Senior policy research officer jobs

Purpose of the Role

As the Policy and Campaigns Officer for Scotland, you will be the driving force behind our policy development, political monitoring, and strategic advocacy in Scotland. Your work will champion the strategic interests of dietitians as both a professional membership body and a registered trade union. Alongside core policy work, you will take direct ownership of designing and delivering a high-profile national campaign which is delivered across the UK. This allocated campaign will focus on a critical theme impacting both public health and our workforce.

The role sits within the BDA’s policy and public affairs function, and you will be part of a small team of policy officers and a public affairs officer who work across the other home countries and the UK. You will have access to an established Scotland board, a colleague who covers trade union representation in Scotland and a supportive professional practice, communications and leadership team based at our Birmingham head office.

Key Areas of Responsibility

The post holder will deliver on the following key responsibilities:

Policy development and advocacy (55%)

• Monitoring the political environment in Scotland in our key areas of interest, providing briefs and advice to the Scotland board and BDA senior leadership team on developments within Holyrood, NHS Scotland, STUC and local government.
• Policy development including work with relevant committees and BDA staff in the development of key policy documents and position statements with particular responsibility for policy positions in Scotland which balance clinical standards with social impact, workforce and employment rights.
• Co-ordinate and draft robust, evidence-based responses to consultations from Scottish government, public bodies and parliamentary committees. May also respond to UK consultations where appropriate for a campaign theme.
• In conjunction with the BDA public affairs officer, advocacy for the dietetic profession and the BDA in Scotland by maintaining a network of contacts across the Scottish political spectrum including MSPs, government officials, health board executives, and policy influencers.
• Translate political updates and complex policy changes into clear accessible updates and guidance for BDA members via newsletters, webinars and the website.
• Represent the BDA with internal and external stakeholders including BDA Specialist Groups, AHP policy officer and working groups/networks and other alliances.
• Represent the BDA at Allied Health Professions Federation Scotland (AHPFS) working groups and events, building relationships, contributing dietetic priorities and ensuring the profession’s interests are reflected in shared policy discussions and collaborative activity.

Campaign co-ordination (30%)

• Completion of campaign workplan/s template with the campaign working group/s.
• Co-ordinate campaigns in conjunction with working group/s.
• Monitoring the landscape with regards to allocated campaigns. Provide advice when relevant issues are trending or becoming topical.
• Build appropriate alliances with third-sector organisations, networks and charities, food policy alliances and other health unions to amplify the campaign’s impact.
• Working with colleagues in communications, design and public affairs to create compelling campaigning materials, digital content, and toolkits to mobilise members, the public, and parliamentarians to lobby for legislative and budgetary changes that support dietetic services and interests.
• Establish clear KPIs for the campaign/s, monitoring progress, media coverage, member engagement, and policy shifts, and reporting these to senior leadership.

Cross BDA engagement and communications (15%)

• Help and deliver the BDA’s participation in profile raising events in Scotland, such as NHS Confederation.
• Regular engagement with the Chair of the Scotland Board on policy, political and government matters, resulting in input to Board agendas and support for political engagement.
• Provide expert advice and briefings to senior leadership ahead of high-level meetings or media appearances in Scotland.
• Be a valuable member of the BDA policy and public affairs function, contributing to the evolution of the policy function and contributing to the wider work and objectives of the Trade Union team

Person Specification

Knowledge

• Degree educated.
• Campaign/project management.
• Health policy development.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Public policy making process, particularly within Scotland.
• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care policy landscape in Scotland and the devolved nature of public services.
• It is also desirable if you have an understanding of the trade union movement in Scotland.

Experience

• Experience of working in a policy, public affairs or research role in healthcare, membership, charity, public sector, or trade union.
• Experience of lone working and being part of a small field-based team.
• Working within a health professional body or trust/board.
• Working in a political environment.

It is also desirable if you have worked as a dietitian or dietetic support worker.

Ideally you should be confident working independently in a small field-based team, able to build relationships and translate complex policy into clear advice, with desirable experience in a professional body, trade union, or dietetic setting.

About the Role

 We are looking for a motivated and capable individual to join our dynamic Policy and Public Affairs Team, supporting the development of credible, evidence‑based policy proposals and helping to influence UK governments and NHS organisations to adopt them.

Key tasks and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

· Monitoring the political and policy environment to keep track of things like Government / NHS initiatives and influencing opportunities.

· Collating and helping to analyse existing quantitative and qualitative research to produce briefings, help generate policy proposals and facilitate their implementation.

