Public policy jobs

Senior Policy Advisor - Regions – Job Description 

Resolve Poverty is recruiting to a new Senior Policy Advisor – Regions role that will oversee the delivery of Resolve Poverty’s policy and systems change activities in several English regions and in Wales. You will also support the Chief Executive and Head of Policy and Research with our strategic approach to regional work, ensuring Resolve Poverty is positioned to influence and shape regional approaches to poverty across England and in the devolved nations.

You will join a high performing team that is increasingly shaping responses to poverty at a local and regional level and informing national policy. Building on our work exploring the role of regional government in tackling poverty and in building active regional anti-poverty networks, you will be excited about contributing to strategic development and managing and delivering policy and systems changes activities.

With a background in policy and systems change work, you will also bring strong organisational and planning skills with an ability to contribute to a long-term vision for this and Resolve Poverty’s wider work.

Particulars: 

• Location: Combination of homebased and working from Resolve Poverty’s offices in central Manchester. You will be expected to work from the office for at least two days per week. There is an expectation of travel across the country that comes with this role.

• Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). Part-time hours will be considered.

• Salary: Fulltime equivalent salary range is £41,500 to £47,500 (dependent on experience).

• Contract type: Permanent.

• Paid annual leave entitlement: 25 days excluding bank holidays. 

• Line management responsibilities: Management of Resolve Poverty’s regional systems change and coordination roles and incoming Wales Senior Policy Officer role. Reporting to: Head of Policy and Research.

Job description: 

Regional policy development 

• Supporting the development of Resolve Poverty’s policy and research work in respect of regional government.

• Ensuring Resolve Poverty’s regional policy work aligns with organisational agendas and development goals.

• Delivering policy and research outputs, including regional policy position papers with a view to shaping policy approaches in regions.

• Developing strong networks with policymakers and other stakeholders across various English regions.

Project and line management 

• Day-to-day line management of Resolve Poverty’s regional policy roles.

• Developing and delivering policy and research and other regional projects as required.

• Supporting regionally focused members of the team to deliver systems change and achieve other KPIs. 

• Overseeing KPI reporting relating to policy and research projects and KPIs relating to the work of direct line reports.

An effective team member 

• Contributing as an effective team member, including through attendance at regular team meetings.

• Supporting organisation wide outputs and activities, including Resolve Poverty’s Annual Conference.

Person specification: 

Education & Experience 

• Background: Degree in Public Policy, Economics, Social Sciences, or demonstrable equivalent experience in the social enterprise or non-profit sector. 

• Experience: 3+ years’ experience in a policy, public affairs, or research role, with experience of line management.

• Line management: Experience of line managing policy and/or advocacy/systems change roles.

Knowledge & Expertise 

• Influencing sub-nationally: Experiencing of working at a local, regional or devolved nation level through either policy, research or advocacy activities.

• Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of poverty and governance arrangements across the UK. This should include knowledge of the role and potential role of regional government in tackling poverty.

• Policy Landscape: Comprehensive knowledge of relevant local, regional and national policy areas. This should include knowledge of the UK social security system and areas of policy that Resolve Poverty currently focusses on.

Skills & Abilities 

• Communication & Influencing: Superb written and verbal communication skills. Confidence in presenting to a wide range of audiences and in engaging with policymakers, and building consensus across competing interests.

• Strategic Thinking: The ability to be ‘on the balcony’ where necessary, seeing the bigger pictures and identifying long-term opportunities, and develop proactive strategies that advance Resolve Poverty’s mission.

• Development: An appetite for engaging in Resolve Poverty’s development activities, working with the income generation team to identify and inform new partnerships and delivery opportunities.

• Project & Team Management: Excellent time management, with experience delivering and overseeing advocacy, policy and research activities. An ability to effectively manage a staff team working across a range of geographies. 

• Partnership Working: An ability to work effectively with partners, including funders and commissioners, providing timely and effective communication and identifying future collaboration opportunities.

Personal Attributes 

• Mission Alignment: A genuine passion for and commitment to Resolve Poverty’s mission and values. 

