Research and public affairs officer jobs

The Bevan Foundation is seeking a new policy and research officer to join our team. Could you support the Bevan Foundation in its mission to end poverty in Wales?

About the Bevan Foundation

The Bevan Foundation is Wales's most influential think tank. We create insights, ideas and impact that help to end poverty and inequality. Over recent years the Foundation has helped secure real and lasting change for people across Wales, from universal free school meals for primary pupils to increases in Education Maintenance Allowance. We’ve built a reputation for trusted, evidence-based insights and ideas that influence decision-makers and improve lives.

About this role

This is new and exciting role in our policy and research team. This role will have a particular focus on poverty, with the successful candidate working on a wide range of poverty issues from child poverty to housing. You’ll gather and analyse evidence, help to develop practical proposals for change and be involved in persuading decision-makers to take action.

About you

You will have an excellent grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods and a sound grasp of social and economic policies in Wales. You’ll be able to explain your work clearly and persuasively, with good written and oral skills. You’ll be able to engage effectively with a wide range of people, from stakeholders to people on low incomes. You’ll be well-organised and able to operate independently as well as collaboratively with a wider team.

Key terms

The role is available for 5 days per week, on a permanent basis. 

The salary for this post is £28,393 - £31,273 (Grade 5), with the appointment likely to be in the bottom half of the scale.

We work in a hybrid way, with staff expected be office-based for two to three days a week and to attend monthly in-person team meetings. The Foundation’s offices are in Merthyr Tydfil.

If you are interested and want to find out more and to find out how to apply download our application pack.

Closing Date: Wednesday 18 March 11:00 AM

Interview date: Monday 30 March 

The Bevan Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation towards this programme of work. 

Policy Campaigns Officer

A permanent position has arisen as part of the continued growth of our campaigns work within our friendly Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns department. The Policy Campaigns Officer will play a key role in helping the charity deliver high-impact campaigns that mobilise supporters, influence policy, and raise awareness of issues relating to dementia research.

In this role you will support the Campaigns Manager to deliver integrated advocacy campaigns aligned to Alzheimer's Research UK’s strategic objectives. You will contribute to the coordination, development and implementation of activity that connects public mobilisation with policy and government influencing priorities.

You will bring proven experience of working on advocacy or policy-focused campaigns, or in a closely related field where influencing decision makers and engaging the public has been central to your work. You will understand how campaigning activity contributes to political or institutional change and will be confident supporting the delivery of campaign tactics across digital and offline channels.

This role is ideal if you are looking to build on existing advocacy or influencing experience in a collaborative team, contributing to campaigns that aim to deliver measurable policy impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Campaign development and delivery

· Support the development and delivery of integrated advocacy and policy campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.

· Help design campaign plans, including objectives, audiences, tactics, timelines and evaluation measures.

· Deliver campaign activity and creative tactics across a range of channels, both digital and offline.

· Work with colleagues across the organisation to ensure campaigns are evidence-led, inclusive and aligned with organisational priorities.

· Monitor campaign performance and contribute to evaluation and learning.

· Act as a point of contact for work with external agencies and suppliers.

Influencing and supporter mobilisation

· Support efforts to influence decision-makers by mobilising supporters and amplifying public voices.

· Work with policy and public affairs colleagues to align public-facing campaign activity with political influencing messaging and objectives.

· Help build and maintain relationships with supporters, volunteers, partner organisations and coalitions.

· Assist with producing campaign briefings, messaging and supporter-facing materials.

Communications and digital campaigning

Work closely with communications and digital teams to deliver integrated campaign content.

· Support the development of email, social media and online action tools to engage supporters.

· Adapt campaign messages for different audiences, ensuring clarity, accuracy and impact.

· Contribute to content planning and delivery to maximise reach and engagement.

Events and engagement activity

· Support the planning and delivery of campaign-related events, both online and in-person.

· Represent the charity at relevant events, meetings and conferences as required.

· Assist with coordinating meetings and briefings involving supporters, stakeholders and internal teams.