· Assisting the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and Policy and Public Affairs Officer to devise and implement influencing plans directed towards politicians, the NHS or relevant stakeholders.

· Preparing and drafting responses to consultations and reports relevant to the work of CPOC and the College, ensuring responses are evidence-based and in line with on-going policy work and strategy.

· Assisting with designing and conducting new research, such as survey work or interviews, in support of policy and influencing work.

· Becoming the team’s main expert on policy work in one of the UK devolved nations – likely Northern Ireland – and represent the Policy and Public Affairs Team on RCoA’s board for that nation.

· Providing general administrative support to the Team, including producing agendas for meetings and keeping track of our contacts with stakeholders.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will need to deliver high‑quality work at pace, be well organised, eager to learn and able to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You should have a sound understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, what makes impactful policy proposals and how research can be used to influence policymakers.  Insight into the UK health policy landscape, including government and NHS priorities, is also important.

This role is well‑suited to someone starting their policy career, and while previous policy experience is beneficial, it is not essential as full support and development will be provided.

What We Want to Achieve

We want to see an NHS that delivers good outcomes for patients and makes the best use of available resources. Our role in this relates to the anaesthetic workforce, and we have two specific priorities:

1) Boosting the anaesthetic workforce. Most operations require an anaesthetist in order to take place, but each of the four UK nations faces a chronic shortage of anaesthetists. Unfortunately, at present, no UK government is funding enough anaesthetic training places. We are determined to see this changed.

2) Optimising the surgical pathway. Anaesthetists don’t just work in the operating theatres they are often involved with the care patients receive before and after their operations – known as ‘perioperative care’. Good perioperative care can prevent surgical cancellations, complications, and unnecessarily long hospital stays. To this end, we host the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC). CPOC advocates policies such as ‘prehabilitation’ to ensure that patients arrive in hospital on the day of their surgery in the healthiest state possible – so their operation can go ahead without problems, and they can recover quickly. We are doggedly pushing for such polices to be adopted.

The Package

This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive employee benefits package, which includes (but is not limited to):

· 26 days of annual leave, plus bank holiday

· 1 additional paid day of leave for the purpose of celebrating your birthday

· Healthcare support through Benenden Health

· Up to 12% pension contribution

· Hybrid and flexible working

· Wellbeing hour once a week

· Cycle to work and employee discounts schemes

· Training and development opportunities

· Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programmes

 

About the College

The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) is the professional body responsible for the specialty throughout the UK. We are the third largest medical royal college in the UK by membership. With a combined membership of more than 24,000 Fellows and Members, we ensure the quality of patient care by safeguarding standards in the three specialties of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.

At RCoA equality, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our culture so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status, or parental responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.

How to Apply

 If you believe that you are the right person for this role, please submit your CV and cover letter by Tuesday 30th June. In your cover please address clearly how your experience meets the essential criteria in the job description in no more than 750 words.

Please note that the closing date is subject to change, depending on the success of the recruitment process.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates on their application. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted after the closing date. Please note that the closing date is subject to change.

Applicants must reside and have the right to work in the UK. No agencies please.

Date posted: 15 June 2026

Salary: £41,641 with excellent benefits

Contract type: Permanent, full time

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week. All staff are required to work in person for a minimum of two days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. The post-holder may be required to undertake some work outside normal working hours.

About the Health Foundation
Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity and helps build a stronger society. Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK, and health and care services are struggling to provide access to timely, high-quality care.

The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation with a mission to build a healthier UK. We work to achieve this by generating high quality research and analysis; developing practical solutions to the biggest problems in health and health services; engaging, convening and building coalitions to build understanding, inform debate and drive action; and developing the long-term capability needed to transform health and care.

Our values
We expect everyone who works with us to be committed to our values and to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. Our values are impact, evidence, integrity, and collaboration. You can read more about them in our five-year strategy. We also expect everyone to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation and to help deliver our EDI Strategy.

About the role
The Governance Officer will work closely with the Head of Governance to support the effective and efficient functioning of the board of governors, its committees, the Foundation’s subsidiary company, Medtrust, and other aspects of corporate governance. The role sits within the Company Secretary’s team, which is responsible for the Foundation’s governance, compliance, risk and assurance processes.

The post-holder will provide high-quality secretariat and governance support, helping to ensure that agendas, papers, minutes, forward plans, governance records and key meetings are accurate, timely and delivered to agreed standards. They will also support governance meetings and events, maintain governance systems and registers, assist with policy and regulatory compliance processes, contribute to governance learning and effectiveness work, and provide administrative support to the People Forum.