• Commitment to Inclusion: An embedded understanding of equality, diversity, and the importance of ensuring the voices of underrepresented groups inform policy design 

This role offers a unique opportunity to make this role your own and take the charity to the next level, with the full support of a dedicated, experienced team.

The successful candidate will ensure that the charity remains resilient and able to deliver on its commitment to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the people we serve.

The role is a mix of operational activity, day to day management and strategic thinking; with the continuous building and nurturing of external relationships with our NHS, public sector and not-for-profit stakeholders.

Working alongside a committed trustee board, skilled staff and volunteers, you will bring drive, experience and passion to the team. You’ll get terrific support from the outgoing postholder as needed, with the space to act and bring your own ideas to the forefront.

Asylum Matters is looking for a dynamic campaigner & policy manager committed to upholding the rights of people seeking asylum in Yorkshire & Humber and across the UK at a critical time.

Asylum Matters plays a significant role in working towards positive change for refugees and people seeking asylum. We are a small team based around the UK, working locally and nationally with an extensive network of partners to advocate for progressive change in the asylum system. We work with frontline organisations and people with lived experience across the UK on a range of issues that affect people in the asylum system. The Yorkshire & Humber Campaigns & Policy Manager will work with the grass roots organisations and established Asylum, Refugee and Migrants rights organisations across Yorkshire and Humber, and the amazing lived experience campaigners to drive change locally. They will also provide specialist policy resource to Asylum Matters nationally, sitting across our four national campaigns around asylum justice, accommodation, asylum support and working rights. Helping us respond to government policy proposals and develop and support our sectors approach to a progressive asylum system.

We are a facilitator of collaboration and joint action. Our work helps strengthen collective advocacy on asylum reform and ensures it is informed by the reality on the ground. We are rooted in communities and committed to playing our full part in shifting the narrative around asylum, and helping our communities develop their resilience and solidarity with people seeking asylum at the forefront of our work.

The successful candidate will work in partnership with local organisations and networks in Yorkshire & Humber to develop and implement strategies for achieving change locally and nationally. They will have experience of developing and delivering impactful campaigns that have achieved change. They will hold extensive experience in analysing and shaping asylum policy and support the policy work of Asylum Matters Nationally. They will be an effective communicator, able to build strong partnerships and work collaboratively with partners. They will be proactive, able to spot influencing opportunities and quickly mobilise support to respond to them. They will have a commitment to the vision of a fairer and more effective asylum system, and to empowering and working with those with direct experience of it.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of the UK asylum system, anyone with lived experience who meets the essential criteria will be granted an interview.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Application Instructions

Please submit your current CV, plus a supporting statement that details how you have the experience to meet the essential criteria within the Job Pack attached. Please note we don’t accept general covering letters, failure to submit a supporting statement that details how you meet each of the 8 essential criteria will disqualify your application.

In the four years since Martingale launched, we have now supported over 200 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our thirteen partner universities.

As Martingale grows, we are building our policy and advocacy function to shape the future of postgraduate access, affordability and outcomes. We are seeking a rigorous, proactive and collaborative Policy Manager to drive the monitoring, insight and evaluation that underpin our influence, and to support the development and implementation of our policy positions and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting to the Head of Communications and External Engagement, you will lead Martingale’s policy tracking, political intelligence, evidence generation, and evaluation and learning. You will turn a fast-moving external landscape into clear, actionable insight, and produce the evidence, analysis and draft materials that enable the Head and CEO to position Martingale credibly with funders, universities, the sector and government.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role with significant autonomy. You will own workstreams end-to-end, build systems and processes where they do not yet exist, and influence more senior colleagues and stakeholders. You will sit at the centre of a landmark research and policy programme and help deliver a campaign to implement the recommendations from Martingale’s major HESA-based research partnership, making the case that talent, not background, should determine who progresses to and thrives in postgraduate study.

