Policy research officer jobs

Join the RCR Learning Team as our Operations Officer and play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and innovation. This is a central position supporting the team’s strategic objectives, governance, and day-to-day activities. You’ll lead operational improvement projects, manage key business processes, and deliver outstanding customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

What You’ll Do
As Operations Officer, you’ll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring the team runs smoothly and efficiently. Key responsibilities include:

• Operational Leadership: Streamline daily activities, embed standard operating procedures, and drive efficiency improvements.
• Governance Support: Oversee governance structures, lead secretariat duties for committees, and ensure compliance with RCR policies.
• Project Management: Scope, initiate, and deliver projects aligned with strategic objectives, managing risks and timelines effectively.
• Data & Reporting: Manage CRM systems, produce evaluation reports, and ensure compliance with data protection legislation.
• Recruitment & Onboarding: Support recruitment of staff and voluntary contributors, ensuring a welcoming and consistent experience.
• Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, subject matter experts, and external partners to deliver high-quality learning experiences.

About You
We’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong project management skills and thrives in a dynamic environment.
• Brings a proactive, solution-focused approach to operational challenges.
• Is passionate about continuous improvement and innovation.
• Communicates effectively with senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Has experience managing systems, processes, and governance activities.

Why join us

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
• Hybrid working (60% working week can be done remotely)
• Modern working environment
• Equipment provided to work from home
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

At OCD Action we have a big vision and we have decided to invest in our fundraising team to help us secure the income our organisation needs to drive our work forward.

OCD Action exists because it takes 7 years on average for people affected by OCD to get the treatment that they need. OCD is debilitating, isolating and destroys lives, but it is treatable. Sadly the wait for treatment, for too many is too long. We are working, with the OCD Community, for a time, when OCD is well understood and everyone gets the treatment and support they need when they need it. Until that day arrives, we are committed to ensuring everyone affected by OCD has access to high quality support, information and guidance.

As Senior Trust and Foundations Officer you will support the delivery of our vision by growing our portfolio of Trusts and Foundations, crafting exceptionally high quality and persuasive applications for three, four and five figure bids and managing all successful and existing grants.  

We are a small but highly effective team at OCD Action, if you join us you will work closely with our service delivery team and have the opportunity to see the impact of your work. We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for people affected by OCD and can channel this into ambitious, creative and persuasive grant applications. This role requires someone who enjoys working with people and is adept at building networks and maintaining effective relationships. This role may be particularly suited to someone who has supported with the development of Trust applications in a larger organisation and is looking to develop their skills or to work with increased flexibility.

We aim to make working for OCD Action, work for you. We have a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave plus 8 statutory bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles) ensuring fair entitlement for all working patterns. Flexible working and blended home / office working is welcome, you can agree your hours, office/home pattern with your manager as long as all commitments, responsibilities and meetings are covered. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we are actively building a team that fully reflects and best supports the OCD community. 

If you think this is the opportunity for you, please complete the application form attached. We look forward to hearing from you.

Location:  Hybrid working Part London office-based and part home based with a minimum of one day a week in the office, or home based 

Salary: £31,800 per annum for London based and £29,300 per annum for home based 

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Tuesday 6 January 2026 at 10.00am 

Interview date: Thursday 15 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 a dynamic Community Events Officer to help us build on this momentum.

You will be an enthusiastic person with an eye for detail and the ability to plan, manage and deliver our community events programme. This role will work at the heart of a passionate team, who deliver support and information to people living with type 1 diabetes throughout their type 1 journey. Events are a key opportunity to connect those living with the condition and to share what Breakthrough T1Doffers. 

With experience in delivering events, you may have worked for charities before in similar roles. Your role will be to oversee the planning and delivery of our community events, including on-the-day logistics in person and virtually. You will also develop post-event follow-up with participants and strategically evaluate our community events programme, working with the Community Partnerships and Events Lead. There will be opportunities to represent Breakthrough T1D , network and exhibit at external events and develop creative plans and strategy for future events, to support Breakthrough T1D’s ’s aims and mission. 

Experience required 

You’ll have previous experience of: 

• Planning, delivering and evaluating successful community events

• Facilitating virtual events via Zoom or similar online platforms 

• Representing an organisation through networking or exhibiting at conferences, community events and other similar functions 

• A proven track record working with and managing budgets 

• Working within a community and building relationships with volunteers, new and existing supporters and stakeholders 

• Demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

About Breakthrough T1D 

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

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

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

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

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

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

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

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

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

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. 