Deliver high-quality governance and secretariat support for the board and its committees, including agendas, papers, meeting support, minutes and forward planning. This will include providing the secretariat for at least one committee and supporting the Head of Governance with the effective administration of the overall governance structure.
Plan and coordinate in-person, hybrid and virtual governance meetings and events, including board meetings, committee meetings, governor information sessions, awaydays and board dinners.
Maintain accurate governance systems, records, trackers and registers, supporting transparency, compliance and effective governance assurance.

Support the operation of governance frameworks, including policy reviews, delegated authority processes, declarations of interest, hospitality and gifts, governors’ grants, and regulatory filing requirements.
The successful candidate will have experience of supporting senior managers, governors, trustees or committee members; excellent organisational skills; strong written and verbal communication skills, including accurate minute-taking; and confidence using tools such as Microsoft Office, Acrobat and Teams to support governance or administrative work to a high standard.

How to apply
Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and invite you to find out more.

If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and answer the application questions below. Please try to limit your response to each question to no more than 300 words.

1. Please tell us why you are interested in working for the Health Foundation and in this Governance Officer role.
    
2. Please briefly describe the experience, skills or knowledge you would bring to supporting effective governance, committee or senior-level meetings, and how would you build positive working relationships with senior stakeholders?
    
3. Please give a brief example of how you have organised information, records, meetings or processes accurately and efficiently in a previous role.

 
Our commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity
We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each opportunity on merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply to us. We have identified three key areas to improving diversity. Our aim is to achieve a more balanced representation across our organisation, with a particular focus on increasing the number of women in leadership, enhancing the representation of people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds and welcoming more people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we strongly encourage applications from these groups.

Apply to join our team and let's work towards building a more diverse and inclusive workplace together. If you require any support through this process, please contact us. Help us work together to make the recruitment process and potential future employment more accessible and enjoyable for you.

Closing date: Sunday 28 June 2026 23:59

Interview / Contact date: TBC

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.

£35,560 + Benefits

12 months’ fixed term maternity cover

London, UK (Hybrid – 50% office attendance)

We are looking for a Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to provide high-quality, confidential, and proactive executive support. You will be responsible for comprehensive diary and inbox management, coordination of meetings and travel, management of expenses, gatekeeping the CEO’s time, and ensuring the CEO is well-prepared through briefing and action tracking.

As PA to the CEO, you will work closely with the Chief of Staff, Briefing Hub Officer, and other relevant colleagues, to ensure the CEO’s meetings are appropriately supported with papers and briefings. You will also liaise with colleagues supporting the Academy of Medical Sciences’ President, to coordinate diaries where CEO and President activity intersects, and will manage sensitive communications with discretion and professionalism.

About the role

Executive, diary & inbox management:

• Provide proactive and complex diary management for the CEO, ensuring effective prioritisation and forward planning.
• Manage the CEO’s inbox, including monitoring correspondence, prioritising and responding where appropriate, and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Screen, triage, and manage incoming enquiries on behalf of the CEO, exercising sound judgement and discretion.
• Draft, prepare, and manage correspondence and documentation as required.
• Maintain accurate and well-organised electronic filing systems for the CEO’s office.

Gatekeeping, briefings & action tracking:

• Act as a gatekeeper to the CEO, balancing access, prioritising meetings, and advising on scheduling trade-offs.
• Work closely with the Chief of Staff, Briefing Hub Officer and colleagues to ensure meetings are appropriately briefed and supported.
• Track key actions arising from meetings attended by the CEO, ensuring follow-up occurs and deadlines are met, without owning delivery.
• Maintain awareness of protocol, managing sensitive communications and stakeholder interactions with discretion.

Meetings, travel & expenses:

• Arrange all travel and accommodation for the CEO, including itineraries and briefing packs.
• Coordinate virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings, including booking rooms, managing technology (Microsoft Teams), and arranging catering.
• Prepare, submit, and track the CEO’s expenses in line with Academy policies, liaising with the Finance team as required.

Governance & corporate support:

• Provide administrative support to the CEO in relation to governance activity, including meetings involving the Academy’s Council Members, President, and Honorary Officers, as required.
• Liaise with PAs and administrative colleagues supporting the President to coordinate diaries, particularly where joint meetings or shared commitments arise.
• Support the coordination of CEO-related papers, briefings, and follow-up actions arising from senior meetings.