We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Salary: £35,159 to £36,935 (starting salary range)

Working pattern: Full-time, Permanent (35 hours per week)

Pension: USS

Annual leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays, 3 well-being days, and a Christmas office closure

Location: Hybrid, flexible working model with an office located in central London. Occasional UK-wide travel for GHE and relevant events.

Reports to: Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International)

Purpose

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

Key Responsibilities 

Policy Analysis & Communication

1. Horizon Scanning: Monitor government departments (e.g., DSIT, DfE), funding and regulatory bodies (UKRI, Research England, OfS, Innovate UK), and other stakeholders for policy updates, funding calls, and consultation launches in relation to Research and Innovation policy.

2. Briefings: Produce concise policy briefings, data summaries, and position papers for GuildHE members and leadership on key Research and Innovation issues (e.g., REF, knowledge exchange, KEF, commercialisation, research culture, open research). Develop high-quality external reports, consultations, blogs and other materials articulating member challenges and opportunities.

3. Consultation Drafts: Assist senior policy colleagues in gathering evidence, analysing member feedback, collaborating with sector stakeholders, and drafting compelling arguments that articulate the unique perspectives of GuildHE institutions.

4. Share Best Practice: Identify case studies across the GHE membership to share best practice internally and externally and drive national conversations about new ways of working and operating in the sector.

5. Policy issues: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and institutional research and innovation policies indicated by the Head of Research Policy or Policy Manager (Research, Innovation, International).

Member Support & Consortium Coordination

1. Member Engagement: Maintain regular, positive communication with research and innovation leads across member institutions, fostering a collaborative network.  Support relevant GuildHE member networks, including the Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place network, promoting communication, collaboration, and best practice exchange to inform evidence-based policy development.

2. Member development: Provide support for timely implementation of good practice guidelines and associated resources, within agreed budgets. This includes assisting with members' business development initiatives, such as Research Degree Awarding Powers.

3. Event Delivery: Develop and deliver content for events including the GuildHE Research Consortium meetings, the Research and Knowledge Exchange Symposium, PGR Doctoral Festival, the PGR Network for global majority students and sandpits/match events, workshops and roundtables. 

4. Shared Services: Collaborate with other GHE teammates to maintain and deliver our shared services (i.e. research outputs repository, shared postgraduate online training, research impact tracking and researcher development tools) and explore new services in response to members’ needs

5. PGR Students: Develop and deliver initiatives for postgraduate students and early career researchers (e.g., our PGR Support Programme and associated student networks), working closely with the Policy Manager (Student Experience) to ensure postgraduate students are reflected in broader student support policies.

The postholder will also be expected to:

1. Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.

2. To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.

3. Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.

4. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions and sector agencies, including senior leaders, academics, and policy staff.

5. Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.

6. Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.

7. Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects and deputise for the Head of Research Policy or the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation and International) as appropriate.

8. Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.

Person Specification

Core Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships

• Clear, concise writing skills for drafting policy responses, reports, and emails to senior stakeholders with excellent attention to detail.

• Problem-solving, Influencing and advocacy skills 

• Ability to digest complex, lengthy policy documents and extract key themes relevant to GuildHE members.

• Confident digital skills and highly proficient user of computer packages including MS Office and G Suite

• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, adhere deadlines, and maintain project momentum. This includes the capacity to monitor progress, identify and mitigate potential risks, and proactively address challenges.

• Experience in using data and evidence to enhance and impact assess activities. 

• Facilitation and convening skills would be advantageous 

Core Attributes

• Ability to build professional relationships quickly and sustainably with members and a wide range of stakeholders

• Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail

• A collaborative, communicative and flexible team player who is also comfortable working independently.

• An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.

• An understanding of, or a keen interest in, the UK higher education sector, research funding landscape, or public policy.

• To be willing to travel across the UK for meetings with members, stakeholders and events and to work flexibly, when and where necessary.

Ideal Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of higher education policy, working in research and innovation and/or supporting a research environment. 

