Senior policy researcher jobs

Are you an experienced Media or PR professional looking for the next step up in your career?

With homelessness at record highs, St Mungo’s are looking for a politically engaged, creative, and driven Press and PR Officer to amplify our frontline work and influence efforts to end homelessness for good.

You’ll join a small, dynamic team of three and lead all media and PR activity linked to our policy, research, and influencing work. This is a pivotal role in our busy press office, building strong relationships with political and social affairs journalists to share compelling stories from one of the UK’s leading homelessness charities.

In this role, you will:

• Respond to varied media requests, from service visits to commentary on major Government announcements like the National Plan to End Homelessness.
• Create impactful, politically savvy press materials, press releases, opinion pieces, responses to breaking news and letters to editors.
• Advise senior leaders on policy-related PR, providing briefings and practice interviews.
• Use St Mungo’s data creatively to tell stories about issues affecting people experiencing homelessness.
• Support ministerial visits and collaborate with government and sector partners to showcase our frontline work.

About you

You might already be working as a Senior Press and PR officer looking for a new challenge or looking for the next step in your media career. To be successful in this exciting role you will be someone who:

• Thrives under-pressure and can juggle multiple and competing demands, while prioritising your own workload.
• Is a team player who is happy to take ownership of projects and step up to support colleagues at all levels  as required.
• Works with a solution focused approach who can see the ‘big picture’ and problem solve in a pressurised environment.  
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Has experience of delivering proactive PR and communications campaigns and the ability to deal with crisis communications.

In this role you will be required to work flexibly for at least 2 days per week from our Central Office in London. This allows for training, in person collaboration, team building,  and other relationship building opportunities. We support a flexible approach to work with opportunities for agile working for the rest of your week; from home, or other St Mungo’s London or regional locations. 

While our Central Office is currently based in Tower Hill, London we plan to relocate in the summer of 2026 to a new space in Farringdon, London.

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

When you're ready to apply click the ‘Apply Now’ Button to submit your CV and Supporting Statement. 

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.

Closing date: 10am 28 January 2026

Interview and assessments on 5-6 February 2026

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 
 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
 

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 

We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

We are looking for a highly motivated and gifted communicator to craft Spotlight’s messages and help us achieve real change. 

You will be joining a small dedicated team of anti-corruption experts and campaigners for this busy, varied and multi-skilled role. We have a full programme of work for the year ahead with projects on illicit finance, political integrity, and corporate accountability for financial crime. 

Candidates should be exceptional all-round communicators, with significant experience in achieving impact through a range of channels from digital and social media to print, broadcast and events. They will have a track record of driving communications efforts to achieve campaign or policy objectives, as well as experience of developing messages for a wide range of audiences, and translating complex expert subject matter into newsworthy content. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and proactive, a strategic thinker, an excellent writer and able to apply their skills and experience across a range of different communications channels. They will also have an interest in corruption and its impacts at home and abroad. 

Deadline for applications is 23.30 on Saturday 14th February.

About Spotlight

Spotlight on Corruption is a UK based charity which aims to end impunity for corruption, promote political integrity within the UK, and ensure the UK acts as a global leader on fighting corruption. We are a bold, expert voice that pushes forward the anti-corruption agenda in a pragmatic and credible way, consistently punching above our weight in holding the government to account for taking action against corruption, cronyism, and dirty money in the UK. Since it was founded in September 2019, Spotlight has emerged as a highly influential anti-corruption campaign organisation. 

Spotlight is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all staff feel respected and valued. We conduct anonymous long-listing to help promote fairness and diversity, and strongly encourage candidates from different backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Spotlight is a Living Wage Employer. We offer a 6% employer pension contribution and enhanced sick pay.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver Spotlight’s day to day communications and public messaging to ensure we achieve real reforms and impact in tackling corruption and protecting UK democracy. 

• Secure strategic and influential media coverage by developing and maintaining relationships with journalists, developing ideas for stories, and identifying key communication opportunities to get Spotlight’s messages across, including by monitoring daily news.

• Build Spotlight’s reach and influence online with target audiences (politicians, civil servants, journalists, civil society, and funders) by maintaining Spotlight on Corruption’s website, social media accounts and mailing lists, and working with colleagues to develop engaging content.

• Develop newsletters, press releases, website copy, social media posts, and other communications materials, including scripts for, as well as filming, videos on Spotlight messages that appeal to different audiences.