Corporate events & internal coordination:

• Support the planning and delivery of corporate events attended or hosted by the CEO. This could include the Annual General Meeting (AGM), New Fellows’ Admissions Day, named lectures, and other ad hoc events.
• Assist with coordination of all-staff meetings, senior leadership meetings, and cross-Academy activity involving the CEO.
• Provide diary and administrative support for ad hoc cross-Academy projects requiring CEO involvement.

Systems & information management:

• Maintain and update records within the Academy’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database (Salesforce), finance software (Iplicit) and other digital systems, as required.
• Support updates to internal systems and website content related to CEO or corporate activity, where appropriate.

Requirements

Skills, experience & abilities:

• Proven experience providing high-level PA or Executive Assistant support to a senior leader.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and external organisations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and sound judgement.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM databases.
• Experience managing senior-level diaries, inboxes, travel, expenses, and briefing coordination.
• Experience in gatekeeping, action tracking, and protocol management.

Personal attributes:

• Highly organised, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Discreet, trustworthy, and professional.
• Collaborative and confident working with senior colleagues.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Strong commitment to the Academy’s mission, values, and public benefit.

Benefits

We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:

• Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%)
• Life assurance at three times your salary

• Hybrid and agile working.  50% office attendance.
• 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays
• Buying and selling leave
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period)

• Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing
• Support through tailored learning and development

• A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the Chief of Staff, Lizzy Benedikz, by email.

For more information and to apply online, please visit our vacancies page. 

Closing date: 5.00pm on Monday, 22 June 2026.

Interview date: week commencing 6 July 2026.

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We’re looking for an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Lead to drive Blood Cancer UK’s UK-wide policy and influencing work. In this pivotal role, you will lead and oversee a pipeline of policy and influencing content, and ambitious influencing strategies that put the experiences of people affected by blood cancer at the heart of decision-making. Working across Westminster and the devolved nations, you will build and maintain strong relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and key stakeholders, ensuring our voice is heard where it matters most and translating evidence and insight into meaningful policy change.

You will lead, support and develop a small team (two Policy and Public Affairs Officers: one focused on Scotland and Northern Ireland; the other focused on England and Wales). You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver integrated, insight-led influencing campaigns that shape national policy and improve outcomes for people with blood cancer. This is a highly collaborative and externally facing role, requiring confident engagement with senior stakeholders, clear and persuasive communication, and a strong commitment to involving people with lived experience in all aspects of our work. You will play a central role in ensuring Blood Cancer UK is a trusted and influential voice in health policy across the UK.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Expected travel for this role includes attendance at the London office approximately 2–4 days per month plus regular attendance at external meetings 

Expected interview dates: 

First round (online): w/c 6th July

Second round (in person): w/c 13th July

Salary: £35,159 to £36,935 (starting salary range)

Working pattern: Full-time, Permanent (35 hours per week)

Pension: USS

Annual leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays, 3 well-being days, and a Christmas office closure

Location: Hybrid, flexible working model with an office located in central London. Occasional UK-wide travel for GHE and relevant events.

Reports to: Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International)

Purpose

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

 

Key Responsibilities 

Policy Analysis & Communication

1. Horizon Scanning: Monitor government departments (e.g., DSIT, DfE), funding and regulatory bodies (UKRI, Research England, OfS, Innovate UK), and other stakeholders for policy updates, funding calls, and consultation launches in relation to Research and Innovation policy.

2. Briefings: Produce concise policy briefings, data summaries, and position papers for GuildHE members and leadership on key Research and Innovation issues (e.g., REF, knowledge exchange, KEF, commercialisation, research culture, open research). Develop high-quality external reports, consultations, blogs and other materials articulating member challenges and opportunities.

3. Consultation Drafts: Assist senior policy colleagues in gathering evidence, analysing member feedback, collaborating with sector stakeholders, and drafting compelling arguments that articulate the unique perspectives of GuildHE institutions.

4. Share Best Practice: Identify case studies across the GHE membership to share best practice internally and externally and drive national conversations about new ways of working and operating in the sector.

5. Policy issues: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and institutional research and innovation policies indicated by the Head of Research Policy or Policy Manager (Research, Innovation, International).

Member Support & Consortium Coordination

1. Member Engagement: Maintain regular, positive communication with research and innovation leads across member institutions, fostering a collaborative network.  Support relevant GuildHE member networks, including the Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place network, promoting communication, collaboration, and best practice exchange to inform evidence-based policy development.

2. Member development: Provide support for timely implementation of good practice guidelines and associated resources, within agreed budgets. This includes assisting with members' business development initiatives, such as Research Degree Awarding Powers.

