Public policy jobs
The postholder will play a key role in strengthening national, regional and local responses to violence against women and girls (VAWG) affecting Black, minoritised and migrant women. They will design, develop and deliver a high-quality, influential training programme for statutory agencies, voluntary sector organisations and other key stakeholders on VAWG, including domestic abuse, harmful practices such as ‘honour’-based abuse, force marriage, and related forms of gender-based violence.
The role will have a particular focus on the intersections between VAWG, immigration and asylum systems, and no recourse to public funds (NRPF), ensuring that professional responses are rights-based, trauma-informed and grounded in an understanding of structural racism and gender inequality.
Working collaboratively with SBS colleagues, project partners and, where appropriate victim-survivor, the postholder will ensure that training is informed by lived experience and SBS’s long-standing specialist practice, contributing to improved policy, practice and outcomes for Black, minoritised and migrant women.
The postholder will also contribute to the wider work of SBS, supporting the organisation’s strategic objectives, feminist values and commitment to challenging violence against women and girls in all its forms.
Why work with Southall Black Sisters?
Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced pension contribution
- Enhanced sick pay
- Subsidised public transport season ticket
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists
- Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
- A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
- Organisation-wide away days
- Career development pathways and support
- The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
- Employer eye care scheme
To Apply
Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.
Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Birthrights is recruiting a Campaigns and Policy Manager to help drive transformative change in maternity care. This is a powerful opportunity to shape national policy and campaigns that centre human rights, racial justice and the lived experiences of women and birthing people.
Reporting to the CEO, you will lead our policy and campaigns strategy, shaping how we influence government, the NHS, regulators and professional bodies. You will identify leverage points for change, develop strong and persuasive policy positions, and deliver bold, creative campaigns that challenge harmful practice and shift power. Working closely with our legal, information & advice, training and communications teams, you will ensure our policy and campaigning work is grounded in evidence, lived experience and human rights law.
You will also contribute strategically to Communities Imagine — a core organisational initiative rooted in racial justice, community leadership and a radical re-imagining of maternity care — while working alongside and supporting dedicated roles focused on its delivery.
Birthrights is a small but mighty charity with a national profile and a strong track record of influencing maternity policy and practice. We offer flexible, remote working, a supportive team culture and generous benefits.
If you are a values-driven campaigner with a passion for racial justice, reproductive justice and human rights, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 26th January – please refer to the candidate pack for full details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Science Communications Officer - FTC
The Officer is part of the Science Communications Team, which inspires and informs the public, donors and researchers about dementia research, the progress being made, wider developments in the field and the impact of Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) funding.
The postholder plays a vital role in helping tell the story and scientific narrative of ARUK to a variety of audiences, cementing the charity’s role as a leading authority on dementia research in the UK and globally. They also help to create a clear, creative, and compelling case for the need for research and the progress being made towards finding a cure. This means the postholder will be an effective and inspiring communicator, creating and landing content covering ARUK research, impact and commentary across multiple communications channels and audiences.
Key responsibilities include finding and developing stories around ARUK research and helping to create and deliver communications plans around our research initiatives. This includes: pitching stories to media, creating social media and digital content, such as blogs and website summaries and help creating content for supporter newsletters. The officer will also be part of our press operations which involves handling media calls. This includes some out of hours cover.
The postholder will also be expected to engage in broader communications and events work both within the team and beyond it. This is a challenging, creative and busy role, but one that oversees a function that is critical to ARUK and its mission.
This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract
Key Responsibilities:
· Support in the development and implementation of communications plans for ARUK launches and major initiatives, as well as responding to other stories in the news.
· Ensure that ARUK’s research portfolio, strategy and ambition is communicated to the public through digital channels including our website, blog and social media.
· Develop and maintain a first-rate working knowledge of the dementia research field, including ARUK’s portfolio, strategy, impact and history.
· Develop and maintain high-level playbooks that make the case for research and the work of ARUK, and devise and develop innovative and creative communications products and campaigns based on this narrative.
