Public policy jobs

The Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant (Companies Committee), one lay member (Education Committee) and one optometrist (Standards Committee) to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
• matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance (NI) contributions. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.

How to apply

Please apply with the following:

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4);
• the application form (attached), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
• an EDI monitoring form (linked in the candidate pack) 

Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC01/26 to appointment@optical. org.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees.

For more information about these roles please download the candidate information pack attached.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 29 March 2026.

Online interviews will be held on 14,15,18 and 19 May 2026.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.

About you

You’re an experienced workforce or policy professional with a strong track record of leading teams, delivering complex projects and driving improvement. Ideally, you’ll bring experience of workforce planning in a healthcare setting. You’re comfortable analysing and interpreting data and can turn it into clear, meaningful insights that support decision making, policy development and advocacy. You have a strategic mindset, excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

A natural collaborator, you build strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from senior clinicians and volunteers to external organisations and internal colleagues. You communicate clearly, support change and help develop positive, high performing teams.

You’re able to bring together strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement and are motivated by the opportunity to deliver and further shape the College’s Workforce Strategy. Committed to high standards, equality, transparency and continuous improvement, you’ll play a key role in strengthening the College’s workforce intelligence, enhancing member and employer services, and helping ensure pathology has the workforce it needs for the future.

About the College

The Royal College of Pathologists is a professional membership organisation with charitable status concerned with all matters relating to the science and practice of pathology. It is a body of its Fellows, Diplomates, Affiliates and trainees, supported by the staff who are based at the College's London offices.

The College is a charity with over 13000 members worldwide. The majority of members are doctors and scientists working in hospitals and universities in the UK.

The College oversees the training of pathologists and scientists working in 17 different specialties, which include cellular pathology, haematology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology.

Although some pathologists work in laboratories, many work directly with patients in hospitals and the community. Together, they are involved in the majority of all diagnoses and play an important role in disease prevention, treatment, and monitoring. If you have ever had a blood test, cervical smear or tissue biopsy, a pathologist will have been involved in your care.

The Royal College of Pathologists understands the value and strength that diversity brings and we are proud to be an organisation of members from a wide range of backgrounds. We are keen to encourage and enable more people of all identities and from all backgrounds to become involved in the College.

We are currently aiming to interview on Wednesday 8 April - Thursday 9 April 2026, in person at our offices.

We reserve the right to close the position early if we receive a large number of suitable applications

Our client, a well-known anti-poverty charity is looking to recruit a Director of Policy & Engagement on a maternity contract of up to 12 months. This great charity provides front-line advice, advocacy and campaigning and policy work on behalf of people in London beneath pension age, who are experiencing issues around benefit payments, disability and housing or who are at risk of homelessness. The services they provide have become even more essential during the current cost of living crisis.

The role:
As Director of Policy & Engagement, you will lead the organisation’s policy, public affairs, and campaigns function, shaping and delivering local and national influencing to drive change on social security and housing issues. You will ensure the voices of people with lived experience are central to all of the organisation’s work, embedding meaningful participation across the organisation, in governance, services, policy and campaigns.

You will also oversee strategic external communications to support the organisation’s influencing, brand and fundraising objectives and will direct all fundraising for your department including managing funder relationships, identifying opportunities and leading on bid writing and reporting.
 
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for influencing policy and practice locally and nationally and representing the charity as a spokesperson in the media, with government ministers, MPs, and other senior stakeholders. 
 
You will manage a small multidisciplinary team of four, ensuring integrated effective delivery across the organisation. 
 
The role will cover strategic leadership, policy, public affairs & campaigns, stakeholder & media engagement, external communications, embedding participation, fundraising leadership, team leadership and cross-organisational Integration.

The person:
The successful candidate will be a strategic, politically astute leader with experience of leading policy, public affairs and campaigns at a senior level. They will have experience of integrating research campaigns, participation, external communications and fundraising to deliver impact locally and nationally. They will have excellent media stakeholder and political engagement skills, with experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation. This person will value and embed lived experience in all aspects of their work and will have a strong understanding of social security and housing policy. 