3. Event Delivery: Develop and deliver content for events including the GuildHE Research Consortium meetings, the Research and Knowledge Exchange Symposium, PGR Doctoral Festival, the PGR Network for global majority students and sandpits/match events, workshops and roundtables. 

4. Shared Services: Collaborate with other GHE teammates to maintain and deliver our shared services (i.e. research outputs repository, shared postgraduate online training, research impact tracking and researcher development tools) and explore new services in response to members’ needs

5. PGR Students: Develop and deliver initiatives for postgraduate students and early career researchers (e.g., our PGR Support Programme and associated student networks), working closely with the Policy Manager (Student Experience) to ensure postgraduate students are reflected in broader student support policies.

The postholder will also be expected to:

1. Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.

2. To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.

3. Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.

4. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions and sector agencies, including senior leaders, academics, and policy staff.

5. Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.

6. Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.

7. Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects and deputise for the Head of Research Policy or the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation and International) as appropriate.

8. Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.

 

Person Specification

Core Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships

• Clear, concise writing skills for drafting policy responses, reports, and emails to senior stakeholders with excellent attention to detail.

• Problem-solving, Influencing and advocacy skills 

• Ability to digest complex, lengthy policy documents and extract key themes relevant to GuildHE members.

• Confident digital skills and highly proficient user of computer packages including MS Office and G Suite

• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, adhere deadlines, and maintain project momentum. This includes the capacity to monitor progress, identify and mitigate potential risks, and proactively address challenges.

• Experience in using data and evidence to enhance and impact assess activities. 

• Facilitation and convening skills would be advantageous 

Core Attributes

• Ability to build professional relationships quickly and sustainably with members and a wide range of stakeholders

• Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail

• A collaborative, communicative and flexible team player who is also comfortable working independently.

• An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.

• An understanding of, or a keen interest in, the UK higher education sector, research funding landscape, or public policy.

• To be willing to travel across the UK for meetings with members, stakeholders and events and to work flexibly, when and where necessary.

Ideal Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of higher education policy, working in research and innovation and/or supporting a research environment. 

• Experience of developing policy positions and responses

• Experience in synthesising complex data and/or ideas

• Experience in supporting training and development

Job Advert

GuildHE is a formal representative body, representing diversity in the higher education sector and the widest variety of institution types across the UK.  We are undergoing an exciting period of transformation, evolving our policy approach and member-focused services to significantly increase our impact within the sector and ensure we’re providing timely, proactive support to our members as they address emerging 21st century challenges.  

GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space.  You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.

If you think you can bring bold, creative and proactive energy to our small-and-mighty team to help take us to the next level, we want to hear from you!

Application closing date: Monday 12th July

Interviews: Tuesday 21st July 

Curious about the role? Please contact DanaGamble, Policy Manager for more information

 

Job Title: Senior International Safety and Compliance Officer

Location: Hybrid home and office based (London)

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Contract type: Fixed term – 11 months

Salary: £54,500 Gross Annual + 9% Employer Pension Contribution

Deadline: 17:00 (UK time) Tuesday, 6th July 2026

Conciliation Resources

Conciliation Resources (CR) is an independent international organisation working with people in conflict to prevent violence, resolve conflicts and promote peaceful societies. We believe that building sustainable peace takes time. We provide practical support to help people affected by violent conflict achieve lasting peace. We draw on our shared experiences to improve peacebuilding policies and practice worldwide. We currently have over 80 full and part-time staff members, working mainly out of offices in the UK, Belgium, Australia, Philippines, Kenya, Ethiopia and Central African Republic. We work with over 100 locally-based and international partners worldwide.

Purpose and Job Context

The Senior International Safety and Compliance Officer is based in Conciliation Resources’ (CR’s) Core and Operations Department, and reports to the Chief Operating Officer. This Department provides support to CR’s three programmatic departments – the Europe/Asia Department, the Africa Department and the South-East Asia and Pacific Department, as well as to the Research, Advisory and Policy Department.

The purpose of the role is to ensure that standards are met across safety, security, compliance, governance, legal and assurance functions. This is an international role that works closely with those who have safety and compliance responsibilities in each department.

The role is expected to keep abreast of changes in operating norms within the sector, and to then consider how these apply to CR, ensuring updates to policies and procedures as needed. The role provides operational guidance and direct assistance to staff, as well as refining and maintaining support processes as needed.

Person Specification

Knowledge

• A good understanding of how international organisations in the not-for-profit sector operate across medium and higher risk countries, including specific areas of safeguarding, safety and security.