• Develop a communications strategy for the organisation to implement its three year strategy which builds and secures Spotlight’s reputation as a leading anti-corruption organisation and update that strategy regularly by monitoring developments in the communications and media landscape, as well as the effectiveness of Spotlight’s press coverage, and social media / other communications channels.

• Work with our fundraiser to communicate Spotlight’s work to current and potential funders, and other stakeholders. 

• Oversee design of Spotlight outputs including reports and briefings to ensure they are delivered to a high standard which effectively communicates their findings. 

• Undertake other activities to support the organisation including: liaising with comms professionals in other anti-corruption NGOs; and providing support to the director and wider organisation as required. 

Relevant skills, competences and experience

Person specification - essential criteria:

• Significant experience of using communications to deliver meaningful impact.

• A solid understanding of how communications can be used to influence policy makers and contribute to fundraising.

• Significant experience of securing strategic media coverage, with an excellent understanding of the current UK media landscape, including what makes a successful news story and what delivers impact.

• Ability to develop sharp messaging, translate complex issues to a media audience, and tailor messages for different audiences. 

• Significant experience writing and editing communications materials such as articles, website content, reports, video scripts, and press releases.

• Experience of using social media, websites and/or newsletters to achieve communication goals and target key audiences.

• Proven track record of being proactive and using own initiative while maintaining strong communication with team members. 

• Strong organisational, IT and administrative skills.

• Experience of developing and implementing successful communication plans.

• A passion to influence the UK’s approach to anti-corruption and an understanding of how to do so.

• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Person specification - highly desirable - strong candidates will likely have one or more of the following:

• Experience of developing digital content including videos.

• Experience of designing and formatting reports and communicating data and information using infographics and data visualisation.

• Knowledge of and/or relationships with key UK journalists that might cover corruption issues.

• Detailed understanding of anti-corruption and/or economic crime issues, including their impact on governance, democracy and development, or an understanding of how to communicate complex legal processes and arguments effectively.

Working arrangements

Full-time, 35 hours per week. Working from home required, but with one day a week in the office near London Bridge. Must be based in or near London. We support flexible working arrangements and operate a nine day fortnight. Attendance at networking events and being on-call for media work outside of office hours occasionally required.

Responsible to: Executive Director

At UK Biobank, we support a world-leading biomedical research resource used by more than 20,000 researchers globally. Our data linkages to health and health related records are central to enabling impactful, policy-relevant research that improves health outcomes.

We are now creating a new Data Linkage Strategy Lead role to support the Director of Data Linkage in shaping and delivering the next phase of our linkage strategy. As an organisation that is both pioneering and inclusive, we are focused on expanding our linkage portfolio responsibly ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of researchers, policymakers, and participants.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future direction of health data linkage at one of the world’s most influential research resources.

Can you do it?

Working closely with the Director of Data Linkage, you will contribute to the development and delivery of UK Biobank’s long-term data linkage strategy.

You will focus on strategic foresight, horizon scanning, and stakeholder engagement identifying new data linkage opportunities, monitoring scientific, policy, and regulatory developments, and helping ensure that linkage priorities align with scientific demand, governance frameworks, and public trust.

This role involves close collaboration across UK Biobank teams and regular engagement with senior stakeholders across academia, government, industry, and the wider health data landscape.

You will be responsible for:

• Undertaking horizon scanning and strategic analysis to identify new data sources and partnerships that can enhance UK Biobank’s linkage portfolio.
• Monitoring scientific, policy, and regulatory developments relevant to health data linkage, and advising on their implications for UK Biobank’s strategic direction.
• Engaging proactively with UK Biobank’s diverse community of academic and commercial researchers to identify priority datasets that will deliver the greatest scientific value.
• Providing expert advice on the strategic, governance, and ethical considerations associated with the acquisition and use of new linked datasets.
• Working with the Director of Data Linkage in developing and delivering a long-term strategy for extending and deepening UK Biobank’s data linkages, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and national research priorities.

Is this 'you'?

To be successful, you will have:

• Significant experience in strategic planning, research intelligence, or policy development within the health sector, research or Government environment.
• A degree or higher degree in public health, health policy, or a related discipline.
• Deep understanding of health data for research, information governance, and data protection frameworks.
• Experience of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across academia, government, and industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports and briefings.