This person will also have substantial experience of leading on research for social policy influencing purposes in addition to having developed and shaped policy  for an organisation in a charity which works towards combatting poverty and other social justice issues. Having managed political and media engagement and external influencing activities in the past, this person will be an effective relationship manager both internally and externally, in addition to having provided knowledge based leadership to small teams in the charity sector. In addition to being a highly effective project manager, this person will be a very strong communicator both verbally and in writing, and will be fully committed to the aims and objectives of this anti-poverty charity.
​​​​​​​
This organisation is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of poverty, from global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and disabled people are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome evidence of experience from both work and non-work settings such as volunteering and personal life. 
 

Job Title: Policy and Influencing Lead

Salary: £42,500 per annum pro rata, plus 15% ILW if applicable

Hours: Part time, up to 22.5 hours per week, open to discussing working patterns

Location: Birmingham or London

Contract Type: Fixed term contract for 12 months, with plans to review

Reports to: Director of Fundraising and External Affairs

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham, which will support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a new role in an expanding and dynamic organisation. It responds to our growing ambition to share what we have learned about suicide prevention and delivering services to men who are affected by inequalities.

We understand that for more men to be saved, we need others to take action too. And we need to make this case for change as compelling and impactful as possible to influence commissioners, NHS providers, or policy makers to save more men’s lives.

This role will involve leading the influencing strategy, building evidence-based policy positions, and executing powerful messaging to effectively demonstrate the impact of crisis intervention and the importance of extending this provision to more men across the country.

Overarching priorities

· To influence national and local systems leaders on the importance of rapid, equitable, accessible and tailored treatment and support for acutely suicidal men.

· To establish James’ Place as a leading and credible voice in innovative suicide prevention practice, reducing inequalities in access and in supporting men who other services aren’t reaching.

· To strengthen our evidence base and contribute insight and data to networks and partners who can grow its impact (such as organisations with larger influencing teams, media organisations, policy makers and think tanks).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

· Identify key actors and establish, lead and execute an influencing plan for the next 12 – 24 months, in line with the above priorities, emerging insight and changing contexts.

· Lead effective relationship and network building and management across charity, health and policy sectors.

· Adopt a holistic perspective with communications and fundraising colleagues, that is deeply informed by clinical practice and aligned with strategies for growth.

· Explore future partnerships to strengthen evidence base, impact and reach, with academics, think tanks, funders and policy makers

· Ensure James’ Place responds to emerging policy and influencing opportunities (such as men’s health, inequalities work, neighbourhoods, integrated health organisations, strategic commissioning and so on)
Delivery

· Represent James’ Place on external groups at parliamentary events and sector forums as appropriate, ensuring the charity’s position and the voices of men we treat are clearly and respectfully communicated.

· Monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory changes and lead consultation responses.

· Research and produce compelling policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence-based reports

· Champion accurate data collection, evaluation and insight across James’ Place, demonstrating how crucial this is for policy and influencing work externally.

· Fully brief and support the CEO and other senior leaders’ attendance at events, meetings and media work.

· Engage with researchers, evaluators and campaigners on what James’ Place knows and does so that they can represent and champion James’ Place effectively.

· Support senior colleagues to engage with the Board on matters of policy and influence.

· Undertake any other duties as required in pursuit of organisational success.

Charity-wide

· Work closely with services, clinical, fundraising and communication colleagues to deliver our strategy and business plans to meet our charitable objectives.

· Play a role across the whole organisation, offering support and demonstrating leadership across the charity, helping colleagues to grow and develop.

· Recognise the value of review and evaluation and contribute to the on-going development of James’ Place as a respected, effective and sustainable charity.

· Work with the team to build our understanding of men in suicidal crisis and how suicidal behaviour develops.

· Promote and demonstrate the highest level of safeguarding best practice.

· Deputise for senior colleagues and represent the organisation externally as and when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

· Extensive experience in policy and influencing work at a senior level on a social or health issue, including mental or physical health, equity, or social justice.

· A strong track record of building and maintaining external relationships across sectors: government, NHS, public services, charities, academia or think tanks; healthcare experience is highly desirable

· Substantial experience of preparing and submitting consultation documents, position statements and advocacy materials.

