Public policy jobs

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

About the Role

Do you have a creative flair and a passion for collaboration? We’re looking for someone to help shape and deliver a public engagement and events programme that showcases Headway East London’s occupational projects in art, food and music, strengthens partnerships, and raises awareness of brain injury.

The role is to work closely with our members, you will co-produce events, workshops and creative projects that highlight their experiences and talents. Also, nurture and develop relationships with partners and stakeholders, identify new opportunities for collaboration and ensure members are meaningfully involved in all aspects of engagement.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Public Engagement Programme Delivery

• Support the delivery of a public engagement programme that raises awareness of brain injury and showcase our creative work in art, food, and music.
• Work closely with the Director of Development and staff teams to identify and develop opportunities for public engagement (e.g. exhibitions, performances, and community events).

​Member Co-production and Creative Participation

• Work closely with members to support their participation in projects and events, ensuring their voices and experiences contribute to the planning and delivery.
• Support in facilitating steering groups or member planning sessions to shape ideas and gather feedback for improvements.

Partnerships and External Relationships

• Support in building and maintaining positive relationships with local organisations, cultural venues, and community partners to broaden our reach and profile.
• Represent Headway East London at events, meetings and community forums, acting as a positive ambassador for the organisation and its members.

 Event, Operations and Delivery

• Support all logistical aspects of events, including venue booking, liaising with suppliers, organising materials, and coordinating volunteers.
• Contribute to event promotion and audience engagement, including managing guest lists, ticketing, and attendee communications.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the collection of feedback, stories, and data from events and projects to evaluate their success and impact.
• Support with monitoring and reporting processes that inform fundraising, communications, and project planning. 

Key Relationships - Internal and External

Internal: All staff, Members (service users) and their families, Volunteers

External: Public audiences - supporters and funders Partner organisations, Corporate stakeholders, Contractors

Other

Apply the Headway East London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway East London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

Government & Parliamentary Lead

Permanent. Full Time. Hybrid Working (2 days per week in the office)

Location: London

Salary: £57,977 per annum

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues.

About the role

Reporting in to the UK Influencing Lead, the Government & Parliamentary Lead supports the management of Christian Aid’s government influencing and UK specific public policy development and delivery in line with policy, advocacy and campaigns strategies that maximises impact. 

The post-holder will lead on the government and parliamentary aspects of the UK influencing strategy, and will ensure Christian Aid is engaged and develops and delivers excellent briefings on critical and current development issues in the UK.

The role will line manage the Parliamentary and Influencing Advisor, and matrix manage the Crisis Policy and Influencing Advisor.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Government & Parliamentary Lead includes:

• Cultivates and maintains influential relationships with influencers across Westminster, Whitehall, the Church, the private sector and the wider civil society sector, to maintain the organisation’s political and wider advocacy profile in the UK, to enable high-impact initiatives to maximise our impact. 
• Leads the development and delivery of UK public policy, in collaboration with relevant policy leads, to deliver high quality internal and external briefing papers and analysis.
• Collaborate with others and communicate political influencing strategies and tactics, to ensure that our influencing work has political traction to maximise impact.
• Collaborates with the Faith influencing and Civil Society Lead and Campaigns Lead to ensure our overarching engagement and campaigns strategies have political impact and influence change in the UK, as well as with wider audiences such as the INGO sector, the private sector and the Church ensuring alignment with organisational values and goals.
• Jointly with the Faith influencing and Civil Society Lead Civil Society Lead supervises and allocates work to Influencing and Engagement Advisor

About you

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

• Degree level qualification in a relevant field.
• Substantial experience of working in public affairs, policy and or advocacy.
• Substantial experience of working in an NGO, public policy, government or the private sector.
• Substantial experience of working with stakeholders including, government, or the private sector.
• Significant experience in effective lobbying of decision making, including at highest levels of government.
• Detailed understanding of UK’s foreign policies and impact on international spaces.
• Detailed understanding of the development sector and a strong working knowledge of the policy areas that Christian Aid has 
  prioritised.
• Understanding of civic space and faith networks, their policy positions and dynamic.
• Significant experience of high-quality political relationship management.
• Significant experience of public speaking.
• Highly developed skills in strategic planning, people management and project management.
• Detailed understanding of Westminster and Whitehall, and how to influence policy making and decision making in government 
  and parliament.
• Developed ability to understand, analyse and interpret complex policy and advocacy policies and strategies.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy and Research Leadership

  • Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
  • Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
  • Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
  • Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
  • Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
  • Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
  • Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
  • Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.

