Research and policy officer jobs in london, greater london
We are recruiting for a member of the Policy and Research team to help provide hard-hitting evidence to deliver our mission for more affordable, greener transport solutions.
- £29,000-£38,000 (dependent on experience level and appropriate seniority), 8 per cent pension, generous annual leave and life insurance
- Full-time, permanent
- Location: Southwark and flexible home working
Campaign for Better Transport is the leading national charity championing the need for integrated, sustainable and affordable transport. This role will play a significant part in our Policy and Research team and will be responsible for developing and evidencing our policy work to underpin our campaigning, influencing and communications.
The successful candidate will have experience in policy research, a good understanding of quantitative and qualitative research, the ability to develop and utilise appropriate research methods and excellent data analysis skills. They will also have an understanding of Westminster, national, regional and local policy development and delivery processes.
We are open to levels of seniority between officer and manager level, and will appoint the most suitable person to the post, depending on experience.
Key responsibilities include:
- Research
- Managing and working on research projects that utilise both quantitative and qualitative methods, including drafting and analysing surveys, statistical data analysis, and organising and leading focus groups and expert workshops
- Drafting written reports, including analysis of the research findings and the policy context, and developing recommendations for policymakers.
- Policy
- Developing and disseminating the charity’s policy positions based on robust evidence and analysis
- Managing the delivery of written materials including policy briefings, letters, consultation responses and inquiry submissions.
- External facing
- Supporting external communications, including blog writing and acting as a media spokesperson
- Maintaining effective working relationships and attending meetings with key partners and stakeholders
- Representing the charity externally at conferences, roundtables and other events.
Person specification
To succeed in this role, you will need:
- An undergraduate qualification (transport, policy or politics related would be a bonus)
- Experience in a similar role (a minimum of one year for the Policy Researcher role, including internships, and three years for the Policy Research Manager role)
- Understanding of quantitative and qualitative research and ability to develop and utilise appropriate research methods
- Excellent data analysis skills (ability to use data analytical tools desirable)
- Ability to lead workshops and roundtables
- Understanding of Westminster, national, regional and local policy development and delivery processes
- Understanding of the major issues in sustainable transport (desirable for the Policy Researcher role and essential for the Policy Research Manager role)
- Experience of working effectively with stakeholders from different sectors
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Engaging verbal and written communication style tailored for different audiences
- Confident public speaker and ability to persuade and network effectively
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet often competing deadlines
- Strong work planning and prioritisation skills
- Proven ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy of communications.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.
Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK.
We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.
We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.
Responsibilities and Person Specification:
This role is an exciting opportunity to play a key role providing expert analysis and conducting research on the high essential costs facing older people in financial hardship and advocating for policy change in this area. As part of the Policy and Influencing directorate, you will contribute to strategic thinking, lead research and policy development projects using a range of methods and work across the directorate to build relationships and secure change.
You should have experience of driving forward a policy theme, including identifying policy problems, developing credible and evidence based solutions and working towards securing change. Strong research and analysis skills are essential, with excellent communication and project management skills. We are looking for experience of working independently as well as collaborating effectively across a high performing influencing function. Most importantly, a passion to change things for older people experiencing financial hardship, and the confidence to hear and incorporate their perspectives and insights into your work mean that this role could be for you.
For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.
This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight.
What it’s like to work at Independent Age:
We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.
We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.
We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.
You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).
To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.
Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. The role also requires a basic DBS certificate.
Closing Date: Sunday 5 October at 11:59pm
Interview Dates: Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th October via Microsoft Teams
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
United For Global Mental Health is seeking a Consultant to deliver the following project:
Project: Policy brief - Integration of mental health into heat action policy
Objective: Research and author a policy briefing on how mental health can be best integrated into heat action policy
Location: Global remote (based anywhere with preference for +-8h GMT)
Scope This policy brief will:
(i) outline how mental health considerations currently feature in heat policies (operationalization of what will be considered a “heat policy” in terms of geographical remit (e.g., national vs municipal) and in terms of policy (e.g., Heat Action Plan, Heat Health Action Plan etc) to be decided together with consultant)
(ii) describe at least 6 case studies (one case study per WHO region) of the successful integration of mental health considerations into heat adaptation and responses;
(iii) provide concrete recommendations for policymakers (with a focus on policymakers working on heat policies, e.g., municipal policymakers working on heat or on relevant topics (e.g., urban development or housing), stakeholders in the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, heat officers in cities, civil protection agencies, meteorological agencies, etc.)