· Strong communication skills, in writing and in person.

· Experience of working with quantitative and qualitative research and researchers, work with data and insight to make credible and evidence-based arguments.

· Practical, resilient, unflappable; an innovator, open to exploring new ways of working.

· Experience of working with people with lived experience of sensitive and personal issues.

Desirable 

· Experience of public speaking.

· Experience of working with NHS commissioners or mental health services.

· Working with volunteers and people with lived experience of suicidality or inequality.

WE OFFER

· A 7% employer contributory pension scheme.

· Family friendly policies.

· Death in service insurance scheme.

· 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please follow the instructions on the attached document. 

Closing date: Monday 16 March 2026, 5pm

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

Job Description 

Lead research and policy projects 

You will lead our Research and Policy team and manage our research experts. This will include leading on existing and new projects from concept design to funder reporting, as well as conducting research in different areas of economic and social policy like social security, pensions, VAWG, labour market, social care, etc.

Maintain and forge external partnerships 

You will maintain, identify and forge new collaborations with academics, feminist organisations and economics think tanks. 

Represent WBG at external events and to the media 

You will represent WBG in meetings with key stakeholders and speak at external events. You will also be a spokesperson for the press, radio and broadcast TV to promote WBG’s research and analysis. 

Contribute to our advocacy strategy 

You will work closely with our Communications and Public Affairs team to ensure our research outputs are relevant to our advocacy goals and that they are accessible to a wide range of audiences, including policymakers, politicians, journalists, and feminist campaigning organisations. 

Supervise our research and policy support programme 

In collaboration with our Head of Training and Capacity Building you will expand our programme of research and policy support for grassroots organisations in the UK and internationally. 

Manage a team and support its members 

You will be leading not only projects but also people. You will have experience of supporting, motivating and leading a team of people and supporting them to develop new skills and grow in their careers. This includes staff members and paid interns. 

Hours: 30 hours per week. We operate a shorter working week with 30 hours the equivalent of full time. We are happy to consider a secondment role and/or flexible working arrangements. Some out of hours working will be required for which TOIL will be given. 

Location: Must be resident in the UK with the right to work in the UK. Post is hybrid with requirement to be in the office at least once a week. Office is in Vauxhall, London. 

Duration: 10-month fixed-term contract. 

Line management: Reports to the Director, manages three staff members and any paid interns working in the Research and Policy team. 

Start date: Late May 2026 

Interviews will be held on w/c 13 April 2026. 

Grade: 2

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working considered)

Position type: Permanent

Responsible to: Head of Global Communications & PR

Direct reports: Communications & PR Officer

Location: Truro, Cornwall (Hybrid) or Remote (UK based) with some travel to Truro

ROLE PURPOSE:

This role works to raise awareness of the issues faced by people around the world who have lost their homes to disaster. It generates positive media coverage for ShelterBox, positioning us as experts in emergency shelter, as well as supporting fundraising with media engagement and PR activities. The role also works to ensure colleagues across the organisation can talk about our work accurately and consistently by producing key messaging about our international programmes.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

ShelterBox is seeking an experienced, motivated and proactive communications professional with excellent attention to detail and line-management experience.

You will be skilled in writing a variety of materials - including press releases, statements, and Q&As, and in simplifying complex information. You will also understand the nuance of language, ensuring messaging reflects dignity, avoids harmful narratives and upholds humanitarian neutrality in sensitive contexts.

You will enjoy finding strong stories and ensuring they are told ethically. You will be experienced in creating news, working with the media and contributing to multiple projects at pace.

We are looking for someone with experience in crisis communications who can help protect and enhance our reputation by identifying potential issues early. You will also have experience delivering media interview training, building confidence in spokespeople, and supporting them through briefings and interviews.

You will have experience of line management. You will have experience of working with a direct report to develop their abilities and support them to be motivated and produce great work.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a dynamic fundraising and communications department, working together to achieve our mission of no one without shelter after disaster.

The role requires someone who can pivot priorities quickly when needed. When major disasters happen, our teams need to be able to flex very quickly to that focus.