· Liaise with colleagues, supporters and external partners to ensure effective delivery of campaign activity.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Experience of delivering campaigns, advocacy initiatives, or influencing activity aimed at shaping policy.

· Experience drafting materials intended to influence or mobilise external audiences (e.g. campaign actions and briefings, supporter emails, calls to action).

· Understanding of how public mobilisation aligns with influencing objectives and contributes to policy change.

· Experience of delivering digital campaigning tactics and coordinating in-person supporter mobilisation.

· Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues across different teams.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt complex issues into clear and compelling messaging.

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

· IT literate, with experience using Microsoft Office and digital tools.

· Commitment to the charity’s vision, mission and values.

· Proactive, flexible and solution-focused approach to work.

· Strong team player with the ability to use initiative.

· Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-moving environment.

· Willingness to work outside of regular office hours during busy periods (e.g. campaign launches or events).

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £30,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 8th March 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

Ready to step into a national leadership role - and make an immediate impact?

Centre for Mental Health is seeking a highly experienced policy leader for a 6–9 month interim role at the heart of our organisation. We need someone who can operate confidently at senior level from day one.

You will:

• Lead and direct our national policy and campaigning work

• Translate robust research into influential, high-impact policy proposals

• Represent the Centre with ministers, parliamentarians and senior stakeholders

• Provide strategic oversight to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

• Contribute as a full member of our leadership team

We’re looking for someone with significant experience in a policy environment, deep knowledge of mental health and public policy, and a strong track record of producing influential analysis and building high-level relationships. You’ll be politically astute, credible in national debates, and committed to tackling inequality and promoting antiracism.

This is a great opportunity for an established mental health policy professional to take on a visible, strategic interim leadership role, shaping national conversations and advancing mental health equality at pace.

Please note that interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 19th March 2026.

If you have the experience and confidence, with a readiness to deliver on the Centre's vision of mental health equality for all, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.

You will lead BIHR’s external communications -  including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.

Please note this is not an entry‑level role.

Key Responsibilities

Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.

 Communications

• Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
• Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
• Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
• Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
• Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
• Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
• Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.

 Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning

• Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
• Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
• Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
• Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
• Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.

 Government & Parliamentary Engagement

• Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
• Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
• Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
• Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
• Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.

 Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
• Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
• Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.

 Other organisational requirements

• Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
• Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Who the Role Is Suitable For

This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.

You’ll thrive if you:

• Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
• Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
• Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
• Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
• Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
• Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.

Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.

Applying for the role

Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:

• Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and interview process/timing.
• Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).

Please also note that:

• Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
• You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.

Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in suicide prevention policy? We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team at Samaritans.  Join our team and help influence public policy to achieve our vision: fewer lives lost to suicide.

This is a meaningful, high impact role where your work will directly contribute to safer, more compassionate public policy.

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Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change in legislation and policy.  

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About the Role

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As Policy Officer, you will lead the development and influencing of policy positions on suicide prevention, using research and evidence to produce high-quality briefings, consultation responses and reports. You will build strong internal and external relationships, monitor the policy environment, and work collaboratively across the charity to communicate and advance our policy work.

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Contract

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• £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full Time (35hrs per week)
• Permanent
• Hybrid working with link to Ewell office
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

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What You’ll Do

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• Support the development of Samaritans’ policy positions on suicide prevention.
• Produce clear briefings, consultation responses and policy reports.
• Analyse complex evidence to inform policy development.
• Spot emerging policy issues and support research needs.
• Keep teams updated on policy changes across the UK and Ireland.
• Represent Samaritans at policy events and support external communications.
• Work closely with colleagues across nations to ensure cohesive policy approaches.

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What You’ll Bring

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• Experience in policy or public affairs and understanding of influencing national/local change.
• Strong ability to turn complex info into clear policy insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Understanding of mental health or suicide prevention issues.
• Knowledge of mental health/suicide prevention policy, charity sector experience, familiarity with Samaritans, or experience in research processes (desirable).

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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Apply now

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer short application questions (please keep your answers to max 300 words) and to upload your CV (please avoid special characters in the file name).