Working hours are 35-hours per week, Monday to Friday with some flexibility, 60% onsite with hybrid working available. The Director of Data Linkage is based at the Oxford site. Oxford is the preferred location, but applications for localisation to London or Manchester offices will also be considered. However, if you are outside of Oxford, you will be required in Oxford 50% of your onsite time.  

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:
 

• 26 Days’ Annual Leave - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Holiday Buy Scheme - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• Birthday Leave - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• USS Pension Scheme - Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
• Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• Enhanced Family Leave - Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Save on a new bike and accessories.
• Season Ticket Loan - Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
• Professional Subscriptions - Reimbursement where applicable.
• Learning budget - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• Employee Discounts Portal - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
• Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
• Annual Flu Vaccination - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• Life Assurance Cover - Financial protection for your loved ones.

#LI-Hybrid

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.

The Senior Project Officer sits with the Chief Executives Office supporting the Project & Programme Manager and is responsible for championing project management best practice across the wider organisation via training, consultations, and effective stakeholder management. The post holder is also responsible for scoping, planning, and delivering small-to-medium cross-organisational change projects that bring us closer to achieving our 10-year organisational strategy, ARUK: Towards a Cure.  

Key Responsibilities:

Championing Project Management Best Practice

• Act as an advisor, mentor, and source of central project management expertise for colleagues across the charity; offering tailored project management consultations which empower colleagues to deliver their own initiatives effectively.
• Collaborate with the Project & Programme Manager to enhance and deliver ARUK’s flagship internal project management training, the ARUK Project Management Masterclass, promoting best practice and continuous improvement.

· Take ownership for maintenance and development of the Projects team intranet pages and resources, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible to colleagues across the organisation.

• Support the Project & Programme Manager with the development of a suite of project management resources to further embed project management best practice across the organisation

Project Management

· Deliver small-to-medium cross-organisational change projects, as determined by the yearly Operational Planning process, working with project teams to develop flexible, adaptable project plans. This might include but is not limited to the implementation of new third-party systems and tools, regulatory and compliance projects, new fundraising campaigns, and digital transformation projects.

· Apply sound judgement and problem-solving expertise to manage project risks, decisions, and dependencies within the wider organisational context, drive and monitor project progress against timelines, and ensure stakeholders are updated at key checkpoints.

· Demonstrate accountability by escalating project risks via appropriate channels as required.

· Proactively build and maintain strong relationships with project teams, internal stakeholders, and external partners to foster collaboration and drive successful outcomes.

· Lead project reviews to capture successes and learnings and ensure project outcomes are embedded into business-as-usual practices.

· Provide coordination support on larger programmes of work, as and when required.

What we are looking for:

· Experience managing cross-team projects, including developing project plans, allocating tasks, and managing risks, decisions, and changes.

· Sound knowledge of project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile).

· Demonstrable ability to work with, influence, and advise a variety of internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

· Working knowledge of project management tools, such as Excel, Smartsheet, MS Projects or similar.

· Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM), or evidence of equivalent project management learning or experience.

· Excellent communication and people management skills, with an ability to build relationships, trust, and inspire confidence and respect at all levels.

· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

· Excellent planning and organisational skills, and the ability to manage a varied workload and reprioritise work in accordance with the organisation’s needs. 

· Excellent listening skills, demonstrating flexibility, curiosity, and an ability to learn.

· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

· Demonstrates good negotiation and influencing skills.

· Demonstrates a proactive and pragmatic approach to investigating and solving problems, strives for continuous improvement and identifies ways to deliver creative and innovative solutions.

· A good blend of strategic and analytical thinking; with an ability to see the bigger picture and make appropriate recommendations.

· Ability to absorb and process new information quickly.

· Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity and empathy.

· Excellent IT skills in PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

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

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

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

Salary: Circa £36,000 per annum, plus benefits

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

The closing date for applications is the 25th January 2026, with interviews being arranged once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

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

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

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

The Equality Trust is looking for a motivated and organised Senior Digital Engagement Officer who enjoys working in a high trust, high autonomy environment with remote, supportive line management. We offer a dynamic, friendly team and an empowering and flexible working environment. Equality Trust is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in recruitment. We know that organisations with a diverse team perform better, and we particularly welcome applications from those who identify as from the Global Majority, working class, LGBT+, disabled and older applicants.

Research is at the heart of our charitable objectives at Sarcoma UK. The charity provides funding for research to understand sarcoma better, improve treatments and ultimately, make a difference to the lives of people affected by sarcoma. Since 2009, we’ve funded more than 100 projects, representing an investment of more than £10 million.