MAIN ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role works as part of a small and dynamic Communications & Digital team and has direct line management of our Comms & PR Officer. You will focus on gaining media coverage for our international programmes, understanding the issues and opportunities of our work and securing impactful media interviews. You will support our fundraising campaigns and events with media engagement.

You will work closely with the Head of Global Communications & Digital and colleagues across the Fundraising & Communications department to develop and deliver communications and media engagement activities supporting campaigns and driving awareness.  

The role line-manages a Communications & PR Officer. You will work with them to extend the output and reach of our comms and media work and support them to feel motivated and produce high-quality work.

This role also supports wider departments by producing centralised messaging to ensure colleagues talk about our work consistently and are aligned with our brand.  

You'll work with the wider communications and fundraising teams on integrated campaigns, ensuring key messaging is aligned and PR angles and risks are considered.

There may be occasional opportunities to travel to countries where ShelterBox works for media purposes. This travel is not mandatory. There will be regular travel to the Truro head office to support media interviews, deliver training, and participate in organisational collaboration days.

Flexibility with working hours sometimes required, especially during sudden-onset emergencies (TOIL available for additional hours).

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

PR & Comms Lead 

• Manage a variety of communications and PR activities to raise awareness of the needs of people who have lost their homes to disaster.

• Produce a range of high-quality written materials for different audiences. 

• Develop strong working relationships with people across the organisation, including in our international programmes and fundraising teams.

• Take a proactive approach to media engagement and communications as our PR and communications subject-matter expert.
• Line manage the Comms & PR Officer, supporting them to prioritise their workload, ensuring they have clear goals, and are performing well.

Media Engagement 

• Maximise media opportunities for ShelterBox across national and regional, print, digital, and broadcast media. 

• Maintain a strong understanding of the media landscape and keep across relevant stories and trends.

• Work with colleagues to identify strong stories and create news angles.

• Prepare and use a variety of effective PR tools, including press releases, quotes, features, blogs and photo opportunities.

• Sell-in stories, respond to media enquiries, and secure interviews.

• Deliver interview training for colleagues.

• Prepare messaging and briefings for spokespeople for interviews and events. 

• Ensure plans are ready to roll-out when major disasters happen - including comms plans, media lists, trained spokespeople, quotes and other resources. 

• Identify, develop and maintain great relationships with external stakeholders, including journalists, PR agencies, and freelancers.

Communications 

• Produce high-quality written materials, including messaging, Q&As, and reports, ensuring consistency with brand and tone of voice.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across social media, website, celebrity, brand, content, and fundraising) to deliver integrated campaigns.

• Support reputation management, lead crisis communications activities, and play an active role in the Crisis Management Team.

• Offer creative ideas and planning for communications campaigns. 

• Coordinate and, when required, manage external agencies and consultants.

• Evaluate PR and communications activity to measure success and improve future performance.
• Manage subscriptions and licences for communications tools, including media monitoring platforms, and liaise with procurement on tender processes when required.

Other Responsibilities

• Work as a member of our EDI team, ensuring EDI principles are included within our comms and media work.
• Undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the post.
• Carry out the duties of post in accordance with the ShelterBox's policies and procedures on Health and Safety and take responsibility for ensuring personal health and safety.

• Work flexibility, prioritise workload and work effectively as part of a team. 

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

The Policy and Campaigns Manager leads ADUK in championing reforms that pave the way for better access for all disabled people partnered with a highly trained assistance dog. Through dynamic campaigns and impactful initiatives, this role is pivotal to how ADUK amplifies the voices of those whose lives are transformed by these life changing dogs, ensuring that their rights are protected for years to come.

