience of developing interactive resources and creating and editing video content, with a strong digital mindset and confidence working across a range of digital platforms. 

This is a key role which demands creativity, and strong organisational skills.

The role is part of a dedicated team of experienced professionals and reports directly to the Schools Communications Manager.

To read more and apply, please visit the CAFOD Website.

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected. CAFOD will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. This post involves contact with children and young people and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to safeguarding issues. The post holder is required to present or obtain a Disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service). 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures. 

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive. We have recently launched a new strategic plan which reinforces that our purpose is to build a fairer future with an end to poverty, injustice and inequality.

Department background
The Communities and Social Change department has been recently formed to bring together our policy, research, and campaigning activity with our community engagement and delivery.
The Community Centre team focuses particularly on Toynbee Hall’s strategic objective to help our local community thrive; increasing wellbeing and economic security in key groups.
Toynbee Hall is the lead delivery partner of Linkage Plus, a community programme for people aged 50+ in Tower Hamlets that delivers a wide range of accessible activities designed to improve wellbeing, keep older adults active and reduce social isolation. 
Another key programme is our Play Programme, which forms part of our wider community provision. It offers children fun, inclusive opportunities to play while supporting parents to access local support networks and strengthen community connections. 

How we work
Our values are Inclusive, Courageous and Empowering and we expect everyone who works with us to work in a way that aligns with these values and to do their utmost to deliver our strategic objectives according to their role.

Job purpose
Toynbee Hall’s community centre delivers a variety of community projects for people of all ages who live in Tower Hamlets. The Community Participation Officers work as part of the community team at Toynbee Hall, flexibly and collaboratively using their skills and experience to work with and support community members to create a welcoming and inclusive space.

Scope of role
Whilst you may be expected to lead on certain elements of the programme, we will work together to determine how we assign tasks and workload across the team. We work together and take shared responsibility for delivering all aspects of our communities portfolio.

Key working relationships
The CPOs report to the Community Centre Manager. The role works in close collaboration with the Community Partnerships Manager a tndhe research team.
Maintaining excellent external relationships is vital to this role. The CPO may liaise with relevant local networks and organisations. Community engagement is vital: the CPO will also regularly consult and engage with community members.

Key Responsibilities

Community Programming:
• Working with the Community Programming Manager to plan activities and events that are safe, in the budget, and intentionally designed to be inclusive and appropriate for the intended audience. • Working with the Community Programming Manager to design and safe, creative, and stimulating play sessions and events for children, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate, inclusive and delivered within budget; and delivering these activities
• Delivering to a brief, and clearly and proactively communicating plans with stakeholders across teams. • Supporting and enabling local people to have a meaningful voice in shaping our services.

Safeguarding and Safety:
• Taking responsibility for the upkeep of the community centre, ensuring that facilities operate in line with organisational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Implementing agreed procedures to provide appropriate support or referrals for service users, recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns, maintaining clear records.
• Following administrative procedures.

Outreach:
• Promoting our services and ensure they are as impactful as possible
• Representing Toynbee Hall to external audiences

Organisational working:
• Contributing to the overall development and implementation of Toynbee Hall’s strategy
• Building good working relationships
• Developing an open and ‘critical friend’ dialogue within our programmatic work
• Undertaking any other appropriate responsibilities that may arise

Managing Yourself
• Working toward an agreed annual work-plan meeting targets and milestones
• Prioritising and managing workload
• Taking responsibility for personal development
 

Essential Criteria

Community Programming
• Experience of planning and delivering safe, inclusive, and in-budget community activities and events for diverse audiences, including older people and communities experiencing social or economic disadvantage.
• Experience of designing and delivering safe, creative, and developmentally appropriate play sessions and activities for children.

• Ability to deliver work to an agreed brief and proactively communicate plans and progress with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable commitment to community participation, with experience of supporting local people to shape services and contribute to positive community change.

Safeguarding and Safety
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and experience of recognising, responding to, recording, and appropriately escalating safeguarding concerns.
• Understanding of health and safety responsibilities within a community setting, including risk assessment and maintaining safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces.
• Experience of implementing referral procedures and working with internal and external partners to ensure service users receive appropriate support.
• Strong administrative skills

Outreach and Representation
• Experience of promoting services through outreach, partnership working, and marketing (including face-to-face engagement, social media, and community networks).
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with local organisations and stakeholders.
• Confidence in representing an organisation professionally to external audiences.

Values
• Alignment with Toynbee Hall's mission and strategy and alignment and willingness to work in line to our values:

o Inclusive - open-minded, transparent, convening and collaborative; seeking fresh and alternative perspectives.

o Courageous; principled, ambitious and acting with integrity.

o Empowering; shifting power, sharing our knowledge, enabling people to take action for themselves

Desirable criteria:

An ability to speak a South Asian language would be helpful

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 9AM MONDAY 11TH MAY

Job Title: Senior Grants Officer

Department: Foundation

Reporting to: Foundation Director 

Contract: Full-time or Part-time (minimum of four days)

Working pattern: Onsite or Hybrid (minimum three days in the office) 

Salary: £40,000 (full-time salary)

ABOUT THE GOLDSMITHS’ FOUNDATION

The Goldsmiths’ Foundation is the charitable foundation of the Goldsmiths’ Company. The Foundation’s mission is to transform life-chances by supporting technical and vocational education through grant-making. With a focus on goldsmithing, silversmithing, jewellery and allied trades, it also supports skills and training in the creative industries and other fields, as well as general charitable endeavours.

