Research and public affairs officer jobs
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.
Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK.
We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.
We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.
Responsibilities and Person Specification:
This role is an exciting opportunity to play a key role providing expert analysis and conducting research on the high essential costs facing older people in financial hardship and advocating for policy change in this area. As part of the Policy and Influencing directorate, you will contribute to strategic thinking, lead research and policy development projects using a range of methods and work across the directorate to build relationships and secure change.
You should have experience of driving forward a policy theme, including identifying policy problems, developing credible and evidence based solutions and working towards securing change. Strong research and analysis skills are essential, with excellent communication and project management skills. We are looking for experience of working independently as well as collaborating effectively across a high performing influencing function. Most importantly, a passion to change things for older people experiencing financial hardship, and the confidence to hear and incorporate their perspectives and insights into your work mean that this role could be for you.
For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.
This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight.
What it’s like to work at Independent Age:
We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.
We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.
We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.
You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).
To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.
Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. The role also requires a basic DBS certificate.
Closing Date: Sunday 5 October at 11:59pm
Interview Dates: Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th October via Microsoft Teams
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Digital Communications Manager is responsible for leading and expanding the Trust's digital presence, ensuring our research, policy priorities, programmes, and alumni stories are shared in an impactful way with external audiences. Reporting to the Head of Communications and Public Affairs, and working closely with one direct report, they will deliver a step change in digital communications activity, driving data-led improvements and developing new and compelling multimedia content for the Trust's website, social media channels and digital communications.
Main duties
Website and digital communications
- Oversee the management and strategic development of the Sutton Trust website and associated microsites.
- Ensure the main site delivers impactful communications showcasing the breadth of the Trust’s work, whilst being responsive to the needs of our key audiences: students, teachers, policymakers, academics and media.
- Lead on relationships with external web developers to drive forward improvements to the Trust’s websites, ensuring quality user experience and SEO optimisation.
- Use Google Analytics and other monitoring tools to evaluate website performance and inform improvements.
- Project manage the production of video content, and other similar projects.
- Format reports, design graphics and create digital assets, supported closely by the Senior Digital Communications Officer.
- Edit the Trust’s regular email newsletter, ensuring content is of the highest quality.
- Ensure the Trust’s brand identity is consistent across the digital space
Social media
- Oversee the development and delivery of the Trust’s strategy for growing its social media presence through Linkedin, Bluesky, X, Instagram and other emerging platforms as appropriate.
- Ensure the Trust’s priorities and mission are communicated consistently and powerfully across its social platforms.
- Develop and deliver strategies to maximise reach and engagement, including working with partners, alumni and influencers.
- Oversee the launch of the Trust’s new TikTok channel.
- Work with the Senior Digital Comms Officer to create innovative and engaging social content in a range of formats to maximise impact across all platforms, working closely with the Head of Communications and Public Affairs and colleagues in Research, Programmes and Development teams.
- Proactively monitor relevant stories and advise colleagues on reaction and engagement, in partnership with the Head of Communications and Public Affairs.
- Monitor social media trends and flag key developments to team members.
- Use analytics to evaluate social campaigns and inform improvements.
- Advise and support colleagues in using social media in support of Sutton Trust objectives.
Other
- Line management of the Senior Digital Communications Officer.
- Work with colleagues to maintain a communications planning grid.
- Keep abreast of digital developments, providing expertise to the wider organisation.
- Write copy as required, and advise others in tailoring copy to digital channels and audiences.
- Contribute to the wider work of the Communications, Research and Policy Team.
- Other duties as necessary from time to time.
Person Specification
We welcome applications from individuals who have experience in:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience of managing digital communications infrastructure and social media channels.
- Significant experience in managing a website, including good knowledge of HTML and CSS, WordPress and Google Analytics.
- Creative flair and a knack for distilling complex ideas into compelling content.
- A good understanding of Canva, InDesign, Illustrator and/or Photoshop to design infographics and other imagery.
- Experience of video content production, particularly for social media.
- Experience of using social media platforms and analytics successfully and a willingness to explore new channels. Understanding of LinkedIn, Bluesky, X and TikTok would be advantageous, as would previous experience using Google Analytics to monitor and drive improvements.
- An eye for detail, and the ability to work accurately to tight deadlines.
- Line management experience.
- Experience of developing digital strategies and implementing change.
We are also looking for an individual who:
- Is sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage.
- Has first-class interpersonal skills – a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust in a range of settings.
- Is willing to take on other duties from time-to-time as needed in a busy team.
- Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)
Terms of Appointment
- Contract: Full-time, Permanent
- Salary: £42,025
- Working location: Minimum of 2 office days per week, but further flexibility may be required given the external-facing nature of the role
- Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.
- Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends. This role also shares primary responsibility for monitoring the out of hours media line with the Head of Communications and Public Affairs.
- DBS check may be required
To Apply
To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter, covering how your experience, skills and qualifications meet the requirements of this role. Please focus your response on the abilities and/or competencies giving evidence of your experience to date (maximum of 2 A4 sheets). The information you provide will be the basis for shortlisting.
Please note that your application should be submitted in one go - you can view the requirements by clicking on the link if you would like to prepare in advance.
Interviews
Applications should reach us by 10am, Friday 10th October, with first round interviews held over Zoom on Wednesday, 22nd October, and second round interviews held at our London offices on Tuesday, 4th November.
Safeguarding statement
The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.
Contextual recruitment
The Trust is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented at present at the Trust, to apply for this role. As such we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work and know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the young people we support.
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout our recruitment process and during employment.
We also operate contextual recruitment at the Sutton Trust. Our application process gives you the option to include information about your background, such as whether you were eligible for free school meals, whether your parents went to university, or whether you attended a state school. For more examples and information on contextual recruitment, please see our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Youth Endowment Fund
Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Partnerships
Reports to: Director of Change, with significant engagement with Director of Public Affairs and Comms and CEO
Salary: £75,500 per annum
Location: Central London or Hybrid
Contract: 2-year fixed term – potential to extend. Open to 0.8 FTE for the right candidate
Closing date: Friday 26th September by 12pm
About the Youth Endowment Fund
We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.
Last year, 244 people in England and Wales tragically died after being assaulted with a knife. Of these, 32 were children. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them. Even when violence doesn’t strike directly, we know that the fear of violence has a terrible effect on children’s lives.
The Youth Endowment Fund exists to try and permanently change things. To succeed, we must build an exceptional body of knowledge about violence affecting young people and how we reduce it. This knowledge has to be both rigorous and highly relevant to those making decisions about how to support vulnerable young people. We need to find out what works and what doesn’t through evidence synthesis, data analysis and qualitative research into children’s lives. We need to convert this into highly accessible content on what works, how delivery organisations need to change their practice and how the systems they operate in need to be reformed. We then need to work with the right people that can make change happen, across systems, policies and practice, to have a real impact on reducing violence affecting children’s lives.
We can’t do this alone, we have to build and maintain brilliant partnerships across government, with other funders and with wider society. We are looking for an exceptional individual to lead on this work. We also need to have an eye for the future. Our present endowment must be spent down by April 2029. We need someone who can lead on planning for the future.
Key responsibilities
You ensure that we:
· Are ready for the future: Born with a ten-year endowment, the YEF has become the leading authoritative voice on how to reduce violence affecting children. We must spend down this endowment by April 2029, so need to start thinking about after this date. You will lead on ensuring we have a great plan for post 2029. You will spot the best opportunities, assess them and, over time, take them. This includes both building great external relationships and also ensuring there’s a clearly articulated, inspiring narrative – filled with facts, examples and case studies - of what has been delivered to date and what needs to happen between 2029 and 2039 to double down on our mission. To do this, you will orchestrate the expertise and knowledge of colleagues across the organisation – ensuring that what you need comes together perfectly.
· Build and maintain great relationships across government: We have an increasingly large number of relationships across government – providing advice and support on what works to prevent violence. You will be ready to offer advice to colleagues on those relationships where needed. You will build new relationships and maintain them where they are needed so we are ready for the future. You will be really well organised too ensuring that internal colleagues know which relationships they own and making sure that key regular meetings are in place. We have a simple process that tracks these relationships; you will make this process work well for us – with minimum bureaucracy and maximum effectiveness. You will also provide help and advice and coaching as YEF colleagues think through how best to get system changes to happen that will ultimately reduce violence.
· Build great relationships with other organisations that will be key to the future: As the lead organisation on reducing violence affecting young people, we increasingly receive and see a host of opportunities to partner with other organisations including funders on projects, co-funding and research. You will support this work – leading on relationships that are essential in making us ready for the future. You will spot the opportunity, build relationships, bring in other YEF colleagues, pull together key information, write brilliant documents where needed, win others over. In short, you will make great things happen.
As a senior member of staff in the organisation you also:
- Lead on culture: Build and maintain a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.
- Deliver on strategy: Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results, and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.
About you
You are this sort of person:
· You make things happen. You’re organised, delivery-focused, and produce high-quality work, even under pressure. You work independently and to a high standard. You are quick at really understanding something so you can make good decisions quite fast. You put plans together and make them happen. Wherever you work, people think of you as someone who makes things happen. You do it in a generous, kind way that means people are feel delighted to see you succeeding, never trampled upon.
· You like bringing order and clarity to a big project that involves lots of people. You are at home bringing order to a big project: working out who is going to do what by when, having a regular steering group to ensure progress, keeping everyone on side and delivering a great result at the end.