Key Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Executive Director (ED), continue to develop a compelling case for taking a standards-based approach to the training and welfare of assistance dogs.
• Gather, analyse and apply robust evidence to strengthen ADUK’s credibility, influence and voice on key policy and campaigning issues.
• Work with the ED to identify and progress opportunities for ADUK and its members to engage with policymakers, regulators and other decision-makers, and to support positive policy change.
• Develop and deliver written and in-person reports and briefings for different audiences, including politicians, policy officials, and other decision-makers.
• Collaborate with the ED and Head of Education and Allyship to develop relationships with key stakeholders.
• Lead, manage and convene the ADUK Advisory Panel, ensuring it operates effectively and informs ADUK’s policy and campaigning work.
•  Monitor legislation and policy developments relevant to assistance dogs and dog welfare and communicate these as appropriate to members.
• Support the ED with the delivery of ADUK’s policy function, including the preparation of policy statements, briefing papers, media responses, and submissions to consultations and inquiries.
• Provide informed policy advice to the ED on priority issues affecting ADUK and its members.
• Represent ADUK externally, articulating its policy positions at meetings, events and forums, where appropriate.
• Take responsibility for projects, with the support of the Executive Director where appropriate, including joint work with partner organisations.
• Organise meetings, policy roundtables, expert workshops, policy training and other events.
• Provide information and support to service providers on assistance dog policies to promote access rights for disabled people with assistance dogs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

Essential – applicants will:

• Have experience working in a policy, public affairs/campaigning role, with a solid understanding of how the policy development process works and how to influence national policy.
• Experience in convening and facilitating advisory groups, panels or stakeholder forums to support organisational decision-making.
• Experience in planning and delivering events, workshops or meetings that support policy, stakeholder engagement or organisational aims
• Have the ability to analyse and interpret information from a range of sources.
• Have strong interpersonal skills including being able to develop positive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people and organisations.
• Have the ability to act on your own initiative and develop new work.
• Be comfortable maintaining existing policy positions and relationships.
• Have experience in communicating complex ideas or processes to a range of diverse audiences.
• Have excellent writing and verbal communication skills and experience in producing briefings, consultation responses and other communications on behalf of an organisation and for a wide range of audiences.
• Represent ADUK with credibility and authority in all external communications

Applicants should be aligned with ADUK’s values of championing a standards-based approach to the training and welfare of assistance dogs.

See recruitment pack for full job and person spec. 

Role: Policy Manager
Salary Band: £28,000 - £46,015 gross per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire

Plunkett UK is a national charity supporting people in rural areas to set up and run successful community‑owned businesses. These businesses — from shops and pubs to woodlands and farms — provide vital services, create local jobs, strengthen rural economies and bring people together. We’ve championed community ownership for over 100 years because it delivers thriving, inclusive and resilient places.

About the Role

We are looking for a Policy Manager to lead our policy and public affairs work, ensuring rural community‑owned businesses have a strong voice in local, regional and national decision‑making.

You will take a “listen first, act second” approach, building trusted relationships with our members and using their lived experience to shape evidence-based policy positions. Working closely with the Chief Executive and colleagues across the organisation, you will influence political stakeholders, raise awareness of the community business model, and help create a supportive policy, legislative and funding environment.

This role also leads our research output, including our flagship Better Business Reports, and contributes to strategic organisational initiatives.

Closing date for applications: 5pm Thursday 19 March 2026
Interview date: First stage interview to be held via video conference on Monday 30 March.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and our approach goes beyond ‘protected characteristics’ to thinking more broadly about inclusion. Every individual will think and feel differently and we believe that these differences should be embraced, and individual needs taken into account. Additionally, the makeup of the rural communities we work with leads to their own particular diversity and exclusion challenges and opportunities compared to urban areas. Our commitment to EDI, both internally and externally, has been tailored to Plunkett and the communities we serve.

Registered Charity: 313743

No agencies please.

This is a home-based role, working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications are welcome from candidates based outside Belfast, provided they are resident in Northern Ireland and able to commute to the Belfast office if required.

The External Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in empowering people with sight loss to live the life they choose. This position leads the development of policy and campaigns within the country, aligning with Guide Dogs’ strategic objectives. Working collaboratively with the central policy, public affairs, and campaigns team, as well as the country leadership team, the role builds strategic partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, societies, and other key organisations. This ensures Guide Dogs remains informed and influential on all policy initiatives affecting the organisation and its stakeholders.

The post holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and oversight of a team.

The post-holder is responsible for shaping policy positions, drafting responses to consultations from councils, combined authorities, and devolved governments, and driving impactful campaigns at a regional level. A key focus is increasing the involvement of blind and partially sighted people in advocacy and campaigning.