• Experience of developing policy positions and responses

• Experience in synthesising complex data and/or ideas

• Experience in supporting training and development

Job Advert

GuildHE is a formal representative body, representing diversity in the higher education sector and the widest variety of institution types across the UK.  We are undergoing an exciting period of transformation, evolving our policy approach and member-focused services to significantly increase our impact within the sector and ensure we’re providing timely, proactive support to our members as they address emerging 21st century challenges.  

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

If you think you can bring bold, creative and proactive energy to our small-and-mighty team to help take us to the next level, we want to hear from you!

Application closing date: Sunday 12th July

Interviews: Tuesday 21st July 

Please submit your cv and a cover letter via the jobs portal

Curious about the role? Please contact Dana Gamble, Policy Manager for more information

Liberty is looking for an exceptional Policy & Campaigns Officer with a strong understanding of civil liberties and human rights to join the team as we begin work on our exciting new three-year strategy.

This position in the Policy & Campaigns team plays a key role in developing and implementing Liberty’s policy and campaigning priorities: undertaking high-quality research, influencing decision-makers in Government and Parliament, building coalitions, producing policy and campaign materials, providing policy input to strategic litigation, and building public and political support for Liberty’s work.

We are seeking someone who holds Liberty’s values and ambitions close to their heart, as we work to ensure everyone in the United Kingdom is treated fairly, with dignity and respect. This is a key role in securing the long-term policy change needed to protect the human rights and civil liberties of everyone who lives in the UK.

Policy & Campaigns Officers monitor and respond to policy threats to our human rights frameworks, to our rights to protest and free speech, and to live free from discrimination. They work with political players and civil servants to steer policy and legislation. They produce high-quality, persuasive content and translate complex legal and policy arguments in a clear and compelling way for mass audiences. They lead and support networks of human rights and civil society organisations, lending expertise and building solidarity. We have worked with civil society to fight back against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023, and to see off threats to our Human Rights Act and Equality Act.

We are looking for a strategic thinker with strong political instincts who brings a collaborative approach to their work. You will have policy and research experience in human rights, or a related field. You will have a strong understanding of how to secure policy change in challenging political environments.

You will have a strong commitment to Liberty’s values and strategy.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the Westminster office.

The deadline for applications is 9am Wednesday 15 July 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held online on Thursday 30 July 2026

Second round interview will be held in Liberty’s Office on Wednesday 5 August 2026

Who we are

At Public Law Project (PLP), we work to champion fundamental rights and hold power to account. Our work has played a crucial role advancing fairness in our society. In recent years this has included:

• Fighting against the Rwanda deportation policy and the reneging on Windrush commitments
• Revealing the impact of DWP deductions to benefits and the lack of lawful consultation on cuts to disability benefits affecting 100,000 people
• Sector leading research warning against overreliance on remote advice as a substitute for in-person support and documenting unmet legal need of asylum-seekers in south-west England
• Preventing the implementation of draconian and unconstitutional anti protest laws
• Being a leading voice on public sector use of AI

About Public Law Project

We are researchers, lawyers, trainers and public law policy experts. The aim of all of our work is to make sure that state decision-making is fair and lawful and that anyone can hold the state to account.

For over 30 years we have represented and supported people marginalised through poverty, discrimination or disadvantage when they have been affected by unlawful state decision-making.

The role

This is an important role at the heart of PLP. You will help our leadership team and governance structures work smoothly and effectively, enabling senior colleagues to make the best use of their time in delivering PLP’s mission. You will support governance functions and create opportunities for colleagues to connect, collaborate and strengthen the sense of community at PLP.

We are looking for someone who is highly organised and detail oriented with strong communication skills. You will build relationships with a wide range of people including external partners, people in senior roles and new and junior colleagues. You will enjoy being a catalyst for team impact, supporting collaborative leadership and helping to promote and sustain a thriving culture.

We welcome applications from a wide range of people with relevant skills or experience. We are happy to explore different flexible working arrangements including shaping regular hours around caring responsibilities.

As part of our commitment to recruit fairly we use anonymised-selection processes until interview, offer additional interview opportunities to the highest-scoring candidates from under-represented communities, and use ‘tie-breaker’ provisions at all stages of our selection process.

