Policy researcher jobs in bushey, hertfordshire

Youth Engagement Officer  

Location: Hybrid. Expected to be in our London office in Victoria at least one day per week. You can be remote every other day or come into the office. Your office days are flexible and can be agreed with your manager, other than for monthly team days where you must be in person. Some nationwide travel expected for Youth Steering Group training days, events and conferences. After passing probation, up to six weeks ‘super remote’ working per year, where you can work anywhere in the world as long as you’re online for four hours of the UK workday.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31 August 2026 with the possibility to extend. 

Holidays: 38 days per year, including our 3-day winter shut down and eight flexible bank holidays.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time) Please note as this role works with young people there will be occasions where your working hours will be outside the standard 9-5:30pm. This will typically be a few meetings per month that can last until 7pm and about four weekend days over the year. This is to ensure our activities fit around the young people’s education and work commitments. 

About the Fair Education Alliance  

The Fair Education Alliance (FEA) unites 300 member organisations under a shared vision that no child’s success is limited by their socioeconomic background.

Our members (charities and social enterprises, think tanks, businesses and foundations, youth organisations, unions, universities and schools) are working collectively to create an inclusive system. We exist to close the gap in educational outcomes between children from low-income households and their wealthier peers. 

This autumn, we’re kicking off our next strategic phase, which will take our work from neighbourhood to national, building a movement for systems change towards a fairer future for children and young people. 

Why we need you 

Education is not fair. The gaps in educational outcomes between children from low-income households and their wealthier peers are staggering at every stage of education. Our Alliance exists to tackle this inequity, and we believe this will only be possible by empowering young people who have faced barriers in education, to colead systemic change as part of diverse cross-sector coalition.  This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the movement to ensure all young people are respected and heard in decisions affecting their education. You would be joining the organisation at a very exciting time as our youth engagement work is growing and building momentum across the sector. In the last year we have seen a 25% increase in youth engagement across our membership, have supported Ofsted and Department for Education to their youth participation in policy making and our Youth Steering Group hosted our biggest ever Fair Education Youth Summit. This role will play a critical part in the success of taking this work forward. As the Youth Engagement Officer, you will work with our Head of Youth Engagement to ensure our Youth Steering Group can lead their own campaign activities, engage directly with decision makers, and collaborate with other young people to bring about the change they want to see. You will also support and manage the logistics of our Youth Summit, Youth Engagement Working Group and other youth engagement events. 

What we’re asking of you  

Support our Youth Steering Group to feel safe and confident as they co-lead our Alliance and create change

Our Youth Steering Group is made up of 25 brilliant young people, aged 14-24, who draw on their lived experience of the different barriers to accessing a fair education, to campaign for change. You will support the young people to lead their own campaign activity, write their monthly Youth Bulletin and engage directly with policy makers. You will also help the group to participate in FEA decision making, support the design and facilitation of their monthly meetings and training days, help them make progress against their personal development plans. This role will include working directly with young people, session planning and facilitation, policy research and managing logistics.

Ensure the Fair Education Youth Summit is a success and remains truly youth-led  

Our Youth Steering Group design and run the annual Fair Education Youth Summit. The event is led by young people for young people and brings together young changemakers from across our membership and the wider education and youth sectors to develop their youth leadership skills, collaborate on campaigns, and engage directly with decision makers. You will support the young people to design sessions, secure speakers, embed past feedback and plan the event structure. You will also support with the event logistics, guestlist management, participant communications and collecting attendee feedback.

Support our members to improve their youth engagement practice  

Our Youth Engagement Working Group supports FEA members and other sector organsiations to increase and improve their own youth engagement practice. You will support the management of logistics, promote the workshops, and communicate with working group members. You will also support the facilitation of the workshops and ensure the attendee data and feedback is correctly logged and actioned. The critical responsibilities of this role are described above. They may be subject to reasonable changes from time to time in line with business need and the decisions of the youth leaders we support. 

See the job description attached for a full job specification and application instructions.  

Fixed Term Contract - 12 months

Join us to support people-led change across the UK.

The Churchill Fellowship is a community of changemakers whose mission is to learn from the world and transform lives across the UK.

We support outstanding individuals pursuing their own vision for change in an issue where they have first-hand experience. They are driven by a personal commitment to tackle today’s key issues, to develop new solutions for their communities and sectors, and to exchange ideas throughout the UK and beyond. They work across all of today’s most pressing challenges, from protecting the environment to preventing domestic abuse, from increasing youth employment to enriching urban spaces and much more.

Collectively, they create change that reaches across the country. Every year we select over 100 new Fellows and fund them to spend up to two months discovering new approaches around the world for practical issues they care passionately about. Fellowships cover every aspect of UK life because our approach is universal, responsive and inclusive. We respond to emerging trends and challenges and our Fellowships are open to all UK adults regardless of qualifications, background or age. Fellows propose their own programmes of research and action and bring their lived or learned experience of their chosen subject.

We believe in the power and potential of individuals and prioritise people and topics that would not be funded elsewhere.

This inclusive approach gives the Fellowship a unique range and authority and has created a powerful model for change, based on real needs, frontline insight and personal dedication. It offers dynamic individuals the recognition, funding and support to pursue what is often their mission of a lifetime.

The Fellowship was created by public subscription in 1965 as the living legacy of Sir Winston Churchill. Since then we have made almost 6000 grants to inspiring individuals who possess the passion and commitment to make a real difference. Many Fellows become knowledge leaders and influencers for the long term and continue to feel the beneficial effects of the Fellowship decades after being awarded.

The Churchill Fellowship is a community of changemakers whose mission is to learn from the world and transform lives across the UK.

Purpose of the role:

The purpose of this role is to build on our programme of strategic engagement with our key audiences, in order to build our presence, influence and networks in a wide range of UK sectors and topical issues. This includes leading the design and delivery of some of our focused programmes in which we award Fellowships and supporting the Fellows awarded into these programmes to help them increase their UK impact once they’ve done their overseas learning. This role is responsible for delivering all engagement activity across our Arts and culture, Community and citizenship, Environment and resources and Governance and public provision universal themes.  

Key responsibilities:

Programme Development and Delivery

• With oversight from the Engagement Director, and working with members of the Advisory Council to develop the focus and goals of a three-year Fellowship programme within our Governance and Public Provision universal theme through a process of desk-based research and consultation workshops
• Working with the Head of Comms to design and plan the launch of the new programme to applicants
• Working with the Head of Fellowship to design a support package for applicants into the programme
• With oversight from the Engagement Director, creating and facilitating a Working Group of Fellows, partners and Council members to support the cohort of Fellows awarded within this programme. And working with the other Research and Engagement Manager to develop and enhance our approach to stewarding these Working Groups including ones already in place for our other programmes.

