Social research jobs

In Spring 2028, the National Gallery will launch a new, public-facing Research Centre to facilitate and showcase our world-leading research in the history and science of painting. This will be a complex space sitting at the intersection of multiple valued research stakeholders both within and beyond the Gallery, including the Gallery’s own wide array of research-active staff, our Artists-in-Residence, specialist users of our extensive Library & Archive collections, and a research-engaged general public attending events and consulting materials.

We are now recruiting for a new role, a Research Centre Manager, to support in the creative planning and daily delivery of an exceptional experience at the Research Centre. The role-holder will provide vital clarity and consistency in the day-to-day running of this multifaceted space to ensure a smoothly functioning whole. This includes coordinating all aspects of the Research Centre operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the Research Centre facilities and administration. They will also think creatively about the Centre’s different spaces and, alongside Gallery colleagues, will help produce exciting research programming.

An ideal candidate will have experience in a comparable multifaceted role, and will bring to the Gallery strong leadership, excellent communication, creative programming, innovative problem-solving, and strong organisational skills to manage both day-to-day operations and strategic planning for the Centre.

This is a full time, permanent position and requires on-site working 5 days per week.

Applications closing date is 2nd January at 23:30hrs.

Are you fiercely dedicated to Indigenous peoples’ rights, a fluent Spanish speaker, and ready to put your networking, analytical, and strategic skills to use as part of a dynamic international campaign team? Survival International is offering a rare opportunity to join our Research and Advocacy Department, working primarily on our campaigns for the rights of uncontacted Indigenous peoples in Spanish-speaking South America. 

This is a chance to join a deeply committed Indigenous rights campaigning organisation that regularly takes on powerful targets and wins. We are looking for a creative, strategic and focused research and policy person to join us at either Officer or Assistant level. You can be part of combating the violent colonialism and land theft that is threatening Indigenous peoples worldwide – one of the most urgent crises of our time. 

For further details and how to apply, please see the job description and application form. The application form is downloadable via the 'How to apply' button.

Fundraising and Marketing Executive

Location:

Hybrid role with at least 3 days working in the office, of these 3 days Tuesdays and Fridays must be within the office. Based at Cosmic HQ near St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, Hammersmith

Reports to:

Senior Fundraising Executive

Salary:

£27,000 per annum

Hours:

Full time – 35 hours per week

Job Type:

Permanent

Annual Leave:

27 days’ annual leave (pro rata for part-time staff) plus public Bank Holidays and office shutdown between Christmas & New Year

About Cosmic

Cosmic is a small but mighty children’s charity dedicated to supporting the incredible work of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, Hammersmith. We provide vital funding for life-saving equipment, specialist staff training, and pioneering research. We also deliver our own emotional and practical family support services - making a real difference for children and families when they need it most.

As part of our close partnership with our NHS colleagues, you will join a team working at the heart of world-class children’s and neonatal services, helping Cosmic to make a real difference for families during their most difficult moments.

The Role

This role will play a crucial part in supporting a wide range of fundraising, marketing, and communications activities for Cosmic. As a key member of the Income Generation team, the individual will help raise vital funds and awareness that enable and enhance the charity’s work, whilst also contributing to the delivery of effective marketing and communications that promote our impact and engage our audiences.

This role requires someone with a genuine interest in working across multiple fundraising areas — from corporate partnerships and community fundraising to individual giving, events and challenges, trusts and foundations, event support for Cosmic led events, and in-memory and legacy giving. You will bring strong organisational, communication, and creative skills to support activity across these streams. In addition, you will collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager to develop engaging social media content, enhance brand visibility, and contribute to impactful digital and supporter communications across all of Cosmic’s channels.

This varied and dynamic role will include research, administration, planning, content creation, and creative thinking. You will support the delivery of fundraising activities, events, initiatives, and campaigns, as well as contribute to marketing efforts such as social media, email newsletters, website updates, and storytelling. A key part of the role will be ensuring our supporters, donors, and online audiences receive high-quality, consistent, and engaging communications. With the wider team’s support, the role will also aid the growth of new corporate partnerships.