• Internal Collaboration

  • Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
  • Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
  • Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
  • Line manage junior staff or associates as required.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:

• Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
• Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
• Experience in income generation or bid development.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Politically aware and intellectually curious.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and solutions-focused.
• Collaborative and inclusive.
• Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Committed to personal and professional development.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Nacro is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Policy & Public Affairs to lead our strategic policy development and influencing work with Government, officials, and other key decision-makers. This pivotal role will shape and deliver a high-impact policy and public affairs strategy that improves the lives of the people we support—those affected by the criminal justice system, housing insecurity, and barriers to education.

You will be Nacro’s senior voice in government spaces, the media, and across the public affairs landscape. You will ensure our policy positions are evidence-based, rooted in lived experience, and influential at the highest levels.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy & Public Affairs

• Lead Nacro’s strategic policy and public affairs activity with Government, parliamentarians, officials, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a compelling public affairs strategy that drives meaningful change.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with senior policymakers.
• Represent Nacro externally, including with senior stakeholders and in the media.
• Oversee the development of evidence-based policy positions and research projects that support Nacro’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure service user experience informs all policy and influencing work.
• Produce and oversee high-quality policy outputs including consultation responses, briefings, reports, blogs, and media commentary.
• Safeguard Nacro’s reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of insight and expertise.
• Provide strategic political intelligence and advice to the Director of Engagement & Impact and the Chief Executive.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and support a high-performing team, setting clear direction and expectations.
• Model Nacro’s values and behaviours, enabling a positive, inclusive, and accountable culture.
• Manage communication channels effectively, ensuring key organisational messages are understood and cascaded.
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and hold regular one-to-one meetings.
• Support professional development and wellbeing across the team while driving innovation and high standards.
• Take responsibility for all aspects of people management, including recruitment, conduct, performance, and attendance.
• Recognise, reward, and encourage excellent performance.
   

Leadership Across the Organisation

• Play an active role in the Senior Leadership Team, helping to drive organisational strategy.
• Operate both strategically and operationally, identifying opportunities and risks for Nacro.
   

Professional Expertise

• Significant senior-level experience in policy and public affairs.
• Strong track record of leading policy campaigns that delivered real impact.
• Excellent political awareness, judgement, and communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of criminal justice, education, young people’s policy, or housing policy (desirable).

Performance & Compliance

• Set and deliver directorate performance targets, ensuring effective management of budgets and resources.
• Oversee health & safety responsibilities in your area.
• Contribute to business development and bid work in partnership with relevant teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping and reporting.
• Promote and uphold Nacro’s values, safeguarding, data protection, and equality and diversity policies.
• Represent Nacro positively, building strong internal and external relationships.

Why Join Nacro?

We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

If you are a strategic thinker, an influential communicator, and passionate about social justice—we want to hear from you.

 Apply now to lead change where it matters most

Overview

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

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

· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.

· First rate written and verbal communication skills.

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

· An interest in health policy.

· Alignment with our vision and values.

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

Reports to: Head of Media and PR. 

Direct reports: PR & Media Executive.

Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours a week.

Location: Harlow Essex. We offer blended working within this role – with a minimum of two days a week in the office or at key stakeholder meetings externally required.

About the role

This is a pivotal role for an experienced Communications and PR professional to significantly enhance the visibility and understanding of the Motability Foundation's vital work. You will be instrumental in devising and leading our proactive and reactive media work, shaping our narrative, engaging key stakeholders, increasing understanding and ultimately driving greater impact for disabled people across the UK.

This a really exciting time to be joining the Foundation. With our newly launched five-year strategy, our vision is clear - we want to build transport equity for disabled people in the UK so that they can make the journeys they choose. You will manage and lead a programme of work to navigate complex policy landscapes, champion the stories of our beneficiaries, and work to demystify disability and mobility issues for a broad audience.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can not only execute but also advise senior leadership and Trustees on communication best practices and opportunities. The role holder is responsible for continuously developing and leading on all media and PR activities. With a strong news sense, you will help develop and execute forward-thinking PR plans and strategies for the organisation, manage our external profile and raise awareness of the work we do, aligned to our vision, and manage our press office, including building strong relationships with journalists.

If you are a proactive and motivated media and PR individual looking for an exciting new challenge within a friendly, flexible, and supportive team, then this could be the role for you! 