The Research Officer role enjoys a varied workload and brings the opportunity to work with autonomy and develop new skills within a friendly and dynamic team. You will work on a broad range of projects, including being involved with our grant management processes, working closely with the Research Manager and Director of Research, Policy and Support. The post-holder will also work closely with other departments across the charity, including producing engaging research communications content for print, online and social media, and will also have the opportunity to interact with senior researchers, clinicians and people affected by sarcoma.

This is an ideal role for someone with a scientific background and an active interest in research management, and it offers the opportunity to make a real impact for people affected by sarcoma and their families.

At Sarcoma UK, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Benefits

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• 25 days holiday entitlement per annum plus bank holidays and the working days between Christmas and New Year
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Health and wellbeing:
  • Health Cash Plan
  • Therapy sessions
  • Wellbeing Group

Our Values

• Pioneering we are leading the way to a better future for the sarcoma community.
• Together we are creating a community to make a difference for all those affected by sarcoma.
• Expert we use our expertise in understanding sarcoma to deliver better outcomes.

Duties and Key Responsibilites 

Sarcoma UK’s research programme

• To support Sarcoma UK’s grant application processes under guidance from the Research Manager. This will include calls for proposals, identifying expert peer reviewers, administering a high-quality peer and lay review process, communication with applicants and potential applicants, administration of grant awards and supporting patient involvement.
• To provide support to the Grant Review Panel and Research Strategy Committee, including organising meetings and preparing minutes.
• To manage Sarcoma UK’s portfolio of active research grants, under guidance from the Research Manager. This will include use of grant management software for administration of newly awarded grants, monitoring progress of current grants, oversight of grant finances and reporting on final outputs.
• To support opportunities for patient involvement within the research programme, including managing a network of lay reviewers and facilitating new opportunities, with support from the Involvement and Volunteering Coordinator.
• To support new developments in Sarcoma UK’s research programme, including organising and attending events, collaborative funding calls and initiatives to support early career researchers.

Research Impact and Communications

• To monitor and gather outputs and long-term impact of research grants funded by Sarcoma UK and support in ensuring these are shared with internal and external audiences.
• To plan and produce engaging and reactive and proactive communications about sarcoma research, including website, social media, written and video content, working with the Research Manager and Communications Team to ensure our research activities and outcomes are shared with the sarcoma community and wider public.
• To proactively engage with grant holders to gather impactful insights and to support engaging communication about sarcoma research.
• To regularly review and update Sarcoma UK’s website with progress updates on research grants and promote funding opportunities.
• To support work undertaken by the Fundraising Team where required, such as lab tours and supplying information about funded grants for donor reports.

External relationships

• To be a point of contact for Sarcoma UK grant holders and their host institutions.
• To maintain positive relationships with Sarcoma UK’s research panels, potential grant applications, researchers and clinicians, and the wider sarcoma research community.
• To work directly with a range of people personally affected by sarcoma to place the voice of lived experience at the heart of our research programme.

General

• To support the integration of the research programme across Sarcoma UK.
• Attend Sarcoma UK events and contribute to the wider work of Sarcoma UK.
• Travel occasionally to meetings and events. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required (time off in lieu will be given).
• Work flexibly and collaboratively in a dynamic environment, undertaking other duties as required to support the wider operations of Sarcoma UK.

The position is offered on a full time basis (36.25 hours per week). This role will be home-based but will require travel to Edinburgh and/or other parts of Scotland and the UK for in-person meetings as required.

Interviews will be held w/c 16th February in person at our Edinburgh offices.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in children's lives through impactful policy and public affairs engagement in Scotland and across the UK? Do you want to influence key decisions on child poverty and social policy while working with Scottish Government, MSPs, and UK-wide stakeholders? If so, we want to hear from you. 

Barnardo's is looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) to help shape our influencing in Scotland and strengthen our UK-wide work on child poverty. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to build on their existing knowledge and experience with policy makers in Scotland while playing a pivotal role in creating positive, lasting change for children, young people, and families. 