A contemporary company with deep roots in the past, the Goldsmiths’ Company is one of the Great Twelve City of London Livery Companies. Founded in 1327 and now with a 1600-strong membership, the Company has contributed to national life for seven centuries. It advances the trade and craft of silversmithing and jewellery through training, exhibitions and public engagement. It also operates the London Assay Office, which protects trade and consumers by testing and hallmarking precious metals.
This is an exciting moment to join the Goldsmiths’ Foundation. Philanthropy has been at the heart of the Company’s work since 1327; the current Goldsmiths’ Company Charity was founded in the 19th century. Today, supported by its endowment, it makes grants of c. £3.5 million each year.

The Goldsmiths’ Company (the sole member of the Foundation) is now reinvigorating its philanthropic mission with refreshed charitable objects, a renewed focus on craft and skills, and a new Board of Trustees drawn from across the Company’s membership and chaired by Dame Lynne Brindley.

Job Purpose  

Working in a team of three and reporting to the Foundation Director, you will support the effective and efficient grant making of the Goldsmiths' Foundation by managing its Proactive Grant Programmes and administering the Foundation's restricted funds. Proactive grants are closed to open application but are solicited for either regular or one-off grants. This role requires a strong understanding of vocational and technical skills in the jewellery-making, silversmithing and allied trade sector. 

Delivery of Proactive Grant Programmes 

• Support the Foundation Director and colleagues to implement and deliver Proactive Grants Programmes, aligned with the 2025-2030 Strategy. 

• Support the Foundation Director in implementing learning goals for the Programmes, collecting data and working with commissioned learning partners. 

• Manage relationships with charitable partners who regularly receive grants from the Foundation, particularly those working in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trade sectors. 

• Manage one-off grants that are solicited by Foundation Trustees due to their strong alignment to Foundation Objects. 

• Support The Goldsmiths' Foundation Trustees and Advisory Group and administering its decisions. 

Management of Restricted Funds 

• Administer the Foundation's restricted funds including the Aiden Threlfall Charitable Trust, the Brian Wood Memorial Travel Scholarship, the Miller Fund/Binney Medal (including event administration of the annual Binney Lunch), the Martin Bowes Charitable Fund and The Silver Trust. 

• Manage grant applications and awards from these restricted funds in accordance with their specific terms and conditions. 

• Maintain accurate records and reporting on restricted fund activities. 

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and legal obligations for each restricted fund. 

Management and Governance of Proactive Grant Programmes 

• Day-to-day management of regular grantees, ensuring effective communication and support. 

• Support the development of appropriate reporting and relationship requirements with regular grantees. 

• Prepare recommendations and reports for the Proactive Grant Programmes. 

• Manage and collate the reporting from charitable partners. 

• Prepare materials to support the Foundation Director in their work with The Goldsmiths' Foundation Trustees and Advisory Group with a goal to: i. commission the most relevant grants to meet the Foundations' Objects ii. drive greater Goldsmiths' Company Member engagement with The Goldsmiths' Foundation 

• Support the continued management of existing Proactive Programmes initiated before 2026. 

Communications and Networks 

• Support the Foundation Director to maintain a network of peer funders working in overlapping or related areas, particularly those focused on vocational and technical skills development.

• Contribute to collaborations (including with other funders) to increase the reach and impact of our proactive grant making.

• Support the development of content for web-based stories and social media posts. 

Community Engagement 

• Work with colleagues to identify opportunities for grant recipients to contribute to broader programmes and the promotion of charitable activities.

• Support the identification and development of initiatives that enable the Foundation to deliver against its charitable purpose, particularly those supporting vocational and technical skills in the jewellery-making, silversmithing and allied trade sector. 

• Contribute to developing opportunities related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, focusing on access routes into the trade and craft. 

Other Duties 

• Work with colleagues within The Goldsmiths' Group as required to enable our mutual aims. 

• Work with the Foundation Director and colleagues to develop The Foundation's culture in line with its values. 

• Support other parts of The Foundation's grant making as required, including our Open Grants Programmes at times and any other duties as the Director requires. 

Person Specification 

Essential Experience  

• Understanding of vocational and technical skills development in the jewellery-making, silversmithing and allied trade sector

• Experience of working with or supporting charities and grant recipients

• Experience of preparing reports and recommendations for committees or senior stakeholders

Desirable Experience  

• Experience of grant making or charitable funding administration, managing grant case loads and maintaining accurate records

• Experience of relationship-based grant making and stakeholder engagement

• Experience of administering restricted or designated funds

• Experience of trust-based grant making

• Experience of collaborative funding and partnership development 

Essential Skills & Knowledge  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds

• IT proficiency in MS Office applications 

Desirable Skills & Knowledge  

• Experience of Beacon CRM or other grant making database or similar database management systems

• Knowledge of relevant research, policy and networks related to the development of vocational and technical skills in the jewellery and silversmithing sectors.