Additionally, the role leads the implementation of Guide Dogs’ regional marketing and communications strategy across the Devolved Nations. This includes raising brand awareness, engaging diverse audiences—service users, families, volunteers, donors, and the public—and delivering integrated communications plans that strengthen Guide Dogs’ presence and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Lead the creation of country-specific policy and position papers, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
• Prepare responses to consultation papers from devolved administrations, local government, and regional bodies.
• Represent Guide Dogs on committees, working groups, and forums, staying informed on policy issues impacting the organisation and its service users.

Public Affairs

• Build and influence relationships with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials.
• Represent Guide Dogs at Government Scrutiny Committees and cross-party groups.
• Act as the primary liaison with local government and statutory agencies.

Campaigns & Influence

• Strategically lead and coordinate campaigns at a country level, ensuring alignment with devolved policy priorities.
• Develop and deliver campaigns addressing local needs of the visually impaired community.
• Foster partnerships within the Third Sector to build consensus and amplify Guide Dogs’ strategic aims. 

Leadership & People Management

• Provide strong leadership to local staff and volunteers, promoting best practice and knowledge-sharing.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and compliance with safeguarding policies.
• Ensure high levels of engagement through effective communication and leadership.

Financial Accountability

• Support fundraising initiatives and monitor operational budgets to ensure efficiency and compliance.

Diversity & Inclusion

• Champion Guide Dogs’ diversity agenda, ensuring services are inclusive and accessible.
• Work with external partners to create a more inclusive environment for people with sight loss.

How to apply 

Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.

As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.

If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Safeguarding

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.

At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.

Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.

For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.

Hybrid / Homebased - London, Edinburgh, Belfast, or Cardiff

£49,943 (London based salary) or £45,310 (non-London based salary) FTE + excellent benefits

Part-time, 21 hours per week

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Manager (Workforce) to lead on the development and management of influencing and advocacy in national policy, legislation, funding and health and education decisions related to workforce across government sectors, providing strategic oversight and expert guidance.

Who we are

The RCSLT is the professional body for speech and language therapists across the UK. The RCSLT has over 24,000 members and employs around 70 staff predominately based in a London office. The RCSLT also has offices in Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff.

Our mission is to improve the lives of people with communication and swallowing needs by facilitating and promoting research, producing guidance, holding events, and influencing government. We aim to promote better education and training for speech and language therapists and provide information to our members and the public about speech and language therapy.

The role

We are seeking a dynamic advocate to advance and promote the speech and language therapy profession by shaping and implementing policy, monitoring national developments and responding to changes in the external environment. You will lead RCSLT’s policy agenda on workforce matters, providing strategic advice on risks and opportunities to the CEO, Executive Team, Board, Committees and senior stakeholders.

As the policy lead on workforce-related initiatives, you will influence legislation, national funding and guidance across health, social care, education, and justice sectors. You will represent RCSLT at ministerial, government, parliamentary and external stakeholder meetings, as well as on national working groups and advisory boards, ensuring the profession’s voice is prominent in policy and decision-making.

You will build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, providing leadership to drive policy initiatives that promote the profession, influence government decisions, and enhance RCSLT’s national reputation. You will also develop strategic external partnerships to support RCSLT’s influencing priorities and serve as a resource for our members. Working collaboratively within the wider team, you will help increase RCSLT’s impact across all relevant sectors.

What we are looking for

You’ll bring experience of influencing health, education or social care at a national level and carry experience of policy research, consultation, development and analysis. The ideal candidate will have experience of building external professional networks as well as be able to effectively campaign and influence. The successful candidate will be able to research, analyse, interpret and present complex and detailed information for a variety of audiences with strong written and oral communication skills.

What we can offer you

 A competitive starting salary

Generous annual leave entitlement

Excellent staff training and development opportunities

Supportive and flexible working environment including, hybrid working arrangements

Generous Pension scheme

Life insurance cover

Season Ticket Loan scheme

Eye care voucher scheme

Family friendly employer including enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and more!

How to apply

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, or for more details about the role, please contact the HR Team.

For more information and to apply, please visit our careers page.

