Research and policy officer jobs in london, greater london

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

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

As Partnerships Officer, you will play a central role in managing high-quality relationships with Martingale’s growing network of partners, while also supporting the governance and operational functions of the organisation. Working closely with the CEO, senior leadership, and our existing Partnerships Officer, you will help ensure that funders, supporters, and mission-aligned organisations feel valued, engaged, and recognised for their contribution to Martingale’s success.

A key part of your role will be to strengthen relationships with funders and university partners, building long-term commitment to Martingale’s mission. You will manage relationships with multiple departments across our ten partner universities, coordinating internally to ensure these partnerships run smoothly. Alongside this, you will support the operation of Martingale’s key governance bodies, including the Advisory Board, Student Advisory Board, Academic Advisory Committee and Scholarship Selection Committee, ensuring timely communications, accurate records, and positive engagement with members. You will also lead on partnerships with aligned charities that connect our Scholars to earlier stages of the STEM pipeline.

You will be responsible for communications and reporting across our supporter network, ensuring partnerships are effective and mutually beneficial. We are looking for a strong communicator with experience in partnership management and external relations. You may have demonstrated this through cross-organisational projects, even if it was not your primary role. You will bring excellent organisational skills, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the delivery of the partner relations strategy, working with our 40+ partners to effectively build long-term successful relationships. In collaboration with the CEO, you will support new and existing funders, in-kind supporters, partner charities, and Ambassadors, ensuring they feel valued, informed and connected to Martingale’s mission.
• Strengthen and deepen relationships with partners through a structured and personalised programme of engagement, recognition, and reporting, including invitations to events throughout the academic year.
• Oversight of all university partnerships, including reporting, communications, and course confirmations. This will include working closely with all Martingale staff for effective management of key partnership contacts across development offices, multiple departments, and doctoral programmes.
• Oversee the smooth running of Martingale’s governance bodies, building on the existing governance framework to ensure continuity across the different groups.
• Liaise with the team to maintain accurate records of both financial and in-kind contributions.
• Lead on the development and delivery of the annual impact report, alongside bespoke reports for funders as appropriate.
• Accurate record keeping of partnership engagement on Martingale’s CRM.
• Build a range of case studies on Scholars, partner universities, funders, and other supporters to strengthen Martingale’s messaging to new funders.
• Work closely with the other Partnerships Officer to ensure fundraising campaign targets are met, providing relevant materials and support where needed.
• Support in the delivery of key Martingale events such as Solve for X and our annual Welcome Dinner
• The post holder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the role as requested by the line manager.

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
• Experience in account management, managing external stakeholder relationships or partnerships successfully.
• Able to assimilate complex information quickly, identifying the pertinent points and making them accessible for a wider audience.
• Excellent project management skills with experience of managing multiple projects/workstream and priorities simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail, prioritising, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to network and build new connections.
• Advanced IT proficiency: Spreadsheet, Word Processing, CRM or Databases, Email, Web-based applications.

Desirable

• Experience of generating new and successful strategic partnerships.
• Experience working in the higher education sector with university students, staff, and academics.
• Experience using the Adobe suite to produce high-quality documents.
• Experience in working with governance boards and/or trustees.

Personal Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships, able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.

Philanthropy Officer
Permanent 
Full time (34.5 hours)
Split between home and our London Office (a split of 2 days in our office and 3 working from home)
Salary Range -£33,000 - £36,000

About the Role

At Macmillan, we do whatever it takes to ensure everyone affected by cancer gets the best possible support today—and we’re committed to driving a revolution in cancer care for the future.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our ambitious Philanthropy team, a major growth area within the charity. In this role, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing philanthropists into the heart of Macmillan, unlocking significant support to drive our ambitions for growth and impact - enabling us to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing people living with cancer, and reshaping the wider cancer care system for generations to come.

The role sits within our newly formed Partnerships Directorate, created to build impactful, long-term relationships with philanthropists, corporate partners and healthcare leaders.

Join us at a pivotal moment – with a bold new strategy, exciting funding opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose, there’s never been a better time to make an impact.