• Supporting the Engagement Director in the recruitment and stewardship of Knowledge Partners for this programme and other programmes under your four thematic sectors

• Working with members of our Advisory Council to review our two environment related programmes with a view to revising them or developing them further.
• Reviewing the progress of each programme under your remit with the relevant Advisory Council members and the Working Group at the end of the applications cycle and before the programme reopens for applications

 Sector Relations & Networking

• Researching target audiences, stakeholders, partners and allies, in the four thematic sectors you oversee. Building relationships and maintaining our database of these.
• Developing and managing a systematic programme of engagement with these audiences, through communications and activities including talks, briefings, events, newsletters, publications and other opportunities.
• Systematic promotion of Fellows into these sectors.

Creation of Engagement Content

• Designing and delivering a programme of engagement events for Fellows including webinars and convenings to provide support, knowledge sharing and networking opportunities for the community of Fellows
• Leading on the design and delivery of a programme of wrap-up engagement activity for Fellows in our Rural communities programme
• Leading on the discovery and development phase of a programme of wrap-up engagement activity for Fellows in our Arts and Communities and Children and Young People with experience of care programmes.
• Assisting with the creation of sector content to support the dissemination of Fellows’ learning into their sectors
• Writing engagement materials such as case studies for a wide range of sectors and issues.

• Filtering Fellows’ surveys for case studies and other material.

Post-learning support for the community of Fellows

• Working with partners to deliver training and upskilling support to Fellows to help them increase their UK impact
• Supporting Fellows to distil their learning into ‘reports’ which can be used to disseminate their learning and recommendations
• Ad hoc support to individual Fellows to help them connect with their sectors and each other, and promote their learning and recommendations
• Working with the Engagement team to rethink and pilot new approaches to post overseas learning support for Fellows including grants, events, training, community platforms and more
• Supporting the Engagement Director with the biennial Awards Ceremony for Fellows

And to undertake any additional appropriate duties as may reasonably be required on either a short or long term basis.

Person Specification 

Qualifications

Degree level or equivalent transferable skills

Skills and Experience

• Experience in developing, delivering and reviewing complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience working in or with the voluntary, community, or social impact sectors
• Strong track record of stakeholder engagement across sectors (e.g. government, arts, civil society, environment)
• Experience of designing and facilitating events, workshops or convenings
• Proven experience of relationship management, including with partners and advisory groups
• Demonstrated ability to conduct desk-based research, synthesis and programme scoping
• Experience in producing high-quality written content (e.g. case studies, briefings, reports) for diverse audiences
• Understanding of knowledge exchange, learning dissemination and post-programme support
• Experience of supporting communities or individuals to maximise their impact
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for communicating face-to-face, in writing and by telephone with individuals at all levels
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft Office and comfort with facilitating meetings via video conferencing platforms
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively across functions
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in programme design and delivery

TCF Competency Framework for Personal Development 
 

Role Specific Responsibility

• Innovative in approach.
• Trains and supports others to develop their skills.
• Aligns best practice on process.
• Delivers change and operational strategy through collaboration and using coaching where appropriate.
• Strategic focus on all team outcomes.

Quality & Efficiency

• Drives results-oriented work.
• Holds a realistic view of results, while nurturing team potential.
• Provides clear accountability to team members, and leads by example in performance management.
• Uses forward planning to meet appropriate deadlines.
• Solves complex problems with a strategic approach.

Communication

• Influences and persuades stakeholders at all levels.
• Resolves misunderstandings and conflicts through thoughtful communication.
• Delivers complex information in an easily understandable way.
• Adopts a coaching approach to leadership and line management through encouraging open questions, active listening and providing constructive feedback.

Problem Solving

• Thinks creatively to solve complex problems.
• Balances multiple factors, such as costs, time, and resources, when solving problems.
• Anticipates potential issues and proactively addresses them.

Teamwork

• Resolves team conflicts and keeps the team focused on common goals.
• Takes on a leadership role within a team when needed.
• Builds strong relationships across teams and departments.
• Demonstrates leadership in driving team performance.

Leadership

• Leads larger teams or complex projects, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Develops and implements strategies to improve team performance.
• Provides mentorship and coaching to others within the organisation.

Decision-Making

• Makes decisions in complex or high-pressure situations with limited information.
• Demonstrates sound judgement and considers the long-term impact of decisions.

Stakeholder Management

• Develops and maintains strategic relationships that contribute to the success of the organisation.

Change Management

• Leads the delivery and manages significant change initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions.

Strategic Thinking

• Develops and implements strategies that align with long-term goals and objectives.
• Analyses trends and data to make informed strategic decisions.

Interpersonal Skills

Handles difficult conversations with empathy, showing respect for diverse perspectives

Working for The Churchill Fellowship 

• Salary c. £43,000-46,000 per annum (5 days per week / 36.5 hours)
• Hybrid working policy (minimum of 1-2 days per week in the office) 
• 5 weeks holiday a year, with additional paid leave when the office closes over the Christmas Break 
• 1 week paid leave for volunteering 
• Non-contributory pension scheme with 10% employer contribution 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay. 
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance 
• Bike purchase salary sacrifice scheme (Cycle2Work) 

Standard working hours are 36.5 hours a week 9.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and from 9.30am until 4.00pm on Friday, including a paid lunch break of one hour.

We have embraced the benefits of working from home and at the same time, we value the contribution of face-to-face contact in building teamwork, collaborating with your colleagues, exchanging ideas and know-how, and for work efficiency. We therefore operate a hybrid working policy, where staff can work from home if they wish, however everyone is required to work in the office a minimum of 1 to 2 days a week with Tuesdays as the core day for regular whole team meetings.

Note: unfortunately, we are not currently in a position to offer sponsorship for visas and all applicants will need to have, and be able to prove, the right to work in the UK.

How to apply 

Please submit your CV, along with a cover letter using this as an opportunity to tell us a bit more about who you are as a person. As a people centred, relational organisation, we want to understand how you as an individual are going to be a great fit for this role.

Recruitment Process

We hope to meet initially with as many candidates as possible, however where demand is unusually high, we may not be able to meet everyone.

If your skills and experience are relevant to the role, you will likely meet with a member of the HR Team to talk through any questions you may have, and for us to find out a bit more about you.

You will then be asked to submit a technical task, for review by the panel prior to selecting the shortlisted candidates for interview, further details will be provided in the initial conversation.