• Awareness of evaluation methodologies for funded work. 

• Willingness to adopt and utilise AI tools to support grant management, research, and reporting, and an openness to exploring how emerging technologies can enhance the Foundation's work. 

Personal Characteristics  

• Commitment to our values as a grant-making foundation

• Curious about, and committed to, the work of grant-making Foundations, charities, and the social needs they are trying to meet

• Able to work with charity leaders with a supportive and professional approach

• Able to organise and manage your own workload including varied caseloads

• Able to work to deadlines

• Flexible and collegiate attitude to working across teams and supporting colleagues where needed 

• Commitment to E,D,I 

 Please apply with a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

The deadline for applications is 9am, Friday 24 April 2026.

We are looking for a Director of Communications (External Relations)

We are looking for a communications leader to help us transform Nesta’s impact, reach and influence. We're already an ambitious, award-winning, multidisciplinary team, and now we're looking for someone to help us elevate our work to the next level.

The UK information environment is changing rapidly and our team is midway through a period of reform and transformation to adapt. We want to be industry-leading in the way we communicate - on the cutting edge of testing and experimenting with new formats and tactics, constantly iterating our practice in response to an information environment that is being constantly reshaped by AI, changing political communications and new technology. This is where you come in.

This role offers the mandate to experiment with a suite of high-impact products that are ready for their next stage of growth. You will play a central role in developing our new podcast, expanding our collection of data-driven stories, and testing long-form video as a way to translate deep research into compelling visual narratives. We care about micro communities as much as the traditional broadcast tools, and you’ll lead a stable of products designed to reach policy audiences. Alongside this, you will help to spearhead the advocacy and influencing activity that will deliver success in our three missions, and work more broadly to support BIT and all other parts of the Nesta Group.

You will blend exceptional political acumen with a proven track record of delivering policy and advocacy campaigns that have a tangible impact. You will be a trusted advisor, adept at providing strategic counsel across multidisciplinary teams while fostering an empowering, best-in-class culture. Beyond managing projects and campaigns, you will invest in our people, ensuring our talented team has the support and clarity to perform at their best.

We are looking for a leader who isn't satisfied with the status quo and is ready to take our collective impact to the next level. Five years into our strategy, Nesta’s ideas are gaining significant influence - now we need you to raise our reach and profile to the same level.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the design and delivery of integrated campaigns with policy and advocacy objectives, using the right mix of channels, the highest standards of creative execution and the most effective messaging. Support the team to navigate the UK political and news agenda, identifying and securing the most effective moments for our work to exert influence.
• Lead the full range of policy communications across Nesta (working with and beyond the communications team with missions, units, subject specialists and senior leaders to bring coherence to our content and activity). Lead on policy-facing products, from blogs to policy briefings, podcasts to newsletters.
• Oversee delivery of broader communications activity, working across the organisation to form project teams, set priorities and tactics. Elevate the quality of our external output so all of our communications meet a consistently high bar for excellence. Ensure that all of our activity is delivered with the right mix of creativity, professionalism and speed to maximise success.
• Distil complex policy and research into powerful narratives, ensuring our strategic messaging resonates and persuades target audiences and that is used consistently and coherently across all of our activity. Manage our suite of editorial products and ensure our content is sharp, timely, and directly aligned with our advocacy objectives.
• Provide authoritative communications strategic counsel across teams, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on complex communication challenges and reputational issues
• Provide functional (direct) leadership of our policy communications, media relations and data journalism functions.

You will also work across all of the Communications department to:

• Drive forward new approaches to advocacy and influencing that organisations like Nesta need to adopt in response to the changing information environment
• Look across all activity being conducted and identify and act on opportunities for new content streams, activities or partnerships that support our strategic communications goals
• Spot opportunities to do more with our existing channels and campaigns, finding ways to extend their value and impact
• Troubleshoot and support where a project or campaign is at risk of failure, either because of differing views on execution, changing objectives, or missed deadlines
• Mentor and evolve a talented communications team, providing the leadership and vision necessary to take our collective impact to the next level.

What we’re looking for:

• Significant leadership experience in external affairs, communications, or press, specifically within an advocacy-focused environment.
• Exceptional strategic skills, with a history of delivering multi-channel campaigns that build genuine profile and influence.
• A deep understanding of the UK political and news agenda and wider information environment, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex policy landscapes.
• The ability to provide high-level strategic counsel, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on complex communication challenges and reputational issues.
• A genuine love of communications, with experience of exploring new approaches to advocacy and influencing that organisations like Nesta need to adopt in response to the changing information environment
• The ability to craft and embed strategic messaging that distills complex ideas into clear, authoritative narratives for diverse audiences.
• An accomplished writer who has successfully managed high-level editorial functions and maintained a high bar for content.
• Sharp media instincts and creative flair, with a proven ability to spot and shape stories that capture media interest.
• A grounded leader and people manager who knows how to motivate teams and cultivate a high-performing culture.