As Philanthropy Officer, you’ll manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, cultivating long-term relationships and securing 5-figure donations to support Macmillan’s vital work. You’ll play a key role in engaging new donors through flagship initiatives like the Frontier Funders Club, which fuels innovation in cancer care.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Cultivating and stewarding relationships with high-net-worth individuals to secure and grow 5-figure gifts.
• Developing personalised engagement plans and delivering exceptional donor experiences.
• Identifying and researching new prospects, and collaborating across teams to diversify funding.
• Managing relationships with intermediaries such as CAF and NPT, ensuring smooth gift processing.
• Supporting senior volunteers and colleagues to uncover new donor opportunities.
• Contributing ideas and best practices to strengthen our philanthropy programme.
• Using insights and data to shape cultivation strategies and track progress via Raiser’s Edge CRM.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation including GDPR and tax-efficient giving.

What We’re Looking For

• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
• Strong written skills and the ability to craft compelling donor narratives.
• A results-driven mindset with a track record of meeting income targets.
• Creative, flexible, and entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving.
• Team player with a desire to grow and contribute to Macmillan’s success.
• Experience with CRM systems (ideally Raiser’s Edge) and strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Understanding of the philanthropic landscape or a curiosity to learn.

Who You’ll Work With

You’ll collaborate with:

• Major gift supporters and prospects
• Philanthropy and High Value Events team
• Prospect Development and Insight Lead
• Corporate Partnerships and Relationship Fundraising teams
• Senior Leadership and Macmillan Board members
• Service Delivery Teams

What You’ll Achieve

• Build trusted relationships with donors aligned to Macmillan’s mission and needs.
• Deliver personal KPIs and income targets.
• Contribute to a thriving philanthropy programme that drives innovation in cancer care.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including:

• 25 days holiday plus flexible bank holiday options, increasing by 1 day every year of service up to 30 days 
• Pension matched up to 7.5%
• 120+ learning and development offers, with access to external professional qualifications
• Flexible working patterns, such as compressed hours, flexibility to work earlier or later around our core working hours of 10am-4pm
• Holiday buying and selling scheme, life insurance, free wills, retail discounts and much more

Recruitment Process
Application deadline: 24th Sept 2025
First interview dates: Early Oct (TBC)

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.

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.

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. 

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 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.

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

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:

• Generous annual leave – 25 days rising to 31 after five years, plus bank holidays

• Above-statutory employer pension contributions

• Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) for health and wellbeing support

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

• 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

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.

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. 

This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO. 

You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action  enabling  us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose. 

Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. 

Are you interested in working with a reputed international sustainability organisation to influence policy developments on sustainability globally? ISEAL is hiring a Senior Policy Officer to join our team responsible for public engagement and policy influencing. This is the perfect role for someone who is keen to work in an increasingly dynamic regulatory and policy landscape to strengthen the role of voluntary sustainability tools alongside emerging mandatory measures. 

The core objective of the Policy and Engagement team is to support governments, civil society and other business influencers to understand, identify and use credible sustainability systems.  We do this through direct engagement with relevant government bodies in priority countries, engagement with individual businesses and business platforms and building member awareness and knowledge about relevant policy files and implications of new policies for their schemes and impact. The team focused on the UK, Switzerland, EU-wide policy and key EU members states, as well as on countries in the global south, including Colombia, Indonesia, India and Brazil.

The Senior Policy Officer will help drive engagement with policymakers in key countries in which ISEAL and its partners have a strategic policy interest, with a view to influencing the policy narrative on sustainability and specific policies. The role will identify policy engagement opportunities and provide insightful analysis of policy developments and trends.  In addition, the role will work closely with ISEAL members based in these regions to combine efforts and align on policy influencing.

The ideal candidate will have had exposure to working in an international policy context, either working as part of civic society with governments or as part of a government department. A strong grounding in sustainability issues and related key political and policy debates will be essential, along with some working knowledge of key policy trends in the human rights, climate and sustainability standards space. Prior experience in working in the EU, UK at policy and regulatory landscape or public affairs level will be an advantage. The Senior Officer reports to the Director, Policy and Engagement.