Proposed budget cap
10,000 GBP (inclusive of VAT/sales tax)
Services
The services provided by the consultant will include:
- Conduct a narrative review (max. 10 pages) of how mental health features in heat policies [expected time: approximately 10 working days]
- Liaise with the team at Columbia University to consider how to translate the academic paper: A Critical Gap in Addressing Mental Health in Heat-Health Action Plans Worldwide into the policy brief [expected time: approximately 2 working days]
- Coordinate a call for case studies (e.g., on UnitedGMH social media such as LinkedIn, the Global Mental Health Action Network Circle platform, and via targeted outreach to specific climate and health or heat and health communities) looking at the integration of mental health considerations into heat policies. This would also include lived experience accounts. This would entail coordinating the collection, selection, and write-up of the case studies. [expected time: approximately 5 working days]
- In conjunction with the activity above, conduct a scoping exercise/desk review to identify examples of case studies on the integration of mental health considerations into heat policies to identify other possible case studies. If possible this should also include the collection of financial data to make a financial case for the integration of mental health into heat policies [expected time: approximately 5 working days]
- Coordinate the process of developing recommendations from experts (expert identification to be supported by UnitedGMH) on the integration of mental health into heat policies via (i) a virtual roundtable; (ii) a written feedback process on the recommendations.
- Write-up policy brief (max. 20 pages) which should at a minimum include: (i) a snapshot of how mental health currently features in heat policies; (ii) at least 5 case studies of ways in which mental health has been integrated in heat policies; (iii) recommendations (including specific language recommendations) for the integration of mental health into heat policies (these should be aligned with existing guidance, e.g., WHO guidance on Heat Health Action Plans) [expected time: approximately 10 days]
- The consultant will be supervised by Alessandro Massazza (United for Global Mental Health), Robbie Parks (Columbia University), and Emma Lawrance (Climate Cares Centre). In additional, the project team will collaborate closely with the authors of this paper: A Critical Gap in Addressing Mental Health in Heat-Health Action Plans Worldwide
The consultant will be appropriately referenced in all outputs (e.g., authorship on the report etc.).
We may consider transforming the report into an academic publication which the consultant would be welcome to contribute to (based on their capacity). This would however not be part of the deliverables.
Timeline
- 1st November 2025: Project start
- 1st January 2026: Conclusion of narrative review and coordination with Columbia (steps 1&2) and launch of call for case studies
- 1st March 2026: Call for case studies closing and end of desk review work on collection of case studies (steps 3&4)
- 1st April 2026: Conclusion of recommendation development process via expert consensus (step 5)
- 1st May 2026: Conclusion of write-up of policy brief
- Mid-June (ideally during SB64): Launch of report
At Ambitious about Autism we're currently looking for a Senior Prospect Researcher to join our team.
You will be critical in strategically driving our growth, improving practices and increasing efficiency, through guiding and supporting colleagues across the fundraising department. You will work particularly closely with the Major Donor, Trusts and Foundations and Corporate Teams to help grow pipelines and bring to the forefront the most exciting opportunities.
You'll develop processes and tools relating to prospect research, such as pipeline management and prospect propensity evaluations. You'll also lead regular pipeline review meetings to support, guide and motivate fundraisers to drive movement through pipelines.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Proven experience of identifying and qualifying potential new major donors, trusts, senior volunteers and corporates, resulting in further income for the organisation
- Proven experience in communicating effectively and presenting data, information, trends and recommendations effectively with a wide range of audiences
- Experience of forming, maintaining and growing working relationships and ability to influence and persuade
- An understanding of trends and developments across the high value fundraising sector, as well as prospect research
In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.
Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
We stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights and create opportunities.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior Policy Research Manager
Permanent
Salary: £45,000 - £47,000 per annum, plus benefits
London N1
Full time – 37.5 hours a week
We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.