As with all members of the Nesta Group communications team, the postholder will also be at their best working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, have a flexible approach and an appetite for taking on new tasks and challenges. They will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to write for a range of different audiences.

What we offer:

Salary: £91,500 plus an array of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, and more

Location: This role is based in Blackfriars, London, hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of two days in the office

Term: Permanent

Hours: This is a full-time role but we offer a range of flexible working arrangements and encourage our people to take advantage of them. Many do.

Reports to: Group Executive Director of Communications

Making an application

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and a cover letter that states three reasons why you are a great candidate for the role before 8:00am on the 27th of April 2026.

Interviews will take place w/c 4th of May 2026.

About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation that designs, tests and scales solutions for the biggest challenges of our time.

Driven by a vision to improve the lives of millions of people, our focus up to 2030 is on three missions: breaking the link between family background and life chances, halving obesity and cutting household carbon emissions.

We work with partners across the public, private and third sectors to develop high-potential solutions and test them as they evolve, drawing on deep expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, data science, behavioural science and design.

Once confident in the effectiveness of a solution, we are relentless in the pursuit of scale. We create and make the case for ambitious national policy proposals, develop consumer-facing products and services, spin out and support commercial ventures and harness the power of the arts to shape national narratives.

We extend our impact through two specialised units that help others to solve complex problems and achieve their missions. BIT applies a deep understanding of human behaviour to help clients achieve their goals. Challenge Works designs and runs challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society.

Together, we are building a powerful ecosystem for innovation that delivers proven solutions to create lasting, positive change.

At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that 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 balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, 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.

About GDI Hub

Our mission is to accelerate ideas into impact for a more just world - for disabled people, and all people. Our vision is for disability inclusion and social justice. We work towards a world without barriers to participation, where everyone has the opportunity to live a joyful life.

We are a world leading delivery and practice centre, an Academic Research Centre at UCL (University College London) and the first WHO Global Collaborating Centre on Assistive Technology (AT). We work in 40+ countries, with a reach of more than 64 million people since 2016, GDI Hub develops homegrown technologies alongside new knowledge and research.

In collaboration with global partners, we deliver accelerators and market shaping initiatives - building ecosystems with a focus on low-and middle-income countries. An Academic Research Centre and a Community Interest Company, our diverse portfolio and unique set up enable rapid translation of research into practice.

Launched in 2016 as a legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, our office and research lab continue to be based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, at UCL’s East London campus. GDI Hub is home to the UK Aid funded AT2030 programme which tests ‘what works’ to improve access to life- changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all.

We accelerate new solutions through innovative partnerships and multi-disciplinary thinking.

Our strategic goals include:

• Include: Create deep community leadership & engagement
• Inquire: Generate new evidence & insights.
• Incubate: Develop & test tech inspired solutions.
• Invest: Bring effective solutions to market.
• Integrate: Strengthen systems to make inclusion a reality.
• Impart: Educate & learn from change makers

Role Purpose

GDI Hub CIC is seeking an experienced PA/ Team Assistant to provide high-level support to its CEO and Academic Director as well as support the wider team.

The successful candidate will enable the CEO and Academic Director to be more effective by providing proactive administrative, communication, and operational support. The role will act as a key coordination point across the organisation, ensuring priorities are managed, diaries are coordinated, and that the CEO and Academic Director’s time is used strategically.

In addition, the candidate will also support the wider GDI Hub CIC team, particularly Operations, Comms and Project Delivery.

Across all elements of the role, the successful candidate will need to work with multiple colleagues and balance competing priorities. Responsibilities will include diary and time management, handling written communication, arranging national and international travel and logistics, event coordination, administrative support, and meeting and document preparation.  This role will work closely with members of the GDI Hub team, with some interactions with external partners, collaborators and stakeholders.

We are looking for a candidate with strong organisation, administrative and communication skills. The ability to work in a changing environment is essential, as is a coordinated approach and willingness to take on new tasks.

Successful candidates will need to be proactive and organised with excellent attention to detail.

GDI Hub values inclusion as a core business success factor. We are a Disability Confident (Committed) employer and actively seek to attract employees from diverse backgrounds and particularly welcome applications for this role from disabled people and people from all cultural and faith backgrounds. The accommodation of reasonable adjustments is business as usual for us.

The role requires one day a week in our London based offices either in Stratford on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park or Euston Road.

Responsibilities

Personal assistant

• Manage complex calendars, scheduling internal and external meetings and setting reminders
• Prioritise appointments and resolve scheduling conflicts where these arise
• Ensure the CEO/Academic Directors time is used efficiently and plan for commitments in advance
• Track director credit/debit card spending and supply timely copies of receipts as required
• Collate/ process expense claims
• Monitor and manage inbox as required
• Point of contact for internal and external stakeholders

Travel & Logistics

• Arrange international travel, accommodation, transport and itineraries for both Directors and project staff
• Arrange travel visas for Directors
• Manage travel alterations and resolve issues promptly

Administrative Support

• Implement and maintain procedures/ administrative systems
• Support CEO/Director with line-management administration (1:1s, objective setting etc)
• Provide basic budget tracking and administration
• Maintain organised filing systems
• Draft and prepare routine correspondence
• Prepare presentations and documents
• Maintain accurate records and contact databases
• Provide IT support and troubleshooting where needed