In this role, you'll work closely with our Senior Policy and Public Affairs Lead (Scotland) to implement our influencing plan. You'll help raise Barnardo's Scotland's profile among key stakeholders and policy influencers. You'll be involved in: 

• Monitoring key developments within the Scottish policy landscape 

• Managing relationships and liaising with stakeholders at all levels 

• Conducting research and producing reports to support our policy objectives 

• Supporting reactive policy work to respond to emerging issues 

• Organising events to showcase Barnardo's vital work and engage decision-makers 

Your efforts will ensure that the voices of children, young people, families, and our services are central to our influencing activities in Scotland.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Role Summary

The (Senior) Communications Manager will lead the development and execution of communications to help us win our campaigns. We are looking for a proactive and hands-on team player, who will build relationships with journalists, securing media hits in top mainstream media, ensuring that communications are a strong part of our strategies to win campaigns.  While the position involves broader communications tasks, its core focus is strategic media work — driving impactful coverage, shaping narratives, and ensuring our investigative campaigns gain global visibility. 

Key Responsibilities (Media-Focused)

• Lead proactive and reactive media outreach for multiple high-profile campaigns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international, national, and trade journalists, build and maintain our in-house media list.
• Secure high-impact coverage in top-tier outlets and place investigative stories, exclusives, and op-eds.
• Develop media strategies that amplify campaign findings and influence corporate behaviour and policies.

We are a small team, so this is a hands-on role with the focus on press work, but it also requires managing our key communications channels and our website. The Communications Manager will report directly to the CEO and work closely with the team, as well as manage a social media free-lancer and other communications creatives, such as video-editors.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an experienced communications professional with at least 7 years’ experience in journalism or in leading successful communications for a non-profit organisation, PR agency, or similar. Ideally, you are a creative, hands-on individual with great inter-personal skills, able to form collaborative working relationships with a variety of different stakeholders, ranging from journalists to creative agencies and our NGO partners.

What we are looking for – Skills & Experience

The successful candidate must have:

• Demonstrable experience personally leading media outreach for major investigations or campaigns, with a proven record of securing top-tier international and national coverage (e.g. Financial Times, Guardian, Reuters, AP, Bloomberg, major broadcasters).
• A strong, active network of journalist contacts, and the confidence and instinct to pick up the phone, pitch stories, brief reporters, and manage embargoed launches under tight deadlines.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills in English, with the ability to craft sharp press materials; proficiency in additional languages is an asset.
• Experience coordinating and executing major report launches, working closely with campaigners and partners to shape narratives that cut through, develop media strategies, prepare messaging, and proactively pitch stories to journalists.
• An exceptional eye for detail and an ability to distil complex research into clear, compelling, and accessible media and social-media content.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance multiple deadlines, manage fast-moving campaigns, and perform under pressure.
• A creative, strategic mindset, able to think outside the box, introduce innovative communications tactics, and adapt messaging to a rapidly changing external environment.
• Digital fluency, with experience leading online engagement or mobilisation campaigns and an understanding of how digital channels support broader media and campaign goals.
• Willingness and ability to generate regular content to win campaigns, including social media posts, op-eds, blogs, newsletters, and other campaign materials; familiarity with tools such as WordPress, Mailchimp, and Canva.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a collaborative working style, a growth mindset, and a positive, solution-focused, and proactive approach to communications and relationship-building, both internally and externally.
• A commitment to environmental and social justice, with a passion for using communications to drive meaningful systemic change.

It’s a plus if a candidate has:

• Excellent knowledge of and experience working within the environmental and social impact sectors.
• Good knowledge of the use of creative communication tactics, such as short videos.
• Passion to create narrative shifts on complex social issues and personal interest in countering misinformation and greenwashing.

For full details of the role, person specification and salary, please see the attached job description.

About Changing Markets

The Changing Markets Foundation was formed to accelerate and scale up solutions to sustainability challenges by leveraging the power of markets. We create and run campaigns that expose irresponsible corporate practices and shift market share away from unsustainable products and companies towards environmentally and socially beneficial solutions.

We have a successful track record of achieving media coverage in mainstream publications, which has played a critical role in winning our campaigns. We have been running successful campaigns across climate, food, fashion, and circular economy issues, as well as impactful projects, such as a cross-sectoral greenwashing observatory.

We are a Dutch-based not-for-profit stichting (foundation) registered in Utrecht, but this role is based in our London office. Please note candidates require independent right to work in the UK as we do not offer visa sponsorship.

How to Apply

We are working with Oxford HR to recruit this position and the link to apply will take you to their page and details of the application process. If you have any questions about the role please reach out to Oxford HR in the first instance.