· Work with teams across the charity, including Research, Fundraising and Marketing to find and communicate suitable projects, success stories and researcher case studies for inclusion in public and supporter-facing communications.
· Contribute to ARUK’s proactive and reactive media communications by being part of the news desk, including out-of-hours queries (organised through an on-call rota, and occasional ad hoc) and finding ARUK-related newsworthy stories to pitch to the media.
· Help monitor and showcase the impact of our media activity and contribute to media training ARUK employees.
· Help manage multiple short- and long-term projects, working with teams within the charity and key external stakeholders.
· Deliver presentations about dementia and our communications around dementia and research as part of employee and external events.
· Maintain a watching brief of the dementia research sector to identify emerging technologies and trends that might benefit ARUK’s work.
· Develop and maintain relationships with a wide network of experts from across the dementia research field, including through attending research conferences and representing ARUK.
· Ensure communications activities comply with ARUK’s tone, branding and style guide.
· Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the team manager in line with the responsibilities of the post.
What we are looking for:
· Educated to degree level in life sciences or demonstrable relative work experience.
· Experience in translating complex science for a lay audience.
· Experience in creating compelling content for digital channels, including web and social media.
· Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills: can work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders within and outside the organisation.
· Strong planning and organisational skills and working to tight deadlines
· Excellent organisational skills; the ability to manage a large number of tasks to multiple deadlines.
· A confident communicator and friendly manner; would feel at ease representing the charity to a range of audiences to a high level.
· Willingness and ability to travel in the UK and beyond, to work outside of regular office hours when needed.
· Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and build strong relationships at all levels, both within and outside the charity.
· Confident in using a range of IT systems
· Ability to write compelling and engaging content
Additional Information:
Ways of working:
As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £34,000 per annum, plus benefits
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 11th January 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Salary: £31,242 per annum (+£5000, London area weighting if applicable)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Hybrid, with regular travel to our Devonshire Square London office.
About the Role
Nacro is looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer – Young People to support the delivery of our influencing strategy. This role will focus on developing Nacro’s policy positions on issues affecting young people and delivering proactive and reactive public affairs activity to influence decision-makers.
Working closely with the Head of Policy & Public Affairs and colleagues across the organisation, you will help ensure that the voices and experiences of young people inform policy development and public debate.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyse the political and policy environment relating to young people’s issues to identify opportunities for influence.
- Develop evidence-based policy positions, working with service users, frontline staff and research colleagues.
- Draft policy briefings, reports and responses to government consultations.
- Develop and deliver public affairs plans aligned to Nacro’s influencing objectives.
- Identify, build and maintain effective relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and regional decision-makers.
- Represent Nacro at external events, including APPGs, parliamentary events and meetings with MPs.
- Produce parliamentary briefings and contribute to legislative scrutiny as required.
- Organise and support parliamentary and stakeholder events that advance influencing objectives.
- Build strong working relationships with sector partners and external organisations.
- Act as the internal point of contact for expertise on young people’s policy.
- Provide content for media comment, blogs and wider external communications.
- Prepare briefings for the Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Director of Engagement & Impact and the CEO.
- Support wider campaigning and influencing work across the organisation as required.
Skills and Experience
- Significant knowledge of policy issues affecting young people.
- Strong understanding of Westminster, Whitehall and political processes.
- Experience of designing and delivering public affairs activity.
- Proven experience of influencing decision-makers and working with parliamentarians.
- Experience of building and maintaining productive external relationships.
- Strong experience of writing policy papers, briefings and campaign materials.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of political awareness and sound judgement.
Our Expectations
You will take ownership of your learning and development, always promote Nacro positively, and work collaboratively as part of an integrated team. You will adhere to safeguarding, data protection, health and safety, equality and diversity policies, and demonstrate professional behaviours 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.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about influencing policy and improving outcomes for young people, we welcome your application. Please submit your application
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Our vision is a sustainable food system which delivers health and wellbeing for all.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
AMR Action UK is the United Kingdom patient organisation for people impacted by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our legitimacy comes through our small-scale research projects, our engagement with patients and their families, and from our direct support of patients through our information service and peer-support activities.