• A conceptual understanding of risk management, governance and contract management.

• Appreciation of issues of confidentiality, and cross-cultural and political sensitivity. 

Experience

Experience in the following areas is beneficial, though it is recognised that candidates are unlikely to have experience in all aspects:

• Operational administration, project management or similar

• Developing or adapting organisational policies and processes, collating input from a wide range of people and perspectives

• Planning, leading and managing investigations

• Working in a multicultural environment and developing relationships remotely

• Planning, running, and facilitating effective meetings and workshops

• Supporting teams with safety, risk or compliance implementation

• Working in the Not-for-Profit sector.

Skills/Attributes

• Strong organisational skills including planning, developing, implementing and maintaining administrative systems

• Proven ability to administer online databases

• Able to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally.

• Initiative, enthusiasm and a problem-solving approach to new challenges

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.

£36,250 - £42,500 per year

Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Hybrid working with regular travel to our London Bridge Office

What the job involves

As Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, you’ll play a central role in helping us understand and demonstrate the real difference our work makes. You’ll manage the development and delivery of monitoring and evaluation frameworks for our Health Equity, Services and Improvement directorate, ensuring we can track our progress against Prostate Cancer UK’s new strategy with confidence. As part of the Data and Evidence team, you’ll bring together data and insight to tell a clear story about our impact for men and the wider healthcare system.

In this role, you’ll design practical, meaningful ways to measure success, from shaping our key performance indicators to strengthening how we collect and use data over time. You’ll draw on information from multiple sources to build a joined-up view of our activity, and use clear, engaging data visualisation to bring your findings to life. You’ll also support reporting to boards and committees, presenting evidence in a way that is accessible, relevant and supports good decision-making.

You’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, helping them evaluate their work and feel more confident using data in their day-to-day roles. By championing a culture of evidence-based decision making and continuous learning, you’ll help teams see the value of monitoring and evaluation and use it to improve what they do.

Alongside this, you’ll keep a strong overview of activity across the directorate, using data and insight to spot trends, highlight opportunities and drive improvements. You’ll also contribute to the ongoing development of our data and insight approach, helping us strengthen the quality, consistency and impact of how we evaluate and report on our work.

What we want from you

You’ll bring strong expertise in monitoring, evaluation and learning, with experience of applying approaches such as theory of change, outcome harvesting and logic models in practice. You’ll be skilled at evaluating public health or similar programmes, with a strong understanding of impact measurement and the ability to work with both qualitative and quantitative data. Experience in data visualisation is important, and familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI would be a bonus.

You’ll be comfortable designing surveys and using a range of data collection techniques, alongside a good understanding of UK health data sources. Just as importantly, you’ll be able to communicate complex findings in a clear and engaging way, helping others understand what the data is telling us and why it matters.

You’ll be well organised, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills, able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. You’ll enjoy working collaboratively across teams, building strong relationships and supporting colleagues to use data with confidence in their day-to-day work.

If you’re motivated by using evidence to drive meaningful change and want to help shape how impact is measured across the organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Why work with us?
Every man needs to know about the most common cancer in men – prostate cancer. It’s a real and present danger that takes over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends each year.

Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK. We have a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging lives. We invest millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.

Work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.

We've also signed Business in the Communities Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.

How and where we work

Colleagues attend the office at least four days per month (pro rata for part-time colleagues) to collaborate, build relationships, and support projects and decision-making. You can choose where to work the rest of the time. Travel to the office is a commute, so we pay our own travel costs.

Additional in-person attendance will be required during your first few months for induction and training, to support you to learn the role and get to know colleagues.

We trust colleagues to work flexibly while balancing personal commitments with the needs of the charity, and we are committed to making reasonable adjustments for colleagues with a disability, neurodiversity, or a long-term physical or mental health condition.

How to Apply
Visit our Prostate Cancer UK Careers page to learn more about this role and the benefits we offer. On the vacancy advert, you’ll find everything you need to know about the role, how to apply, and what to include in your application.

You can also download a copy of the job description and access the link to our careers portal to submit your application by visiting our website via the apply button.

The closing date is Sunday 5th July 2026.  Applications must be submitted by 23:45 UK time.

Interviews: By arrangement. Currently scheduled for the week of Monday 20th July 2026. We’re expecting the interviews for this role to be held online.

Please note, unfortunately we’re unable to offer sponsorship at the moment.  

Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887.