Deadline to apply is close of play on 9th February 2026 but please note we will be interviewing on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 36 Hours Per week

Salary: £39,000 - £43,000

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Hybrid working

Overview:

Spires supports homeless and vulnerably housed people in South London. This role focuses on trusts, foundations, and government funding, working closely with the CEO to maintain strong funder relationships and deliver compelling bids.

Spires has undergone a period of rapid transformation, moving to a model of multi-site working across three London Boroughs. Our core services include, day centre style drop-ins for homeless people, a Women’s drop in, a Refugee drop in and outreach targeted at supporting Women who are sex working. 

Part 1:  Job profile

1.1 Purpose of job

To generate income from a diverse funding pool that includes trusts, foundations, government and other funding sources as appropriate. Trusts and foundations remain the primary funding source for Spires so maintaining consistent application output is a core element of the role.

To manage our relationships with funders which will include reporting, networking and proactive engagement.

Work with Spires CEO and the Head of Client Services to ensure that data and outcomes are being effectively captured in a way that is helpful for evidencing impact.  

1.2 Position in organisation

 The post holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Whilst not an operational role, the post holder will maintain a connection to our services so as to be able to represent the service accurately in funding bids.  

Part 2: Key duties and responsibilities

2.1 Income generation

• Maximise existing and find new income to meet agreed income targets.
• Research, write and present attractive propositions for a range of quality funding bids, proposals and documentation.
• Produce and submit quality funding reports to meet deadlines.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fundraising regulations, networks and developments across the sector, advising on best practice

2.3 Planning, monitoring and reporting

• Contribute to internal planning and budget setting, setting out clear plans for income generation.
• Contribute to forecasting and regular reporting, producing verbal and written reports for the CEO.
• Actively manage contracts to ensure that Spires is delivering agreed outcomes and spending restricted funds correctly.

 2.4 General

• Feed into the updated fundraising strategy.
• Undertaking other duties compatible with the level and nature of the post and/or reasonably required by more senior members of staff.
• Attend and participate in staff and team meetings and other meetings as required

This job description covers the current range of duties and will be reviewed from time to time. It is Spire’s aim to reach agreement on changes, but if an agreement is not possible, Spires’ reserves the right to change this job description.

Part 3: Person specification

 3.1 Essential experience

• Experience of working in the fundraising sector in a professional capacity
• Experience of securing significant grants or multi-year funding from trusts or statutory sources
• A demonstrable track record of successfully generating income and achieving targets
• Producing impact and evaluation reports for funders
• Writing for different audiences/contexts

3.1.1 Desirable experience

• Working in the homelessness or social care sector

 3.2 Knowledge

• Understanding of the principles of effective fundraising
• Understanding of the principles of effective marketing, communication and diverse donor motivations
• Good financial acumen, including being able to produce budgets and forecasts.

3.3 Essential skills and personal qualities

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Information management skills (GDPR)
• Good influencer and negotiator
• Highly organised with attention to detail
• Confident and enthusiastic with excellent interpersonal skills
• IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and databases

The following are required of all roles with Spires. However, you do not need to address these in your application:

• Compassion for and awareness of issues facing our clients and service users
• An understanding of and commitment to diversity and equality
• Able to work in a flexible, approachable manner in response to changing organisational requirements
• Willingness to develop personal competencies as appropriate to support objectives

Part 4: Summary of terms and conditions of service

Location: The postholder will be an employee of The Spires Centre. This post is based at 2nd Floor, Elmfield House, 5 Stockwell Mews, SW9 9GX This role will by hybrid with three days in the office and two days from home.

Probation: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period.

Notice: This post is subject to an 12 weeks’ notice period once confirmed in post.

Annual leave: The annual leave entitlement is 35 days per year including 8 bank holidays.

Pension: The Spires Centre will contribute 5% of annual salary for those who qualify for our group pension plan.

Other benefits: The Spires Centre will provide life and income protection insurance for those who qualify for our group plans.

Expenses: This role will require travel within London. Out-of-pocket expenses will be paid when incurred in accordance with our expenses policy.

Safeguarding: The postholder will adhere to The Spires Centre’s safeguarding policy for vulnerable adults.

DBS Check: Because of the need to interact with our vulnerable clients a satisfactory  enhanced DBS check will be required.

Spires is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and inclusion as central to our mission and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are

underrepresented in the charity sector, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience relevant to our work. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, we will do our best to provide them. 