· You understand how government works – as in really understand. You understand the nuance of how decisions are made within government. You understand that there is no such thing as ‘the department’s position’ (instead there are different views competing) and that while some decisions are very rational, some are more about personalities and politics. You find the process of how decisions get made within government departments, and with Number 10 and the Treasury, fascinating.
· You are fantastic at spotting how to get something done in Whitehall or Westminster. You are really good at thinking about how to make change happen. To some, Westminster and Whitehall can seem like a blob but you are brilliant at spotting how to make change happen there. You can think through the intricacies of who to get onside, who to get advice from, who to persuade and how to get the job done. You have a track record of doing this.
· You write really well. The idea of writing one or two pivotally important longer documents (30-40 pages) for the organisation that makes the case for something and pulls in content from lots of colleagues, synthesising and making it all fit together sounds interesting. You know – from experience – that you would be good at it.
· You win people over. People tend to warm to you and respect you. You easily build good relationships with both very senior and very junior people. You can be at ease talking to a senior politician or a 15 year old. It is important to you to be humble. You acknowledge how much you don't know as well as how much you do.
· You are great at building lasting partnerships with other organisations. You have experience of building partnerships or collaborations with other organisations, winning them over, doing conflict well when you need to, communicating clearly so that the work gets done and people feel as good as possible about it.
· You are a team player. You work brilliantly in a team. You are not motivated by being the individual winner. You want the team as a whole to succeed. You enjoy coaching other people so that they perform excellently in a meeting. You are not possessive of your contacts. You don’t care who gets the credit as long as things get done. You like the idea of being part of a small, well-motivated team and are ok with the downside of this – that we don’t have a lot of junior admin staff to do the jobs we like less.
· You think and communicate really well from the big picture to practical reality. You’re a strategic thinker who can see the big picture without losing sight of the detail. You find it quite easy to summarise in a few sentences, a few pages or a few words a complex argument or case. Whether speaking or writing, you break down complicated concepts in ways that make sense to different audiences – without oversimplifying. You bring clarity where others bring jargon.
· You care about our mission. You can be easily motivated to do work to prevent violence. This is something that matters to you. You believe in getting people to do things that are most likely to save lives, rather than just things that sound good.
· You’re committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Not just in theory – but in how you work, who you listen to, and what you prioritise.
While it’s not a criterion, we are especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of violence affecting young people.
It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.
Secondments
We are open to candidates that would prefer to join us on a 2-year secondment or career break. Secondment candidate should ensure that their current organisation is in support of this in principle, all candidates will go through the full interview process. Candidates should state clearly in their covering letter if they would like to join us as secondee.
Hybrid Working Details
The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office for a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at the interview stage.
To Apply
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form click on "Apply for this" button by Friday 26th September 2025.
When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words (there is no need to be this long though) the following questions:
1. Tell us in two paragraphs about something you made happen. We are keen to find someone who is good at be a self-starter, organised and finding the way to make something happen. Tell us what you were trying to get done, how you organised the task and how you made it happen.
2. Summarise in one or two paragraphs your experience of working with or in central government. We are keen to find someone who knows how decisions are made in government and has seen them being made.
3. Tell in two paragraphs about someone or an organisation you won over or built a good relationship with.Tell us how you went about it. We are keen to find someone who quite easily builds good relationships with other organisations.
Interview Process
This will be a two-stage interview process. The first stage interviews will take place in the week commencing 13th October 2025. Second stage interviews are currently scheduled for the week commencing 20th October 2025
PLEASE NOTE: We do not sponsor work permits and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Benefits Include
· £1,000 professional development budget annually
· 28 days holiday – 3 of which are taken between Christmas and New Years - plus Bank Holidays
· Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support
· Volunteering days - 4 half days per year
· Death in service - 4 times annual salary
· Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm
· Financial support including travel and hardship loans
· Employer contributed pension of 5%.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
We exist to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence.

About Impetus
Our vision is for a society where all young people, regardless of their background, can thrive in school, secure crucial qualifications, and take their first steps into the world of work on the journey to sustained employment in adulthood, for a fulfilling life.
As a leading impact funder, since 2002, Impetus has been helping the best leaders build stronger organisations delivering the most promising interventions that support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed against the odds. We do this by using our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact, through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school.
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths.
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment.
These are challenges that are faced by all young people, but they disproportionately affect young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
About the role
Are you passionate about giving all young people the best chance in life? Are you a brilliant influencer and communicator who relishes harnessing great policy, research and communications to realise social change? Do you want to work in a pioneering charity with impact at its core?