AMR Action UK seeks to empower patient, families, and carers to have their voices heard on matters that affect their lives and to be able to influence research priorities, policy and implementation changes at government level, and changes in NHS practices across the four nations of the UK.
The Policy and Advocacy lead will ensure that AMR Action UK is both well-informed across the broad-spectrum of topics relating to AMR and is impactful in its influencing work.
To be successful in the role you will need energy and enthusiasm to hit the ground running in order to make an immediate impact on appointment.
Closing date 12th January 2026, with a view to holding interviews week beginning 19th January 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.
Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Employer: Muslim Charities Forum
Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 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 Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors.
The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making.
They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy and Leadership
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Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives.
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Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks.
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Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture.
2. Policy, Research and Insight
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Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society.
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Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions.
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Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements.
3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement
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Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks.
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Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders.
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Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums.
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Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector.
4. Sector Capacity and Member Support
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Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy.
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Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity.
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Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
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Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work.
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Provide regular progress reports to the CEO.
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Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
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Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector.
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Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change.
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Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment.
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Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape.
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Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work.
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Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy.
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Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen.
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Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society.
Desirable Criteria
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Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations.
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Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities.
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Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks.
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Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives.
Values and Behaviours
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Strategic and forward-thinking leadership.
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Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders.
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Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments.
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Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector.
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Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices.
Additional Information
This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel.
What We Offer
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The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks.
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A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
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Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation.
Application Information
To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re seeking an experienced Events Fundraising Officer to work on delivering our UK wide portfolio of challenge events. You’ll be passionate about working in events fundraising and enjoy being part of a busy team. This role sits in the Events team within the Public Fundraising department, generating over £1 million of income. The Events Fundraising Officer will play a key part in our exciting plans to grow this area of fundraising.
We're looking for someone who loves building relationships, enjoys creating engaging communications, has excellent attention to detail and loves working as part of a busy and thriving team. If this sounds like you and you fit our person specification, you might be the person for us. In return you'll join our brilliant team and finish each day knowing you've played a central role in supporting people affected by bowel cancer.
The role is managed by the Senior Events Fundraising Officer and other key relationships are with the wider Public Fundraising team, Marketing and Communications, Data and IT, Finance teams and external agency partners.
We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Would you like to join an organisation that is striving for systemic change? We believe it is not enough to reform structures and systems which are foundationally discriminatory. We are calling for a complete overhaul, and for people with lived experience to lead that change.
Migration is one of the most hotly debated political topics with rapid policy changes shaping the lives of millions. We’re looking for a proactive and inspiring leader to join us as Interim Head of Policy and Communications.
In this vital role, you will champion our mission to create a just society for all migrants, ensuring those with lived experience are at the centre of our work and heard by policymakers and supporters alike. You will influence national policies, engage diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to grassroots groups, and build impactful communication campaigns.
Working closely with our CEO and as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the strategic direction of our policy and communication efforts during this critical time.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in contributing to a vision for intersectional campaigns that call for systemic change, and for those with lived experience to lead the changes we need.
If you’re passionate about social justice, experienced in policy and advocacy, and a skilled communicator, we want to hear from you!
As a lived experience and values-led organisation, and diverse team, we are looking for candidates with a:
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Commitment to upholding the rights of ALL migrants
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Real vision as to how this can be done in the current political, social and economic climate
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A commitment to MRN's vision and values
The salary will be £43,817 per annum, pro-rata. In addition, MRN contributes up to 6% of salary to pensions. We are keen to have someone start in the role immediately.
Closing date for applications: 9am, 14 January 2026
Date for candidate interviews: 26 January 2026
We are a charity and campaigning organisation that stands in solidarity with all migrants in their fights for rights and justice.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