What you will be doing

• Develop and deliver integrated communications and PR strategies that elevate the Foundation's profile and impact.
• Lead proactive media relations, cultivating strong relationships with journalists across national, regional, and specialist media to secure impactful coverage.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all communications matters, providing expert counsel and crisis communications support.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content across all channels, ensuring consistent messaging and brand voice.
• Alongside colleagues in the digital team, drive digital engagement strategies, leveraging social media and digital platforms to complement press work to reach, engage and amplify diverse audiences.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of PR and communications activities, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Lead all media and press activity. You will manage the day-to-day running of the Motability Foundation press office, providing an efficient service that makes the most of reactive and proactive media opportunities and builds our reputation with the media.
• Scan effectively for breaking news stories relevant to our areas of work, as well as horizon scanning for potential areas of future coverage.
• Working with colleagues in Public Affairs, Policy, Insight and Evaluation and our Transport Solutions Team, take a lead on proactive media activity around our policy, campaigns and research activity.
• Scan for areas of reputational risk and support the Head of Media and PR with preparing for and handling reputational risk.
• Lead on crisis, media enquiries and messaging, implementing the necessary checks and actions to protect the Foundation’s reputation and brand.
• Develop and deliver a briefing and training programme for key spokespeople, developing key messaging and Q&As.
• Manage the press and PR budget.
• Manage the continuous development of our PR & Media Executive using a mixture of external, internal and on the job training.

What will make you great in this role?

You will have a strong track record of securing high profile media coverage, ideally for a national charity dealing in disability, health or social issues. You will have a great news sense and the ability to develop strong relationships with journalists to confidently identify stories and make them work for different media outlets. You will have a flair for writing engaging copy, an eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to meeting deadlines. You can work at pace where needed and identify priorities and manage multiple projects. You will be used to briefing and supporting spokespeople to do media interviews and speaking opportunities.

You will be proactive and a strong team player as this role will need to work closely with colleagues across the communications team and wider organisation. You will be able to take the lead in some areas and lend a hand in others. You will have great people skills and will be comfortable working with people from all walks of life, from your communications colleagues to our case studies to Directors and Board Members.

Your experience

• Proven track record of success in a dedicated PR role, ideally within a charity, public sector, or purpose-driven organisation.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and executing successful media relations strategies, securing high-profile coverage.
• Expertise in crisis communications and issues management, with the ability to respond effectively under pressure.
• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and established relationships with key journalists.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding in managing and optimising digital communication channels, including social media strategy and content.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with or for disabled people's organisations or charities.
• Understanding of public affairs or policy influencing.
• Experience partnering with and managing external agencies or consultants.
• Experience of line management.

We’re looking for a creative and passionate person to lead on our policy and communications work for this maternity cover. This role offers a great opportunity to play a key role in improving impact across the charity and the lives of those affected

The Migraine Trust is the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.

One in seven people in the UK live with migraine, and this complex and debilitating neurological disorder significantly affects their lives. We have been leading and bringing the migraine community together to change this since 1965.

Every year we support millions of people through our website and support services on all aspects of migraine and for help in managing it at work, in education, and in accessing healthcare. We campaign for increased awareness and understanding of migraine, and national policy change to improve the lives of people who get it. We have funded over 140 medical research projects and hold an international symposium every two years to bring together the world’s leading experts on migraine.

The role

People living with migraine are at the heart of our organisation, while our research highlights the urgent need to reduce the inequity we see for those living with the condition. You will ensure their voices are heard by decision makers and the public and get closer to our vison of ‘a world where migraine doesn’t stop anyone from living the life they want’.

You should be able to deliver high-impact communication campaigns, and have a real interest in policy. A skilled communicator yourself, you will be able to manage a broad role with the ability to build and nurture relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Overall, you’ll bring a desire to create positive change.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and be a key member of The Migraine Trust’s Senior Management team, leading our strategic direction on communications activity alongside targeted public and political campaigns.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of the organisation’s 2026 policy and communications plans and coordinate the development of plans and budgets for 2027
• Oversee development and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairs strategy, ensuring a strong evidence base and meaningful involvement of people living with migraine
• Manage work our public affairs agency to deliver targeted influencing projects to improve migraine care, workplace support, and parliamentary engagement
• Shape policy recommendations and develop strategies to engage key stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, clinicians, employers and partner organisations
• Monitor the external policy environment identifying risks, opportunities and emerging issues relevant to migraine
• Work with the team to develop and execute creative and impactful communications campaigns to raise the profile of the charity and tackle misunderstanding around migraine
• Ensure content across all channels – including media, digital, social and publications - is on brand and reflects our values and core messaging
• Ensure our online presence meets the needs of our stakeholders, and is fit-for-purpose for current and future organisational needs
• Oversee production of relevant reports, marketing materials and key publications working with freelance agencies and designers as required
• Work closely with Fundraising colleagues to identify and develop opportunities that support organisational growth
• Ensure all those living with migraine and their voices are central to our policy, campaigning and communications work
• Act as a spokesperson when necessary, representing the charity externally