Application Process 

Please apply by submitting a covering letter and CV. The covering letter should outline your motivation for applying and how you meet the person specificaltion. 

Note on Interviews. Interviews will be held at our office in Stockwell. We have provisioanlly booked these for the 28th and 29th of January. 

Circa £58,000 per annum

12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Part home/Part office (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Senior Innovation Manager on a 12-month Fixed-Term Contract, covering Early Moments Leave.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced innovator to become a key member of our Innovation team. In this pivotal role, you will help shape the future of our fundraising product portfolio by leading cross-functional teams to deeply understand the needs of our supporters and partners, in order to develop and launch new products that align with UNICEFs strategic objectives.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 1 February 2026.

Interview dates:

First stage: 12 February 2026 via video conferencing (MS Teams).

Second stage: 18 February 2026 in person.

Our offices are on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and we anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office and the rest of the time from home.  We are happy to discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

We’re offering an opportunity to support the delivery of the Trust’s flagship Lessons from Auschwitz Project, and the Trust’s Youth Advocacy Programme (AKA Ambassador Programme), including all content and quality assurance related to the delivery of a portfolio of activity that falls within these programmes. Ensuring that the young people we work with, through these programmes, understand what the Holocaust was, inspiring them to be part of ensuring this history is remembered, and empowering them to recognise and address antisemitism when they see it today. Driving our youth engagement strategy, developing high quality and empowering content, and advocating for youth engagement and youth advocacy.

About the Role
The Senior Programme Development Lead (Lessons from Auschwitz Project and Ambassador Programme) Maternity Cover is accountable for the delivery of the Trust’s flagship Lessons from Auschwitz Project, and the Trust’s Youth Advocacy Programme (AKA Ambassador Programme), including all content and quality assurance related to the delivery of a portfolio of activity that falls within these programmes. The remit of the Senior Programme Development Lead (Lessons from Auschwitz Project and Ambassador Programme) Maternity Cover will include two areas of leadership:

1. The continued development and delivery of our Youth Advocacy/Ambassador Programme – the Trust’s youth engagement initiative. The SPDL is responsible for ensuring that through this programme the Trust engages young people across the country, ensuring they understand what the Holocaust was, inspiring them to be part of ensuring this history is remembered, and empowering them to recognise and address antisemitism when they see it today. The SPDL is responsible for driving a youth engagement strategy, which actively scales up the reach of the programme – bringing it to new audiences. They will be responsible for developing high quality, inspiring, engaging and empowering content to young people in England, Scotland and Wales – quality assuring the programme and all associated initiatives. The SPDL will be an advocate, internally and externally, for youth engagement and youth advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s voice and reputation plays a role in leading and shaping the sector and a future where young people play an active role in Holocaust remembrance and tackling antisemitism today.

2. Oversight of the Trust’s Government funded Lessons from Auschwitz Project, ensuring that the programme continues to reach students across the country each year; that it continues to be regarded as a globally recognised site-based learning initiative; that we are delivering in line with all associated KPIs; and importantly that the content continues to educate in-line with objectives, and continues to inspire young people to continue to engage with the Trust’s cause. This role will work closely with the Chief Programmes and Outreach Officer to drive delivery across programmes in line with the Trust’s strategic vision and strategic plans. The SPDL will work closely with the Senior Logistics Manager who will be accountable for schools marketing; engagement with and registration for all Trust programmes; all associated logistics for schools’ programmes; and ticketing and logistical support for the Ambassador Programme.

For information on the key responsibilities of the role and the person specification, please see the full application pack on our website. This also contains information on how to apply. 

5Rights is seeking to recruit an outstanding​ professional​ Senior Public Relations Adviser to support our world-leading NGO at a time of exceptional visibility and opportunity to scale our impact. This is a remote role​ and can be based either in the UK or Belgium.​

​
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).​​

Role Purpose​​​

The Senior Public Relations Advisor leads 5Rights' external public relations and media strategy, positioning 5Rights as a global authority on children’s rights in the digital environment. The role shapes the public narrative around our mission, ensuring 5Rights’ work achieves maximum visibility, credibility and impact with policymakers, the media, industry and the public.​

This is a senior, strategic role requiring exceptional judgement, political awareness and strong relationships across media and stakeholder landscapes.​