Once the advertising has closed, we will invite the shortlisted candidates to a formal in-person interview, with the view to appointing the Research & Engagement Manager as soon as possible.  The successful candidate will ideally start in August 2025.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core to the values and ethos of the charity’s work across all activities. The Churchill Fellowship is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.  Our office accommodation is accessible throughout.  

The Research Officer role enjoys a varied workload and brings the opportunity to work with autonomy and develop new skills within a friendly and dynamic team. You will work on a broad range of projects, including being involved with our grant management processes, working closely with the Research Officer and the Acting Head of Research. The post-holder will also work closely with other departments across the charity, including producing engaging research communications content for print, online and social media, and will also have the opportunity to interact with senior researchers, clinicians and people affected by sarcoma.

This is an ideal role for someone with a scientific background and an active interest in research management, and it offers the opportunity to make a real impact for people affected by sarcoma and their families.

Benefits

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• 25 days holiday entitlement per annum plus bank holidays and the working days between Christmas and New Year
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Health and wellbeing:
  • Health Cash Plan
  • Therapy sessions
  • Wellbeing Group

Our Values

• Pioneering we are leading the way to a better future for the sarcoma community.
• Together we are creating a community to make a difference for all those affected by sarcoma.
• Expert we use our expertise in understanding sarcoma to deliver better outcomes.

Duties and Key Responsibilites 

Sarcoma UK’s research programme

• To support Sarcoma UK’s grant application processes under guidance from the Acting Head of Research. This will include calls for proposals, identifying expert peer reviewers, administering a high-quality peer and lay review process, communication with applicants and potential applicants, administration of grant awards and supporting patient involvement.
• To provide support to the Grant Review Panel and Research Strategy Committee, including organising meetings and preparing minutes.
• To manage Sarcoma UK’s portfolio of active research grants, under guidance from the Acting Head of Research. This will include administration of newly awarded grants, monitoring progress of current grants, oversight of grant finances and reporting on final outputs.
• To support opportunities for patient involvement within the research programme, including managing a network of lay reviewers and facilitating new opportunities, with support from the Patient Involvement Coordinator.
• To support new developments in Sarcoma UK’s research programme, including organising and attending events, collaborative funding calls and initiatives to support early career researchers. 

Research Impact and Communications

• To monitor and gather outputs and long-term impact of research grants funded by Sarcoma UK and support in ensuring these are shared with internal and external audiences.
• To plan and produce engaging and reactive and proactive communications about sarcoma research, including website, social media, written and video content, working with the Acting Head of Research and Communications Team to ensure our research activities and outcomes are shared with the sarcoma community and wider public.
• To proactively engage with grant holders to gather impactful insights and to support engaging communication about sarcoma research.
• To regularly review and update Sarcoma UK’s website with progress updates on research grants and promote funding opportunities.
• To support work undertaken by the Fundraising Team where required, such as lab tours and supplying information about funded grants for donor reports.

External relationships

• To be a point of contact for Sarcoma UK grant holders and their host institutions.
• To maintain positive relationships with Sarcoma UK’s research panels, potential grant applications, researchers and clinicians, and the wider sarcoma research community.
• To work directly with a range of people personally affected by sarcoma to place the voice of lived experience at the heart of our research programme.

General

• To support the integration of the research programme across Sarcoma UK.
• Attend Sarcoma UK events and contribute to the wider work of Sarcoma UK.
• Travel occasionally to meetings and events. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required (time off in lieu will be given).
• Work flexibly and collaboratively in a dynamic environment, undertaking other duties as required to support the wider operations of Sarcoma UK.

The Youth Endowment Fund 

Senior Research Manager (Toolkit)

Reports to: Head of Toolkit

Salary: £52,700

Contract: 2-year fixed term contract

Location: Central London, Hybrid* 

Closing date: 27th June 2025

About the Youth Endowment Fund

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

 Last year, 244 people in England and Wales tragically died after being assaulted with a knife. Of these, 32 were children. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them. Even beyond knife crime, we know that the fear of violence has a terrible effect on children’s daily lives.

The Youth Endowment Fund exists to try and permanently change things. To succeed, we must build an exceptional body of knowledge about violence affecting young people and how we reduce it. This knowledge has to be both rigorous and highly relevant to those making decisions about how to support vulnerable young people. We need to find out what works and what doesn’t through evidence synthesis, data analysis and qualitative research into children’s lives. We then need to convert this into highly accessible content on what works, how delivery organisations need to change their practice and how the systems they operate in need to be reformed.

About the Toolkit Team

The Toolkit team is at the heart of our work to spread knowledge of what works to prevent children becoming involved in violence. We want research to lead actual changes in outcomes for children.

Our flagship resource, the Toolkit, is a free, online resource that summarises the best available evidence about the effectiveness of various approaches to preventing children becoming involved in violence. It explains the evidence, how confident we can be about the findings, and provides actionable guidance to help policy makers, commissioners, and practitioners to turn evidence into action. The Toolkit is influencing real world policy and practice: the Home Office requires Violence Reductions Units to allocate at least 30% of their funding to interventions that have an impact rating of ‘high’ or ‘moderate’ in the Toolkit. Over half of Youth Justice Services use the Toolkit to align their work with the latest available evidence. Our Change team use the Toolkit to influence systems, policy and practice across children’s services, education, health, neighbourhoods, policing, youth services and youth justice.

The Toolkit is a live resource that currently contains 35 approaches to violence prevention, and we will add at least ten updates to the content this year. New research is published every day around the world. We collate relevant studies in our YEF programmes evidence and gap map and YEF systems evidence and gap map, and we collate study results in our Effect Size Database. We are working in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau and the EPPI Centre to implement new technology and to use machine learning to create a ‘living platform’, that contains relevant studies and their results in one place. This is an exciting development that will significantly speed up our production of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to keep the Toolkit up to date.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Research Manager will be an essential part of the YEF Toolkit Team and will develop a portfolio of impactful projects. The core of your role will be leading the commissioning of evidence synthesis, using our new methodology, across a range of topics and producing Toolkit content.

You will:

Commission new systematic reviews.

• You will lead the commissioning and management of systematic reviews of the evidence through our Toolkit and Evidence Synthesis Partners: the National Children’s Bureau, the EPPI Centre, and the Race Equality Foundation. This will involve scoping and prioritising violence prevention approaches, convening expert advisory groups, reviewing research protocols and technical reports, and ensuring that research products produce actionable insights.

Write accurate and actionable summaries of evidence for the Toolkit.

