Practitioner jobs in leatherhead, surrey

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

Terms: 30 hours per week / 0.8 FTE, 4 days per week; two year contract with possibility for extension

Salary: £41,200 - £56,650

Location: Remote working and quarterly in-person team away days.

Line Manager: Executive Director

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK. 

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking an experienced and strategic Communications Manager to lead and implement effective communication strategies that amplify our mission, enhance our brand identity, and strengthen engagement with key audiences. The ideal candidate will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a proactive approach to storytelling, and the ability to collaborate across the organisation to ensure clear, consistent, and impactful messaging.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will play a central role in shaping BASIC’s external presence, working across programmes to craft compelling narratives for social media, the website, and other digital platforms, as well as press contacts.

The Communications Manager will be the point of contact for all communication activity and will be responsible for setting the strategy and communicating this to the team. As an organisation, BASIC is keen to develop brand identity, particularly amongst our programmes and the Communications Manager will be instrumental in developing this work. 

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Communications & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with BASIC’s mission and objectives including a strong link to impact.

• Lead the evolution of our social media strategy, ensuring increased engagement and impact.

• Develop and implement strategic online communication plans to enhance BASIC’s digital presence, ensuring consistent and engaging messaging across all platforms.

• Oversee BASIC’s branding and identity development, ensuring consistency across programmes and platforms. This includes: organisational brand asset, image, review and refresh.

• Act as BASIC’s press officer, managing media engagement, journalistic contacts, and public relations.

• Plan and execute BASIC’s website redevelopment strategy, including better functionality for fundraising efforts and overseeing all aspects of website content/management.

• Draft, edit, and manage organisational newsletters using MailChimp/MailerLite, ensuring clear, engaging, and audience-focused content that aligns with BASIC’s communications strategy.

• Provide communications training to staff, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for communications.

• Create promotional materials to advance BASIC’s initiatives.

• Strengthen BASIC’s internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders.

Programme Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tailored communications plans for specific programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and effective audience engagement.

• Collaborate with programme teams to create and distribute engaging content that highlights programme achievements and key messages

• Work with programme teams to define the strategy, vision and purpose of newsletters

• Coordinate programme events (virtual and in-person), in terms of communications outreach to increase visibility and structuring of success stories

• Support the creation of digital content (social media posts, website updates, videos, etc.) to promote programme activities and initiatives

• Assist with publishing programme reports including proofing and providing guidance for branding and imagery 

• Provide communications support for programme fundraising activities

• Monitor and analyse communications impact across programmes, using feedback and data to suggest improvements and ensure messaging is reaching the right audiences

• Help to manage relationships with key stakeholders for each programme by ensuring ongoing engagement and support for programme objectives

• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all programme communications to maintain coherence with the organisation's overall identity

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Education, Business, Fundraising)
• 8+ years of working in a communications role
• Knowledge of global security or related issues with linkage to UK policy
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages
• Ability to generate innovative ideas and content that engage target audiences and enhance brand visibility
• Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating communication impact through media coverage, engagement metrics, and analytics. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement.
• Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation.
• Keen eye for detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all communications materials

Desirable:

• Experience in crisis communications, including drafting statements and managing sensitive issues.

Why Join BASIC?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the communications strategy of a respected international security think tank. If you are a creative, strategic, and proactive communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms: 0.6 FTE, 3 days per week; one year contract, with possibility for extension

Salary: £24,000 - £38,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location:Remote working

Start Date:As soon as possible 

Line Manager:Communications Manager 

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK. 

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, an adherence to Earth’s planetary boundaries, and the consideration of future generations

For nearly 40 years, we have developed a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We comprise an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep and wide-ranging institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome.  We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership. 

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment in which to work, with an exceptionally-positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade, and we are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues. 

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking a Digital Communications Officer with exceptional design sensibility and meticulous attention to detail. This role is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the organisation's digital presence through clear, consistent, and effective communication with key audiences. The Digital Communications Officer will support the implementation of strategic communication objectives, promote organisational priorities, and uphold the integrity and professionalism of BASIC's online profile.

Reporting to the Communications Manager and working closely with BASIC's programme teams, the postholder will develop, deliver, and analyse the impact of digital content across our online platforms — including BASIC's website and microsites, social media channels (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, BlueSky), and email communications.

Essential Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a fluent English speaker with strong copy-editing and proofreading skills. Professional-grade capabilities in graphic design, web design, newsletter software, and audio/video production are essential for creating compelling online content. We are looking for someone who combines technical fluency with creative flair and storytelling, and who understands how to engage diverse audiences across multiple digital platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Digital Strategy and Content Management

• Work with the Communications Manager to develop, maintain, and refine BASIC's digital communications strategy and associated workplans

• Ensure consistency in the presentation of programme communications strategies and accessibility for all staff

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communications activities, identifying successes, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement

• Prepare communications plans for conferences, speaking engagements, international engagements, and campaigns

Website and Digital Platforms

• Commission, edit, and publish articles and commentaries for BASIC's website

• Maintain and update BASIC's website, microsites, and online presence (including Wikipedia and directory listings)

• Ensure all digital content is accurate, well-formatted, proofread, and on-brand

Social Media Management

• Develop and maintain a content calendar for BASIC's social media accounts (LinkedIn, BlueSky, X/Twitter)

• Create engaging, visually compelling, and timely social media content that advances BASIC's communications objectives