Meeting & Document Preparation

• Assist CEO/Director with meeting prep as required
• Prepare agendas and collate meeting papers
• Take and distribute meeting notes/minutes where required
• Track actions and follow up on outstanding items

Team Assistant  

• Process staff travel claims for payment, checking receipts and sign off from line managers
• Logistical support for UK based events inc. away days for venues, travel, materials
• Logistical support for project events and workshops (UK & overseas) 
• Ad-hoc diary coordination for group events
• Contract management support; including due diligence info and evidence gathering
• Support Comms and other teams as required

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list and the need for flexibility, taking responsibility and working with other members of the team is required. The role-holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within their skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed. This is a description of the role as it is at present. It is the practice of GDI Hub CIC to review role profiles regularly to ensure that they relate to the role being performed. These reviews will be carried out by the line manager in consultation with the role holder.

Experience and Qualifications

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following criteria:  

Essential:

• Experience of providing excellent PA support to Directors
• Strong attention to detail
• Professional written communication
• Excellent judgement and discretion

Desirable:

• Experience of providing high level PA support to multiple directors
• Experience of general administration
• Experience of working in a university setting
• Interest in working for a community interest company
• Interest/ knowledge of the disability sector

Skills and abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, including the ability to work effectively on numerous projects simultaneously – both independently and collaborativelyExcellent computer literacy across all Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Confident to learn new computer packages with ease (e.g. bespoke University finance systems)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise comfortably with all levels of staff external individuals
• Able to understand financial information

Attributes

• Patient and supportive
• Happy to use own initiative to suggest and try new approaches
• Adaptable and resilient with the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Flexible and excited to adapt to changing scenarios
• Personable and relatable
• Pride in creating streamline approaches to maximise outputs.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter via the 'Redirect to Recruiter' button describing how your skills and experience are relevant. Applications are considered as/when they come in so we encourage applying as soon as possible.  

AI Policy

GDI recognises that candidates may wish to use AI to support their job application. However, over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chance of success. AI can be used to enhance your application with regards to spelling, grammar and structure. However, the content and writing style must be your own and be reflective of your own skills and experience and personalisation is essential to convey your individual skills, knowledge, and experiences effectively.

GDI does not use AI as standard to shortlist applications or select candidates for interview.

We have made every effort to make this process accessible.  However, if for any reason you find it is not, please let us know and we will make an adjustment.  We encourage early applications.

Reminder: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The Youth Endowment Fund 

Change Lead, Youth Sector 

Reports to: Head of Change for Youth Sector 

Salary: £56,600 

Location:  Central London, Hybrid*  

Contract: 2 years -fixed term contract

Closing date: Thursday 23rd April 2026 at 12pm (noon) 

Interviews: Week commencing 4th May 2026 

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

All of us will experience violence at some point in our lives. For many children, it is a daily reality. Each year, tens of children are killed, hundreds are hospitalised, 1 in 5 teenage children are victims and the majority admit to feeling afraid of violence. It scares them when they travel home from school, prevents them from going out and makes the most vulnerable feel like they don’t matter. It is taking lives, traumatising families and dividing communities. It robs potential, progress and hope.   

But it doesn’t have to be this way.   

The Youth Endowment Fund believes that no child should be affected by violence. We research violence to understand it; we find, fund and test what works to prevent it; and we are building a movement to end it.  

Key Responsibilities 

We are making good progress building the evidence of what works within and around the youth sector to reduce violence. With the launch of the new Practice Guidance we are keen to translate evidence recommendations into practice. The greatest risk is that evidence stays on the shelf and doesn’t help young people – your role is to make sure that doesn’t happen.
 
You’ll focus on helping local authority commissioners use our tools and guidance in their everyday decisions about youth services. This will involve: 

• Creating clear, practical content like guides, toolkits and workshop materials to support the use of Practice Assessment for the Youth Sector (PAYS). 

• Leading our Practice Guidance programme, working closely with commissioners to help them use evidence in their work. 

• Building strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders across the sector. 

• Planning and tracking how we support more commissioners to adopt evidence-based approaches. 

• Spotting what tools or resources are needed and helping develop them. 

• Finding effective ways to share evidence, from events and workshops to online sessions and presentations. 

As a senior member of staff in the organisation, you also: 

• Build a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.

• Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

About You 

You are this sort of person: 

• You are fascinated about change and are experienced in making it happen. You have outstanding analytical judgment alongside the emotional intelligence and experience needed to identify the right opportunities for change, then make them happen. You understand why people find change difficult. You come alive talking about how people make decisions and why they do the things they do. 

• You understand Local Authority Commissioners working specifically working with the youth sector. You really understand how youth commissioners work, from Directors of Children Services, Heads of Services to senior stakeholders within the youth sector. You have experience of commissioning youth provision, working in youth sector, ideally in a role that worked with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence. You can demonstrate ability to reflect on and adopt evidence-based practice in relation to the youth sector.

• You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex information into plain writing that everyone can understand.