· You will use findings from evidence synthesis to write new summaries for the Toolkit, and to inform YEF’s guidance and implementation resources.

· You will ensure that Toolkit content is only ever easy-to-understand and written in plain English with incredible clarity.

·You will collaborate with our Research team and our Change team to feed insights from the evidence into systems, sector and practice guidance. 

Lead Toolkit communications.

· Collaborating with the YEF Communications and Public Affairs team, you will produce accurate social media content, blogs, and briefings on new Toolkit content to facilitate accurate journalism and press coverage.

Become an expert on the Toolkit.

· You will be an advocate for Toolkit evidence, and you will ensure insights from this evidence are accurately communicated to policy makers and practitioners. You will do this by delivering presentations on Toolkit evidence and providing briefings.

· You will also ensure YEF colleagues are up to date on the topics and content in the Toolkit by providing training and updates internally and sharing guidance about how to accurately explain the evidence.

About You

You are this sort of person:

· You want to play a significant part in reducing children and young people’s involvement in violence. You care about having an impact.

· You share our belief that an evidence-based approach is our best hope of preventing violence. You are fascinated by research, but you’re not just interested in research for its own sake. You want to achieve actual changes in outcomes for children.

·You’re a confident reader of research and have strong critical appraisal skills. You know when research can be trusted and when it can’t and can confidently articulate your views on the strength of research. You might have gained this expertise through your academic studies, research, or professional experience.

· You have a proven track record of commissioning or conducting high-quality evidence synthesis. You have a good understanding of these methods and can discuss the pros and cons of them. You might have gained this expertise through your academic studies, training, research or professional experience. You can scrutinise a budget to ensure it provides value for money.

· You have at least three years’ experience working in a role that required you to think about research. This could include a range of roles in policy, academia, funding, and practice.

· 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 research findings into plain writing that everyone can understand.

· You have excellent project and time management skills. You can work independently, quickly, and to a high standard.

·You are good with people. You are comfortable working with a wide range of people, including senior academics and other research experts, children and their families, practitioners, and policy makers. You’re able to provide constructive challenges when required.

·You learn fast but remain humble. You like learning. You are very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know and that you can always learn more.

·You work well in a team. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You support your colleagues to produce excellent work.

·You’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. You believe and act in a way that celebrates and encourages a range of experiences, views and values.

You may have:

·A good level of knowledge and understanding of crime or violence. You know the facts, understand the issues, know the key people, and can discuss the theories. You’re knowledgeable on this topic and very at ease discussing it with experts. Alternatively, you might have a strong understanding of a relevant area such as education, youth work or social care.

·Confident public speaking skills. You’re an excellent verbal communicator. You’ve delivered dozens of talks on complex topics. You’re calm and confident when answering challenging questions.

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

Hybrid Working

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office for 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.

To Apply

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form click on "Apply for this" button by 27th June 2025.

When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words, the following questions:

1. Briefly describe the key evidence synthesis projects that you have undertaken or commissioned and be clear about the role you played in the work.

2. Provide some clear examples of products, presentations, events, or other materials that you have produced to help explain complex research evidence to policymakers, commissioners, and practitioners.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

Interview Process

Interviews will take place in the week commencing the weeks commencing 7th and 14th July.

If you are invited to interview, we will send you a systematic review ahead of the interview and we will ask you to prepare a 10-minute presentation to explain the main strengths and weaknesses of the review and its conclusions.  

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.

Senior Research Interpretation Officer

Permanent

Salary: £32,000 - £35,000 per annum, plus benefits

Full time – 37.5 hours a week 

London N1

We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're currently required to come into the office a minimum of 2 days per week, currently Tuesday and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 5pm, Thursday 19th June 2025

Interviews:w/c 30th June 2025

Would you like to contribute to a unique research programme that plays a key role in advancing knowledge about cancer prevention?

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work on World Cancer Research Fund International’s Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global). CUP Global (previously known as CUP) is a unique, long-standing, and rigorous research programme that systematically gathers, analyses, and judges the strength of the global evidence on how diet, nutrition, physical activity and body weight affect cancer risk and survival. This work led to the publication of the authoritative Third Expert Report in 2018, which now needs updating in places to remain relevant and impactful. 

As Senior Research Interpretation Officer, you will be a valuable member of the Research Interpretation team and the CUP Global scientific Secretariat. Your core work will be supporting the management of CUP Global on a day-to-day basis to help deliver its main objective of updating the Third Expert Report. You will provide scientific input, administrative support, and help coordinate specific work areas of CUP Global.

We are looking to recruit someone who has a Masters degree in public health sciences, particularly nutrition and/or cancer research, and with a good understanding of epidemiological concepts. We are seeking someone with experience of writing scientifically, copywriting, editing and proofreading, with good attention to detail and with experience of reviewing and interpreting scientific research/literature. We require someone who can co-ordinate and manage projects, who can produce concise, well-constructed, written communications with the ability to present orally to various audiences in a clear and persuasive manner, and who can provide administrative support, including taking meeting minutes and writing professional emails. 

This is a permanent role within the Science and Policy Department at World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) International. WCRF International is a not-for-profit organisation that leads and unifies a network of cancer prevention charities based in Europe, the Americas and Asia and is responsible for cancer prevention science, policy, strategic and operational direction to the network charities. 

Application Details:
If you are interested in this role/s and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. 

You must have current right to work in the UK. 

Please note: Your cover letter should demonstrate your understanding of our organisation and highlight how your skills and experience will make you a strong fit for WCRF International and the role.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our team. This position is based in the Policy and Public Affairs department and the team sits under the Executive Director of External Affairs. In this role, you will research and draft high-quality policy work and strategically engage stakeholders across the sector, including MPs and the Government to disseminate evidence-based policy positions and solutions to improve women’s health across the UK.

Responsibilities:

• Research, develop and draft high-quality policies, policy briefings, reports and position statements
• Build collaborative relationships with teams across the College and with external partners
• Support our Public Affairs work, including monitoring the political environment and opportunities, developing briefings and coordinating events and meetings
• Support the effective functioning of the Policy and Public Affairs team, championing the College’s mission and values across all of our work.

For the full list of key responsibilities, please check the recruitment pack.

About you

We are looking for a driven and passionate policy professional to join our Policy and Public Affairs team to help to develop and disseminate evidence-based policy positions and solutions to improve women’s health across the UK. This position is well-suited to a proactive and detailed-oriented individual who is capable of working across a range of policies that impact women and girls.