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Devolved Nations)

£34,839 pa plus excellent benefits

Home-based

35 hours per week, full-time

Permanent

 

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking a talented and motivated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our Devolved Nations team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy development, advocacy and communications activity that helps improve child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Working as part of the Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations) team, you will play an important role in supporting the College’s policy and public affairs priorities. You will help build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, support advocacy campaigns, develop policy positions and create engaging communications content that raises the profile of child health issues across the devolved nations. 

This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including paediatricians, senior College Officers, politicians, government officials, charities and healthcare organisations. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting the development of policy positions specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring they reflect the needs of RCPCH members and have influence across the wider UK policy landscape 

• Drafting consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and stakeholder communications on child health and paediatric issues

• Providing expertise and advice on the political, governmental and health service landscape within the devolved nations 

• Supporting the delivery of public affairs and stakeholder engagement activity, helping to build productive relationships with governments, policymakers and health sector organisations

• Producing content for websites, social media, newsletters and other digital communications channels to support advocacy and engagement objectives

• Drafting media content, including quotes, press releases and briefing materials, in collaboration with colleagues across the College

• Supporting senior College Officers and staff during meetings and engagement with policymakers and external stakeholders 

• Coordinating and supporting the work of Executive Committees across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

• Assisting with administrative and financial processes, including invoice processing and supplier registration 

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the College to maximise the impact of policy, communications and public affairs activity 

 

Essential skills and experience include:

• Demonstrable experience in policy, public affairs, communications or a related field 

• Strong knowledge and understanding of policy and legislative processes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Experience producing high-quality policy and communications outputs, including consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and media content

• Experience creating engaging content for digital channels, including websites, social media and email communications

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills 

• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment

Desirable: 

• Experience working within healthcare, government, a membership organisation or the third sector 

• Knowledge of public health, health inequalities or wider health service issues

• Experience working on issues relating to children and young people

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.

Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.

We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Devolved Nations)

£34,839 pa plus excellent benefits

Home-based

35 hours per week, full-time

Permanent

 

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking a talented and motivated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our Devolved Nations team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to policy development, advocacy and communications activity that helps improve child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Working as part of the Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations) team, you will play an important role in supporting the College’s policy and public affairs priorities. You will help build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, support advocacy campaigns, develop policy positions and create engaging communications content that raises the profile of child health issues across the devolved nations. 

This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including paediatricians, senior College Officers, politicians, government officials, charities and healthcare organisations. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting the development of policy positions specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring they reflect the needs of RCPCH members and have influence across the wider UK policy landscape 

• Drafting consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and stakeholder communications on child health and paediatric issues

• Providing expertise and advice on the political, governmental and health service landscape within the devolved nations 

• Supporting the delivery of public affairs and stakeholder engagement activity, helping to build productive relationships with governments, policymakers and health sector organisations

• Producing content for websites, social media, newsletters and other digital communications channels to support advocacy and engagement objectives

• Drafting media content, including quotes, press releases and briefing materials, in collaboration with colleagues across the College

• Supporting senior College Officers and staff during meetings and engagement with policymakers and external stakeholders 

• Coordinating and supporting the work of Executive Committees across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

• Assisting with administrative and financial processes, including invoice processing and supplier registration 

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the College to maximise the impact of policy, communications and public affairs activity 

 

Essential skills and experience include:

• Demonstrable experience in policy, public affairs, communications or a related field 

• Strong knowledge and understanding of policy and legislative processes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Experience producing high-quality policy and communications outputs, including consultation responses, policy briefings, reports and media content

• Experience creating engaging content for digital channels, including websites, social media and email communications

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills 

• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment

Desirable: 

• Experience working within healthcare, government, a membership organisation or the third sector 

• Knowledge of public health, health inequalities or wider health service issues

• Experience working on issues relating to children and young people

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.

Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.

We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.

Closing date: 6 July 2026

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Development Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £27, 526 per annum, with annual salary increments for the first three years
Location: Homebased – however NCB and RiP has offices in Sheffield, Newton Abbot, London and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose.

The Vacancy

We are looking for a talented Research and Development Officer to join our children and families team at Research in Practice. In this role you will develop and deliver accessible content and learning activities that promote evidence-informed practice and policy across child and family social care, youth and family justice as part of our annual delivery programme for our partners. You will also be involved in the delivery of commissioned project work.

The successful candidate will have experience designing and delivering resources, workshops, webinars, and events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong written and editorial skills, excellent facilitation skills and who is confident distilling complex information into accessible learning materials. While the position requires engagement with and understanding of research, it is not a primary research role.