• You have excellent project and time management skills and the ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. You can work independently and to a high standard.

• You win people over. People tend to warm to you and respect you. You have built good relationships with very senior people and with very junior people. You are good at chairing meetings, connecting people and having good introductory meetings. You are comfortable talking to a government minister, a youth worker, a company CEO, a teacher and a 15-year-old student. Listening to people from all backgrounds matters to you.

• You are an excellent strategic thinker. People say that you are good at seeing the big picture. You have experience of wrestling into place a strategy for a project or organisation. You are good at thinking logically, but you are also creative. You have ideas but are happy rejecting a lot of them. You like seeing things from different points of view. 

• You learn fast but remain humble. You are very quick at getting your head around things. You like learning. You are very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know. You know that you can learn more. You know that it's easy to assume you know when you don't. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You are a great and supportive team player. 

• You don't want your days to pass without making a difference. You want to play a significant part in reducing violence.

• You understand young people. You understand what the lives of vulnerable young people can be like and you understand some of the organisations that work with them, ideally through first-hand experience.

• You are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

You must have this sort of experience 

• Changing frontline practice and systems: You have significant experience in leading behaviour, practice or policy changes within the youth work sector. You can show how these have been effective in delivering tangible change.

• Commissioning, or supporting the commissioning of, youth sector services, preferably in a role/setting specifically working with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence.  

You might have this sort of experience:  

• Crafting and delivering a strategy to get a new piece of evidence or guidance adopted within the youth sector.

• Behaviour change research experience.

• Working with other funders and commissioners of youth services, such as housing investment leads.

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of youth violence.    

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.    

Hybrid Working Details     

The office is based in Central London, but you don’t have to be.

Those living in London and within the 32 London Boroughs are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month. 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 the interview stage. 

To Apply 

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form by click on the "Apply for this" button by Thursday 23rd April at 12pm (noon). 

When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words, the following questions:  
 
1. Turning evidence into practice: We are keen to ensure that our Practice Guidance and tools are actively used by commissioners. This role requires building trusted relationships with local authority commissioners and other local funders to encourage evidence-based decision-making. Describe your experience influencing senior stakeholders to change practice or adopt a new approach?
 
2. Influencing commissioners: This role requires building trusted relationships with local authority commissioners and other local funders to encourage evidence-based decision making. Describe your experience influencing senior stakeholders to change practice or adopt a new approach? 
 
3. Excellent project management: Will be critical to delivering the Practice Guidance programme and supporting adoption across the sector. Tell us about a complex project you have led from planning through to delivery and share what management tools aided you. 

Interview process  

This will be a one stage process, with interviews taking place the week commencing 4th May 2026.

 
PLEASE NOTE: We do not sponsor work permits, and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

Benefits Include 

• £1,000 professional development budget annually 

• 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays  

• Four half days for volunteering activities  

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support

• Volunteering days - 4 half days per year  

• Death in service - 4 times annual salary  

• Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm  

• Financial support including travel and hardship loans  

• Employer contributed pension of 5% 

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.   

Job Title - Head of Legal Aid and Billing

Contract - Permanent

Hours - Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE) with some flexibility around working hours

Salary Range - £38,400 to £46,400 per annum (£48,000 to £58,000 FTE)

Location - London office - Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

About Coram

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

One of the twelve members of the Coram group, Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC) is the UK’s specialist centre for children’s rights in education, immigration, community care and family law, and provides significant international legal systems consultancy. The centre is located on the Coram Campus in central London with a base in Colchester. We champion access to justice through information and advice, legal practice and representation, policy and strategic litigation. Our Legal Practice Unit provides advice and representation primarily under legal aid contract. Our Policy and Practice Change team promotes practice change through training and capacity building to professionals and secures systems change through research, policy and advocacy.

About the role

This role will provide leadership and management for CCLC particularly focused on the Legal Practice Unit’s legal aid billing operations. Through systematic and efficient management, the post-holder will play a pivotal role in CCLC’s financial and operational sustainability. The role will be accountable for maximising the unit’s legal aid billing in controlled work, certificated work and inter partes costs and will hold responsibility for the unit’s billing systems. It will also be responsible for private fees billing. The post-holder will oversee the smooth running of legal aid billing including through line management of the billing team. The post-holder will work very closely with legal, operations and administrative staff. The role will act as a key point of contact for a range of internal and external stakeholders including Coram’s central finance team who will support the role with grant fund management and overall accounting functions for CCLC. The post-holder will support the Managing Director of Legal Practice and Children’s Rights and department heads in the successful maintenance of our relationship with the Legal Aid Agency. Where appropriate they will be deputising for the Managing Director on legal aid and financial matters.

The role would suit a highly organised and efficient legal, or a finance or billing professional with solid experience of legal practice and a deep understanding of the challenges of legal aid. Whilst candidates with direct experience of legal billing (and more specifically civil legal aid billing) are welcomed, we recognise that this is a highly specialised and niche field. As such, this role could suit a highly experienced solicitor who appreciates the important role developing sustainable businesses plays in ensuring access to justice and who therefore wishes to move into practice and financial management. They will need an aptitude for processing large amounts of data, developing and managing spreadsheets and improving organisational systems. However, they will be well supported through training, an enthusiastic and competent junior billing team, the central finance team and an outsourced legal cashiering company, as well as a friendly and collaborative management team including the Managing Director and the Heads of Education Law, Community Care Law and Immigration and Asylum Law.