Do you want to stand up for people and drive real improvements at work?

As an Organiser, you’ll represent members across the rail and transport sector, both individually and collectively — providing advice, managing cases, and leading negotiations with employers to secure strong, meaningful outcomes.

You’ll play a central role in resolving workplace issues, upholding members’ rights, and delivering results through effective representation.

Alongside this, you’ll lead recruitment, organising and campaigning activity that grows membership, builds collective strength, and supports lay reps and activists to develop confident, self-sustaining workplace organisation. You’ll also work with community partners to deliver visible campaigns that promote TSSA’s vision for public transport — affordable, safe, and designed around the needs of local communities. Equality will be central to your work, ensuring the union reflects and represents all its members.

Programme Manager
£60,000–£72,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Join The Borrow Foundation and help improve children's oral health worldwide. We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead our international grant-making programmes, build strategic partnerships and work with organisations including the World Health Organization to reduce oral health inequalities.

ROLE

The Programme Manager will play a key, hands-on operational role in the development, delivery, and management of the Foundation’s grant-making portfolio, including collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), advocacy initiatives, and support for oral health meetings and events. Working closely with the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO), trustees, grant applicants, research partners, and funded organisations, the postholder will lead the coordination and management of the grant programmes.

In addition to oversing grant programme delivery, the role will play a key part in promoting the Foundation’s research activities, funding opportunities, partnerships, and impact across the oral health, research, charitable, and wider stakeholder communities. The postholder will help strengthen the Foundation’s profile and visibility, support stakeholder engagement, and develop strategic relationships that enhance the reach and impact of the Foundation’s work. The role may require occasional national and international travel.

Reporting lines

The Programme Manager will report to the Director of Finance and Operations and will have one direct report.

Key responsibilities

Grant programme management

• Lead the operational management and delivery of the Foundation’s grant programmes and other funding activities, supporting global and regional initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with funded organisations, researchers, applicants, academic institutions, charities, and external stakeholders including the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Manage the grant programme timelines, processes, and workflows to ensure effective and timely delivery.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of grant-making processes, policies, and systems.
• Prepare application summaries, briefing papers, and assessment documentation for Board and panel review.
• Liaise closely with the DFO, trustees, reviewers, and assessment panels to facilitate fair and robust grant assessment and decision-making processes.
• Communicate funding decisions and feedback to applicants professionally and sensitively.
• Support the DFO and trustees in strategic planning activities relating to the grant programme.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen programme impact, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.
• Monitor funded projects and evaluate programme outcomes and impact against strategic objectives.

Grant promotion, communications and stakeholder engagement

• Lead the development and delivery of communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, including website content, social media, impact reports, promotional materials, and stakeholder communications.
• Represent the Foundation at conferences, meetings, workshops, and sector events, delivering presentations and speaking on matters relating to the Foundation’s work where appropriate.

Governance and Board support

• Support Board and committee processes, including agenda planning, report preparation, governance documentation, and presenting key programme updates where required.
• Contribute to drafting meeting minutes and maintaining accurate records relating to governance, programme, and grant-making activities.  

Enquiries and organisational support

• Manage programme-related enquiries and support the effective day-to-day operation of the Foundation.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience in public health, health sciences, charity management, research administration, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the oral health or public health field
• Understanding of grant-making and research funding environments, including academic partnerships and peer review processes.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, applicants, trustees, and partner organisations.
• Organisational and programme management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team environment, exercising sound judgement.
• Good IT and digital communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience supporting Boards, committees, or governance structures.
• Sound understanding of research funding processes, peer review, or grant assessment methodologies.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating funded programmes and demonstrating impact.
• Postgraduate qualification in public health, global health or a related discipline.

The Advocacy Director holds primary responsibility for delivering ECC’s advocacy strategy internationally and within the UK. This strategy aims to ensure states’ legal obligations on casualty recording are recognised and upheld globally, and that casualty data is used effectively to shape policy responses to conflict.