Closing date: 5pm, 5th October 2025
First Interviews: w/c 13th October 2025
Second Interviews: 21st and 22nd October 2025
It’s an exciting time to join World Cancer Research Fund International’s policy team as we develop the next phase of our policy tools and resources. WCRF International leads and unites a global network of cancer prevention charities based in Europe and the Americas, providing the science, policy, and strategic direction that guides their work to prevent cancer worldwide.
We are recruiting a Senior Policy Research Manager to lead WCRF’s flagship policy tools, including NOURISHING, MOVING and the Blueprint for Cancer Prevention. You will translate the latest science into actionable policy recommendations, deliver high-quality research projects, and represent WCRF externally to maximise our national and international impact.
We are looking for a candidate with strong policy research expertise, experience in evidence-based advocacy, and the ability to turn complex science into clear policy solutions. You will bring an innovative approach, including exploring new methods such as AI, and be skilled at working across teams and with external stakeholders.
You will have a proven track record in managing policy tools or research projects, building collaborations and engaging senior decision-makers. Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder skills are essential to support WCRF’s strategy and enhance the influence of the Policy & Public Affairs team.
Application Details:
If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.
Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF International and equip you for the role.Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
WCRF is a UK cancer prevention charity. We look at how diet, weight and physical activity affect the risk of developing and surviving cancer.
Help shape national debates on justice and champion the voice of magistrates.
We’re looking for a Policy and Research Officer to join the Magistrates’ Association and turn evidence into influence.
The MA is the only independent membership body for magistrates in England and Wales. With around 12,000 members, we speak truth to power, support our members, and advocate for a fairer and more effective justice system.
This is a varied, fast-paced role where no two days are the same. One day you might be writing a briefing for a parliamentary inquiry or drafting a consultation response; the next you could be analysing survey data, supporting one of our national policy committees, or working with colleagues to launch a new advocacy report in the media.
You’ll be joining a small, supportive team where your ideas can have real impact. Recent projects have tackled judicial diversity, recognition for magistrates, reform of the Single Justice Procedure, and access to justice for disabled magistrates. Your work will help shape the future of the magistracy — and through it, the wider justice system.
We’re looking for someone with strong research and analytical skills, excellent writing and communication, and the ability to grasp complex issues quickly. If you’re passionate about justice and want to see your work influence real-world change, this role is for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About us:
Are you passionate about financial capability? Join us to develop knowledge, resources and tools that are accessible to all!
At The London Foundation for Banking & Finance (LFBF), our story began in 1879 when a group of visionary bank workers set out to elevate professional standards and leadership in the industry. Over the past 145 years, we became a recognised leader in financial services education, offering industry-leading qualifications and setting the gold standard for professional competency.
In 2023 we entered an exciting new chapter as an independent charity, revitalising and refocusing our mission to improve financial capability and empower professionals in the sector. We are now seeking a passionate leader to join our Chief Executive and senior management team on an interim basis to cover a period of family leave.
Our charitable objective is the advancement of knowledge and education in financial services, and to carry out research and publish useful results for the benefit of the public. In doing so, we seek to improve levels of financial literacy and skills, as well as support those working within or considering a career in the financial services industry.
Our objective is just as relevant, perhaps even more so, today as it has been in our long history. If you're inspired to make a real impact and contribute to the advancement of financial knowledge for the benefit of society, we want to hear from you.
About the role:
In this senior research professional role, you will be instrumental in executing strategic objectives, specifically through the delivery of a comprehensive research strategy that aligns with our charitable objects and goals. You will work closely with the Director of Communications to support content creation initiatives with research and evidence.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior research professional who is looking to apply their expertise in a strategic leadership role while enjoying both the flexibility of hybrid working and flexible part-time hours.
Key Responsibilities:
- Delivering the research strategy ensuring alignment with our charitable goals.
- Developing, conducting and managing research projects, content creation and storytelling.
- Implement and report on LFBF’s newly developed impact measurement framework.
- Communicate research findings by presenting at conferences, workshops and seminar.
- Communicate with stakeholders and maintain partnerships
You will have:
- Worked in a senior Research role, preferably at Director level.