Then this could be the role for you. At Impetus we are looking for our next Director of Public Affairs, someone who can inspire our brilliant Public Affairs team and spearhead our communications, policy and research work. This is an exciting senior role, joining our Senior Management Team and working alongside our CEO, board, donors, supporters, portfolio partners and the wider sector to effect real change for young people.
This is an exciting time to join Impetus. We are at an inflexion point, having welcomed a new CEO this year and implementing a new strategy focusing on strengthening and expanding our impact and influence. A big part of that is through our public affairs and communications work; whether influencing policy makers so that all young people regardless of background get the best possible chance to succeed, reducing the gaps in education and employment between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their better off peers, or working with government and other funders to prove and expand impactful programmes or communicating our findings, insights and message to a wider range of audiences.
The Director of Public Affairs will work with the CEO and Senior Management Team to raise our profile and influence policy, unlock and steward resource and build new partnerships, in order to facilitate growth in impact. They will do this by getting the most out of our high performing Public Affairs team, which covers policy, research, advocacy and communications - as well as working across teams and with the Board to ensure Impetus is well positioned externally.
We’re proud of the work we’ve achieved to date, developing a strong track record of high-quality research and insightful reports, significantly raising our profile through media relations and stakeholder engagement, building strong sector partnerships and coalitions to drive meaningful change, establishing a wide range of relationships across government and the sector and building strong expertise in the team. We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us to take forward this work to the next level.
Here are some examples of the types of work that the Public Affairs team delivers:
• Our monthly policy newsletter, Impetus Insights
• Our news and commentary and blogs
• Our latest research reports on school engagement, attainment and youth employment
• Our coalitions: The Youth Employment Group and Who is Losing Learning?
For more information on what we’re looking for from our Director of Public Affairs & what a typical week can look like – please view the Director of Public Affairs recruitment pack.
Key responsibilities
Fundraising and income generation
- Work with Impetus CEO and SMT to support the delivery of the Impetus strategy and business plan and deliver the public affairs milestones to time and within budget.
- Champion and contribute to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all areas of Impetus' work, ensuring that EDI principles related to Impetus’ mission are reflected in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, communications and public positioning.
- Vision setting and strong line management of the Public Affairs team, developing their capabilities, representing the team at SMT and to the Board and ensuring it continues to make a valuable - and valued - contribution to the achievement of Impetus’s objectives, through building and implementing high quality work plans for the team and ensuring the wider Impetus team is aligned on these.
- Increase awareness, understanding and trust in Impetus among key stakeholders, through regular, thoughtful engagement with the sector and securing high profile media coverage.
- Raise awareness of the education and employment gaps faced by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and what we can do to break down the barriers they face - through research, policy positioning and effective communications.
- Build a positive reputation for Impetus in government and parliament and among funders, as a source of expertise on how to improve the education and employment outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and as a trusted interlocutor and partner, building on and leveraging the many relationships already established.
- Ensure that all advocacy is supported by high quality research and evidence, with our policy and research agenda well aligned to supporting the delivery of Impetus’ strategy.
- Ensure a positive media profile, continuing to build on the base established to build awareness among the media of Impetus’s expertise and content.
- Position Impetus as a ‘sought-after’ collaborative partner for other organisations with shared objectives; including regularly representing Impetus at relevant sector events.
- Support the delivery of our fundraising strategy and the successful delivery of our events programme, in particular, our flagship Transforming Lives Dinner.
- Where appropriate, collaborate with our portfolio partners to support their public affairs work and to leverage relevant partnerships, drawing on their insights to inform Impetus’ work.
- Contribute to the successful performance of the Senior Management Team, and provide expert advice to them, as well as to Trustees, on all public affairs-related activities and in the implementation of the broader strategy, engaging with decisions and challenges across the organisation.
- Oversee the running of our Public Affairs Committee (PAC), leveraging their skills, expertise and influence for the good of Impetus.
Personal specification
Essential
- A commitment to Impetus’ mission
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Experience of leading public affairs / communications / policy at a senior level
Strong track record of influencing (through policy, advocacy, communications, stakeholder relations) - Strong management skills including strategy development, people management, budgeting and impact monitoring
- Experience of leading multiple and complex workstreams to achieve measurable results
- Experience of representing an organisation externally; in meetings, media interviews and on public platforms
- Exceptional verbal and written communications skills
- Presence, credibility, motivational skills, natural ability to command respect based on experience, and ability to look beyond own area of expertise
- Proven experience of building and maintaining influential external relationships and strategic partnerships
- Ability to motivate a team and work collaboratively, enlisting support from others
- Knowledge of the education and/ or young people sectors
Desirable:
- Experience of fundraising, including trusts and foundations
- Knowledge of digital communications
- Experience of data management and good analytical skills
- Understanding of, and/or lived experience of, the barriers that young people face, that contribute to the education and employment gap
- Knowledge of venture philanthropy / impact management
- Knowledge of private equity and associated industries
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
How to apply
Please click here to apply.
