Policy researcher jobs in leighton buzzard, central bedfordshire

Job Location:          Home-based, with some travel to our London office.

Responsible to:     Head of Sector Support 

Hours:                35 hours per week 

Grade:                   Point 31-34 £34,696- £37,489 (a London Allowance will be applied to employees who live in London, plus 6% employer’s pension, subject to a minimum 2% contribution by the employee) 

Contract:              Fixed term until 31st March 2026.

Benefits:

• Friendly and collaborative working environment
• Remote working
• 25 to 30 days holidays per annum plus bank holidays (depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Contributory pension scheme including 6% employer’s contribution (subject to employee’s minimum 2% contribution)
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• Occupational sick pay depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to staff discounts

Closing date: 17th July 2025, 17:00

Interviews to take place: 28th & 29th July 2025

About the role: 

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Digital Learning Content Specialist to join our Sector Support team. This role is pivotal in designing, developing, and managing engaging digital learning experiences through our Learning Management System (LMS). You will be responsible for creating online learning content and the day-to-day administration of the LMS.

About you: 

• Proven experience working with Learning Management Systems (administration, user management, content upload) 
• Proficiency in e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, H5P) and multimedia content creation 
• Experience with SCORM, xAPI (Tin Can API), or other e-learning standards 
• Strong understanding of instructional design principles and adult learning theory, and UX principles for digital learning design 
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1) and inclusive design practices 
• Commitment to meaningful anti-discriminatory practice, and equity, diversity and inclusion 
• Demonstrate a commitment to - and understanding of - the values, aims and objectives of Respect 

*NB. Where there are examples provided, your experience can be transferrable rather than exact. 

About Respect:   

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 25 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.

How to apply 

You must download an application form from Respect's job page, and submit to the Operations department in word doc. format only, please.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact our HR Team directly (follow the link to Respect website)   

Closing date: 17th July 2025, 17:00 

At Children’s University Trust, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through learning beyond the classroom. We’re a small, passionate team with bold ambitions to expand our impact – and we’re looking for an equally ambitious Business Development and Community Partnership Manager to lead the way.

This is more than just a development role. It's about building sustainable growth strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and shaping a future where opportunity is no longer defined by postcode or circumstance.

As our Business Development and Community Partnership Manager, you will take the lead in shaping and implementing visionary, data-driven growth strategies across three vital areas:

• Place-based memberships with schools, universities, councils’ departments, and third sector organisations.
• Individual “at home” subscriptions for children in areas without direct Children’s University provision or those who do not engage with traditional education.
• Strategic business partnerships with corporates and SMEs, securing vital funding and in-kind support.

You’ll be a key figure in our next phase of growth — identifying new opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping us scale our reach across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business activity and revenue growth across all three strategic areas.
• Build a strong, inclusive pipeline of potential members, partners, and funders.
• Manage and nurture relationships from first contact through to long-term collaboration.
• Use data and insight to shape decision-making and report progress to the board.
• Be a passionate ambassador for Children’s University at events, conferences, and online.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has a proven track record in income generation, partnerships or sales – all sector’s welcome!
• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
• Is a strategic thinker with the energy of a new business developer.
• Has the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and the empathy to build trust.
• Brings a creative, collaborative, and resilient mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, flexible, remote-first environment.

Why Join Us?

• A unique chance to shape a growing national charity’s development strategy.
• A collaborative, driven team that values innovation and purpose.
• Flexible working, with one day a week in Manchester.
• An opportunity to truly change lives through education and opportunity.

If you’re excited by the chance to lead sustainable growth with purpose, and you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of a team creating a brighter future for children across the UK.

The Training Coordinator plays a key role in supporting delivery of training for the Award network.
Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Coordinator ensures training content is
relevant, accessible, and effectively delivered across various platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, scheduling, and coordination of the organisation’s training offer to our various operators.
• Coordinate logistics for instructor-led online workshops including setting the schedule, identifying and preparing trainers and Foundation Representatives.
• Ensuring learning related operational procedures are understood and implemented across training.
• Provide administrative support to our Global Training Panel, including communications,
• scheduling, and tracking participation.
• Assist in sharing and promoting training content through established communication channels.
• Collect and compile feedback from training participants to support continuous improvement.
• Upload and maintain training content on the delivery platform in collaboration with the Digital Programmes team.
• Help track and report on training participation, outcomes, and budget utilisation as required.
• Maintain records of training sessions, attendance, and evaluation results.
• Use translation software to maintain and update translated materials as required.
• Use course creation software to maintain, update and create content as required.
• Coordinate training for our Global Training Panel and Operator trainers through the Trainer
• Development pathway.
• Assist with coordinating executive training programmes.
• Build effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and partners to support a culture of learning and capacity development.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of training processes and documentation.
• Perform other related duties as needed to support the success of training initiatives and the broader goals of the organisation.