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We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

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​Applications close: Tuesday 3rd March

Interviews: w/c Monday 9th March

Terms and Conditions:

1. Support Women in Prison to influence policy makers to reduce the unnecessary criminalisation of women and improving the rights of women in the criminal justice system
2. Ensuring women with Lived Experience are at the heart Women in Prison’s policy and public affairs work
3. Political analysis and monitoring
4. Supporting the wider work of the Policy and Public Affairs Team

• Is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement
• Requires the right to work in the UK
• Is subject to a basic DBS check

Salary: £46,587 per annum.

Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.

Our office is a short walk from King’s Cross station in London. Whilst we work flexibly, because we work with decision makers in Westminster, there will be an expectation that you can travel to central London at short notice if required. You will also be expected to come into the office at least one day a week.

Contractually this role is London-based.

Contract: Permanent.  Full time role - 35 hours per week.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 2 years (+ an extra 10 days on each 5th year). Pro rata for part time hours
• Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
• Healthcare plan
• Support for staff with caring responsibilities
• Family-friendly culture

How to apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – available on our website to download

Closing date for applications: Midnight on Monday 23 February 2026

Interview dates: First interviews to take place week commencing 2 March - exact dates to be confirmed.

Second interviews to take place week commencing 9 March - exact dates to be confirmed.

We’ll send assessments and some questions to you in advance so that you can prepare. Let us know if you have any specific needs to be able to fully engage with the process.

Job Information

This exciting role in our award-winning External Affairs department will work across policy and public affairs work in England. You will fight for the hospice sector and people who need their support, helping us to create a country where no one misses out on the care they need at the end of their lives.

This is a significant time for hospice and end of life care. 

Hospices across the UK are in the worst financial situation they have faced for 20 years. The funding crisis means hospices are cutting services and making redundancies. 

Our campaigning efforts have recently led to £125m in short term funding for the hospice sector and a commitment to a Modern Service Framework for palliative care and end of life care. As well as a spotlight on hospices in the 10 year health plan and unprecedented parliamentary scrutiny of the way hospices are funded. 

The momentum around palliative care and hospices mean there is no shortage of opportunities to influence the policy and political agenda.

We have strong influence in Parliament and have built significant interest in hospice care among policymakers. We are an important voice in the conversation around Assisted Dying, which will have a significant impact on palliative and end of life care. 

With this momentum and opportunity, we are looking for a talented and committed Policy and Public Affairs Manager to help us shape the future of palliative and end of life care. 

We are looking for a proactive and driven policy and public affairs professional. You will be curious about how best to improve people’s experiences of death, dying and bereavement and strengthen the contribution of the hospice sector to this. 

You will have excellent influencing and communication skills and sharp instinctsthat enable you to quickly understand and analyse the impact of external developments. As well as a collaborative mindset and commitment to building coalitions to maximise our impact. 

You will provide leadership but must also be willing to pitch in at all levels to get things done. Excellent project management skills will mean you can identify where our resource is best spent and how to delegate tasks. 

This is your chance to play a key role in creating a country where no one misses out on the care they need at the end of their lives.

More information is available in candidate information pack (available on our website to download)

Are you enthusiastic about giving supporters the best experience when contacting us?

Do you have the professionalism and empathy to make every interaction with our brain tumour community supportive and meaningful?​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!​

It is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Supporter Care Officer.​

As a Supporter Care Officer you will play a crucial role in being the first point of contact for supporters, delivering an excellent support experience. ​

You will: ​

• Lead on thanking supporters for all our existing Appeals, Core Campaigns and National Events; working with other teams to ensure that supporters are thanked in a timely manner
   
• Work with the Community Fundraising Team to evaluate the next best ask and proactively contact supporters with promoting fundraising and campaigning products for new and existing supporters
   
• Support all new Individual Giving and Supporter Care activities
   
• Provide excellent customer service to existing and potential new supporters offering an empathetic and supportive service via the main telephone line, email and general correspondence ​

Can you see yourself making a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?