You will report directly to the Policy Manager and will provide support to the wider Policy and Public Affairs team, contributing to the effective functioning of the team and advancing the work of the RCOG to ensure we continue to be at the forefront of policy debates which affect women’s health. If you are committed about making a real difference to the health of women and girls and have a well-developed understanding of policy development in the healthcare sector and how to influence in political spaces, we would be excited to hear from you.

Requirements:

• Demonstrable experience of working in a policy or public affairs role, with an understanding of Government systems and Parliament
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels
• High-quality research and writing skills, with the ability to analyse complex information quickly and convey information clearly
• Successful track record of working across multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines
• A collaborative mindset with commitment to equity in healthcare and the values of the RCOG.

If you are committed about making a real difference to the health of women and girls and have a well-developed understanding of policy development in the healthcare sector and how to influence in political spaces, we would be excited to hear from you.

Our culture and benefits

As a key member of the team, you will be located in our offices in London Bridge. The role will be hybrid with flexibility to work from home but with a requirement to come into the office and travel to Parliament as and when is needed. We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Agile and flexible working environment and free lunch onsite
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and office closure from 25 December to 1 January
• 10% pension contribution after probation
• Enhanced wellbeing and family support
• Interest-free bike and season ticket loans after probation
• Tailored Learning and Development and study leave
• Affinity staff networks
• Life assurance and income protection schemes
• Lifestyle discounts

For a full list of the benefits we offer, please visit our careers site.

How to apply

• Click on Apply to be taken to our recruitment platform, Applied. Please visit our careers website to download the full Job pack.
• Closing date: 10.00 am on Monday 16 June 2025
• We encourage candidates to apply early and reserve the right to close the advert and appoint before the closing date.
• Please note that the start date for this role is August 2025.
• If you have any additional questions about the role or how to apply, please contact the People Team.

We believe that diverse teams will deliver the best outcomes for women's healthcare and we strive to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups, including those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. To find out more, please see our Diversity Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy.

If you require any adjustments to apply for this role or need the job advert in an alternative format, please contact us. We are happy to support with reasonable adjustments to accommodate individual needs throughout the recruitment process.

Please note: We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

About us

The RCOG is a professional membership association dedicated to improving women’s health care across the world. We do this by setting standards for clinical practice, providing doctors with training and lifelong learning, and working with partners to advocate for women’s health and health care across their life course. We are a global leader in this specialist area, supporting 17,500 members in the UK and internationally.

We are a values-led organisation placing high standards, innovation, openness, inclusiveness and trust at the centre of all we do.

Head of Policy

We are looking for a Head of Policy to join the team. This critical role leads policy work with Whitehall departments and external organisations to ensure policy and spending decisions are informed by evidence.

If you want to join an impact driven organisation, improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families then apply today!

Position: Head of Policy

Location: London/hybrid

Hours: 35 hours (flexible working available)

Salary: £69,700 plus generous benefits

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 8 June 2025 23:59

Interviews: 17 June 2025

The Role

Leading discussions with policy makers in central government departments and leading sector organisations, you will understand their needs, keep abreast of the current policy context and work to ensure robust evidence on effective policies, programmes, and practices is at the heart of spending and operational decisions.

You will work to:

• Ensure the research is policy relevant
• Identify policy implications from research
• Develop the organisations policy positions
• Provide evidence and advice to inform government policy development as needed.

Key tasks include:

• Lead policy influencing
• Deliver the work programme
• Team and organisational leadership.

About You

You will have in-depth understanding of key public policy and services at the national and local level, including the current local practice and delivery climate in local authorities – particularly relating to children’s services – as well as exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills

You will have experience of:

• Working in a policy environment in government, a national charity or think tank to secure change within national government and other national organisations
• Translating complex academic evidence accurately and rigorously to create effective outputs that meet a variety of needs
• Working with What Works evidence standards and how to apply them practically to achieve impact 
• Building effective high-level relationships to secure change within national government and other national organisations.

The Organisation

This is a great place to work, where everyone is high performing and where together everyone can achieve impact that makes a real difference for vulnerable children and families. Focussing on using and championing high-quality evidence, working directly with government and local leaders, the team provide practical solutions and encourage change. This is an organisation with ambitious aims and people are essential to its success.

Some of the great benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave, plus one extra day off for your birthday,paid bank holidays, and up to three can be switched for religious observance
• Up to five days carers’ leave, in a 12-month period, three days paid
• Paid compassionate leave
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced parental leave and pay
• 6% employer and 3% employee contribution. No limit on any additional employee contributions made via auto enrolment.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 counselling, legal & information line
• Unlimited access to 24/7 GP
• Mental health support
• Life cover at x4 annual salary
• Bike to work scheme.

The organisation values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all employees. People are at the heart of what does, and it’s vital that the workforce reflects the diversity of stakeholders and the wider society in the UK. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities and offer excellent salaries, learning and development opportunities and a great office location situated in the heart of St James’. The team works in a hybrid and flexible way and recognises the importance of a good work-life balance.

You may have experience in other areas or roles such as: policy; research; research and policy; policy and Influencing; Head of Policy; Head of Research; Head of Research and Policy; Head of Policy and Influencing; Director of Policy; Director of Research; Director of Research and Policy; Director of Policy and Influencing. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Do you have experience in health or research policy development and advocacy? Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity are hiring a Head of Policy to develop our first ever policy and advocacy function. As Head of policy, you will be a key spokesperson for the charity and will ensure that we are using our brand and our voice to advocate for the needs of seriously ill children and their families at Great Ormond Street Hospital and beyond.  

Salary

The salary for this position is £72,000 per annum and we operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days in the office per week.
 

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate. 

Key Responsibilities

This is a varied position where you’ll be responsible for:

Strategic policy leadership 

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive policy agenda, in line with our high level strategy for advocacy. 
• Overseeing the development of position papers, key policy messaging and response to government consultations. 
• Identifying emerging policy trends, analysing potential impacts and developing responses. 

Creating and leading a team

• Recruiting and developing a small team.
• Owning the policy and advocacy budget and work plan. 

Relationship building

• Developing relationships with the Charity’s local partners at the Trust and Institute of Child Health (ICH) to ensure alignment and engagement on key policy & advocacy initiatives.
• Building relationships with key parliamentarians and policy makers. 
• Representing the charity at key political or government events. 