- Proven experience in developing, delivering or overseeing research projects, including sourcing funding and sponsorship
- Deep understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Ideally in-depth knowledge of the charity’s focus area, financial capability, to guide relevant and impactful research although we are open to different research specialisms with applicability/ relevance to financial capability.
- Experience in content creation, storytelling, and managing multi-channel content delivery, such as podcasts.
- Project management skills to oversee research plans, and expertise in identifying and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
What we offer:
- An opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of the strategy of the charity.
- A collaborative, adaptable and supportive work environment where integrity and innovation are valued.
- Competitive compensation based on your experience and the charity sector
- Hybrid working – work from home and work from our London office based in the City: we’d like you to be in the office on two fixed days a month (Thursday) but otherwise we’re flexible.
- Flexible working days and times: We’re happy to be flexible as we trust you to get things done
- We recognise that physical, mental and financial wellbeing is important:
- so enjoy our generous annual leave (31 days plus bank holidays for full time hours, pro rata for part time hours) – which increases further after two and five years’ service. You can also buy and sell annual leave.
- join our Private Medical insurance scheme.
- provision of generous life insurance cover, to provide financial security to your loved ones should the worst happen.
If you meet the requirements of the role and are looking for a new challenge, then submit your covering letter and CV using the Quick Apply button above.
Please note LFBF does not hold a sponsor licence so is unable to offer a Skilled Worker Visa for this role.
The London Foundation for Banking & Finance, a charity incorporated by Royal Charter, dedicated to supporting knowledge and lifelong education.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Research Team is pivotal to ensuring that research funded by Children with Cancer UK is at the
forefront of the children and young person’s cancer research area. You will have the opportunity to be at
the cutting edge of cancer research in children and young people and work closely with members of the
scientific community, surrounded by people working towards the same mission.
The post-holder will be responsible for line managing 2-3 members of the Research Team, providing them
with support and identifying areas and opportunities for them to expand and develop their experience
and skillset.
Our vision is a world where every child and young person child survives cancer.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Would you like to make a difference?
We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual to join our team as Executive and Policy Assistant. This is a varied and rewarding role, working directly with the CEO and closely with our Communications and Impact team.
You will provide vital support to the CEO by managing diaries, coordinating meetings and events, preparing briefings and presentations, and acting as a key contact for staff, funders, supporters and the Board. You will also play a hands-on role in our policy and campaigning work — carrying out research, drafting communications and helping to ensure the voices of children, young people and adults with dyslexia are heard at every level.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a busy, purpose-driven environment, can balance multiple priorities, and wants to use their skills to make a meaningful difference for the dyslexia community.
Please carefully review the job description (attached below) for full responsibiliites of the role and essential skills required.
Location - Hybrid - this role is primarily home-based (UK), with the requirement to work from our office in Bracknell once a month, and to travel to London at least once a week, or as needed.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Interview schedule - first stage will take place on Monday 13 October 2025, with second stage taking place on Thursday 16 October 2025.
To change society by removing barriers so that everyone with dyslexia can reach their full potential in education, in employment and in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to use your research skills to influence real change?
The Race Equality Foundation is an evidence-based charity working to dismantle systemic racism and improve outcomes for Black, Asian, and ethnically minoritised communities across the UK. We generate and share knowledge, influence policy and practice, and deliver programmes that make a tangible impact.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Researcher or Senior Researcher who is passionate about using evidence to tackle racism and inequality. Organised, reflective, and inquisitive, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering the Foundation’s research and policy work.
You will develop and lead projects exploring the persistence of racial inequalities and their consequences, identifying and sharing good practice, and developing potential solutions. Central to the way we work are intersectional and participatory approaches that place the voices of those with lived experience at the heart of our research, and you will be instrumental in embedding these principles in the projects you manage.
As part of the role, you’ll also take a leading role in disseminating findings to diverse audiences, influencing policy and practice, and developing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including central and local government, funders, and voluntary and community sector partners.
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to impactful research, inform systemic change, and be part of a collaborative, values-driven organisation dedicated to tackling racial inequality.
Why work with us?