Closing date: Monday, 9 March 2026.

Interview dates: 19 and 20 March 2026 (at our London Bridge office).

Please note, there will be a task as part of the interview process.

We are committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive recruitment process. All applications are handled with strict confidentiality to protect your privacy and encourage openness throughout the process.

The RCSLT is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. We aim to embed equity, diversity, and belonging practices throughout our recruitment and selection procedures. We strive to ensure everyone is valued equally for their contribution, experience, knowledge, and skills. We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds.

We are a looking to appoint a Community Programmes Manager who can manage teams and ensure delivery of quality services effectively to meet targets and service specifications. They will be expected to work collaboratively with partners, manage resources and budgets, and report consistently to commissioners and funders to ensure services are delivering impact and affecting change.

Reporting to the Programmes Director, you will work closely to support strategic development of interventions that lead to better outcomes for individuals and communities; as well as building Public Voice’s reputation as a leader in designing and delivering community programmes.

About the team​

The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.

The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
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About this role

The Research and Evidence Officer is a new and exciting role at Impetus, an organisation at the forefront of youth policy. Impetus is evidence led and impact focused and we take this approach to our policy and public affairs activity. 

The successful candidate will provide the robust data and insights needed to help us build a better understanding of young people’s experiences across education and employment, support colleagues by providing accurate data, analysis and insight that informs policy development and communication designed to improve their outcomes, and support the team to create compelling cases for change tailored to a range of audiences. They will be line managed by the Head of Education Policy but work across both employment and education policy domains. 

We are a busy team doing interesting and exciting work. Day-to-day you might be extracting insights from government published data, providing evidence for a policy briefing, drafting a report for a policy audience, or working with colleagues from across the team to communicate research findings in impactful ways, following agreed templates, processes and quality standards, and seeking clarification where needed.

We are looking for someone with a commitment to supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get the support they need for a fulfilling life, whatever that means to them. You will have good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, have the skills required to analyse a range of data sets, including confidence applying quantitative research methods to conduct primary and secondary analysis of large and complex datasets, and the ability to present research findings clearly.

This is an exciting time to join a rapidly growing organisation. We work on tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds including reducing the numbers losing learning though absence and exclusion, improving GCSE attainment in English and maths and ensuring youth employment provision reaches those furthest away from work. Your contribution to this work will have a tangible impact
on these and other areas.

We are keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.

We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find the link on the recruitment pack.

Key responsibilities
• Monitor monthly data releases and new research published across our areas of interest and record relevant information accurately following agreed templates and systems
• Use quantitative and qualitative research skills to support and contribute to the delivery of a range of research projects and reviews, conduct data analysis, and generate robust evidence across relevant policy areas and portfolio partner activity
• Translate complex data accurately into accessible reports, briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and other content ensuring accuracy, clarity and adherence to organisational templates and approval processes
• Use research findings to provide accurate evidence and summaries that support colleagues in developing policy positions, evaluating proposals, and proposing evidence-based solutions
• Prepare accurate briefing materials and background notes to support senior colleagues on relevant policy areas ahead of meetings and events (speaking events, roundtables, and senior-level stakeholder meetings)
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop content for external priority audiences to maintain and grow the profile of policy work, by preparing draft summaries, data points and visuals in line with agreed templates and style guides
• Support the policy team in gathering, organising, summarising and using evidence from portfolio partners
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing packs, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Support the Heads of Policy to build and maintain relationships with researchers, academics, and the education sector by writing briefings, maintaining a contact database, and representing Impetus’ interests at events
• Collaborate with peers to meet deadlines and deliver results, ask for clarification when needed, share information promptly, and work cooperatively to meet deadlines.