The above is provided for guidance and is not an exhaustive list of all accountabilities that the post holder may have over time.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A creative and experienced communications leader
• Wide experience working in the field of communications (in house or agency) and able to demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of communications activities
• Demonstrable experience of developing media strategies and managing media relations to achieve results
• Ability to deliver policy and public affairs strategies that create change
• A strategic thinker able to develop new ideas and turn these into action
• A strong leader and manager
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills and the ability to communicate, engage and build relationships with a wide range of audiences across the organisation and externally
• Calm under pressure with sound judgment
• Confidence to represent The Migraine Trust externally including public speaking as necessary
• Ability to manage a diverse workload and work under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience working within a health, disability, or long-term conditions context
• Experience of the voluntary sector and/or lived experience engagement
• Knowledge of digital transformation or digital communications best practice

The Migraine Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably experienced persons regardless of their race, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion/faith, sexual orientation, or age.

How to apply

For the full role description, and to apply, please visit our website. Interviews will be week commencing 5th January. If you would like an informal discussion to find out more about the role before submitting an application, or have any other queries, we encourage you to get in touch.

Nacro is looking for a committed and politically astute Policy & Public Affairs Officer – Criminal Justice to play a key role in delivering our influencing strategy. You will help shape Nacro’s policy positions on criminal justice issues and deliver proactive and reactive public affairs activity that drives meaningful change for the people we support.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about social justice, who understands the political landscape and is confident producing high-quality policy materials, engaging with parliamentarians, and representing Nacro externally.

 

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Monitor and analyse political and policy developments in criminal justice to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Work with service users, staff, and research colleagues to develop evidence-based policy positions.
• Produce high-quality policy briefings, reports, and consultation responses.
• Serve as Nacro’s internal expert on criminal justice policy.
   

Public Affairs & Influencing

• Develop and deliver a public affairs plan that advances Nacro’s influencing objectives.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, and regional decision-makers.
• Attend and represent Nacro at APPGs, parliamentary meetings, and external events.
• Produce parliamentary briefings and contribute to legislative engagement.
• Organise and coordinate parliamentary and stakeholder events that support influencing goals.
• Work collaboratively with partners across the sector to strengthen joint advocacy.
   

Communications & Support

• Provide content for media statements, blogs, and external communications.
• Prepare briefings for senior leaders including the Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Director of Engagement & Impact, and CEO.
• Support wider Nacro campaigns and influencing work as required.
   

Professional & Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of criminal justice policy.
• In-depth understanding of Westminster, Whitehall, and political processes.
• Experience designing and delivering effective public affairs activity.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decision-makers.
• Experience working with parliamentarians and developing strong relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience producing policy and campaign materials.
• Strong political awareness and the ability to anticipate developments.
   

Organisational Performance & Compliance

• Commit to personal learning and development through supervision and appraisal.
• Positively promote Nacro and contribute to an integrated, collaborative team culture focused on supporting service users and students.
• Adhere to safeguarding, data protection, and statutory responsibilities.
• Uphold and promote Nacro’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Report any health and safety concerns within your area.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour aligned with Nacro’s values.
  
   

Why Join Nacro?

We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

If you’re passionate about driving change, skilled at navigating political environments, and eager to develop your policy and influencing expertise - we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape a fairer future.

Policy Specialist (children and young people)

Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership.

This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers. 

This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will:

· Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.

· Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.

· Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.

· Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.

· Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.

· Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

You will bring to this role:

· Experience of working on public policy issues.

· Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.

· Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.

· The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.

· Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.

· Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system.

· Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability.

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This advert has been extended and will now close on Sunday, 4th January, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 12th January 2026.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.

· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes

· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

The Public Affairs Lead sits within our Policy and Advocacy Team, working to build support for The Food Foundation’s work amongst Parliamentarians and to influence the government to help deliver policies that will transform the food system. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small organisation delivering big impact on the political agenda around food.