You will need to:
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
- We will also share our equal opportunities form which must also be completed.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is 11:59pm, Sunday 12th October 2025.
Interviews
First round interviews will take place: w/c 20th/27th October 2025.
Second round interviews will take place: w/c 3rd November 2025.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior Policy Research Manager
Permanent
Salary: £45,000 - £47,000 per annum, plus benefits
London N1
Full time – 37.5 hours a week
We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.
Closing date: 5pm, 5th October 2025
First Interviews: w/c 13th October 2025
Second Interviews: 21st and 22nd October 2025
It’s an exciting time to join World Cancer Research Fund International’s policy team as we develop the next phase of our policy tools and resources. WCRF International leads and unites a global network of cancer prevention charities based in Europe and the Americas, providing the science, policy, and strategic direction that guides their work to prevent cancer worldwide.
We are recruiting a Senior Policy Research Manager to lead WCRF’s flagship policy tools, including NOURISHING, MOVING and the Blueprint for Cancer Prevention. You will translate the latest science into actionable policy recommendations, deliver high-quality research projects, and represent WCRF externally to maximise our national and international impact.
We are looking for a candidate with strong policy research expertise, experience in evidence-based advocacy, and the ability to turn complex science into clear policy solutions. You will bring an innovative approach, including exploring new methods such as AI, and be skilled at working across teams and with external stakeholders.
You will have a proven track record in managing policy tools or research projects, building collaborations and engaging senior decision-makers. Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder skills are essential to support WCRF’s strategy and enhance the influence of the Policy & Public Affairs team.
Application Details:
If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.
Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF International and equip you for the role.Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
WCRF is a UK cancer prevention charity. We look at how diet, weight and physical activity affect the risk of developing and surviving cancer.
The Public Affairs Lead at the Food Foundation provides expertise on building relationships with political stakeholders to deliver impact across all areas of our work aimed transforming food systems and shifting diets.
· Do you have knowledge of the UK’s political system and experience of how to influence policy-making?
· Do you care about what we eat and its impact on our health and planet?
· Do you want to work in a small, ambitious organisation and use your influencing skills to deliver real impact?
If the answers to these questions are yes, we would love to hear from you!
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (willing to consider part time hours, no less than 4 days)
Starting Salary: £39,960 (pro rata and London weighting included)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: This is a London based role (our office is in London, Brixton) and you will be expected to work at least 2 days per week from the office. Whilst there will be a need to regularly attend in-person meetings in parliament and officer, there is flexible working options.
Job requirements: An enhanced clean DBS check, obtained through The Food Foundation plus two references
Job Purpose
The Public Affairs Lead sits within our Policy and Advocacy Team, working to build support for The Food Foundation’s work amongst Parliamentarians and to influence the government to help deliver policies that will transform the food system. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small organisation delivering big impact on the political agenda around food.
The Public Affairs Manager reports to our Head of Policy and Advocacy and will be responsible for planning and delivering our public affairs activity. You will spend considerable time meeting MPs and Peers in parliament and building relationships with their teams with a view to identifying potential new supporters and ensuring that The Food Foundation has a range of contacts that we can call on to support and amplify our policy asks and to raise issues when required.
While this role is focused on political engagement, you will work closely with policy and research colleagues and with our communications team to share perspectives on which priorities it may be tactical to pursue at any given time and to understand what evidence is available to inform engagement.
You will also work closely with public affairs professionals in other organisations to deliver joint programmes of engagement work which leverage respective organisational strengths.
You will have excellent political instincts and a strong interest in policy developments, monitoring closely what is going on in Parliament and in Government, and keeping abreast of the latest developments in order to identify opportune moments to maximise political attention on the issues we work on and to galvanise support for policy change.
You will work with our communications team to build compelling narratives targeted at different political stakeholders about the impacts of the food system on our diets, our health and our planet, and the need for evidence-based solutions. In the current parliamentary term we expect a major focus of activity to be on securing a White Paper and then A Bill on food system change.
You will lead on developing and commissioning a range of briefing materials and reports for policy audiences and formulate responses on behalf of the organisation to policy development processes and Parliamentary inquiries.
You will think creatively about methods and opportunities for engagement in order to ensure that The Food Foundation’s messages and priorities are noticed and heard by policy-makers in a very crowded policy space, including by working closely with our events manager to deliver impactful parliamentary events.
You will bring a learning mindset to the role, assessing the impact of our policy engagement approaches in order to make continuous improvements.
The role will be a fulfilling blend of planning engagement campaigns, developing the materials and monitoring tools to enable delivery, and the practical task of developing personal relationships with key stakeholders.