Local Quality Manager - National Youth Agency
 

The National Youth Agency is looking for a new Local Quality Manager to join our Youth Work Innovation & Development Team.
 
Contract: 12 months fixed term
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £44,473 per annum
Remote: This role is homebased (within the UK) with occasional travel for staff residentials and other events.
 
What we do
 
As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.
 
We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work
 
About the Role
 
Responsibilities will include:

• Lead delivery of key Local Offer programmes, such as our successful Peer Review and Peer Network Programme, which are designed to support Local Authorities and organisations in meeting the needs of young people and in the case of Local Authorities meet their Statutory Duty (section 507B).
• Manage the delivery of traded services relating to Quality Standards and Organisational Development.
• Manage and regularly update both existing and new online resources related to Quality Standards, ensuring consistency and standardisation across all materials.
• Collaborate with the National Curriculum and Learning Manager to influence the youth work curriculum and share learning and insight from programmes
• Work collaboratively with the Youth Investment Fund Programme Manager to inform and develop Quality Standards.
• Work with Local Policy & Partnerships Manager and the NYA Knowledge Team to develop sector insights and to share learning and knowledge across NYA teams and the youth work sector.
• Collaborate with Local Authorities and partner organisations to promote awareness and encourage participation in NYA programmes and Quality Standards.
• Utilise NYA tools, including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Project Management systems, to generate timely and relevant performance and financial reports that support informed decision making and effective programme delivery. Experience of using project management platform (or similar) would be an advantage.
• Provide line-management and support to peers and officers as required.

 
Our ideal Local Quality Improvement Manager should have the following:

• Extensive experience working directly with young people across diverse settings, demonstrating a deep understanding of youth development and engagement.
• Demonstrated expertise managing youth work programmes and improving practice standards, including within Local Authority contexts.
• Proven experience in assessing youth work against established standards and implementing quality assurance processes for effective management, delivery, and evaluation.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in embedding best practices in youth voice, participation, and leadership within services and programmes.
• Strong understanding of the current challenges facing Local Authorities and youth sector organisations, and the implications for young people’s needs and service delivery.
• Ability to analyse complex organisational and Local Authority structures, reflect critically, and articulate clear recommendations for improvement and recognition of effective practice.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills, with experience supporting and managing peers and officers in a collaborative environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate teams and work effectively with partners and stakeholders.
• Proven experience in project management, with a proactive, self-starting approach and a strong focus on solutions and outcomes.
• Resilient, flexible, and ambitious, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and maintain high standards.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• Confident in using modern Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, project management tools, and online learning platforms. Experience of using project management platform (or similar) would be an advantage.

 
Please refer to our Candidate Pack for more information on the role and the requirements.
 
Why Work for NYA?
 
NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
 
NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
 
A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
 
NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
 
We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.
 
How to Apply:
 
Please download our applicant pack to find out more about the role and requirements.
 
To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Friday 18th July 2025:
 
A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
 
A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
 
We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.
 
Please note: the covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 30% AI generated content with be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.
 
The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.
 
At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.
 
We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.
 
More about us
 
Discover more about the National Youth Agency and our work on our website.
 
Youth Work changes lives.
 
Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.
 
We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.
 
REF-222460

Local Quality Advisor - National Youth Agency

The National Youth Agency is looking for a new Local Quality Advisor to join our Youth Work Innovation & Development Team.
 
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £37,826 per annum
Remote: This role is homebased (within the UK) with occasional travel for staff residentials and other events.
 
What we do
 
As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.
 
We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work
 
About the Role
 
Responsibilities will include:

• Support the Local Quality and Improvement Manager in delivering key Local Offer programmes, such as the Peer Review and Peer Network Programme, helping Local Authorities and organisations meet the needs of young people and fulfil their Statutory Duty (Section 507B).
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of traded services related to Quality Standards and Organisational Development, ensuring high-quality support for partners.
• Contribute to the development, quality assurance, and standardisation of NYA resources related to Quality Standards, working collaboratively across NYA teams.
• Promote NYA standards and resources to the sector, offering support and training to encourage adoption and effective use.
• Identify and deliver support to non-commercial requests, including those from VCSE organisations and Town and Parish Councils seeking information, advice, and guidance.
• Engage with the Local Policy & Partnerships Manager and the NYA Knowledge Team to gather and share sector insights, promoting knowledge exchange across NYA teams and the wider youth work sector.
• Support collaboration with Local Authorities and partner organisations to raise awareness of NYA programmes and encourage engagement with Quality Standards.
• Utilise NYA tools, including CRM and Project Management systems, to help generate timely and relevant performance and financial reports that inform decision-making and support effective programme delivery.