• Monitor social media engagement and use analytics to inform strategy

Email Communications and Newsletters

• Produce BASIC's regular newsletters, ensuring they are newsworthy, well-designed, and properly formatted

• Develop compelling headlines and select impactful imagery

• Use graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) to enhance visual appeal

Media Relations Support

• Develop, maintain, and update media contact lists and databases

• Work with the Communications Manager to document and refine media engagement processes

• Prepare press releases, ensuring they are compelling, accurate, and properly formatted

• Compile monthly digests of nuclear policy and security-related media coverage (as required)

Content Creation and Design

• Create visual, audio, and video content using professional-grade tools to tell BASIC's story effectively

• Ensure all imagery is well-cropped, edited, and appropriately branded

• Liaise with staff to identify the most impactful content for external communications

Additional Responsibilities (as required)

• Prepare programme Q&As, one-pagers, briefing notes, and key messages

• Support organisation of media training sessions

• Liaise with external contributors for website content

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Degree in marketing, visual communications, journalism, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Proven experience in a digital communications or media role
• Experience in audio-visual storytelling such as video work or podcasting
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong copy-editing and proofreading skills
• Professional-grade skills in graphic design, web design, and audio/video production
• Demonstrated ability to manage websites, social media channels, and digital campaigns
• Strong analytical skills, including experience using digital analytics to inform strategy
• Familiarity with email marketing or CRM platforms (e.g., Mailchimp)
• Technically fluent, with creative and storytelling flair
• Highly organised, collaborative, and attentive to detail
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field
• Experience working in a think tank, NGO, research, or public policy organisation
• Experience in media relations or crisis communications
• Knowledge of global security, defence, or nuclear policy issues

In Spring 2028, the National Gallery will launch a new, public-facing Research Centre to facilitate and showcase our world-leading research in the history and science of painting. This will be a complex space sitting at the intersection of multiple valued research stakeholders both within and beyond the Gallery, including the Gallery’s own wide array of research-active staff, our Artists-in-Residence, specialist users of our extensive Library & Archive collections, and a research-engaged general public attending events and consulting materials.

We are now recruiting for a new role, a Research Centre Manager, to support in the creative planning and daily delivery of an exceptional experience at the Research Centre. The role-holder will provide vital clarity and consistency in the day-to-day running of this multifaceted space to ensure a smoothly functioning whole. This includes coordinating all aspects of the Research Centre operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the Research Centre facilities and administration. They will also think creatively about the Centre’s different spaces and, alongside Gallery colleagues, will help produce exciting research programming.

An ideal candidate will have experience in a comparable multifaceted role, and will bring to the Gallery strong leadership, excellent communication, creative programming, innovative problem-solving, and strong organisational skills to manage both day-to-day operations and strategic planning for the Centre.

This is a full time, permanent position and requires on-site working 5 days per week.

Applications closing date is 2nd January at 23:30hrs.

Chief Executive Officer - FoodCycle
Location: Vauxhall, London (flexible working; regular travel to Projects and for meeting with key stakeholders required)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35–37.5 hours per week)

Are you ready to lead FoodCycle through a period of consolidation and sustainable growth, protecting its volunteer-led, guest-centred model while building reliable income streams and scaling proven pilots?

About FoodCycle
FoodCycle is a national charity running volunteer-powered community dining projects that combine rescued surplus food, spare kitchen space and local volunteers to deliver free, hot, sociable three-course meals. Our work sits at the intersection of food-waste reduction, food-poverty relief and loneliness prevention. Nationally scaled but locally delivered, FoodCycle has grown rapidly, enjoys strong volunteer goodwill and is developing promising trading and schools pilots to strengthen sustainability.

As our next CEO you will:

• Shape strategy & impact - co-create and implement a clear 3–5 year strategy and a focused 12-month operational plan with measurable milestones.

• Stabilise leadership & culture - provide visible, warm and practical leadership across Projects; develop the senior team and protect volunteer trust.

• Secure financial sustainability - own the income strategy, diversify revenue across trusts, individual giving, corporate partnerships and trading, and present credible cashflow plans to the board.

• Build commercial & trading capacity - drive Manor House and other trading pilots towards viable, repeatable income models.

• Safeguard quality & risk - ensure robust safeguarding, food-safety and operational thresholds for opening new Projects.

• Raise profile & partnerships - act as FoodCycle’s principal ambassador to corporates, funders, local authorities and policy audiences.

Who you are

• A senior leader with experience stabilising and growing people-facing, delivery-focused organisations.

• Proven at generating income from multiple streams, with commercial fluency to develop simple trading models and convert corporate engagement into lasting partnerships.

• Financially literate - comfortable owning budgets, forecasting and discussing risk with trustees.

• Excellent at people and change management - able to build and motivate small national teams and large volunteer cohorts.

• Data-driven, curious and pragmatic - tests pilots, embeds what works and sets clear go/no-go criteria for scale.

• Values-driven and visible - passionate about food justice, guest dignity and volunteer leadership.

• Right to work in the UK and satisfactory DBS checks required.

Why FoodCycle?

• Lead a nationally recognised, volunteer-led movement tackling food waste, food poverty and social isolation.

• Play a pivotal role growing promising trading and schools pilots to create sustainable income.

• Work with an engaged Chair and committed board, and a small, passionate national team.

• Be part of a friendly, non-hierarchical culture where leaders are visible in Projects.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill at via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 19th January 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.