You’ll join a values-driven organisation where your work directly contributes to racial justice. We offer:
-
Generous annual leave – 25 days rising to 31 after five years, plus bank holidays
-
Above-statutory employer pension contributions
-
Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) to support your wellbeing
-
Opportunities to work on impactful, high-profile research projects
-
A collaborative, supportive, and inclusive working environment
How to apply
Apply via our online recruitment portal, submitting your application form and supporting statement.
Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025
Interview date: Monday 13th October 2025
Tackling racism, transforming lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you organised, detail-focused, and passionate about making a difference?
Join the Race Equality Foundation, a national charity working to tackle racism and improve the lives of Black, Asian, and ethnically minoritised communities. We produce cutting-edge research, influence policy, and deliver innovative programmes that create real change.
We are looking for someone who wants to use their developing administrative and research skills to tackle racism and inequality. Organised, methodical and curious, you will support the research and policy related work of the Race Equality Foundation.
From organising interviews and roundtable discussions, to facilitating online and in person meetings, and ensuring high quality record keeping and data management; you will be crucial to the Foundation’s work in exploring the persistence of racial inequalities and their consequences and developing solutions.
Key to the way we work are both intersectionality and participatory approaches that centre the voices of those with lived experience, and you will facilitate this in the projects you work on. You will support our dissemination activities to a range of audiences, and our relationships with stakeholders, including central and local government and our voluntary and community sector partners.
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and be part of a collaborative, supportive team committed to tackling racial inequality.
Why work with us?
At the Race Equality Foundation, you’ll join a passionate team that values inclusion and wellbeing. We offer:
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Generous annual leave – 25 days rising to 31 after five years, plus bank holidays
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Above-statutory employer pension contributions
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Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) for health and wellbeing support
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Ongoing training and development opportunities
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A friendly, flexible, and collaborative working environment
How to apply
Apply via our online recruitment portal, submitting your application form and supporting statement.
Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025 5pm
Interview date: Friday 3rd October 2025
Tackling racism, transforming lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Impetus
Our vision is for a society where all young people, regardless of their background, can thrive in school, secure crucial qualifications, and take their first steps into the world of work on the journey to sustained employment in adulthood, for a fulfilling life.
As a leading impact funder, since 2002, Impetus has been helping the best leaders build stronger organisations delivering the most promising interventions that support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed against the odds. We do this by using our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact, 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 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.
These are challenges that are faced by all young people, but they disproportionately affect young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
About the role
Are you passionate about giving all young people the best chance in life? Are you a brilliant influencer and communicator who relishes harnessing great policy, research and communications to realise social change? Do you want to work in a pioneering charity with impact at its core?
Then this could be the role for you. At Impetus we are looking for our next Director of Public Affairs, someone who can inspire our brilliant Public Affairs team and spearhead our communications, policy and research work. This is an exciting senior role, joining our Senior Management Team and working alongside our CEO, board, donors, supporters, portfolio partners and the wider sector to effect real change for young people.
This is an exciting time to join Impetus. We are at an inflexion point, having welcomed a new CEO this year and implementing a new strategy focusing on strengthening and expanding our impact and influence. A big part of that is through our public affairs and communications work; whether influencing policy makers so that all young people regardless of background get the best possible chance to succeed, reducing the gaps in education and employment between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their better off peers, or working with government and other funders to prove and expand impactful programmes or communicating our findings, insights and message to a wider range of audiences.
The Director of Public Affairs will work with the CEO and Senior Management Team to raise our profile and influence policy, unlock and steward resource and build new partnerships, in order to facilitate growth in impact. They will do this by getting the most out of our high performing Public Affairs team, which covers policy, research, advocacy and communications - as well as working across teams and with the Board to ensure Impetus is well positioned externally.
We’re proud of the work we’ve achieved to date, developing a strong track record of high-quality research and insightful reports, significantly raising our profile through media relations and stakeholder engagement, building strong sector partnerships and coalitions to drive meaningful change, establishing a wide range of relationships across government and the sector and building strong expertise in the team. We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us to take forward this work to the next level.
Here are some examples of the types of work that the Public Affairs team delivers:
• Our monthly policy newsletter, Impetus Insights
• Our news and commentary and blogs
• Our latest research reports on school engagement, attainment and youth employment
• Our coalitions: The Youth Employment Group and Who is Losing Learning?