A week in the job will look like: meeting with a Peer that is new to our work to brief them on evidence we have published and our current political priorities, completing a political stakeholder mapping exercise for a new campaign on sustainable diets to identify a shortlist of MPs to engage with, spending an afternoon in parliament to engage informally with passing MPs, pitching a new idea for a parliamentary inquiry to parliamentary staff from the Health and Social Care Committee, drafting an MP briefing for an upcoming debate on the Government’s obesity prevention priorities, reviewing next week’s parliamentary calendar to spot opportunities for engagement, attending a roundtable to share intelligence and discuss priorities for political party manifestos with other NGOs working on food issues, ringing round parliamentary offices to confirm attendance for an upcoming parliamentary reception, meeting with an MP that is closely involved with The Food Foundation’s work to refine messaging for an upcoming campaign.
Our vision is a sustainable food system which delivers health and wellbeing for all.





We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Philanthropy and Research Officer to work as part of our Fundraising Team.
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
The Fundraising team is a dynamic group of fundraisers who are passionately committed to raising money for our life-changing work in the mental health and mental illness space. We have a diverse portfolio of income streams spanning Events, Community, Individual Giving, Legacies, In-Memoriam, Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Partnerships.
Trusts & Grants have a strong track record at Rethink Mental Illness and a growing portfolio of supporters at Mental Health UK. The team is well-positioned to develop innovative funding propositions that support the future ambitions of both charities, working to achieve both in-year cornerstone grants and long-term, transformational funding. As a newly established programme, Philanthropy demonstrates exciting potential for both Rethink and MHUK, with initiatives spanning major donor and mid-value engagement. Corporate Partnerships have launched several exciting partnerships across both charities and that portfolio and team continues to grow.
How you will make a difference
Reporting to the Prospect Research Manager, you will identify and qualify new prospects across Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Corporate Partnerships. You will carry out in-depth research using a wide range of sources, manage due diligence processes and ensure accurate data is maintained on our CRM systems. You will also work closely with the Interim Head of Trusts and Philanthropy to steward donors and deliver exceptional supporter experiences.
To be successful in this role, you will be an inquisitive, proactive and data-driven fundraiser who enjoys uncovering insights through research and crafting compelling communications that make a meaningful difference to donors.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job purpose:
The post holder will support the Digital Content Manager in implementing the Association’s digital strategy. They will create web content that is user focused, accessible and optimised for search engines. They will maintain a content schedule, coordinating activities across the organisation and will build relationships with a variety of subject matter experts. They will support the Digital Content Manager in managing the Association’s digital channels.
The postholder will play a key role in supporting the management of the Association’s digital campaigns and tracking and reporting on digital campaigns to guide improvements. They will create and edit digital designs for use on web, social media and email platforms and be responsible for working with colleagues across the Association to provide digital insight and training.
This role is based at our head office at 21 Portland Place, London. We offer a hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week.
Key Responsibilities:
Digital
- Support the Digital Content Manager to review, develop and update the Association’s current website, and take a key role in the project to work on development of a new website.
- Support the management of the online community forum.
- Support the management of the Association app and any additional projects undertaken to further develop it.
- Act as a contact point with support agencies to swiftly resolve issues and to follow up developments.
Communications and social media
- Write and collate (including copyediting and proofreading where necessary) high quality, engaging content in line with agreed content priorities.
- Ensure content follows the Association’s brand guidelines, tone of voice and style guide.
- Work with colleagues to prepare, send and report on email campaigns on their behalf.
- Manage the Association’s social media presence, with the aim of reaching an increasingly broad audience.
- Create and edit digital designs for use on web, social media and email platforms, including filming and editing simple videos.
- Coordinate a digital content schedule across all channels for the organisation.
- Keep abreast of the latest innovations in digital communications and make suggestions for new ways of promoting the Association work and messages online.
Reporting
- Analyse campaigns and translate anecdotal or qualitative data into recommendations and plans for revising social media, content marketing, SEO and social advertising campaigns.
General responsibilities:
- Promote the benefits and impact of our digital communications internally.
- Understand and support the vision, mission and aims of the Association.
- Provide cover and represent at meetings as required.
- Contribute to team meetings and wider organisational priorities.
- Maintain and improve own competencies through continuous professional development.
- Support and promote the Association’s commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.
- Continually seek to improve processes and ways of working to support the work of the Association.
This job description is intended to reflect the main duties and responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list of duties. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which are commensurate with the role.