This is a largely office-based role in order to fully provide support to the billing team. However, some remote / hybrid working may be possible depending the experience of the candidate after the initial settling in period and there will be flexibility over how the four days will be spread across the week (within working hours). The team are mostly based in the London office and with one billing team member in Colchester so the post holder may require some occasional travel.   

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: Wednesday 29th April 2026 at 23.59pm

Test and Interview date: W/C Tuesday 5th May 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Salary: £44,766–£48,225 (including London Weighting)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Romero House, London (hybrid – minimum 40% in office)

CAFOD is seeking a Senior Advocacy Adviser to lead its Global Advocacy Programme on Food Systems, championing agroecology and pushing for food systems that prioritise people, communities and the environment. This role works closely with global partners to influence policy at national, regional and international levels, ensuring that partner, women’s, Church and social movement voices are central to decision‑making.

You will drive CAFOD’s policy and advocacy work on food systems, build coalitions, represent CAFOD in global and UK policy spaces, and influence governments and multilateral institutions. The role sits within the Advocacy team and works collaboratively across Advocacy, Communications and International Programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading CAFOD’s global food systems advocacy strategy
• Working in partnership with organisations in the global South to develop evidence‑based policy positions
• Influencing UK, regional and global policy debates on agriculture and food systems
• Representing CAFOD in international forums and networks
• Ensuring advocacy is grounded in strong analysis, partner experience and a commitment to social and environmental justice

About you:

• Strong background in international policy and advocacy, particularly on food systems and agroecology
• Proven experience working with partners and coalitions, especially in the global South
• Confident influencer with excellent communication, research and analytical skills
• Committed to CAFOD’s mission, values and safeguarding responsibilities
   

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected. CAFOD will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported.

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount. Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures.

Click to apply to view the full job description

BACKGROUND 
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. 

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable. 

IRC UK 
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. The IRC UK has been delivering Resettlement Asylum and Integration (RAI) programmes in the UK since 2021, working in partnership with local councils, providing integration support to resettled refugees across England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

The Purpose of the Role

The Client Voice Officer will support RAI UK’s client engagement and participation agenda, ensuring that refugees and people seeking asylum meaningfully influence programme design, delivery, advocacy, and strategy.

The role will implement client voice related projects and strengthen RAI UK’s client voice systems, including structured feedback mechanisms and the Client Advisory Board (CAB).

The role will support the development of client-led research and evidence generation initiatives to inform programmes and policy positions. The role will also build relationships with migrant-led and grassroots organisations to ensure lived experience meaningfully shapes services, advocacy priorities, and external engagement. This role centres direct lived experience of forced displacement as a form of expertise.

Key Working Relationships:

The postholder will report to the Integration Lead Advisor and work in close collaboration with the Head of Programmes, RAI Director, Programme Managers, Senior Programme Development Advisor,  Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer, Senior Programme and Awards Officer, Advocacy and Policy Managers, Communication team and other IRC UK teams.

Scope and Authority

National remit across all RAI UK programmes.

Functional leadership for client voice and engagement across teams.

Matrix working with Programme Managers, Advocacy Manager, M&E colleagues, and the Technical Unit.

Coordination of project delivery staff on the Pinterest project (without formal line management responsibility).

Key Accountabilities

Project Coordination

· Work in collaboration with the Senior Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer to coordinate a new psychosocial education and photography programme for refugee young people (aged 16–19).

· Support the delivery and facilitation of this programme as required.

· Develop the participant outreach plan and support the day-to-day communication with the participants of the project in coordination with the session facilitators.

· Work in collaboration with the Integration Lead Advisor, Technical Advisor for Women and Child Protection and other relevant programme colleagues to ensure that the project curriculum is adapted and delivered to be contextually appropriate, developmentally suitable, and aligned with RAI UK technical standards, with an emphasis on ensuring client voice is strengthened through a person-centred and strengths-based approach.

· Work with the Safeguarding Advisor to ensure full compliance with safeguarding, consent, data protection, and ethical storytelling requirements throughout project delivery.

· Work in collaboration with the Senior Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer and clients to co-create and coordinate two dissemination events showcasing youth photography and lived experience outputs.

· Ensure robust monitoring of outcomes and timely, high-quality donor reporting in line with IRC and funder requirements.

Community Engagement

· Strengthen and coordinate the Community Advisory Board (CAB).

· Provide support and training to CAB members, including organising external trainings as needed.

· Undertake associated administrative and coordination responsibilities related to client, community and CAB work, including meeting organisation, coordination and record-keeping of travel and expenses logistics, documentation including sensitive data management cross-departmentally including facilitation of DBS checks, client communication, and tracking actions to ensure accountability and follow-through.

· Proactively engage migrant-led and grassroots organisations to share best practices.

· Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team to track quantitative outputs and qualitative outcomes of engagement with community, clients and CAB.