ECC’s advocacy work is focused primarily within the human rights and humanitarian multilateral fora in Geneva, but also incorporates work with New York-based UN targets within the security field. In parallel, as a UK-based organisation, we seek to influence domestic decision-makers including those within the FCDO, MoD, and parliament.

The Advocacy Director will be ECC's most senior external face after the Executive Director. As a key figure within a small organisation, the Advocacy Director will lead advocacy activity directly, building and stewarding relationships with state delegations, UK parliamentarians, UN officials, and civil society partners. The role requires exceptional political judgment, fluency across both multilateral and Westminster environments, and the credibility to represent ECC at the most senior national and international levels.

Note: This role is being advertised at the same time as the Executive Director role, as both functions were previously filled by the same person. Candidates can apply for the Advocacy Director role alone, or apply for both roles to combine as a full-time position. Please see full details in the Executive Director job description and advert.

Goodman Masson are partnered with a highly respected, award-winning Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) in North London to find a skilled and proactive Finance Manager.

Educating over 2,500 pupils across a close-knit family of primary and secondary schools, our client is dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities within vibrant, diverse communities. Recently recognised nationally for their exceptional educational outcomes and community outreach, they provide a highly collaborative and supportive central services team environment where your work directly impacts the success of young people.

As the Finance Manager, you will support the monitoring and control of Trust spend, working closely with the Finance Director to successfully manage budgets and incoming resources, whilst delivering the highest standards of customer service to the academies in the Trust and other stakeholders.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day finance transactions, including banking, management accounts review and reconciliation, debtor management and reporting, and the administration and development of the finance system. This includes close working with the Accounts Payable team to ensure robust financial control, compliance and efficiency across all academies within the Trust.

You will provide a stable, flexible and resilient service that supports leadership in delivering value for money and strong financial stewardship across all income streams received by the Trust. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Control & Accounting: Lead month-end close procedures, balance sheet reconciliations, and correction journals. Maintain the fixed asset register and calculate annual depreciation in line with academy financial reporting standards.
• Budgeting & Income Management: Partner with the Finance Director to advise academy budget holders, manage self-generated income streams (including debt management/reporting), and oversee compliance for the 6th form bursary payment process.
• Cash & Compliance: Direct daily banking reconciliations, cash-flow forecasting, and monthly VAT 126 return submissions to HMRC.
• Systems & Operational Support: Act as the super-user and administrator for the Trust’s finance system—providing training to staff and stepping in to support the Accounts Payable team during peak periods.
• Procurement: Oversee the Trust’s centralised contract register to support timely renewals, compliance with procurement policy, and value-for-money principles.
• Audit & Governance: Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and support the internal scrutiny and external annual audit processes by providing clean evidence.
• Academy Partnering: Spend time out at the local academy sites to assist with school trip costings, build visibility, and strengthen financial understanding across the school. 

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Sector Experience: Prior finance experience within an educational setting, academy trust, local authority, or the wider public/not-for-profit sector is highly desirable but not essential.
• Technical Strength: A strong foundation in management accounts preparation, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial control frameworks.
• System Savvy: Excellent IT skills, particularly with modern finance software/ERP systems, and the ability to train/support other users.
• Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to academic leaders and senior trustees who may not have a finance background.
• Flexibility: A collaborative mindset with a willingness to travel to different academy locations in North London as required.

The Salary range is £45,000 - £53,000 + Excellent benefits including Local Government Pension Scheme. 

You will be predominately based in the trusts Head Office (Edmonton / Enfield area) with some travel to the academy sites which are local to the office. 

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, therefore please apply ASAP with your CV to ensure you are considered. 

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Policy Manager
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £44,167 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office.

The Vacancy

The Policy and Communications Manager will act as a driving force behind our visibility and impact across key policy areas, bringing lived and learned experiences to the heart of our influencing. This role will work to elevate our profile, transforming our evidence and expertise into impactful communications and influencing strategies to build a momentum for meaningful policy, legislative and social change.