The role requires someone who is confident, organised, and articulate, with ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to promote the work, need, relevance, and impact of the charity. With such a diverse remit and working within a fast-paced environment, the ideal candidate will be comfortable multitasking and willing to get involved in a broad range of tasks.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is keen to learn, has a “can do” attitude, and will be a passionate ambassador for the charity. The individual will have skills in marketing and/or fundraising, which will be transferable. Reporting to the Senior Fundraising Executive and working closely with the wider Income Generation team and the Marketing and Communications Manager, the role has scope for development and growth in this small, but impactful charity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising and income generation support

• Working alongside and supporting members of the Income Generation team, gaining a better understanding of the various fundraising and income generation activities.
• Be a key contact for fundraising enquiries.
• Collation and sending of information, including fundraising materials, to potential and current supporters and advising on queries relating to fundraising.
• Support the organisation, planning, promotion, and delivery of fundraising, stewardship and other events.
• Ensure that all fundraising activity operates with the Fundraising Regulator’s guidelines, code of practice and GDPR practices.
• Identify and support opportunities to raise awareness of the charity including giving presentations, attending meetings and local events.
• Aid the growth of individual giving programmes, including regular giving, one-off donations, and donor stewardship journeys.
• Assist in researching, writing, and submitting grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders.
• Maintain accurate donor records using the charity’s CRM system, Donorfy, and ensure data is up to date, accurate, compliant, relevant and reportable.
• Support the planning and delivery of fundraising campaigns, appeals, and community events.
• Assist with event set-up and pack-down, ensuring all materials and equipment are in place.
• Provide excellent donor care and stewardship, including timely thank-you communications and proactive engagement with supporters.
• Help identify new fundraising opportunities and potential partners through research and networking.
• Meet with supporters in person and provide a first-class experience for them by providing tours of the units and any tailored information they require.
• Support the administration and logistics for fundraising events, including volunteer coordination and post-event evaluation.

2. Marketing and communications responsibilities

• Create engaging content for social media, newsletters, the website, and campaign materials to raise awareness of the charity’s work.
• Social media content capture and uploading of activities at all Cosmic led events onto all relevant channels.
• Coordinate social media channels, scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Support marketing campaigns for fundraising events, appeals, and awareness initiatives.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications Manager to ensure brand consistency across all supporter-facing materials.
• Gather stories, quotes and visuals from beneficiaries, supporters, and partner organisations (with appropriate permissions) to promote activities and support to Cosmic.
• Update and maintain website content, ensuring information is accurate, compelling, and user-friendly.
• Assist in producing digital assets, such as graphics, short videos, and email campaigns.
• Conduct basic analytics reporting for digital platforms, tracking engagement, reach, and campaign impact.
• Help coordinate Public Relations activities, including drafting press releases and maintaining media contact lists, in liaison with the Marketing and Communications Manager.

3. Cross-team and administrative responsibilities

• Work closely with the Senior Fundraising Executive, and wider Income Generation team to ensure smooth coordination between fundraising and marketing activities.
• Liaise with clinical partners, hospital staff, and external stakeholders to gather information that supports fundraising and communications content.
• Support the implementation of internal processes for campaign planning, supporter stewardship, and content production.
• Attend events, meetings, and training sessions as needed to represent the charity.
• Provide general administrative support to the fundraising and marketing functions including processing donations, handling enquiries, and maintaining shared resources.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to help refine and develop the charity’s fundraising and marketing approach.
• Audit the inventory of all materials necessary for both events and volunteering.
• Sending thank you letters to supporters in a timely manner.
• Spending time meeting with families and staff on the units, using this time as an opportunity to build positive relationships. Supporting the Service Delivery team with massage days for the clinical staff and other key events such as World Prematurity Day and other ad hoc and seasonal activities.
• The role is incredibly varied, and no two days are the same.

Key Skills and Qualifications

Essential skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Confident using social media platforms for organisational promotion (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with supporters, colleagues, and external partners
• Creative thinker with the ability to contribute ideas for campaigns, content, and events
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable learning new systems
• A proactive “can-do” attitude with willingness to learn and take initiative
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team
• Commitment to the mission and values of Cosmic

Desirable skills

• Experience working in a charity, events, fundraising, or marketing role
• Familiarity with fundraising income streams (corporate, events/challenges, community, trusts, individual giving)
• Experience creating social media content or using scheduling tools
• Basic design or video editing skills (e.g., Canva)
• Experience using a CRM or donor database
• Understanding of digital marketing metrics and analytics
• Experience writing fundraising applications, impact stories, or marketing copy
• Knowledge of charity branding principles and supporter journeys
• Event support or volunteer coordination experience
• Understanding of child health, paediatric care, or NHS charity environments

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Cosmic, we’re a small team with a big heart. Every day, we’re privileged to support families and NHS staff when they need it most - often during the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. This role offers the opportunity to be a vital part of that support, making a tangible difference where it truly matters.

• 27 days’ annual leave (pro rata for part-time staff) plus public Bank Holidays. Time off between Christmas and New Year with the office shutting down during this time.
• £200 professional development budget annually
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible hours with hybrid working arrangements. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and responses to the screening questions. You are welcome to include a covering letter if you wish, but this is optional. 

Cosmic is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you have any accessibility requirements then please do highlight this to us in your application.

Do you have a good understanding of a range of qualitative research methods? Do you have a demonstrable understanding of, and interest in, health and social care policy in the UK? