Researcher Jobs in Watford, Hertfordshire

Psychometrician
£21,012 pa plus excellent benefits (£52,530 pa FTE)
Aldgate, London
14 hours per week

We are seeking a Psychometrician for two days per week to lead psychometric analyses and interpret the examination results of the Royal College of Pathologists.

The College is responsible for the delivery of pathology examinations for doctors, scientists, oral pathologists (dentists) and veterinary pathologists in 17 specialties – the Fellowship examinations of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath). The FRCPath Part 1 is held online and is a test of knowledge while FRCPath Part 2 is held in person around the UK as well as in the Republic of Ireland and, for histopathology, in international centres such as Dubai and Egypt. The College is regulated by the General Medical Council for the medical examinations and the General Dental Council for the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology examinations, but the examinations are open to all appropriately qualified candidates.

The FRCPath examinations are held twice a year in Spring and Autumn and attracts approximately 1,200 candidates per session across the specialties. While some examinations attract up to 200 candidates, some examinations consistently attract very small numbers of candidates, with a number of examination cohorts sitting somewhere in between. The Psychometrician will advise on the appropriate data collection methods for the examinations and undertake psychometric analyses of appropriate examination data for each examination session and will, in time, be asked to provide analysis of longitudinal data.

As the College continues to develop its examinations, the Psychometrician will possess sufficient expertise to provide advice on the appropriate psychometric tests to undertake for the specialty examinations as different formats or methods of delivery are considered.

The examinations are delivered by an examinations team in the College which sits within the Learning Directorate. Each specialty examination is supported by an appropriately qualified panel, led by a Panel Chair, all of whom are overseen by the Clinical Director of Examinations (a pathologist). The Psychometrician will be expected to communicate with a wide range of individuals regarding the College examinations, with varying levels of knowledge about psychometrics, and will provide training for examiners and staff on a regular basis.

The College is a professional membership organisation dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of pathology. There are currently approximately 12,000 members, all of whom are pathologists based in hospitals, universities and laboratories in the UK and overseas. The College’s main tasks are to set and maintain training standards for doctors and scientists, to advice on the appointment of consultant pathologists, to ensure the membership is kept up to date with current practice through the continuing professional development scheme, and to promote the latest developments in pathology by holding scientific meetings.

The College’s mission is to promote excellence in the practice of pathology and to be responsible for maintaining standards through training, assessments, examinations and professional development.

We offer attractive staff benefits including 25 days annual leave (pro rata) rising with length of service, an employee discount scheme, and season tickets, as well as a cycle to work scheme.  The College values diversity, welcoming applications from all members of society. We offer a mix of remote (home) and office working, with hybrid working arrangements currently in place.

Closing date: 9am, 3 June 2024.
Interviews: 18 June 2024.

Purpose of the role 

We are looking for enthusiastic consultant ready to work in a fast-paced organisation who can easily grasp and communicate impact to the different audiences across our work for fair finance. The consultant will be an exceptional writer across different platforms and a strategic thinker, with a solid understanding of our audiences and the best ways to share our story with them. They will join up three components of our finance work – transparency, consumer voice and our Fair Digital Finance Accelerator – with a core focus on our consumer voice profile. They will love the opportunities that come with working in an entrepreneurial environment, with a drive to deliver excellence and aptly raise our profile across core moments part of our fair finance agenda  - launches of our latest findings and research, events and campaigns.

Key Responsibilities 

Content generation  

• Draft compelling content for the different audiences of our fair finance work and for a broad suite of communications, including for our website, social media, materials and externally placed opinion pieces. Both this and the Leadership responsibility are core focus areas for this position.

Leadership  

• Develop the Communications Strategy for our Fair Finance work, creating informed and compelling messages and strategic KPIs which help deliver on programme and organisational goals and resonate with audiences.

• Provide strategic oversight to the design, delivery and evaluation of core global finance moments (such as research, events and campaigns).

• Navigate any communications issues relating to this work.

Driving efficiency and continuous improvement  

• Use and develop efficient systems and processes to help improve how we plan and evaluate communications for this work, and to pre-plan to mitigate issues. 

• Be diligent in monitoring the results of our communications performance, to proactively share outcomes with the team and help to improve outcomes. 

Using relationships for change 

• Build relationships with our Members, partners and donors to share their story, make them feel valued and ensure they promote our initiatives.

• Collaborate and work closely with the Fair Finance Team, Global Communications Coordinator and Head of Communications and Membership.

Deliverables

Typical deliverables during the tenure of this post will include:

• Content generation for long/short form content placed on our website and social media.

• Content (primarily opinion pieces) developed, pitched and placed on external partner platforms and/or the media.

• Media placement where relevant, including through press releases, letters to editors and op-eds.

• Strategic Communications Strategy for Finance, and project specific communications plans, which shows understanding of our audiences, messages and with goals aligning to organisational KPIs.

• Finance Communications Address book developed across core partners, based on strong relationships developed.

• Materials and/or audio visual content developed (working with external suppliers to do so) as and when there is a case for it.

Inter Mediate is one of the world’s leading independent conflict resolution organisations. Operating out of London, it works in conflict zones around the world to support peace negotiations and advise on strategies to stop and prevent wars. This is an exciting opportunity to join its small, expert projects team as a Project Development Officer, supporting Inter Mediate’s Project Directors to advance peace negotiations with a special focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.  

 Role summary

The Project Development Officer (PDO) will work within the Inter Mediate Projects Team under the guidance of the Projects Directors and coordination with the Deputy CEO, Operations Team and CEO, to:

• Support and implement Inter Mediate’s existing projects portfolio supporting peace talks and other high-level peace initiatives.
• Build and manage relationships with senior stakeholders in conflict and peace processes, mainly in Africa and the Middle East
• Identify and develop entry points for new projects.
• Monitor and analyse political developments across areas relevant to Inter Mediate’s work.
• Research lessons from past peace efforts relevant to Inter Mediate’s current work.
• Support the Operations Team and Project Directors to prepare project proposals and budgets, narrative and financial reporting, and collect evidence of project impact.

Specific responsibilities:

•  Contribute to strategies to deliver Inter Mediate projects and institutional priorities.
• Support the Project Directors to cultivate and maintain relationships with key interlocutors and relevant experts in the field.
• Undertake travel, including to conflict settings.
• Draft high quality policy memos, speeches and concept notes for senior audiences.
• Provide logistical support for project delivery, including managing travel of project teams, interlocutors and consultants.
• Monitor media, think tanks and other analysis centres on conflict dynamics, and produce briefings and analytic papers for the CEO ahead of travel or engagement with key interlocutors.
• Oversee production of research papers on peacemaking lessons, based on demand from interlocutors.
• Scope for potential new projects and develop new project feasibility studies.
• Support the Project Directors and Operations Team in donor management and project accountability, including contributing to preparation of project proposals and budgets, and reporting in line with donor requirements.
• Compile project progress reports for senior management/trustees’ meetings.
• Represent IM in external contexts where necessary.
• Undertake other tasks in support of IM’s work overall as required.

Experience, qualifications and skills:

 Successful candidates would need to demonstrate:

• A masters degree in politics, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, international affairs, public policy or an equivalent subject. Relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu.
• Three years of work experience in conflict resolution or peace process support for a governmental, non-governmental or inter-governmental organisation, or an equivalent field such as diplomacy, humanitarian access, political risk advisory services, conflict journalism or conflict analysis. Experience relevant to West Africa and Middle East preferred.
• Excellent written English, and evidence of ability to produce high-quality written work to deadline.
• A strong understanding of political and conflict dynamics – particularly Africa and the Middle East - and the ability to produce well-structured and concise analysis
• Ability to operate successfully in high pressure, sensitive political environments and support high-level individuals
• Experience of work and travel in conflict-affected areas, and willingness to travel independently, with support from the Project Directors.
• Evidence of strong cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to support the smooth running of a small team, and willingness to take an “all hands on deck” approach when required.
• Fluency in French (required), Arabic (preferred) or other languages

Inter Mediate particularly welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Working at Inter Mediate

A normal working week consists of 35 hours. Our office operates between 8am and 6.30pm with core hours from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Inter Mediate operates a hybrid working model, with at least 2 set days per week in the office in London.

Benefits include: 25 days holiday, pension contribution and private health insurance (following successful completion of the 6-month probationary period).

To Apply by 1st Jun 2024 :

Send a one page cover letter explaining why you would be a good candidate for this position, a CV and and a writing sample (no longer than three pages).

 IM is unable to currently sponsor working visas. All applicants must have the right of employment within the UK. Inter Mediate welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

 Only full applications will be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Are you looking for a role which gives you purpose?We are looking for an ambitious candidate who will have several years fundraising’ experience, particularly of increasing income and cultivating supporters.  We need you to develop and implement our fundraising strategy by contributing to agreed objectives, income targets and other key performance indicators within the timeframe and budget specified while contributing to our purpose of helping vulnerable people to live in dignity and to achieve their potential. 

The successful candidate will work with the Head of the Gambling Action Lab (GAL) and the Senior Research Officer to bring together a handful of representatives from financial services firms to explore ways to reduce gambling-related financial harms. They will build and maintain stakeholder relationships and play a key role in facilitating group discussions with financial services representatives. This exciting role will also involve driving and promoting the work and visibility of the GAL, and planning and delivering a programme of events to promote our work.

This is an exciting time to join the organisation. We are a growing team, and with momentum building to address gambling-related harms, our work has never been so vital. In this position, you will play an important role in helping us to further understand the links between money, mental health problems and gambling harms and work with firms and stakeholders to develop practical solutions that lead to real change.

The full-time equivalent salary is either £41,283 at the Senior Officer level or £32,915 at the Officer level.

This role can be offered as London-based or remote (with twice-monthly travel to the London office) and either full-time (37.5 hours over 5 days) or part-time (minimum 30 hours over 4 days a week).

The closing date is 9am Monday 20 May. 

We welcome candidates who have lived experiences of mental health problems, gambling harms or financial difficulty.

We are working hard to create an organisation where Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging are baked into our culture. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, gender, identity, race, class, sexuality, disability or any other characteristic. What’s important isn’t your level of education or the opportunities you have had – it’s about you and how you seize the opportunities ahead of you.

About 5Rights​

5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations.​​

We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No. 25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).​

Key responsibilities ​

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will:​​

• Work on the development of technical frameworks, guidelines, standards, certification or audit processes relevant for implementing regulation for children’s rights in the digital environment at international, EU and UK levels. This includes representing 5Rights in technical meetings and working groups, such as at the IEEE and CEN-CENELEC.​

• Work to promote and support the uptake of these standards by the tech industry, including by working with industry associations, chambers of commerce and tech companies directly.​

• Lead our work to gather technical evidence on company compliance with regulation for children in the UK and EU.​

• Identify cases of non-compliance, develop argumentation and engage with companies and regulators for remedy, with legal support as necessary.​

• Work to promote compliance, by supporting public accountability for non-compliance and positive visibility of best practice.​

• Lead our work to raise awareness and stimulate action of industry stakeholders, notably advertisers and investors.​

• Liaise with technologists and experts around the world, exchanging knowledge and staying up to date on the latest developments, research and emerging issues.​

• Oversee the 5Rights Research Officer, research projects and evidence-gathering programmes.​

• Draft briefings for Executive Director and policy leads.​

• Contribute to 5Rights reports, positions, communications and fundraising materials.​

• Represent 5Rights as an expert at meetings and events.​

Person specification​

You’ll be a confident and skilled researcher, a clear, fresh thinker, and an excellent writer. High attention to detail, an eye for nuance, and the ability to digest complex information quickly and communicate it coherently are all musts. A background in technology issues or children’s rights is preferable, but not essential. Most of all, we’re looking for someone who’s thorough, proactive, super smart, and committed to our mission. ​

ESSENTIAL skills and attributes: ​

• In depth knowledge of the technology regulatory landscape from the perspective of privacy, consumer protection or child rights;​

• A strong understanding of the tech industry ecosystem and business models.​

• Experience developing or contributing to tech regulation or technical frameworks.​

• Strong research credentials and the ability to design and oversee technical evidence gathering for corporate compliance;​

• A sharp mind and pen for succinct regulatory analysis;​

• A meticulous eye for detail and proven ability to design and deliver high-quality products, including the ability to craft and manipulate legal language (at least in English);​

• A keen sense of politics and knack for strategic negotiation and timing;​

• The imagination and curiosity to put forward new and inventive ways to solve problems without compromising on core goals;​

• The reliability, patience and relentless focus required to get complex deliverables over the line;​

• The interpersonal, communication and leadership skills (including humility and self-confidence) to build consensus within groups and lasting positive relationships;​