 
Our ideal Local Quality Advisor should have the following:

• Demonstrated experience supporting the delivery of programmes or projects within the youth work, education, or voluntary sector.
• Strong understanding of youth work principles and the statutory duties of Local Authorities (particularly Section 507B).
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including Local Authorities, partner organisations, and internal teams.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to contribute to the development of resources and reports.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Competence in using digital tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and project management platforms. Experience of using project management platform (or similar) would be an advantage
• A proactive, flexible, and agile approach to working across multiple programmes, including attending events and responding to time-sensitive deadlines.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and grow in a dynamic and evolving organisation.

 
Please refer to our Candidate Pack for more information on the role and the requirements.
 
Why Work for NYA?
 
NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
 
NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
 
A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
 
NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
 
We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.
 
How to Apply:
 
Please download our applicant pack to find out more about the role and requirements
 
To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Friday 18th July 2025:
 
A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
 
A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
 
We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.
 
Please note: the covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 30% AI generated content with be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.
 
The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.
 
At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.
 
We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.
 
More about us
 
Discover more about the National Youth Agency and our work on our website.
 
Youth Work changes lives
 
Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.
 
We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.
 
REF-222459

About the Role

The Assistant Reserves Officer is one of our team managing and developing the Trust’s nature reserves for people and wildlife.  Your work place includes internationally recognised wetlands and woodlands along with nationally important meadows, chalk grasslands and heathland across Hertfordshire and Middlesex.

You will need to have strong experience in practical habitat management, including the use of power tools and machinery, such as chainsaws, brush cutters and BCS mowers. You will have experience of working within a dynamic team and leading volunteers. You will need to have a keen interest in wildlife and preferably a knowledge of the habitats in our area.

No two days are the same as an ARO at HMWT; you will get the opportunity to utilise and develop your practical habitat management skills across our nature reserves including tree felling, coppicing, scrub clearance, hay cutting and pond/ditch management. You will also undertake the maintenance of site infrastructure; assist with the management of livestock; and perform surveying and monitoring of habitat/species, tree safety and infrastructure. These tasks will be delivered working closely with members of the nature reserves team; our volunteer wardens and our practical conservation volunteers.

Willingness to travel throughout our work area and flexibility to work occasional irregular hours is required for this post.

As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health of all our staff.

About the Trust

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is a local conservation charity working to protect wildlife and help people connect with nature. With a team of volunteers we care for wild places so that nature has a place to thrive. We help people experience the wildlife on their doorsteps and to take steps to protect it.

We believe that wildlife should have space to thrive alongside our everyday lives and that everyone benefits from having access to nature.

Our head office is based in the attractive setting of Verulamium Park on the outskirts of St Albans.

Our staff team is enthusiastic, friendly and committed to wildlife conservation and exemplifies our values of professionalism, valuing contributions by others and continuing to improve.

How do we support you?

The Trust strives to be a positive employer supporting our staff through flexible and hybrid working, and training and development. We recognise the importance of our staff team and looking after their health and wellbeing. Our values and expected behaviours reflect the culture which the Trust seeks to maintain to ensure productive, efficient, effective and pleasant workplaces and roles.

In support of this, we offer an excellent benefits package, ranging from office perks, generous leave entitlements and financial benefits. You can find out more by visiting the Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust website.

Operation Christmas Child UK (OCC) has implemented a strategic volunteer ministry, investing in teams of volunteers who will multiply themselves and hugely extend the reach of OCC’s mission.

OCC is the world’s largest shoebox appeal where Samaritan’s Purse, together with local churches here and overseas, distributes from the UK 1/4 million gift-filled shoeboxes annually to children in need overseas and in so doing demonstrates God’s love in a tangible way while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

A resourceful and energetic Regional Manager is needed to recruit, select, equip, and lead teams of volunteers throughout the 32 London boroughs.

You will be passionate about developing others towards highly effective ministry, teamwork and increased personal competency.

You will also directly engage churches to participate in OCC in areas not yet covered by Connect volunteers. A special opportunity will be engaging London churches that have partnered with our sister ministry, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for the June 2025 God Loves You Tour London.

You will be confident to take initiative with people and projects and also have good administrative and organisational skills. You will also enjoy envisioning the numerous volunteers who participate in the OCC shoebox appeal each year.

You will enthusiastically support the Christian purposes of OCC and Samaritan’s Purse and be committed to the value of well-equipped volunteers and to developing them further. Candidates will have proven people and project management and administrative experience in the workplace and be educated to A levels or ideally Degree level.

This role is based in region, and so prospective candidates should currently live in the region and provide their own transport for which defined expenses will be paid.

In accordance with the Equality Act of 2010 and due to both the nature and context of the role there is an ‘occupational requirement’ for the post holder to be a committed Christian. The job holder should be committed to the purpose of Samaritan’s Purse and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm for the Christian purposes of the organisation and be able to live out, hold to, support and contribute to its Christian ethos.