· Ensure engagement approaches are accessible and inclusive to reduce barriers to participation.

Client Voice to strengthen Programme Development and Internal Learning

· Develop and implement a Client Voice framework for RAI UK to embed participatory approaches into every stage of programming from design to delivery.

· Embed client voice into early stages of programming, including needs assessments, service design, and proposals.

· Work alongside colleagues to embed client voice and continuously improve participatory engagement approaches across RAI UK programme delivery.

· Contribute to internal and donor monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements.

· Collaborate with the MEL team to design tools to capture client voice in our programming and to measure client influence and participation.

· Pilot innovative approaches and build RAI UK evidence base on client and community participatory engagement.

· Contribute to IRC global client & community engagement communities of practice.

· Support delivery of RAI UK capacity building work, delivering trainings as requested to ensure client and community voice is represented, such as Healing Spaces trainings or employer engagement sessions.

External Communications and Advocacy

· Summarise client and CAB insights into briefings to be used in RAI and cross-departmentally, including by Senior Management Team and IRC UK Board of Trustees.

· Collaborate with Advocacy Manager and Policy Manager to reflect and include client and CAB insights and experiences into policy and advocacy calls for action.

· Support initiatives equipping refugees to share lived experiences in collaboration with Communications team, promoting trauma-informed ethical storytelling aligned with safeguarding principles.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

· Solid experience working with refugees or migrant communities.

· Experience working with young people, including on wellbeing or psychosocial topics.

· Experience facilitating participatory engagement methods.

· Strong safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed practice.

· Excellent communication and organisational skills.

· Commitment to refugee rights and GEDI principles.

· Experience supporting advocacy initiatives.

· Experience with monitoring and evaluation systems.

· Lived experience of forced displacement/ the UK asylum system is recognised as valuable expertise and will be considered alongside professional experience.

Purpose 

We are looking for a highly organised Practice and Programmes Coordinator to work as a core member of our Practice and Programmes team.

About us 

New Local has a mission to transform public services and unlock community power. We publish research, lead peer learning, influence government, and work with public sector organisations on some of today’s most pressing issues, informed by our network of 50-plus local authority members.

 All our work is guided by a belief in community power – the principle that communities themselves have the best insight into their own circumstances and should be able to participate in shaping their places and services. We believe that active, empowered communities should be at the heart of a wider shift towards place-based public services and a system focused on prevention, which can lead to better outcomes and a more sustainable system for all.

About you

You will play a vital role supporting the management of our diverse portfolio of projects working as part of the team with a broad range of clients, members, and partners including individual councils, the NHS, and other public and voluntary sector partners to enable them to become more community powered. With some experience in project management, people, and research skills, you will act as the team's administrative engine, working as the organising power behind the team's high-quality delivery of our practice and programme work.

You will be supported to explore and work on your personal and professional development as part of the role, and have the opportunity to build your facilitation skills, working alongside other team members as part of online and in person sessions. From time to time, you will also have the opportunity to support the wider organisation activity including supporting our member network and events programme. 

Your job will incldue:

• Coordinate several projects at the same time, supporting team members to deliver high quality work, on time and within agreed budgets.

• Coordinate project meetings, both internally and externally, capturing key decisions and actions and working with the team to develop effective project management mechanisms to enable smooth delivery.

• Act as a first point of contact for project work, providing timely project management updates for internal and external stakeholders.

• Support the design and delivery of workshops and events, particularly through coordination of logistics (venue, catering, IT, materials needed, etc.) and liaising with our team, clients, and participants to ensure sessions are delivered smoothly.

• Support project leads to prepare high quality, compelling project resources including presentations, reports, and blogs. 

• Support project leads in designing and delivering a range of research activities including desk research, focus groups, interviews, and analysis. 

• Work with New Local’s Finance Officer and Head of Operations & Finance to ensure invoicing, and payments related to the Practice and Programme team’s work are processed in a timely manner.

• Provide support to network and member events, work on internal projects and a range of other activities which support your individual and organisational development.

And more… As part of a small, friendly organisation you’ll have the opportunity to participate in other activities and support the wider development and delivery of New Local’s vision and strategy. 

Please see below for the full job description, person specification and our full list of benefits.

Key dates

• Deadline for applications: 5 May 2026, 9am 
• Candidates contacted for interview: 13 May 2026 
• Online interviews: 20 May (am) or 22 May (pm) 
• Written task: On the same day as interview 
• Start date: As soon as possible 

The Development Manager (Grants) leads on bid-writing and relationship building with grantmakers (Trusts/Foundations/Public). The candidate will be a key player in the Grants team alongside the Director of Development (Grants/Major Gifts) and Development Officer. Create has seen its fundraising increase significantly in recent years, as it fulfils its ambitious plans to double its reach by its 25th anniversary in 2028. The Grants team is responsible for securing over 50% of the charity’s income, managing an extensive portfolio of T/F/Public funders, approaching a well-researched pipeline of potential funders, and researching prospects. The successful candidate will share Create’s commitment to the transformative power of the creative arts within community settings, with exceptional written and verbal communication, research, organisational and IT skills, and meticulous attention to detail.