Please refer to the full job description for more information. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Significant experience in policy development / strategic advocacy within a charitable organization, think tank, or public sector organisation.
• Previous success in shaping and influencing public policy.
• In-depth knowledge of the healthcare, research, paediatric care, or relevant public health policy landscape.
• Exceptional strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to interpret complex policy issues and translate them into clear, actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking, stakeholder management, and the capacity to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Leadership qualities with strong team management skills and the ability to foster collaboration across departments.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)  
• A flexible approach to working arrangements.  
• Access to our enhanced pension scheme  
• Life assurance 
• Access to various health and wellbeing schemes, including the employee assistance programme. 

Head of Policy and Public Affairs

We’re looking for a Head of Policy and Public Affairs to lead our policy and influencing activity at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the UK’s leading charity uniting for a life unlimited for everyone with cystic fibrosis (CF). Could that be you?

It’s a time of intense and rapid change in the experiences of people with CF and within the NHS and wider external environment. We’re looking for someone with extensive, proven experience of leading high-impact policy and advocacy activity who can ensure that we keep pace with these changes, in support of our mission of a life unlimited for everyone with CF. 

A confident communicator, you’ll need to be able to engage and inspire those around you to develop and deliver planned and reactive advocacy activity that is well-targeted and persuasive. You’ll need to juggle multiple projects from commissioning policy research, to developing and overseeing consultation responses, responding to key moments in the political calendar, briefing senior stakeholders and managing partnership working. 

From tackling the additional costs associated with a lifelong condition like CF, to championing specialist CF care and a vibrant research environment and ensuring swift access to essential new treatments, this is a pivotal role that provides huge opportunity to deliver vital impact for people affected by CF. 

To be the right candidate for this role, you will have:

• Substantial experience of developing and leading integrated policy and advocacy plans
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present to various audiences
• Extensive experience in public affairs and campaigning work
• A strong understanding of the UK policy and public affairs landscape
• Proven experience in leading and inspiring a team

We offer a range of benefits including flexible working, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff), opportunities for learning and development, pension, healthcare cash plan and more.

Closing date for completed applications is 9am on Monday 16th June 2025

First interviews expected week commencing 23rd June 2025

Second interviews expected week commencing 30th June 2025

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if necessary.  Therefore, if you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.

Please note you will need to have the right to work in the UK before starting work for us and we will check this. 

How to apply

Please see the job description for more information on the role. If you would like to discuss the role before applying, please contact us.

To apply, please select ‘Apply Now’ and complete our application form and equal opportunities form.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, can be themselves and achieve their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain staff with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; particularly people who have cystic fibrosis; people who identify as being from an ethnic minority group, as LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities.

It is our policy not to discriminate against any person because of their age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability (physical and mental), race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation or union membership.

REF-221 789

Role Purpose 

The Head of Research, Policy and Insights will join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) alongside the Head of Operations, Head of Programmes and Engagement and Head of Marketing and Communications. This role is pivotal in guiding OKRE’s strategic direction, leveraging research to inform programme and policy development, and advocacy efforts.

You will lead the expansion and application of OKRE’s distinctive research activities (see Playing with Videogame Culture, and Entertainment Industries Taskforce), developing and delivering an ambitious programme of work that helps transform understanding of entertainment media, its impacts, and the ways different communities work with it. 

A key focus will be development of an “Entertainment Impact Index”, a key recommendation from OKRE’s report ‘Delivering social impact in entertainment content – priorities, approaches & challenges.’ This new framework will complement existing impact measurements, supporting cross-sector collaboration and shared learning. 

Engaging with trends in entertainment, including technological developments such as AI and machine learning, and approaches to charity and social impact, your role will involve identifying challenges and opportunities. You’ll develop strategies to measure and assess the impact of OKRE’s work, ensuring data informs both annual planning and growth opportunities. 

Key Responsibilities:    

Leadership and Strategy  

• Work with fellow SLT members to develop and implement organisational strategies that embed a research and insights-led culture within the charity. 
• Craft and execute strategies for OKRE’s research and policy work, broadening the organisation’s reach and impact.
• Lead OKRE’s work with research consultants and work with other senior team members to develop and support colleagues across our staff and associate team working on insights and policy activities.
• Keep abreast of developments in entertainment and media (including tv, film, video games, creator content) as well as social impact, behaviour change and narrative change sectors, to support the dissemination and use of that knowledge across the organisation and beyond.

Programme design and delivery  

• Lead on the development and delivery of a high impact programme of research and policy projects, spearheading major initiatives, such as the Entertainment Impact Index, and running regular convenings with key industry figures to develop actionable tools. 
• Manage research materials, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide quality assurance on research, data and insight-related work in service of the charity’s goals and objectives. 
• Provide insights to the wider OKRE team on key sector trends and opportunities relevant to programmes such as the OKRE Summit and OKRE Fund. 
• Evolve evaluation strategies and provide practical support to team members to assess OKRE’s work, understanding what difference the charity has made, and synthesise learning to inform future activity. 

Communication and Impact: 

• Commission research through internal panels or external agencies and produce tailored briefings and reports. 
• Turn research findings into sharp insights, impactful policy narratives, guides, tools, and training resources for the sectors we work with. 
• Represent the organisation at industry events, advocating on policy matters and advancing the organisation’s thought leadership.

Stakeholder Management 

• Seek out, build and maintain strong relationships with key organisations, funders and partners working in entertainment, charity, research and policy fields.
• Be a passionate advocate for and support the whole team to adopt an insights and evidence-based approach to their work. 
• Define and advance a clear learning agenda based on the needs of key stakeholders in the business. 

Skills & Experience 

• Proven experience in strategic planning and delivery within research and policy environments. 
• Demonstrable success in identifying emerging policy opportunities and applying research-led approaches to boosting organisational influence. 
• Senior level experience managing research and policy portfolios, with budget accountability in commercial or charity sectors. 
• Expertise in deploying quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, tools, with a track record in informed policy advocacy. 
• Proven ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for a range of stakeholders. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication. 

Ideally you will be: 

• Resourceful with ability to think laterally to problem solve, tracking and reviewing progress to adjust accordingly. 
• Happy to take ownership of projects, managing your own time while communicating clearly with others where deliverables are interdependent.      
• Passionate about entertainment and its potential to shift perceptions.   
• Confident with putting forward ideas, asking for and responding to feedback and coming up with actionable plans to make things happen.   
• Able to establish rapport and build positive working relationships with a variety of people.   
• Delivery focused with excellent attention to detail.   
• Enjoys a fast-paced and evolving environment [complex/start up] 
• Excited about hybrid working as part of a small but growing team, where you can play a positive part in shaping the organisation’s work and its working culture.   

If you believe you have the skills and passion to succeed, we encourage you to apply. We are eager to hear from individuals who are enthusiastic about learning and growing with us. 