Purpose of the job 

 In UK Youth’s Impact department, we find, create and use evidence to respond to the needs and preferences of young people and the professionals who support them. We conduct research and evaluations to prove and improve the impact of youth work, and we co-design high-quality programmes and support offers that can be scaled. This new role will work across these areas, supporting research and evaluation projects with real implications for policy and practice. 

 Reporting to the Evaluation & Learning Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a portfolio of research and evaluation projects. This will involve conducting research in-house and coordinating with external partners and the organisations we fund to build and share high-quality evidence. There will be opportunities to lead on fieldwork, data analysis, reporting and insight sharing with strategic guidance and hands-on support from other members of the team. 

 You will be organised, keen to develop your research skills and have a passion for working with data. You will support high profile research and evaluation projects, including the evaluation of the Adventures Away From Home Fund – a major, Government-funded outdoor learning programme. You can expect to support other projects, gathering and sharing insights from our network and young people and helping the team to work efficiently and effectively. 

Why work at UK Youth? 

We want all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving). Our strategy positions UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with a network that shares this ambition to build cross-sector understanding of youth work’s transformational potential, secure sufficient investment for sustainable provision, and help to embed effective solutions that will increase the quality as well as accessibility of youth work. Come and be part of this change. 

Responsibilities

• Evaluation and Learning

• Knowledge and Data Management

• Research and Horizon Scanning

Experience we're after

• Experience of managing datasets on digital platforms/software (quantitative and/or qualitative)

• Experience of leading or supporting quantitative and/or qualitative research and data analysis in any setting

• Experience of conducting literature reviews to analyse existing evidence on specific topics

• Experiencing of working across multiple projects and competing priorities and managing your time and tasks proactively

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 09:00am

Provisional Interview Dates: 14th and 15th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

This is an exciting role in a unique organisation.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. 

The role is a full time and fixed term contract until 31 July 2027. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).

Job description

We are looking for a Evaluation Coordinator (Data & Insight) to join our Strategy & Impact team. You’ll be responsible for managing and analysing data from annual surveys, including the National Student Survey (NSS), pulse surveys, evaluation toolkits, and website engagement metrics. You will also support the Strategy Planning & Impact Manager to coordinate evaluation projects through a new partnership with the UCL Social Biobehavioural Research Group. 

Do you have experience in data analysis? Do you have experience supporting organisations to evaluate their impact? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.

Our ideal candidate will have previous research experience such as: collecting qualitative and/or quantitative data, analysing data, writing research reports and/or presenting research findings, previous experience of developing training, toolkits and resources, and proven ability to utilise statistical analysis and data visualisation programmes such as R, PowerBI and SPSS.

Public Affairs Officer
Location: WWT Slimbridge, GL2 -Hybrid + Travel
Salary: £31,680 per annum
Contract: Permanent

About The Role

Are you passionate about building a political consensus for nature restoration? Are you able to translate public support into parliamentary will? Do you want to shift the political dial for one of our most superpowered habitats? 

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a well-respected and evidence-led organisation with an ambitious new strategy to restore 100,000 hectares of wetlands across the country. From providing homes for wildlife to protecting communities from flooding, we want to unlock the superpowers of wetlands so everyone can benefit.

Based in the Communications Team, you’ll work closely with our Senior Campaigns Manager and colleagues across the organisation to build and deliver a public affairs strategy that fits the ambition of our 2030 aims. With a keen eye on UK politics and an ability to build relationships with key decision-makers, you’ll help us translate widespread public support for nature into the political will for action, and the policies to follow it up.

With support from our team of experts, you will lead stakeholder engagement across government, Parliament and policy organisations, ensuring WWT’s research and strategic priorities are communicated effectively. Your work will include developing policy positions, producing briefings and reports, managing public affairs events, and gathering intelligence on the external policy landscape.

This hands-on role demands a strategic thinker with strong political insights, capable of building relationships, monitoring political environments and crafting plans and strategies that deliver the political change we need to see.

About You

We are seeking an individual with:

• Relevant experience working within a public affairs, campaigns, parliamentary or government environment. 
• Proven experience of developing and delivering public affairs and advocacy plans and strategies designed to influence Government, politicians and other stakeholders. 
• Experience of working closely with senior colleagues, offering strategic advice and briefings ahead of political events.
• Strong working knowledge of the UK Parliament’s political processes and an understanding of the current political environment, including parliamentary tools and processes. 
• Confidence building a network of strong and positive relationships with government officials, including politicians and civil servants to affect policy change. 
• Confidence representing an organisation and its cause with high-profile and political audiences. 
• Familiarity with campaigning to build political and public support that leads to policy change. 
• Strong writing skills, confident communicating complex issues clearly and succinctly, and adapting style for different audiences. 