Key responsibilities are:

• Producing evidence-informed practice and policy resources in a range of formats (e.g. publications, videos, podcasts, animations). This includes evidence scoping, content development, commissioning, project management, editing, writing and quality assuring resources from inception to publication.
• Leading the development and delivery of concise, accessible content and learning activities to enable the development of evidence-informed practice and policy in the sector.
• Developing and facilitating learning sessions and events with a range of participants, including senior leaders across the sector.
• Working on a range of commissioned project work, from development/design through to analysis; presenting findings on completion and representing Research in Practice in project teams with academic and practice partners.
• Building strong relationships with sector experts and effectively managing relationships with authors, facilitators, people with lived experience and those working in research, policy and practice.

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Wednesday 8th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Senior CPD and Learning Officer (Adults)
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £32,684 per annum
Location: Belfast BT15 + Northern Ireland / Newton Abbot TQ12 + Devon/Sheffield S1 or Remote UK homebased.

The Vacancy

Research in Practice has supported evidence-informed practice in adult social care for 21 years. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Continuing Professional Development and Learning Officer to join our adult’s team.

This senior role is ideal for an experienced facilitator who has substantial experience in adult social care or related sectors. While the position requires engagement with, and understanding of, research it is not a primary research role.

The successful candidate will have experience designing and delivering programmes, whole day workshops, webinars, and other events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders. The role requires a strong understanding of research, policy, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to practice and the ability to translate complex evidence into accessible learning. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential.

We are keen to hear from potential candidates who have detailed expert knowledge of adult social care and related adult services; knowledge of learning theory and its application to the development of learning activities; experience of developing and facilitating all-day workshops and other learning programmes and events with social care professionals; experience of leading quality assurance of learning activities and ensuring the quality of the work of others; a commitment to developing the work of others and sharing learning; a personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and in involving people with lived experience in effective, ethical and evidence-based ways; and experience of writing successful bids and tenders.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. This role is focused on our work with Adults. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Tuesday 30th June 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Senior Programme Officer (Temporary)
Location: Hybrid working, 2 days per week in London
Contract: 4-month temporary position
Rate: £22.74 per hour

Deliver programmes that shape the future of research careers

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced programme professional to contribute to high-impact mentoring and leadership initiatives that support researchers to thrive.
Joining a purpose-driven organisation, you will take a lead role in delivering structured programmes designed to widen participation, support career progression, and promote inclusive leadership across the research community.
If you bring strong programme delivery experience, confidence working with senior stakeholders, and a passion for supporting professional development, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful and visible impact.

About the role

You will be responsible for delivering mentoring and leadership programmes, ensuring a high-quality experience for participants and stakeholders.
This will include:

• Leading the coordination and delivery of mentoring and leadership programmes
• Organising and delivering workshops, training sessions and events, both online and in person
• Managing relationships with external consultants and facilitators
• Supporting participants through mentoring processes, including onboarding and engagement
• Using CRM systems to manage data, monitor programme uptake and produce reports
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders across academic, research and professional communities
• Developing and producing programme materials, guidance and communications
• Supporting newsletters and website content updates
• Monitoring programme performance and contributing to evaluation and reporting
• Contributing to wider team priorities and organisational initiatives

About you

You will bring a strong track record of delivering programmes or initiatives within a structured, stakeholder-focused environment, alongside a genuine interest in research, higher education, or professional development.

This role is particularly suited to candidates with backgrounds in:

• Higher education, research organisations, charities, policy or not-for-profit sectors
• Programme or project delivery roles, particularly those involving training, events or career development initiatives
• Stakeholder engagement roles, working with academic, clinical or professional audiences

You are likely to succeed in this role if you:

• Have end-to-end experience delivering programmes, events or structured initiatives
• Are confident engaging with senior stakeholders, including academics, researchers or external partners
• Have experience using CRM systems (such as Salesforce) to manage data, track engagement and report on outcomes
• Are highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Have produced communications, reports or guidance materials for professional audiences
• Take a proactive approach to improving processes and participant experience
• Enjoy working collaboratively and are motivated by supporting the development of others

You will stand out if you:

• Have supported mentoring, leadership or EDI-focused programmes
• Have worked with external facilitators or consultants to deliver learning or development activity
• Have insight into the research or academic career landscape, including challenges faced by underrepresented groups

Why join?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, sector-leading work that supports researchers at critical stages of their careers.
You will be part of a collaborative and mission-led environment, where your work directly contributes to improving opportunity, representation, and progression across the research community.
Apply today!

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.