Do you want your work to have a real, positive effect on someone’s life?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?

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If you’ve answered yes to these questions and feel this role could be right for you, we encourage you to learn more about this position. Please take a read through our recruitment pack Supporter Care Officer - Recruitment Pack included within this job advert. 

We are asking for a CV as the first step, but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​​

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Campaigns and Public Affairs Officer

We’re looking for a Campaigns and Public Affairs Officer to help turn insight, lived experience and evidence into powerful public campaigns that drive change for people affected by bowel cancer. You’ll play a hands-on role in delivering creative, inclusive campaigns that mobilise supporters, grow engagement and help people take meaningful action across the UK. Working closely with colleagues across policy, communications and fundraising, you’ll support the design and delivery of campaign actions, digital activity and events, while also contributing to our wider influencing work with decision-makers. This is a UK-wide role, with an initial focus on devolved nations, ideal for someone who’s passionate about campaigning, motivated by impact and excited to be part of a team pushing for earlier diagnosis and better care.

About Us

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.  

We currently have around 95 staff based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to grow our staff team to deliver our ambitious strategy, On a mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer. 

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

​​We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!​

This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the East Anglia region.​

As the Community Fundraiser covering East Anglia you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.  Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.​

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you live in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk?
• Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?​

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Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start? ​

If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack which is attached in this advert.​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

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We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland)
£41,278 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based with regular meetings in Belfast
35 hours per week, full-time
Fixed-term, 12 months

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our work in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to shape policy, influence decision-makers, and ensure the voices of paediatricians and child health professionals are heard at the highest levels.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs / Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations), you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity in Northern Ireland. You will develop and communicate policy positions that reflect the national context, engage senior stakeholders across government and the health sector, and maximise the College’s influence to improve child health outcomes.

You will work closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure our four-nation advocacy is aligned, while remaining responsive to the specific needs of our members in Northern Ireland. You will also line manage a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, supporting their development and overseeing external-facing outputs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of policy positions and public affairs outputs specific to Northern Ireland
• Engaging with Ministers, MLAs, government officials, statutory services, and third sector stakeholders to influence policy and practice
• Producing and overseeing consultation responses and policy briefings
• Acting as a source of expertise on the Northern Ireland political and health landscape
• Supporting College Officers with high-level stakeholder engagement through briefings and policy advice
• Drafting media content including quotes, press releases and opinion pieces in collaboration with communications colleagues
• Managing the College’s presence at the Northern Ireland Assembly and party conferences
• Line managing and developing the Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Northern Ireland)

Essential skills and experience include:

• A primary degree and/or extensive relevant experience in policy and public affairs or a related field
• Proven experience of developing and delivering a measurable and successful public affairs strategy
• Experience of preparing high-quality briefings for political stakeholders and senior leaders
• Strong understanding of the political and health policy landscape in Northern Ireland
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• Demonstrable stakeholder management skills, including engagement at senior level
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider UK team

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows and employs around 200 staff, most of whom work in our London office in Holborn. We have a Devolved Nations team operating from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our College values: Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire, are important to us. These values ensure we bring out the best in each other, strive forward together to make the College a positive and dynamic place to work. 

The RCPCH champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our workplace is inclusive, offering a supportive environment where staff can thrive. The College is keen to accept applications from people with protected characteristics. We believe that our staff should represent all of the diverse communities we serve. Join us to help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.

The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with in the exercise of its functions and responsibilities. The RCPCH expects all staff to share this commitment – we place a high priority on ensuring only those who do so are recruited to work for us. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. 

Closing date: 4 March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.

You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.

You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)

Main Purpose

The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).

While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.

They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
• Line management of senior and mid-level staff
• Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate

Income

• Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
• Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
• Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners

Impact

• Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
• Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
• Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them. 

Delivery

• Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
• Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential

Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential

Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential

Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential

Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable 

Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable 

Skills

Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential

Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable 

Clear and direct written communication style - Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential

Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential

Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable 

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.