What you will receive on top of your salary:    

•  Optional enrolment into OKRE’s workplace pension scheme.    
• Free access to Wellcome’s onsite Nuffield Gym.    
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.    
• Access to a varied menu of hot and cold food options at Wellcome’s staff food outlets, at prices substantially lower than Central London averages.    
• Great views over the city from our 6th floor central London office opposite Euston station. We are based in the building that houses the Wellcome Collection, a museum and library connecting science, medicine, life and art.    

How to apply for this role:  

To apply please send a CV and cover letter. Together, these should clearly set out how you meet the skills and experience required and why you are applying for this role at OKRE. Candidates will be shortlisted for interview on this basis.  Please send them to officemanager{@}okre{dot}org by Monday 9th June  

 Diversity and Inclusion    

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do and we actively encourage applications from those at different life stages.    

We are committed to creating an environment where all employees, workers and job applicants can thrive.    

We work to make our recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. If you would like us to make adjustments during the application process, please contact us by emailing officemanager{@}okre{dot}org with the subject line ‘Application Process’.     

  We expect our team to treat others on their merits and challenge any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or sexual, racial or any other type of harassment.   

 Feedback & process    

We receive a high volume of applications to our open positions and consequently can’t provide feedback to every application. We will confirm receipt of your application via email.    

 We will invite shortlisted applicants to online interviews on 16th or 17th June.   

Final interviews will be held in person at our central London office on 24th or 26th June.  

 All candidates selected for interviews will receive feedback if requested.    

Head of Policy Insights

Hours: 0.8 FTE (four days a week) 

Location: Hybrid, with a focus on London. You’ll need to be in London to work from our office (near Victoria) one day a week and have about two other days per week to attend meetings with policy makers and our members. On other days you can work remotely or come into our office. Some nationwide travel expected for meetings and events. 

After passing probation, you’ll have up to six weeks ‘super remote’ working per year, where you can work anywhere in the world as long as you’re online for four hours of the UK workday.  

Holidays: 38 days per year, including our 3-day winter shut down and eight flexible bank holidays pro rata.

About the Fair Education Alliance

The Fair Education Alliance (FEA) unites 300 member organisations under a shared vision that no child’s success is limited by their socioeconomic background.  

Our members (charities and social enterprises, think tanks, businesses and foundations, youth organisations, unions, universities and schools) are working collectively to create an inclusive system. We exist to close the gap in educational outcomes between children from low-income households and their wealthier peers. 

This autumn, we’re kicking off our next strategic phase, which will take our work from neighbourhood to national, building a movement for systems change towards a fairer future for children and young people. 

Why we need you 

The gaps in educational outcomes between children from low-income households and their wealthier peers are staggering at every stage of education. This goes on to increase the likelihood that young people from low-income households will be out of employment, education, or training. We take a systems change approach to shifting the conditions that hold these inequities in place. With the next phase of our strategy underway—building a movement from neighbourhood to national—we need someone who can help us influence policy and practice with insight, evidence and urgency.  

We aim to bring insights from our diverse and expert membership to policymakers, ensuring that local, regional and national policies best serve children and young people from low-income backgrounds. We support members to organise around themes through our collective action working groups, which have advised Government on topics such as Family Hubs, the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and will continue to contribute expertise to upcoming policy moments related to SEND, Skills England and Ofsted. We also support youth voice in policymaking through our Youth Steering Group, which has contributed independently to major policy developments, bringing valuable lived experience to decision-making. From September, we’ll also support members, young people and government bodies to craft regional policy and practice that benefits children and young people from low-income backgrounds.  

Our Digital Membership Tools (Member Directory and interactive Ecosystem Map) have the potential to play a crucial role in our policy work. These tools help members, funders, and policymakers target their work to where it is most needed. There is a wealth of data in these tools: the Ecosystem Map is the only place that marries up publicly available information about pupil demographics and outcomes with information about all 22,000 schools where our members are working. It shows where there is strong or weak provision related to different types of support, at a school, local authority, constituency, MAT or regional level, together with the outcomes pupils are achieving.  

We now need someone who can harness these assets to produce compelling insights and engage policymakers—from local authorities and combined authorities to central government and funders. This role will turn data into impact: creating clear, targeted reports that support decision-making, identifying gaps and opportunities, and helping us tell the story of how education can—and must—be fairer. 

What we’re asking of you

Develop a strategy to influence policy from neighbourhood to national  

You’ll lead our approach to turning insights into influence—connecting our data, member knowledge and youth voice to shape policy that improves outcomes for children and young people. That means designing a strategy that engages decision-makers at all levels, from civil servants and funders to combined authorities and Parliament. You’ll identify the right stakeholders and entry points, use our Ecosystem Map and Member Directory to generate targeted insights, and align our regional and national work for maximum impact.  

Translate data into insight—and insight into action  

You’ll be responsible for developing reports and briefings that tell powerful stories with data. Working closely with our Data Officer, you’ll design templates and processes to produce timely, high-quality outputs that are tailored to different audiences, and that enable the wider team to do so. You’ll complement our datasets with wider research and trends, and ensure our insights are used by both internal colleagues and external stakeholders to inform programmes, policy and funding decisions.  

Engage senior stakeholders and building meaningful relationships  

You’ll represent the Alliance in meetings, roundtables, and events—sharing evidence and building trusted relationships with policymakers, civil servants, and funders. You’ll understand their priorities, and tailor our insights accordingly. This is a two-way relationship: you’ll also feed what you learn, ensuring that our influencing work is responsive and grounded in both national priorities and lived experience.  

Manage projects and continuously improve our tools  

You’ll oversee the systems and processes that make our insights work possible—ensuring reporting cycles are efficient, quality is consistent, and new datasets are brought into our tools where they add value. You’ll help embed insights across the FEA team, supporting colleagues to use data from the Tools in their work and helping to identify emerging opportunities. You will evaluate the impact of your approaches and strategise for the future of the Tools and our influencing work. You’ll also work with our funders to report on the impact of the tools and shape their future development.  

Commitment to equity and systems change  

We’re looking for someone who cares deeply about improving the lives of children and young people from low-income backgrounds. You’ll understand how education intersects with wider social systems—and bring a clear-eyed view of what needs to change. While direct policy or public affairs experience is a bonus, what matters most is that you’re motivated by impact, passionate about equity, and excited by the opportunity to work collaboratively to shift the system. 