The Public Affairs Manager reports to our Head of Policy and Advocacy and will be responsible for planning and delivering our public affairs activity. This includes: 

• Political engagement: meeting MPs and Peers in parliament and building relationships with their teams with a view to identifying potential new supporters 
• Policy and research: working closely with colleagues to share perspectives on which priorities it may be tactical to pursue and to understand what evidence is available to inform engagement.
• Networking: working with public affairs professionals in other organisations to deliver joint programmes of engagement work which leverage respective organisational strengths.
• Monitoring: You will have excellent political instincts and a strong interest in policy developments,
  monitoring closely what is going on in Parliament and in Government,in order to identify opportune moments to maximise political attention and to galvanise support for policy change.
• Communicating: building compelling narratives targeted at different political stakeholders about the impacts of the food system on our diets, our health and our planet, and the need for evidence-based solutions. 
• Developing briefing materials and reports for policy audiences and formulate responses on behalf of the organisation to policy development processes and Parliamentary inquiries.
• Events: ensuring our messages and priorities are noticed and heard by policy-makers in a very crowded policy space, including by working closely with our events manager to deliver impactful parliamentary events.

You will bring a learning mindset to the role, assessing the impact of our policy engagement approaches in order to make continuous improvements.

A week in the job

Meeting with a Peer that is new to our work to brief them on evidence we have published and our current political priorities, completing a political stakeholder mapping exercise for a new campaign on sustainable diets to identify a shortlist of MPs to engage with, spending an afternoon in parliament to engage informally with passing MPs, pitching a new idea for a
parliamentary inquiry to parliamentary staff from the Health and Social Care Committee, drafting an MP briefing for an upcoming debate on the Government’ s obesity prevention priorities, reviewing next week’s parliamentary calendar to spot opportunities for engagement, attending a roundtable to share intelligence and discuss priorities for political party manifestos with other NGOs working on food issues, ringing round parliamentary offices to confirm attendance for
an upcoming parliamentary reception, meeting with an MP that is closely involved with The Food Foundation’s work to refine messaging for an upcoming campaign.

Your experience
You will have a strong knowledge of the UK political landscape and be comfortable and confident in engaging with stakeholders in Whitehall and in Parliament across the political spectrum. Ideally you would also have a knowledge of policy related to the food system, public health or the environmental crisis.

Your skills

• Proven ability to influence decision makers
• Strong knowledge and experience of the mechanics of the UK policy-making landscape
• Ability to work diplomatically and professionally with external stakeholders
• Significant experience working in a role with a major focus on external engagement in a policy/public affairs setting
• A confident networker who enjoys building connections and relationships with new people.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex and highly nuanced subject matter in plain English.
• Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to share ideas, find solutions and help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
• Proactive and independent worker with strong organisational and project management skills and demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a timepressured environment.
• Close attention to detail and ability to accurately monitor policy developments, stakeholder views and engagement activity.
• You have a commitment to building equitable, diverse and inclusive policy.
• An existing network of relationships with MPs, Peers, advisors and policy officials.

White Ribbon is the leading organisation in the UK working to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. Our mission is to prevent men’s violence against women through addressing its root causes, gender inequality and harmful gender norms and stereotypes. We do this by working with individual men and boys, organisations, and the community, helping them to understand the scale of the problem, and how they can be part of the solution.

This is an exciting time to join White Ribbon as our work and profile has grown significantly over recent years as the importance of engaging men in ending violence has become more apparent. We have an increasing public presence, through campaigning activities, policy influence, in the media and online.

Location: This is a London based post, with remote working.  Most frequent and regular networking and partnership meetings and events will be in London, with some travel throughout England and Wales, particularly around the White Ribbon Day period.  You will be required to attend occasional meetings with the staff team at various locations around the country, including quarterly in West Yorkshire.

You will lead our policy work to influence decision makers and our awareness raising campaigns, including our flagship White Ribbon Day and the following 16 days of activism, with ambitious engagement targets across a wide group of stakeholders.   Your work will bring about demonstrable societal and policy change.

Please see the full job description and person specification attached.

Join the leading UK network for British Muslim-led charities and community organisations! Building on your passion for social justice and sector improvement, support the growing sector, advocate for change for minority communities and the user-led organisations who support them. 

Job role: Junior Policy and Advocacy Officer

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum

Salary: £29,000 –£32,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)

Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.