• The confidence to engage in adversarial exchanges when necessary;​

• Strong prioritisation and organisation skills to manage various processes and pieces of work in parallel;​

• A can-do, action and solution-oriented attitude;​

• Self-motivation and drive to work independently and cohesively within a remote team;​

• The commitment, energy and enthusiasm to deliver on 5Rights’ ambitious mission. ​

• Right to work in Belgium or the UK. ​

DESIRABLE skills and attributes: ​

• Legal or technical expertise. ​

• Experience in a similar role, e.g. working on research, enforcement or technical standards. ​

• Experience working internationally and in culturally-diverse settings;​

• Ability to work in other languages, such as French or Spanish.​​

Remuneration and details​

• Location: Remote position with employee contract in UK or Belgium. Hybrid working in 5Rights’ London and Brussels co-working office spaces is available.​

• Salary: £43,600-£48,300 for UK-based candidate, with flexibility depending on experience; EUR 61,500-68,100 for a Belgium-based candidate.​

• Working hours: Full time, with some accommodation necessary for work across time-zones and international travel.​

• Statutory pension contribution.​

• 25 days of annual leave.​

• Work equipment including a laptop and mobile phone will be provided​

• Starting data: asap.​

• Reporting line: Executive Director.​​

5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard. ​​

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a written task as part of our recruitment approach. The task will take 2 hours. First round interviews will be held over Zoom.

Are you passionate about motivating and supporting people to take part in a wide range of fundraising events? Do you have a proven track record of engaging positively over time with donors throughout their journey alongside a charity? Are you a positive, skilled communicator with an eye for detail and an ability to get ‘stuck in’? If so, this role could be for you.

SUDEP Action is the only UK charity focused on preventing epilepsy-related deaths. We have the only epilepsy bereavement service freely available to anyone suddenly bereaved by epilepsy (including SUDEP). By representing the voices of those who have died and who are bereaved, we aim to learn from deaths, and use research, policy and campaigns to raise awareness and take action that helps save lives. 

Working both independently and with the wider team you will deliver a high-quality community fundraising service. We’re looking for someone who has worked in a fundraising department and/or similar role before, preferably in the charity sector. Engaging confidently with people and feeling comfortable in adapting your approach to different audiences is a key skill for this role - whether they are major donors, corporates or community fundraisers. This is particularly important as many of our supporters & fundraisers are bereaved.

Building positive supporter connections is at the heart of what we do at SUDEP Action, so setting a positive example of this through your plans and actions, and demonstrating the importance of maintaining strong, personalised supporter relationships is key. You’ll know how to follow processes to record, monitor and evaluate supporters’ engagement with community fundraising activities, so this feeds back into how the charity operates.

Much of the charity’s income comes from our motivated and passionate supporters, so this role is a key part of income generation. The successful candidate will be able to build on current processes and successes to grow our engagement across all fundraising activities, platforms and campaigns. Experience of bid/grant writing would be desirable.  

About Black Thrive 

Black Thrive Global (BTG) evolved from the work of the Black Thrive Lambeth (BTL) Partnership, which was established in 2016. We exist to address the inequalities that negatively impact the mental health and wellbeing of Black people so that the thriving of Black communities is the norm. 

Our guiding principle is that Black communities should be at the forefront of reimagining, redefining, and co-creating a society where systemic racism and other oppressive systems have been dismantled so that they have fulfilling lives. We have two priorities – building a Black Thrive Research Institute and embedding race equity in systems change. 

We have grown rapidly since 2021 and so still have a start-up culture and often deal with competing priorities at a fast pace. 

The aim of Black Queer & Thriving is to explore the health and wellbeing needs of Black LGBTQ+ people in Lambeth and Southwark, develop community research that details these needs with the Working Group and use the outcome to influence local policy and infrastructure. 

The purpose of this role is to support the Black Queer & Thriving workstream with the main priorities being: 

• Providing administrative support to the development of the Black LGBTQ+ Working Group, including organising meetings and minute taking; 

• Supporting relationship management with Lambeth and Southwark’s Black LGBTQ+ community; and 

• Leading on a community research project exploring the health and wellbeing experiences of Black LGBTQ+ people in Lambeth and Southwark.

The list below is not an exhaustive list of duties, due to the dynamic nature of the work occurring at Black Thrive we are looking for someone who is willing to adapt to our responsive workstreams, and who can be agile in the performance of different tasks.