Key Responsibilities​​

• ​Develop and deliver a comprehensive public relations strategy aligned with 5Rights’ mission and policy objectives.
• ​Position 5Rights as a leading voice on children’s rights​ in the digital environment in UK, EU and international media.
• ​Anticipate emerging issues and shape proactive public relations strategies around key policy moments, research releases and advocacy campaigns.
• Protect and enhance the organisation’s reputation, including crisis communications and risk management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior journalists, editors and broadcasters across national and international media.
• ​Secure high-profile coverage in print, broadcast and digital media.
• Act as principal media advisor to the Executive Director and senior leadership team.
• Support and coach senior spokespeople and youth representatives for media engagements.
• ​Lead public relation planning for major campaigns, policy launches and advocacy initiatives.
• ​Advise on strategic partnerships and external engagement from a public relations perspective.
• Represent 5Rights at events, conferences and high-level meetings as required.​
• Contribute to strengthening 5Rights’ overall public relations impact by bringing senior PR expertise, networks, and strategic media insight to the team.​

Person specification​

This is a highly challenging and rewarding position for a professional with the following attributes:​​

Essential skills and attributes: ​

• ​Extensive senior-level experience in public relations, communications, journalism or public affairs, ideally within policy, advocacy, human rights, technology, or social impact sectors.
• Proven track record of shaping national and international media coverage and securing high-profile placements across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
• ​Demonstrated experience leading public relations and media strategy, including reputation management, at organisational or campaign level.
• Experience advising senior leaders and acting as a trusted public relation expert in high-stakes and politically sensitive environments.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex policy, technical and research content into compelling public narratives.
• Deep understanding of media landscapes, political processes and public policy dynamics, particularly in the UK, the EU and internationally.
• Experience of crisis communications and issue management.
• Outstanding judgement and political awareness.
• ​Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at senior level.
• ​Confident, authoritative and credible spokesperson when required.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-profile priorities simultaneously.
• ​Ability to work under pressure and respond rapidly to fast-moving external developments.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• High standards of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of 5Rights Foundation.
• Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.​
• Proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy.​​

Desirable skills and attributes:​

• ​Experience working on children’s rights, digital rights, technology policy or online safety.​
• Experience of international advocacy and global communications.​

Practical details​

• ​Location: Remote position in either the UK or Brussels. Some international travel required.​
• Salary: €80,000 / £70,000 per annum including all benefits.​The final offer will depend on skills and experience.​
• ​One-year contract, renewable dependent on impact.​
• Working hours: Full time (38h week), with occasional accommodation necessary for work across time-zones. ​
• Statutory pension contribution.​
• 25 days annual leave per annum.​
• Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.​
• ​Starting data: ASAP, depending on notice period.​
• Reporting line: Leadership team

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. 

How to apply​

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter by 31st January 2026 via our website.​

This is a brilliant time to join our Research and Impact team. We are at the start of a new strategy which has learning and development at its heart. We have embedded a strong monitoring, evaluation and learning culture within the organisation and have a highly evolved theory of change. We have a learning plan for the year ahead and a 5-year vision for where we want our learning culture to get to in the next strategy period. Our work is central to BookTrust’s ambition to deepen our impact for children and families, and build our profile, public affairs and income generation work in support of our overall mission.

We are looking for someone committed to and excited by the potential for research and insight to strengthen our impact for children and families, with a specific focus on our work with primary and secondary schools.

The role will suit a mixed methods researcher, with experience of data led problem solving – i.e. analysing and presenting data from a range of sources to develop and test hypotheses, generate insights and help others apply these to shape and inform decisions or drive change. It requires excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, and a keen eye for detail. The role requires someone who is happy to work collaboratively and flexibly in a changing environment, potentially changing focus and approaches in line with evolving organisational priorities. It requires high levels of organisation and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

This is an early career position, but we are looking for candidates with one or two years’ relevant experience outside academia.

Please apply through our Career’s portal with your CV and a covering letter showing how you meet the person specification and your motivations for applying for the role. Your covering letter should not be longer than two sides.

Please also answer this question in your cover letter:

BookTrust sees good data, and good use of data as key to delivering our strategy. In your application, please tell us: what are some of the principles of good use of data that BookTrust should incorporate into our work? (Even if you use AI for a little help, please focus your answer on the principles that you personally feel are most important.)

Please also attach one or two examples of written outputs (reports, blogs etc) you have produced and also specify if you are applying to be based from our Leeds of London office.