Right now, millions of people across the UK are living with financial insecurity. Parents are choosing between heating and food. People who fall ill find themselves unable to work and without support. Countless others lie awake at night worrying about bills they cannot pay. At Turn2us, we believe none of us should have to face these challenges alone - and we exist to change the systems that allow them to persist.

Turn2us is working towards a future where everyone in the UK has financial security so they can thrive. We combine direct support and innovative digital tools, such as our online Benefits Calculator and PIP Helper, with influencing, policy and systems change. Across our organisation, colleagues bring deep expertise, compassion and ambition, united by a shared belief that financial hardship is not a personal failing, but a systemic issue that can and must be changed.

The Income & External Affairs Directorate plays a critical role in making this vision a reality. Through relationship-led fundraising, commercial partnerships, communications, and policy and influencing work, the directorate ensures Turn2us has the resources, profile and voice needed to maximise our impact. It connects our work with the people, organisations and institutions that can help drive lasting change. While we have built strong momentum and significant partnerships in recent years, we know there is far more potential to realise.

As Director of Income & External Affairs, you will be a key member of our Leadership Team, working closely with colleagues across the charity and with our Board. You will lead the growth of sustainable income, develop powerful and values-led partnerships, strengthen our public voice, and help shape a policy and advocacy agenda grounded in the experiences of people facing financial hardship. You will also play a vital role in building trust, credibility and influence across sectors to help shift the systems that keep people locked in financial insecurity.

We are looking for an exceptional and values-driven leader with a strong track record in relationship-based income generation, partnerships and influence. This experience may come from the charity sector or a commercial environment. We are not seeking a specific career path or background; instead, we actively welcome applications from people who bring new perspectives, transferable skills and different ways of thinking. What matters most is a deep commitment to our purpose, a willingness to learn and the confidence to lead with curiosity and humility.

This role calls for persuasive leadership, emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust across diverse teams and stakeholders. You will thrive if you enjoy working collaboratively, sharing power and leading in a way that is inclusive, supportive and ambitious.

This is a genuinely exciting and critical role - for our staff, our partners, and most importantly, for the people we exist to serve. We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of financial insecurity. If you share our values and feel inspired by our vision of a more just and financially secure society, we would love to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots. Applications should include a CV and covering letter. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.

Are you an experienced Campaigns Manager looking for a new opportunity? In this exciting new role, we are looking for a forward-thinking and dynamic Campaigns Manager to join our team.

This is a newly created role with real scope to shape how we campaign, how we mobilise supporters, and how we deliver tangible change for the Armed Forces community. You’ll lead national campaigns that amplify lived experience, challenge disadvantage and inspire better provision — making sure the voices of those who serve, and have served, their families, and the bereaved are heard where it matters most.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Key Responsibilities –

You’ll shape and lead RBL’s campaigning activity, working closely with colleagues across Policy, Public Affairs, Membership, Marketing & Communications and Services to deliver impactful, evidence-based campaigns.

· Leading compelling national and reactive campaigns that deliver real-world change.

· Developing creative, modern campaigning approaches across digital and in-person channels.

· Growing and energising RBL’s campaign supporter network.

· Using insight, evidence and lived experience to set clear campaigning priorities.

· Measuring, evaluating and communicating campaign impact.

· Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, coalitions and partners.

· Acting as a national spokesperson on campaigns when required.

· Line managing and supporting the Campaigns Engagement and Mobilisation Officer.

You’ll also work closely with local and devolved colleagues to ensure national campaigns resonate at every level and support the Head of Public Affairs & Campaigns with planning, budgeting and leadership.

You will be contracted to our Haig House hub with a minimum expectation of two days per week working in person at the hub and flexibility for working remotely/at home when not on site. However, for the right candidate with the appropriate skills and experience, we are open to considering a remote working arrangement.

Employee benefits include –

·       28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days

· Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%

· Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role

· Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice

· Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives

· Opportunities to volunteer

· Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Dates: 12th and 13th March

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.