See the job description attached for a full job specification and application instructions.  

his is a busy and exciting time to be working on the Childhood harms portfolio, with significant changes to the policy framework both proposed by the Government and underway. Consequently, alongside recruiting this role as full time, we are looking for a candidate to join us as soon as possible to take forwards our existing body of work urgently.  

We are looking for a candidate with experience of policy and influencing decision makers, ideally with a background in childhood harms, including child sexual abuse and exploitation.  Your work will play a key role in creating the context for positive change to improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families. You will need experience of working with  a wide range of stakeholders to influence policy change, and to be able to demonstrate strong oral and written skills.

We are a friendly and supportive team, passionate and enthusiastic about our work. You will be given plenty of support and direction to help you hit the ground running, and to  develop and flourish in your time with us. 

Barnardo's is currently moving towards a new way of working that provides greater flexibility for you to choose when and where you carry out your responsibilities within the UK and makes job opportunities more accessible. This role will be home based. Barnardo's will only expect you to be in an office when necessary and will provide flexible spaces for innovation and collaboration. 

Assessment

As we are looking for someone who can join us as soon as possible, we will hold a rolling assessment. We will offer interviews as suitable candidates are identified.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document (if applicable).

About Barnardo's

At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role.

Please note that due to the rolling recruitment process, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

We are looking for a motivated self-starter, and someone who is passionate about the work of CJA members. 

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will monitor and map the criminal justice policy landscape, tracking developments across the system. They will engage with MPs, civil servants and key stakeholders, bringing evidence from our membership and the voices of those impacted directly by the criminal justice system to government to influence change.

The postholder will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and have demonstrated evidence of impact in policy and public affairs. They should be confident in building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, be a collaborative and inspiring team player, show commitment to our values and share a passion for the CJA’s vision and mission.

Main responsibilities

Public Affairs (50% time)

• Develop and implement the CJA’s public affairs and influencing strategy to advance the CJA's objectives.
• Work with CJA members on influencing specific legislation, including campaigning around bills, writing amendments, and working with MPs and Peers to promote them within the legislative process.
• Stakeholder engagement (Parliament): Build and maintain relationships with key policy makers and parliamentarians through face-to-face meetings, providing briefings to MPs and Lords for Parliamentary debates, preparing written/oral questions, and attending Select Committees, APPGs, Parliamentary receptions and other relevant roundtables and events.
• Stakeholder engagement (other): Build and maintain relationships with other key stakeholders, including Police & Crime Commissioners, the Victims Commissioner, HM Inspectorates, civil servants, and other relevant bodies.

Policy and Research (40% time)

• Monitor policy and political debates and developments on criminal justice issues, horizon-scanning emerging policy issues, and where appropriate, disseminate and brief colleagues and CJA members.
• Maintain a repository of evidence briefings from CJA members.
• Identify proactive and reactive opportunities to promote and embed CJA and members recommendations and research.
• Produce high quality and influential policy briefs, reports, position papers, and responses to consultations, to advocate for changes in policy and practice put forward by CJA members.
• Lead on the monitoring of policy engagement and impact by using our evaluation tools and work with external evaluators as required to capture impact and utilise learning.
• Work with CJA members, people directly impacted by the justice system and other key stakeholders to harness and amplify their expertise and insights.
• Lead the co-ordination and establishment of member expert groups to inform our policy work.
• Develop opportunities for joint working with researchers / research organisations and manage that partnership work, including co-ordinating the CJA research symposium.

Other (10% time)

• Work with the Communications and Engagement Manager to respond to media and other communication opportunities to promote the CJA’s work and to contribute to national debate on criminal justice issues.
• Work with the CJA team to recommend and secure relevant speakers and presenters for CJA meetings and events. 
• Support the Communications and Engagement Manager to develop content for the website and other internal and external communications, such as blogs and articles.
• Contribute to the general administration and delivery of CJA programmes, events and overall objectives.
• Work with the Director to support the development of potential fundraising bids and reporting progress to funders.
• Conduct the duties of the job description in accordance with the operational policies of the CJA, including the Diversity and Adult Safeguarding Policies.
• Maintain good working relations with trustees, staff and other stakeholders.
• Maintain up to date and accurate records of contacts, engagement and stakeholder areas of expertise.
• Line manage any policy interns and / or other policy staff as required.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required. 

Marie Curie is the UK's leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK and Marie Curie is also the UK's largest charitable funder of palliative and end of life care research. Our Research Management & Impact team oversees a diverse and growing portfolio of funded projects, research partnerships, and knowledge mobilisation activities. You'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking team dedicated to building the evidence base that drives real-world improvements in palliative and end of life care.

As our Research Manager - Partnerships, you'll play a pivotal role in building and nurturing strategic partnerships to advance palliative and end of life care research in the UK. You will lead the setup of a new Palliative and End of Life Care Research Funders Forum, coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, and support impact planning across a select portfolio of research grants. This is a unique opportunity to help shape national research priorities and influence the future of care through collaboration, insight, and innovation.

Main responsibilities:
- Establish and manage a new Research Funders Forum for palliative and end of life care, engaging with the Government and charitable funding bodies.
- Plan and organise workshops and other activities following the identification of the top 10 research priorities in the collaborative Palliative and end of life care Priority Setting Partnership with the James Lind Alliance.
- Identify new opportunities for strategic research partnerships by reviewing databases and networks.
- Monitor a small portfolio of externally funded research projects, ensuring delivery and maximising their policy and practice impact.
- Manage partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
- Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders including research funders, academic collaborators, and sector bodies.
- Collaborate with internal teams (Policy, Caring Services, Comms) to amplify the reach and impact of research outputs.
- Stay informed on developments in the research and end of life care landscape to inform strategic decision-making.

Key Criteria:
- Background in research (delivery or support) and solid knowledge of the UK research funding environment.
- Educated to at least degree level in a health or research-related field or equivalent professional experience.
- Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple complex projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Confidence working across stakeholders to build and maintain engagement.
- Understanding of research impact and experience organising external-facing events or workshops.
- Research presentation experience and knowledge of qualitative/quantitative methods.
- Familiarity with the charity sector or palliative care landscape will be an asset.

Application & Interview Process
- As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and Cover Letter. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
- Close date for applications: 27 June 2025
Salary: £35,530 - 39,474 per annum + £3,500 London Weighting Allowance if Applicable
Contract: Fixed-term contract for 24 months, full-time (35 hours per week)
Based: Hybrid. Working from home and our Embassy Gardens office in London (at least 2 days a week).

Benefits you'll LOVE:
- Flexible working. We're happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
- 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
- Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- Industry-leading training programmes
- Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
- Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
- Access to Blue Light Card membership
- Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to [email protected]