Person specification
Skills, knowledge and experience
Essential
- Proven experience in a digital communications role
- Proven experience of using website content management systems (working knowledge of the DNN platform is desirable), including writing, preparing and uploading content, maintaining the backend and working with developers to develop functionality and solve technical issues
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of social media platforms and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios
- Excellent attention to detail
- Extensive experience in online copywriting and publishing
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders
- Demonstrable experience of supporting colleagues with digital communications activities, either through coaching/training or assisting with particular projects
- Excellent written and communications skills and the ability to articulate complex situations to non-technical colleagues
Desirable
- Experience in a charity or similar membership organisation
- Experience of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign desirable
- Experience of CRM systems desirable (preferably MS Dynamics)
- Knowledge of Google Analytics and social media analytics tools
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you eager to make a difference in health and care but don’t know how to get started? Do you want to learn how policy is made, how senior leaders are influenced, and how research drives change?
We’re looking for a Policy and Research Intern to join our Policy and Influence team for nine months. This is a unique chance to take your first step on the policy career ladder – no prior policy experience required.
In this role, you’ll be right at the centre of our work with senior nursing and midwifery leaders. Yes, you’ll support the team with essential admin and communications, but this internship is about so much more than that. You’ll help deliver high-profile events like webinars and roundtables, track and report on member benefits, and contribute to live policy and research projects that shape the future of the NHS and wider system.
We don’t expect you to arrive knowing it all. What matters is your enthusiasm for FNF’s mission, your willingness to learn, and your drive to get stuck in. In return, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside senior stakeholders, and build the skills and confidence to take the next step in your career.
What we’re looking for:
- A genuine interest in health policy and influencing
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Someone proactive, flexible, and ready to muck in
- A team player who wants to learn and grow
- Demonstrable evidence of how you have lived FNF’s values
This is a nine-month paid internship (at the National Living Wage), with plenty of flexibility and hybrid working. You can join us part-time (three days a week) or full-time — whichever works best for you.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn by doing, and kick start your career in health policy and influencing, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll be part of a dynamic, ambitious team that’s making a real difference — and excited to have you on the journey with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Fundraiser - Home Counties
Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?
Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex.
Key Responsibilities:
- Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects
- Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth
- Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders
- Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research
Requirements:
- At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation
- Strong experience in supporter stewardship
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike
- Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure
If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.
We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
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.
Closing Date: 26th September 2025
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.
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Policy and Impact Officer
Location: Home working with some travel
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £24,000pa
DBS/PVG: Not required
Job Family: 3
Line Manager: Head of Policy and Impact
Closing Date: 30th September 2025 We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications
Start Date: asap
Interview Dates: 23 October 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications
Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.
What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part.
How we do this
We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.
• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.
• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.
• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.
• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.
• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.
Our promise to volunteers
We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.
Role Purpose
The Policy and Impact Team sits at the heart of Volunteering Matters. We play a vital role in demonstrating the impact of our work connecting data, qualitative insight, and lived experience to the policy agendas shaping communities across the UK. Through storytelling, analysis, and evidence, we make sure volunteering is recognised as a driving force for social change.
We are a small, hands-on team. You will be involved in every aspect of our work from desk-based research and writing briefings to organising external meetings and working directly in communities alongside our volunteers. This variety allows you to connect national policy with local realities and help volunteers share their voices where it matters most.
You will help bring our five-year strategy to life by linking project outcomes to broader societal developments and showcasing the impact of volunteers and communities.
Key Duties Responsibilities
· Support the Head of Policy and Impact to coordinate Volunteering Matters’ policy and public affairs work.
· Support people involved with our volunteering projects to engage with local politicians, e.g. by organising visits to projects or meetings with volunteers.
· Monitor and respond to opportunities (e.g. relevant government consultations, All-Party Parliamentary Group inquiries or Select Committee inquiries) that are relevant to Volunteering Matters’ priorities.
· Support mapping and research exercises to inform our policy positioning. Writing summary reports as needed.
· Collaborate with the National Volunteer Engagement Manager to support the inclusion of volunteer and community voices in our policy and public affairs work.
· Assist with collecting impact and activity data from across the charity and work with the Data Analyst to undertake analysis.
· Support with routine collection of quarterly data from projects - ensuring responses are timely and accurate, providing guidance to project managers as needed.
· Work with project staff to help create impactful and engaging reports.
· Represent Volunteering Matters at charity and volunteering policy-related groups.
Essential Skills
· Understanding of UK political systems and policy-making processes across national, devolved, and local levels.
· Understanding of policy, public affairs, or influencing, ideally within the voluntary or community sector.
· Confident communicator, able to engage with policymakers, sector partners, and community representatives.
· Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative data analysis to inform narrative reporting and strategic insight.
· Excellent writing skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive documents based on data and lived experience.
· Alignment with Volunteering Matters’ values and a commitment to amplifying community voice.
· Must adhere to the organisation’s Code of Conduct and uphold its values at all times.
· Proficient in Microsoft 365, particularly Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel, with the ability to manage email communications and collaborate digitally.
· Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, managing time and priorities in a busy environment.
· For remote roles, candidates must be self-starters who can work with minimal supervision, stay organised, and remain motivated to meet deadlines and deliver quality outcomes.
· Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving and information sharing.
Experience Required
No specific experience is required.
Qualifications
Relevant skills and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications.
Our Values & Way of Working
In all that we do we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.
Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.
GDPR Statement
If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months. We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.
Policy on AI-Generated Applications
Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI.
To Apply
Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.
Please note that all applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to progress applications that don’t meet this requirement.
If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. Whether you're a candidate looking for more information or with an HR query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We turn local knowledge into action by working with volunteers and partners across the UK to build stronger communities for all.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Together, the charities Sands and Tommy’s have formed a Joint Policy Unit (JPU) focussed on achieving policy change that will save more babies’ lives during pregnancy and the neonatal period and on tackling inequalities in loss, so that everyone can benefit from the best possible outcomes.
The JPU’s mission is to secure policy change that will reduce rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth and neonatal death, and to work to eliminate inequalities in these outcomes.
While there is widespread agreement on the need for change to improve the safety of maternity and neonatal services, what that change looks like is not clear. To save more babies’ lives we believe that a continued focus is required, and that governments should set new commitments to reduce perinatal mortality and preterm births, focused on matching the best-performing countries in Europe.
This role will be crucial to the continued success of the JPU unit; leading, shaping and coordinating all the unit’s work.
We are looking for an independent and assertive problem-solver, a policy expert who can manage multiple priorities, take the initiative, lead the national conversation and is as excited as we are about taking the helm of this venture for both of our organisations.
The successful candidate will need to have a substantial track record of effectively leading and implementing national policy and influencing programmes, driving change and achieving the desired impact.
You will have considerable experience across research, data analysis, policy development, public affairs and communications. Additionally, you will be well-versed in research and data management, including analysing complex data and evaluating policy developments.
Experience of being a member of a senior management team with successful, significant and relevant management and leadership experience is also essential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Would you like to make a difference?
We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual to join our team as Executive and Policy Assistant. This is a varied and rewarding role, working directly with the CEO and closely with our Communications and Impact team.
You will provide vital support to the CEO by managing diaries, coordinating meetings and events, preparing briefings and presentations, and acting as a key contact for staff, funders, supporters and the Board. You will also play a hands-on role in our policy and campaigning work — carrying out research, drafting communications and helping to ensure the voices of children, young people and adults with dyslexia are heard at every level.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a busy, purpose-driven environment, can balance multiple priorities, and wants to use their skills to make a meaningful difference for the dyslexia community.
Please carefully review the job description (attached below) for full responsibiliites of the role and essential skills required.
Location - Hybrid - this role is primarily home-based (UK), with the requirement to work from our office in Bracknell once a month, and to travel to London at least once a week, or as needed.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Interview schedule - first stage will take place on Monday 13 October 2025, with second stage taking place on Thursday 16 October 2025.
To change society by removing barriers so that everyone with dyslexia can reach their full potential in education, in employment and in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Christie Charity is a vibrant, fast moving, energetic organisation with a passionate team and a fantastic reputation.
Everything we do is geared to supporting the renowned Christie hospital ensuring cancer patients receive the highest level of treatment and care and have access to world leading research and technology. We provide funding over and above what the NHS provides.
We are currently entering a particularly exciting period of growth and expansion as we fundraise for a number of major projects.We are looking for a creative storyteller with a passion for bringing powerful stories to life to join our marketing team and help showcase the incredible impact of our charity.
In this exciting role, you’ll create high-quality videos, photography, and interviews that highlight the work of our hospital, staff, and supporters. Working closely with our Digital Marketing Manager, you’ll produce inspiring content for campaigns, our website, and social platforms, ensuring our supporters feel connected and engaged. You’ll also step in to cover social media activity when needed, keeping our online presence strong and consistent.
We’re looking for someone with proven skills in video and photo production, editing, and digital storytelling, who is comfortable interviewing people and working with sensitive stories. If you’re organised, creative, and ready to make a real difference by helping us share our impact with the world, we’d love to hear from you.
The Charity team is responsible for raising millions of pounds each year to ensure Christie patients receive the very best care and treatment. This includes everything from access to world first clinical trials and receiving radiotherapy in state-of-the-art treatment centres, to young adults being cared for in a bespoke age-appropriate centre and being able to offer patients anxiety reducing complementary therapy, or even creative sessions in our art room.
If you want to make a real difference to cancer patients and are ready to rise to the challenge of working for one of the most successful charities in the North-West, then this could be the role for you.
Closing date: Midnight on Monday 29 September
Interview date: Thursday 16 October
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.