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

We are based in Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, but support hybrid working with an expectation for team members to be in Slimbridge at least once a week.  While this post is based at a WWT site with the opportunity for hybrid working, travel will be necessary for parliamentary purposes, including outside of normal business hours when required.

If you want to make a direct contribution to the conservation of wetlands and wetland wildlife at a critical moment for the natural world, then click apply.

Closing Date: 18th January 2026
We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications from candidates who meet the required skills and experience. We therefore encourage early applications.

Interested?

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

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

No agencies please.

Location: Flexible

Join our small but mighty team and help transform the future for people affected by primary bone cancer.

We’re looking for a motivated and detail-driven Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Officer to support a growing and strategic income stream. You’ll work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Manager to research prospects, write compelling applications, manage reporting, and build warm, meaningful relationships with funders who want to make a real impact.

In this role, you’ll contribute to raising around £500,000 a year to fund life-saving research and vital support services for patients and families. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the charity, turning insight, data, and stories into persuasive cases for support that inspire funders to give.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong writing skills, excellent relationship-building abilities, and a proactive approach. Whether you already have experience in trust fundraising or are looking to develop in this area, we’ll support you every step of the way.

What we offer:

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays

• Flexible working and home-working support

• 6% employer pension

• Private Health Insurance (after probation)

• Generous training and development opportunities

• Supportive, collaborative culture where you can genuinely make an impact

If you’d love to use your skills to support a passionate community and help drive positive change, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

The Senior Evidence & Evaluation Manager sits within the Impact & Evidence directorate at the heart of Youth Futures Foundation.

You will play a central role in building the evidence base on what works to support young people into good jobs.

Working with three Heads of Evaluation, the Deputy Director and the Director, you will help ensure our evaluations are designed to generate credible evidence of what works.

• You will work closely with independent evaluators and delivery partners and colleagues in our Programmes & Grants and Policy & Communications directorates, you will assess the evaluability of interventions, and lead the design and delivery of large-scale, complex impact evaluations.
• You will manage a portfolio of projects, leading some directly, and overseeing others while supporting more junior colleagues.
• You will also contribute to strengthening our ‘evaluation architecture’, leading projects that enhance data infrastructure and access to administrative datasets, and set standards for methodological rigour in the sector.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.

Reporting to the CEO, the Governance and executive support officer will work closely with our ambitious Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to enable effective governance and leadership across the charity. The post holder will play an essential role in coordinating work across the organisation and helping us to Beat Macular Disease.

Whilst providing administrative support and diary management, the highly organised post holder will support the CEO with internal communications and policy coordination, as well as owning and managing key organisational resources such as our risk register, compliance register and policy register.

As a natural collaborator and excellent communicator, the post holder will have experience of supporting complex meetings and providing high quality governance support at Board and Committee meetings.

In return, we provide a great working culture – we do something worthwhile and are proud to work together to Beat Macular Disease – as recognised by our inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 list. 

We offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, rising to 27 after one years’ service, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and 6% pension contribution. To find out more please visit our website.

We are passionate about treating people fairly and as equals, doing so is instinctive to us. To Beat Macular Disease for all we know we have work to do. That’s why we are keen to hear from people of all backgrounds who have the skills and experience we are looking for. We particularly encourage applications from people from under-represented groups, to help ensure what we do and how we do it is inclusive – for everyone.

Closing date: Friday 16 January 2026 at 09:00

Interviews: Tuesday 27 January 2026 (Virtually online)​

We’re seeking an experienced Events Fundraising Officer to work on delivering our UK wide portfolio of challenge events. You’ll be passionate about working in events fundraising and enjoy being part of a busy team. This role sits in the Events team within the Public Fundraising department, generating over £1 million of income. The Events Fundraising Officer will play a key part in our exciting plans to grow this area of fundraising.

We're looking for someone who loves building relationships, enjoys creating engaging communications, has excellent attention to detail and loves working as part of a busy and thriving team. If this sounds like you and you fit our person specification, you might be the person for us. In return you'll join our brilliant team and finish each day knowing you've played a central role in supporting people affected by bowel cancer.

The role is managed by the Senior Events Fundraising Officer and other key relationships are with the wider Public Fundraising team, Marketing and Communications, Data and IT, Finance teams and external agency partners.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to drive ARMA’s engagement with political and health sector stakeholders and lead our communications. Working closely with the CEO, you'll help raise the profile of the Alliance, influence policy outcomes, and support members to collaborate to effect change.