For more information on what we’re looking for from our Director of Public Affairs & what a typical week can look like – please view the Director of Public Affairs recruitment pack.
Key responsibilities
Fundraising and income generation
- Work with Impetus CEO and SMT to support the delivery of the Impetus strategy and business plan and deliver the public affairs milestones to time and within budget.
- Champion and contribute to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all areas of Impetus' work, ensuring that EDI principles related to Impetus’ mission are reflected in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, communications and public positioning.
- Vision setting and strong line management of the Public Affairs team, developing their capabilities, representing the team at SMT and to the Board and ensuring it continues to make a valuable - and valued - contribution to the achievement of Impetus’s objectives, through building and implementing high quality work plans for the team and ensuring the wider Impetus team is aligned on these.
- Increase awareness, understanding and trust in Impetus among key stakeholders, through regular, thoughtful engagement with the sector and securing high profile media coverage.
- Raise awareness of the education and employment gaps faced by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and what we can do to break down the barriers they face - through research, policy positioning and effective communications.
- Build a positive reputation for Impetus in government and parliament and among funders, as a source of expertise on how to improve the education and employment outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and as a trusted interlocutor and partner, building on and leveraging the many relationships already established.
- Ensure that all advocacy is supported by high quality research and evidence, with our policy and research agenda well aligned to supporting the delivery of Impetus’ strategy.
- Ensure a positive media profile, continuing to build on the base established to build awareness among the media of Impetus’s expertise and content.
- Position Impetus as a ‘sought-after’ collaborative partner for other organisations with shared objectives; including regularly representing Impetus at relevant sector events.
- Support the delivery of our fundraising strategy and the successful delivery of our events programme, in particular, our flagship Transforming Lives Dinner.
- Where appropriate, collaborate with our portfolio partners to support their public affairs work and to leverage relevant partnerships, drawing on their insights to inform Impetus’ work.
- Contribute to the successful performance of the Senior Management Team, and provide expert advice to them, as well as to Trustees, on all public affairs-related activities and in the implementation of the broader strategy, engaging with decisions and challenges across the organisation.
- Oversee the running of our Public Affairs Committee (PAC), leveraging their skills, expertise and influence for the good of Impetus.
Personal specification
Essential
- A commitment to Impetus’ mission
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Experience of leading public affairs / communications / policy at a senior level
Strong track record of influencing (through policy, advocacy, communications, stakeholder relations) - Strong management skills including strategy development, people management, budgeting and impact monitoring
- Experience of leading multiple and complex workstreams to achieve measurable results
- Experience of representing an organisation externally; in meetings, media interviews and on public platforms
- Exceptional verbal and written communications skills
- Presence, credibility, motivational skills, natural ability to command respect based on experience, and ability to look beyond own area of expertise
- Proven experience of building and maintaining influential external relationships and strategic partnerships
- Ability to motivate a team and work collaboratively, enlisting support from others
- Knowledge of the education and/ or young people sectors
Desirable:
- Experience of fundraising, including trusts and foundations
- Knowledge of digital communications
- Experience of data management and good analytical skills
- Understanding of, and/or lived experience of, the barriers that young people face, that contribute to the education and employment gap
- Knowledge of venture philanthropy / impact management
- Knowledge of private equity and associated industries
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
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.
How to apply
Please click here to apply.
You will need to:
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
- We will also share our equal opportunities form which must also be completed.
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 11:59pm, Sunday 12th October 2025.
Interviews
First round interviews will take place: w/c 20th/27th October 2025.
Second round interviews will take place: w/c 3rd November 2025.
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.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you eager to make a difference in health and care but don’t know how to get started? Do you want to learn how policy is made, how senior leaders are influenced, and how research drives change?
We’re looking for a Policy and Research Intern to join our Policy and Influence team for nine months. This is a unique chance to take your first step on the policy career ladder – no prior policy experience required.
In this role, you’ll be right at the centre of our work with senior nursing and midwifery leaders. Yes, you’ll support the team with essential admin and communications, but this internship is about so much more than that. You’ll help deliver high-profile events like webinars and roundtables, track and report on member benefits, and contribute to live policy and research projects that shape the future of the NHS and wider system.