Duties and responsibilities 

1. Support the project’s engagement and involvement with Lambeth and Southwark’s Black LGBTQ+ communities, particularly young people. 

2. Lead on designing and maintaining databases to support the network mapping of stakeholders and ensure relationship management of key stakeholders. 

3. Leading on a community research project with the Working Group and participate in and support other research, evaluation and learning activities. 

4. Keep abreast of various projects, initiatives and coalitions locally, regionally and nationally, as well as emerging legislation policy and practice related to the workstream. 

5. Support the Programme & Partnership Manager with project management and reporting arrangements relating to the achievement of objectives and milestones. 

6. Organise meeting and events and manage the associated administration such as room bookings, preparing and distribution of agendas, minute taking and action tracking. 

7. Support the development of the Black LGBTQ+ Working Group, including recruitment, organising meetings and minutes. 

8. Produce and deliver presentations, reports and other materials relevant to the role. 

9. Lead on producing content for internal and external blog posts and digital content across our communication channels to ensure effective communication of Black Thrive’s employment work to relevant audiences. 

10.  Put in place appropriate project and financial management arrangements to ensure the achievement of objectives and milestones relating to the Communities workstream.

11.  Ensure compliance with legislation and policies relevant to the job role, including equality, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and financial probity.

12.  Spend up to 10% of time supporting corporate business, such as strategy and administration.

13.  Occasionally work at weekends and in the evenings when required. 

Job Title: Partnership Development Manager

Salary: £34,500.

Contract Type: Contract for 18 months; there is a strong possibility that currently anticipated growth in the team may see this role become permanent during the contract term. Full time (35 hours per week) although flexible hours may be considered; the role may require occasional evening and weekend work  

Working location: Home based. The post holder should expect to come into the office a minimum of two days per month, with the possibility of up to five days per month being routinely required. 

Reporting to: Partnership Development Lead, Corporate Partnerships team 
 

BACKGROUND   

The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to three million means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.   

When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.  

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 200,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.   

Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact in order to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK. To do this, we need to continue to grow our fundraised income, of which new corporate income is a significant element.

JOB INFORMATION

We are seeking candidates who are after the next step in their fundraising journey. You will already have strong credentials and be ready to start your journey into Partnership Management which will include leading in delivering the new business plan and working closely with colleagues in the Partnership Development team and across the organisation to identify, create and secure new strategic, multi-year corporate partnerships 

You’ll be ambitious to take the next step and we are on hand to support and offer you training and a positive working environment to allow you to gain confidence and knowledge in the role at a steady pace.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Building a pipeline that reflects Magic Breakfast’s restricted and unrestricted funding needs, including Gift in Kind requirements, working with the Partnership Research Executive to research and identify prospects with potential.  
• Making use of multiple tactics to secure meetings with prospects including, for example, cold calling, emailing, running events, event networking and social selling on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Ensuring that risk-screening and due diligence processes have been completed in line with Magic Breakfast’s Ethical Fundraising and Due Diligence policies. 
• Understanding each prospect’s strategic interests through meetings, discussions and research and defining the mutual advantage in partnership. 
• Developing and delivering engaging, relevant and impactful pitches and written proposals to prospective partners.  

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a firm commitment to encouraging fairness and diversity in our workforce and we encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority background, who are underrepresented in our organisation.  

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, hr@magicbreakfast.  com

Shortlisting - Wednesday 15th May

First interview - Tuesday 21 May, Wednesday 22 May 

Second interview – Tuesday 4th June, Wednesday 5th June – morning only

Closing date for applications: 11th May 2024, 23:59 (BST)

Organisation: Scriptoria Sustainable Development Solutions

Contract: Full time, permanent 

Location: Flexible (London and/or remote, plus business travel)

Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 – depending on experience 

Start date: ASAP 

Do you have a scientific PhD and postdoc/industry experience? Do you want to apply your scientific skills and research experience to health and sustainable development projects? Are you interested in meeting people, sharing your skills and learning to be a first-class communicator? Then this is the job for you.

Who we are 

Scriptoria is a values-driven, ethically-focused consulting company that has a strong international reputation for excellence. We specialise in helping clients around the world to tackle sustainable development, poverty reduction, health, and climate and environmental issues. Our Consulting, Data, Communications and Training Teams focus on knowledge management, data management and communications to help research, international development, government and other organisations better manage information and communicate their findings. 

Who we're looking for 

We are looking for a dynamic new team member with a PhD in a science/STEM subject to join our innovative Consulting Team and to contribute to the work of our Data and Training Teams. Agriculture and the health sciences are areas we are particularly interested in.

Specifically, we want an individual with a passion for research and sustainable development, a friendly, outgoing personality and a willingness to learn new skills. We’re looking for someone who wants to engage with international development and research projects to help them work more efficiently and have a greater impact.

This role will offer a range of experience and the opportunity to contribute to the diverse range of services that Scriptoria provides.

Approximately half of your time will be spent working with our exceptionally experienced team of knowledge management and data consultants to help us develop and deliver cutting-edge data-management/analytics solutions and project-management software systems to our clients. Your work will also involve working to help us manage and organise the projects we deliver to clients. The other half of your time will involve meeting with and training clients (to pass on your skills in research communications), both online and through face-to-face courses. Finally, you will be encouraged to contribute to company-wide strategy and business development. 

Your role will include:

• Helping sustainable development and research programs to develop and implement digital tools and analytics systems to better manage their workflows and use their data 

• Working with projects in Africa and Asia to provide technical advisory and consulting services to help them to better manage and share information, knowledge and data

• Training and mentoring international researchers by delivering courses, workshops, and individual support in areas including journal article/report writing, grant writing, project management and communications for non-specialists 

• Contributing to business development across the company, including marketing and client outreach.

Working with Scriptoria 

Our senior team has an exceptional skill set, and we recognise that candidates with all the skills we need simply may not exist. But don’t worry, if you have some of the skills we want but lack others – we will train you to fill those gaps. This will include thorough training in the delivery of our well-respected training courses. 

Our staff have the choice to work wholly or partly from home or from our office in Tooting, SW London, during regular operational hours (08.30-17.30). If working from home, staff must have a working environment suitable for holding video-call meetings/training sessions with clients. 

Wherever you work, you will interact regularly with senior team members to gain new skills and exchange ideas.  

This job will require regular travel to deliver training courses (mostly in the UK, estimated 2 to 8 days per month) and may also involve international travel, including to developing countries. So, applicants must be willing to travel (in line with UK government guidance). 

Key skills and experience 

Essential 

Qualifications and skills

• A PhD in a quantitative STEM research subject 

• 2 years minimum of postdoc/industry experience (in a research or research-support role) 

• A strong understanding of research processes and data analysis and management 

• A demonstrated talent for writing - including writing journal articles and writing for non-specialists 

• At least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal 

• Experience delivering live training/teaching courses 

• An excellent, practical knowledge of MS Excel and MS PowerPoint 

• Excellent English language skills, to the standard of a native speaker 

• The right to work in the UK

Characteristics and interests 

• A friendly, open personality (bright, resilient, cheerful, confident) 

• A passion for international development and building researchers’ skills 

• An interest in information management and technology, data systems and analytics and in helping create new IT systems and software (programming skills are not required for this role) 

• A willingness to travel and to take a flexible approach to working hours when travelling 

• The confidence required to give presentations and training courses and to lead (facilitate) meetings, online and in person 

• The ability to work very well under pressure and self-manage 

• The ability to juggle multiple tasks and work alongside the company Directors 

Desirable 

• Experience working on collaborative research projects with international partners 

• Experience working with programs such as Microsoft SharePoint or other knowledge management tools 

• Experience with statistical analysis in R 

• Experience in grant writing and/or grant management 

• Experience writing communications materials that translate science for non-specialists and encourage engagement 

Salary and annual leave 

Salary will depend on qualifications and experience but is expected to be between £35,000 and £38,000 p/a (depending on experience). Annual leave is 25 days per year plus public holidays (33 days).

We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a real difference to the lives of children living with serious illness/ disability or mental health crises in hospital by making our case to donors, trusts and corporate organisations to fund our work in children’s hospitals.

We have an opportunity to fill a brand-new role within the charity - a bid writer/fundraiser to research, design, write and submit detailed applications for capital and revenue funds to support our services. This will be an exceptional opportunity for a gifted and driven individual to build new networks and to establish, develop and maintain new fundraising initiatives for the charity.

Do you have experience of working in the UK Parliament, in an in-house public affairs team or within a public affairs consultancy? Are you looking to drive change to help tackle one of the UK’s biggest killers?