Over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in the UK.

ARMA brings together patient charities, professional bodies, research organisations and industry partners to work together for better MSK treatment, care and support.

You can help us to make MSK health a higher national priority and thereby improve the lives of millions of people.  You can also make a wide ranging contribution to us developing as a charity and Alliance.  This role will offer lots of opportunity for personal and professional development.

Key responsibilities

· Develop and implement ARMA's influencing and political engagement plans.

· Build relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government departments, and advisers.

· Monitor research, policy and legislative developments affecting MSK health.

· Draft briefings, consultation responses, letters, and parliamentary correspondence.

· Represent ARMA at meetings, roundtables, and political events.

· Chair and manage meetings and webinars comprising the policy and communications leads of member organisations.

· Lead and co-ordinate the annual Bone and Joint Week campaign activity and the combined efforts of member organisations.

· Develop and manage campaigns and external communications that promote the work of ARMA and our members, including social media channels, our monthly newsletter and website.

· Assist the CEO in policy and public affairs work and support the wider delivery of our strategy and operational plan, as required.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

· Experience working in a public affairs, parliamentary, or policy role either in-house, in an agency, or in a political setting.

· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.

· First rate written and verbal communication skills.

· A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.

· An interest in health policy.

· Alignment with our vision and values.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected and important charity at the heart of a growing Alliance of organisations. You'll have autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact whilst working with high profile members and stakeholders.

Location: Remote, in the UK (mandatory to travel to London once a month, at own cost)

Line Manager: Executive Director

WHO WE ARE

Animal Equality is an international animal protection organisation working with society, governments and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals. Animal Equality has offices in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil and India.

Animal Equality releases investigative materials captured from inside factory farms and slaughterhouses, exposing the conditions that farmed animals face around the world. We publish our findings on television, in newspapers and online. We routinely secure mainstream media coverage, including on the BBC, ITV, Sky news, The Times, the Guardian, New York Times and many more.

Animal Equality also advocates for political change. Our current campaigns include a UK ban on foie gras imports, increased enforcement of existing animal protection laws, legal protections for farmed fish, and Government subsidies for transitioning towards a plant-based food system.

We focus on farmed animals because of the scale and severity of the issue. More than a billion animals are confined and killed for human consumption every year in the UK. Farmed animals also often suffer in some of the worst ways: pigs typically endure painful mutilations, many chickens die of heart attacks, fish are confined in underwater cages, and some farmed animals are victims of deliberate abuse and neglect. But the problem is solvable! By utilising effective campaigning strategies, Animal Equality is having an impact for animals around the world and building a future where all animals are respected and protected, and are no longer exploited for human consumption.

Animal Equality UK’s current key campaigns include:

• Strengthening enforcement of animal protection laws
• Halting the expansion of Scotland’s salmon farming industry
• Achieving a ban on foie gras imports
• Securing species-specific slaughter legislation for fish
• Inspiring the public to eat plants, not animals

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a strategic, personable, persuasive, and policy-savvy Food Policy Specialist to spearhead Government relations and stakeholder outreach. This highly impactful role bridges high-level advocacy with on-the-ground influence, and involves advising Government Ministers, politicians, expert bodies, and sector stakeholders to promote policies that support plant-forward dietary shifts aligned with the UK’s sustainability, public health, and animal welfare commitments and priorities.

The Food Policy Specialist will report to the UK Executive Director and oversee our diet change (‘Love Veg’) programme and team members working on diet change campaigns, with the objective of encouraging the public to eat plants, not animals. 

ABOUT YOU

You are a thoughtful communicator, tactically agile, and confident in high-level engagement – both in person and through written reports. You are strategic, evidence-driven, and ready to shape policy narratives that positively impact animals with proactivity and integrity.

You actively seek constructive feedback and use it to continuously improve your work. You show ownership and a growth mindset that is focused on improving the world for farmed animals. Knowledge of farmed animal issues and alignment with Animal Equality’s mission is a must, as is professionalism, adaptability, and discretion.

You must have a minimum of four years’ experience in public affairs, Government relations, policy advocacy, or food systems policy. You are expected to have a strong understanding of UK political structures and policy-making dynamics, excellent analytical written and presentation skills, and an ability to simplify complex research into persuasive policy messages. You must be a confident problem-solver, with a solutions-focused attitude and a collaborative spirit.