Key Responsibilities we will entrust you with:

Policy and government engagement

• Support ISEAL´s strategic engagement with identified key policymaker targets and audiences from a policy influencing and role of voluntary tools perspective
• Keep track of policy developments in key areas and jurisdictions and provide insights and analysis to inform ISEAL’s policy engagement work
• Help identify opportunities for engagements with relevant policymaker audiences and government agencies in key jurisdictions and engage with them as delegated and supported by other colleagues
• Set up direct meetings and other engagement opportunities for ISEAL, coordinate ISEAL’s input, advise and engagement and prepare briefs, reports and submissions for engagement purposes
• Contribute to establishing engagement and influencing strategies and to the development of ISEAL’s policy positions
• Provide internal advisory support to other teams on critical policy files based on own subject matter and jurisdiction knowledge
• Support team in development of policy papers, position papers, press releases, strategic messaging on policy issues
• Facilitate webinars and workshops on policy related topics

Other

• Track policy developments and analyse how they  affect sustainability systems, ISEAL and its members
• Help shape ISEAL’s work on global policy engagement and outreach in the next strategy period
• Conduct or support other team members with background research on specific regulatory proposals and policy frameworks and related topics
• Support ISEAL’s member-facing policy activities liaising with the rest of the team
• Provide policy advice and analysis as requested on priority topics
• Participate actively in team and organisational planning and activities
• Participate in internal staff management processes such as performance reviews, supervisory meetings, etc.

Experience, Knowledge and Attributes

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. sustainability or environmental studies, human rights, law, int. development/ social policy, EU policy etc.) and/or equivalent work experience
• Proven experience working in a policy context as part of civic society or within a government department supporting policy engagement
• Good working knowledge of the sustainability policy landscape and key debates in the space
• Strong skills in policy analysis and policy intelligence
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Excellent writing skills and ability to synthesise information
• Prior exposure to sustainability standards, passionate about sustainability linked policy issues such as human rights, climate, nature, due diligence  
• Some experience and comfortable with public speaking, e.g. facilitating webinars or workshops
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with cross-functional teams in a largely remote, international environment, including occasional international time-zone calls
• Confidence in using IT systems, familiarity with virtual meeting tools (e.g. MS Teams, Skype, GoToMeeting, etc), use of contact management databases (e.g. Salesforce) and proficiency in MS Office

Additionally desirable

• Other languages: Spanish
• Prior experience working with remote manager and team
• Exposure to working on strategic policy questions
• Experience in tracking, engaging in development issues in global south countries

About ISEAL

ISEAL supports ambitious sustainability systems and their partners to tackle the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges – from the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis to human rights and persistent poverty. ISEAL Community Members include many of the most respected sustainability schemes worldwide and are active across a diverse range of sectors. Read more about us on our website iseal(.)org. 

ISEAL´s culture and how we will help you thrive

Our values are Connection, Empowerment, Inspiration, Well-being, Creativity and Celebration.

These are traits we value in each other and in the organisation overall and we instil these in all our processes and interactions.

The issues we work on are of a global nature and our team reflects this, with individuals from many different backgrounds and nationalities. We know this diversity adds to the high quality of work we deliver as an organisation and through our commitment to diversity and inclusion we want to add strengths and perspectives in our team with each recruitment. Diversity for us includes race and gender identity, age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion and many other areas forming part of someone´s identity. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

As an organisation, we also support our people in their personal and professional development, with specific budgets and processes enabling individuals to take advantage of growth and development opportunities.

We offer 25 days of annual leave, to which we will add a day a year after 2 years (to a maximum of 30 days), as well as an extra five days as a one off once you have been with us for a full five years.

We recognise individuals’ preferences when it comes to where and when to work through a hybrid working model with a minimum of 4 days per month in the London office as well as the opportunity to apply for flexible working arrangements to suit individual´s needs.

Other relevant information

Term: This is a fixed term 12 months contract from December 2025 / January 2026

Salary: £40,000-£45,000 p.a. depending on experience (full time, 37.5 hours per week)

Location: London is the preferred location. An ability and willingness to work in a hybrid work environment is required.

International travel: The post holder will be required to undertake a fair amount of international travel and should ideally have the passport (UK, EU) to enable this smoothly

How to apply

Specific enquiries about this role and the application process can be sent to the recruitment(atisealalliance(.)org.

Deadline for applications is 24 September 2025

Please note that we will only contact shortlisted applicants.

Interview process

Please see below the planned interview process (please note that we will endeavor to keep to this schedule, but some dates may be subject to change)

First interviews (Teams): 1-3 October

Pre-interview timed exercises (between 60 – 90 minutes from home): 7-9 October

Panel interviews (Teams): w/c 13 October

Decision: w/c 20 October

Accessibility

If candidates require additional time or other considerations for the interview process, we are committed to accommodating any reasonable requests.

Please note that ISEAL will cover travel expenses for in person interviews for candidates travelling from outside of Greater London. ISEAL also covers caring expenses for candidates who are carers and need to arrange of cover for the duration of the interview/exercises