We don’t expect you to arrive knowing it all. What matters is your enthusiasm for FNF’s mission, your willingness to learn, and your drive to get stuck in. In return, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside senior stakeholders, and build the skills and confidence to take the next step in your career.
What we’re looking for:
- A genuine interest in health policy and influencing
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Someone proactive, flexible, and ready to muck in
- A team player who wants to learn and grow
- Demonstrable evidence of how you have lived FNF’s values
This is a nine-month paid internship (at the National Living Wage), with plenty of flexibility and hybrid working. You can join us part-time (three days a week) or full-time — whichever works best for you.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn by doing, and kick start your career in health policy and influencing, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll be part of a dynamic, ambitious team that’s making a real difference — and excited to have you on the journey with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Philanthropy and Research Officer to work as part of our Fundraising Team.
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
The Fundraising team is a dynamic group of fundraisers who are passionately committed to raising money for our life-changing work in the mental health and mental illness space. We have a diverse portfolio of income streams spanning Events, Community, Individual Giving, Legacies, In-Memoriam, Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Partnerships.
Trusts & Grants have a strong track record at Rethink Mental Illness and a growing portfolio of supporters at Mental Health UK. The team is well-positioned to develop innovative funding propositions that support the future ambitions of both charities, working to achieve both in-year cornerstone grants and long-term, transformational funding. As a newly established programme, Philanthropy demonstrates exciting potential for both Rethink and MHUK, with initiatives spanning major donor and mid-value engagement. Corporate Partnerships have launched several exciting partnerships across both charities and that portfolio and team continues to grow.
How you will make a difference
Reporting to the Prospect Research Manager, you will identify and qualify new prospects across Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Corporate Partnerships. You will carry out in-depth research using a wide range of sources, manage due diligence processes and ensure accurate data is maintained on our CRM systems. You will also work closely with the Interim Head of Trusts and Philanthropy to steward donors and deliver exceptional supporter experiences.
To be successful in this role, you will be an inquisitive, proactive and data-driven fundraiser who enjoys uncovering insights through research and crafting compelling communications that make a meaningful difference to donors.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting a policy and communications officer to join our small and growing team. The role will combine policy, analysis, communications, and programme support functions. We are therefore looking for applicants keen to work across a range of tasks, in a small organisation where flexibility and adaptability is important.
About the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies
At the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, we bring people together to challenge conventional thinking on justice, spark fresh ideas, and develop real solutions to issues that matter.
Our vision is of a fair, effective and accountable justice system, in a society less dominated by criminalisation and punishment, because it has developed better ways of preventing and addressing the problems of crime. We prize intellectual openness, and a willingness to engage with difficult questions and challenging ideas. We welcome and encourage scrutiny of our work and are comfortable with the uncertainty that comes from not always having the answer. We recognise the importance of building solidarity and common cause, and reject superficial divisiveness and purity politics.
Our work combines a general programme of educational activities including events with an in-depth programme, focusing on areas of injustice and public interest, such as Imprisonment for Public Protection and joint enterprise laws. If this sounds like your kind of organisation, we’d love to receive your application.
Key duties for this role include:
· Researching and creating engaging content – from written reports to digital media.
· Coordinating, reviewing, editing and correcting written material produced by others.
· Keeping abreast of developments in relevant policy and practice areas and communicating these with others.
· Developing effective relationships with relevant policy makers and opinion formers, advocacy and campaign groups, researchers and academics, policy and practice organisations.
· Managing and creating content for the Centre’s website, social media feeds and eBulletins.
· Assisting in the production of the Centre’s programme of events and publications.
Why join us?
· 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
· Flexible hybrid working. We put a high value on face-to-face work and collaboration though in office work and offer the flexibilty to work from home up to two days a week.
· 8% employer pension contribution
· A supportive, collaborative, team culture.
· Opportunities to work with and communicate interesting and impactful ideas
Apply for the role
For more information, including a job description and person specification, please see attached application pack. To apply, visit our website via the redirect button below for an application form.
Deadline for completed applications: 5pm Friday, 19 September 2025. Interviews to be held Monday, 29 September at our Vauxhall office.
No agencies please.
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship, so applicants will need to have the right to work in the UK.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.