BENEFITS

• Holiday entitlement equal to 33 days per year (including standard public holidays).
• Personalised Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): an Animal Equality-funded benefit that offers employees confidential counselling and advice on a wide range of work and personal issues. The programme offers several services, such as a 24/7 confidential helpline and expert Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
• Flexible hours, with the option to start between 8am-10am and finish between 4pm-6pm.
• Able Futures Support: The service is a nine month, practical and confidential support service for employees whose circumstances or mental health may impact their wellbeing or work. Employees can work with a mental health professional to deepen their understanding of how their mental health may impact them and will build coping skills and resilience to thrive at work.
• Yearly stipend to access learning and development resources, to help employees further grow their personal and professional skills.
• A free vegan lunch every month at the Animal Equality monthly meetups.

APPLY NOW

To read the full job description and apply, please visit our careers page.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Friday 9th January 2026

The interview process comprises a multiple-stage interview and skills test. The appointment process will run throughout December and January, with Animal Equality UK making an offer to the successful candidate shortly after.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Location: Remote working. Must be willing and able to travel to London, Edinburgh and elsewhere across the UK to support business need

Reporting to: AHS Chief Information and Technology Officer (to be appointed Spring 2026)

Hours of Work: FTE 37.5 hours per week

Purpose of the post

The Strategic Data Lead will play a critical role in managing the study’s data pipeline, devising and implementing strategies for the collection, management, storage, documentation and curation of complex participant data, and sharing data with research users. In particular, there will be a need for innovative, remote data collection methods that are acceptable to children and young people taking part in the study. The role holder will provide specialist advice, direction and input to the wider scientific team to maximise the potential of the study data and future proof the resource. They will drive forward innovative solutions which enable the long-term strategic vision for data management in the study.

Main responsibilities

Strategy

• Provide expert input into the design and delivery of the study before data collection begins, maximising data quality and efficient management from the start.
• Devise and implement a data management strategy, including appropriate data architecture, meta-data and data pipeline(s), to support the study’s aims and meet the needs of the research community.
• Consider the long-term strategy for data preservation and discoverability, to futureproof the resource and ensure maximal use.

Technology and innovation

• Identify and oversee the delivery of novel solutions for collection and management of complex health data, including transfer of data from specialist equipment and mobile technology, such as wearables or app-based data.
• Lead procurement activities, where required, to support the data management strategy, translating the needs of users into appropriate specifications and working with third parties to oversee delivery of solutions.

Risk management and compliance

• Oversee the development, management and continual improvement of all procedures used to process, manage and store data, ensuring that they are kept up to date and comply with relevant legislation and local guidelines.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build relationships with other longitudinal population studies (LPS) in order to seek advice where appropriate and ensure sharing of best practise within the LPS community.
• Work closely with researchers, data scientists and national bodies, such as Population Research UK and the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration, to support study objectives.
• Consult and co-operate with colleagues and stakeholders, including children and young people, to support the use of the study’s data for collaborative research purposes, identifying opportunities to maximise the potential of the data.
• ​Offer creative solutions to issues that arise, consulting with and influencing stakeholders with differing expectations, ensuring the impact of any change is communicated and understood by those involved.

Essential criteria:

• Proven track record of managing large and complex data sets within an academic, research or similar environment, including different types of data from multiple sources, including those with complex ethical and governance requirements.
• Thorough understanding of legislation regarding data management, confidentiality and security.
• Understanding of research governance.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing a data management strategy.
• Experience of implementing current and developing technologies used for collecting, storing and accessing research data.
• Excellent organisational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple competing projects simultaneously to achieve deadlines.
• Educated to degree level in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Proven innovation and pro-active problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with different levels of staff and external contacts.
• Excellent communication with both internal and external stakeholders including the ability to communicate technically complex ideas at an appropriate level.

Desirable criteria:

• Proven skills in programming using various languages and technologies including understanding of data manipulation and statistical packages used to manage, manipulate and analyse data e.g. SQL, Python, R.
• Proven ability to effectively lead, direct and manage a team of technical staff.
• Experience of working with a longitudinal research study, or equivalent, at a senior level.
• Excellent presentation skills, with experience of presenting to diverse audiences.

Working Environment

• Full time role with flexible working arrangements.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations.
• As a small charity, we offer a range of benefits, including enhanced sickness and family-friendly pay, additional annual leave, the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days’ holiday each leave year, a 10% employer pension contribution, and one paid volunteering day per year.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply online with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 25 January 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 23 February or 02 March 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

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