Person specification

​Essential​
• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and how these can be applied to policy and practice
• Ability to support the development of research tools including surveys, interview guides, and tailored data collection plans
• Experience of analysing data and evidence (quantitative and qualitative), including working with large or complex datasets ensuring accuracy and following agreed guidance
• Experience using statistical or data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, R, Stata, SPSS, or similar)
• Ability to interpret research findings and translate complex data into clear, accessible outputs to improve clarity for non-technical audiences (e.g. briefings, reports, presentations)
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate, and well-structured content for policy or public audiences which are in line with agreed templates and processes
• Ability to gather and summarise evidence that supports colleagues in developing policy positions and decision-making
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously. Able to follow established processes, manage own tasks, and maintain accurate records
• A commitment to working with collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and to contribute positively to a team-based working culture
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Desirable​

• Experience working in a policy, university or research environment, think tank, charity, or public sector environment
• An interest in education and/or employment policy and the use of evidence to drive systemic change and a willingness to build understanding
• Knowledge of the UK government and policy-making process, including the roles of departments, Parliament, and external stakeholders, and how research and evidence contribute to policy development and decision-making
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​About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today: ​

- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

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​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
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How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.​

You will need to:​

- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Purpose and responsibilities of the post

Reporting to the DARE UK Director, the Deputy Director is a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the programme’s next phase of impact.

The post-holder will provide intellectual and operational leadership across the programme, translating strategic ambition into executable plans while ensuring delivery at pace and scale. They will work across research communities, funders, infrastructure providers, technology partners and senior stakeholders across UKRI and government to embed community voice into the design of a UK-wide secure data research ecosystem.

This is a high-profile role requiring visible sector leadership, strong partnership-building capability and confidence operating at Board and executive level. The Deputy Director will deputise for the Director as required and play a central role in positioning DARE UK nationally and internationally.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Co-develop and evolve the DARE UK strategy, roadmap and future phases in response to emerging opportunities, policy developments and sector needs.

· Shape the long-term vision for a federated UK sensitive data research ecosystem, including shared standards for governance, ethics, metadata and interoperability.

· Identify strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to secure programme sustainability beyond the current phase.

· Represent DARE UK at senior forums, influencing policy, research and infrastructure agendas.

Programme Delivery and Oversight

· Lead end-to-end delivery of the programme, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives, commissioned work and measurable outcomes.

· Oversee commissioning, governance and performance management of programme activities and working groups.

· Ensure robust financial oversight, risk management and reporting in collaboration with HDR UK and UKRI partners.

· Maintain effective systems, governance structures and delivery frameworks across partner organisations.

Stakeholder and Community Leadership

· Build and sustain trusted relationships across UKRI councils, academia, government departments, devolved administrations, technical suppliers and public contributors.

· Convene and align diverse stakeholders to co-design standards, services and technical-social specifications.

· Lead strategic engagement and communications activity to secure sector-wide buy-in and adoption.

People and Organisational Leadership

· Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning programme management, communications, public involvement and engagement, and community engagement.

· Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture aligned with HDR UK values.

· Provide clarity, direction and stability in a complex and evolving landscape.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

· Senior leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments spanning research, government, infrastructure and/or technology.

· Proven track record of delivering large-scale, strategically significant programmes in fast-paced and ambiguous contexts.

· Experience working with executive teams, Boards and senior stakeholders, demonstrating sound judgement and political awareness.

· Strong strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate vision into structured delivery plans.

· Demonstrable experience influencing, negotiating and building consensus across diverse communities.

· Strong programme governance, risk management and financial oversight experience.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent programmes at national level.

· Effective line management experience, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-impact outcomes.

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) is a registered charity that brings together the UK’s leading health organisations, representing more than one million health professionals, to advocate for responses to climate change that protect and promote health. Through coordinated, collective action, the Alliance communicates the relationship between health and climate change to government, the public and other health professionals.

We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and professional Director with excellent policy, project management, and interpersonal skills, experience in strategic communications and change.  The right candidate ideally also has experience in advocacy, and a track record of building consensus and leading campaigns.  .

The Director will be responsible for the Alliance’s overall strategy, oversight of the communications, policy and public affairs programmes, projects, and engagement with Alliance members and key external stakeholders. They will work closely with the Chair and trustees and develop good working relationships with senior leaders and public affairs and communications teams from the membership organisations that make up the Alliance. As the sole employee, the Director needs the professional capacity to coordinate strategic and operational delivery across all areas of the charity and ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships. They will develop and lead a strategic focus to increase income generation and build a small team of staff to enable the organisation to continue to grow.