Location: London SE1. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Lambeth North

Closing date for applications:  16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified. 

About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)

Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy.

We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society.

Role Purpose

The Junior Policy & Advocacy Officer will support the delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research work. Working closely with the Head of Policy & Advocacy, they will contribute to policy monitoring, research projects, member engagement, and influencing activities across government, civil society, and the wider third-sector ecosystem.

This role is ideal for an early-career professional with strong analytical skills, a passion for social justice, and an interest in policy, research, and advocacy relating to the Muslim-led voluntary and community sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Monitoring and Research Support

• Track and summarise relevant UK policy, regulatory, parliamentary and sector developments related to civil society, charity regulation, funding, equity, inclusion and climate-related legislation or sustainability policy, reflecting MCF’s commitment to sector-wide awareness of climate action.

• Assist in drafting policy briefings, consultation responses, evidence submissions, and research summaries.

• Support the Head of Policy & Advocacy in compiling data and insights for reports, position statements and strategic documents. • Conduct desk-based research on thematic issues affecting Muslim-led and minority-led organisations.

• Monitor media commentary relevant to the British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector and contribute to the preparation of responses, in collaboration with the Policy and Communications teams.

2. Advocacy and Influencing Support

• Support engagement with government stakeholders by preparing meeting briefs, background notes, and follow-up materials.

• Help coordinate MCF’s involvement in roundtables, APPG sessions, consultations, and external events.

• Maintain databases of stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, think tanks, regulators and sector partners. • Support public affairs monitoring, including parliamentary questions, debates and committee activity.

• Contribute to MCF’s work on climate action awareness and sustainability by supporting advocacy messaging, stakeholder engagement or policy monitoring relating to sustainable practice across the Muslim charity sector.

3. Engagement with Members and Sector Stakeholders

• Assist in organising policy workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building resources for MCF’s members.

• Help collect insights, feedback and lived experience from member organisations to inform MCF’s policy positions.

• Respond to member enquiries relating to policy, regulation or advocacy support.

• Contribute to resources that help Muslim-led charities navigate regulatory and structural barriers.

• Support member-facing materials and capacity-building related to sustainability, climate awareness, or environmental good practice where required. 4. Communications and Content Support

• Draft accessible summaries of policy developments for newsletters, blogs, briefings or social media (in collaboration with the Communications team).

• Ensure policy messages are communicated consistently and clearly to internal and external audiences.

• Help prepare slides, visuals or short reports for senior-level advocacy engagements.

• Work with the Communications team to cntribute to external messaging that aligns with MCF’s media monitoring, research findings and sector commentary.

5. Administration, Coordination and Reporting

• Provide administrative support for the policy and advocacy workstream, including scheduling, minutes, organisation of meetings and events. • Maintain systems for tracking policy work, research outputs and stakeholder engagement.

• Assist with monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the impact of policy activities.

• Ensure compliance with internal processes and external regulatory requirements (e.g., lobbying regulations).

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience (including internships or volunteering) in policy, research, public affairs, community advocacy or a related area.

• Strong understanding of UK political, charity or social policy landscapes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex information clearly.

• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data and produce evidence-informed insights.

• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening underrepresented communities.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, fast-paced team.

• Sensitivity to issues affecting Muslim-led, minority-led or faith-based civil society.

• Awareness of key issues, legislation or trends relating to climate change or sustainability affecting civil society.

• Interest in media monitoring, public messaging or analysing public commentary related to the sector.

Desirable

• Experience working or volunteering within the voluntary sector, community organisations, or advocacy projects.

• Understanding of intersectionality and structural inequalities affecting minority and marginalised communities.

• Experience producing policy briefs, research notes or advocacy materials.

• Familiarity with parliamentary processes or government engagement.

• Lived experience relevant to the communities MCF represents.

Values and Behaviours

• Collaborative, inclusive and respectful approach to diverse stakeholders. Proactive, organised and self-motivated, with willingness to learn.

• Integrity and professionalism when representing MCF.

• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Ability to amplify underrepresented voices with care and accuracy.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to develop skills in policy, research, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

• Mentorship and learning from experienced senior leaders.

• A supportive and inclusive working environment.

• Chance to contribute to meaningful, systemic change within the UK’s Muslim led charity sector.

Application Information

If you are a change maker who wishes to help us empower the sector, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.

If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).

No agencies.

UK residents only. Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks. 

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