If so, you may be the Public Affairs Officer we’re looking for!

About the role

Our Policy and Public Affairs team exists to build support amongst key decision makers so that we can fund lifesaving research into heart disease. We develop the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) position, engaging and influencing stakeholders to help ensure the UK remains a global leader in heart and circulatory research while advocating for the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases across the UK.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Public Affairs Officer to join our award winning and high impact team during a very exciting time in politics. You’ll be engaging with Parliamentarians to promote our work at Westminster and in their individual constituencies, while proactively spotting opportunities to build relationships and advance the interests of BHF. You’ll deliver a programme of activity and engagement that contributes to our wider Hearts Need More campaign, which aims to make heart and circulatory diseases a key priority for political parties ahead of the next general election.

Working arrangements

This is a blended role, where your work will be dual located between your home and our London office. 

At BHF we believe in the power of being together, so our colleagues on blended contracts can expect to spend some time in their office, at least one day each week, on average.  The use of our office spaces is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause. 

Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.

About you

With an interest in, and understanding of the external political environment, you'll have a good understanding of the workings of the UK Government and parliamentary procedure. You'll have an understanding of the role of BHF and other health and medical research charities in general, and particularly in the political arena.

You'll have experience of working in the UK Parliament or within a public affairs in-house team or consultancy, and have excellent communication skills. Having previously engaged with political stakeholders, you'll be able to build strong relationships with key internal and external colleagues.

With a proven ability to write clearly, concisely and persuasively for political audiences in a variety of formats, you’ll be able to summarise complex information swiftly and accurately for a variety of audiences. You'll also have strong organisational skills, including experience of coordinating events.

This is an opportunity to make a profound impact for our patients, their families, and our supporters at an exciting time in the electoral cycle.

About us

We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day. 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.

Interview process

Interviews will be held virtually via MS Teams during week commencing 20th May 2024

How to apply 

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up to date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.

Position

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer to support our Policy Team in the London office.

Deadline: Monday 13 May, 9.00 am.

Location: London

Salary: Starting salary £31,350 rising to £35,381 plus £3,285 London Weighting.

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). We are currently trialling a 32-hour week until April 2025 on the same pay & conditions.

Contract type: Permanent

This exciting Policy & Public Affairs Officer role will lead on developing and influencing specific policy priorities identified by the Foundation as areas where change is most needed to improve the population’s mental health. Initially, the policy area of focus for this role will be the mental health of asylum seekers and refugees.

What does the role involve?

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health and particular priority policy topics for the Foundation.
• Carry out background research, developing influencing plans, responding to government consultations and providing briefings for politicians and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure the Foundation’s stakeholders, including people with lived experience of mental ill health, are involved in development of policy work and strategy.

Requirements

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• In-depth knowledge of policy development systems and processes in the UK.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write precisely and quickly for a range of audiences.
• Ability to critically analyse complex legislative, policy and research documents.
• Ability to work within and across teams to deliver results. This includes our policy, research, communications, fundraising and programmes teams.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business: the Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post; you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

Other information

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application below. Please ensure you attach an up to date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 9.00 am on Monday 13 May and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for the 23 and 24 May. There will be a short written test on the day of the interview.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010/Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is our belief. It drives us. 
 
It drives our award-winning Policy and Public Affairs team to shape law, policy and practice to ensure children can grow up free from abuse and neglect.
 
To help us achieve even more for children, we are recruiting six Policy and Public Affairs Officers across the UK. We are looking for: 

• 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Northern Ireland
• 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Scotland
• 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Wales
• 3 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers based in England, with one focused on online safety 

These will be key roles in a high-performing team with an inclusive, supportive and empowering team dynamic. Post-holders will support the delivery of a range of policy-focused projects both within their respective nation policy team, and across our UK-wide team. 
 
The successful candidates will be: 

• committed to our mission to prevent child abuse; 
• able to demonstrate good policy development and policy research skills; 
• a strong communicator and effective network builder; and 
• have experience of influencing policy change in England/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales, as the specific role requires. 

 Join us and you'll become part of a team that cares about the work they do and the people they work with. You'll discover opportunities to grow, along with challenges and a shared purpose that'll bring the best out in you. And you'll get to find your own way to make a difference that means more, and that impacts millions of young lives.