This position will bridge the gap between NCB’s evidence-based policy development and national advocacy, translating complex policy issues into powerful narratives that resonate with decision-makers and galvanise wider support. The role will manage and deliver key elements of NCB’s core work across policy and communications, lead the delivery of funded projects and provide robust project management, and actively contribute to project proposals and income generation.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 08:00am, Friday 10th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

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 actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Job title: Policy Specialist (Audits and Technology)
Area of work: Audit & Assurance Policy / Technology Policy
Contract type: Permanent
Employment type: Full-time
Salary: £69,000
Location: Birmingham(2 days on site per week)
Annual leave: 30 days plus bank holidays
Closing date: Friday 10th July

Overview
This is a uniqueopportunity to help shape the future of audit in the UK within a leadingindependent regulator for audit, reporting and governance at a pivotal momentof technological change.
As a PolicySpecialist, you will play a key role in developing policy and guidance on theuse of emerging technologies, including AI - within audit and assurance.Working at the intersection of audit, regulation and innovation, you will helpensure technology is adopted in a way that enhances audit quality and supportseconomic growth.
You will contribute toa high-profile and evolving policy agenda, translating complex technicaldevelopments into clear, practical guidance for the audit profession. This roleoffers exposure to international standard-setting bodies, senior stakeholders andmultidisciplinary teams across the regulatory landscape.
This position is idealfor candidates with a background in audit, accounting policy, or technology/AIpolicy who are keen to step into a forward-looking role where intellectualcuriosity, writing ability and stakeholder engagement are critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the drafting of guidance on the application of technology in audit, including AI and emerging tools
• Translate complex technical and policy concepts into clear, practical and accessible written outputs
• Engage with audit firms, technology providers, regulators and international bodies to gather insight and influence thinking
• Contribute to the development of UK audit and assurance policy in response to technological change
• Support and influence international standard setters across audit, assurance and ethics
• Collaborate across internal teams to ensure a consistent regulatory approach to audit technology
• Monitor developments in AI and other emerging technologies, assessing implications for audit quality and standards
• Build and maintain a strong professional network across the audit, regulatory and technology landscape

Skills &Experience Required
Essential

• Qualified accountant or demonstrable expertise in technology / AI policy
• Strong understanding of auditing and ethical standards in the UK or strong understanding of technology policy frameworks
• Knowledge of emerging technologies relevant to audit, particularly AI (including generative or agentic AI)
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex ideas
• Experience engaging with stakeholders across professional, regulatory or technical environments
• Ability to interpret technical material and distil underlying principles into policy-relevant outputs
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

• Experience within a regulator, standard setter, Big 4 firm or central policy function
• Understanding of how technology is applied in audit and associated policy challenges
• Experience contributing to policy development or standard-setting processes
• Exposure to international working groups or cross-border regulatory environments
• Interest in AI governance, AI safety or emerging regulatory frameworks

Person Specification

• Outstanding written communicator
• Intellectually curious, with a strong interest in emerging technology
• Proactive and adaptable, able to operate in a developing policy area
• Strong analytical thinker, comfortable working with nuanced and complex topics
• Confident engaging and influencing a wide range of stakeholders
• Collaborative team player, able to work effectively in a flat team structure
• Open to development and stepping into a growing, evolving policy discipline

The Team
You will join ahigh-impact policy function within a UK regulator, working at the forefront ofthinking on technology in audit and assurance.
This is a rareopportunity to help shape a new and rapidly emerging policy area at theintersection of audit and AI, with significant scope for growth andprofessional development.
The organisationoffers:

• A progressive and high-profile regulatory environment
• Opportunities to contribute to international standard setting
• A strong commitment to flexibility and work/life balance
• A collaborative and inclusive culture with clear public interest purpose

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This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.

The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
• Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis  translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
• Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
• Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence  including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
• Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
• Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
• Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network

About The Difference

• Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.

About You

Essential

• Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
• Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
• Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
• Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
• Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
• Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired

• Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
• Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
• Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
• Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
• Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.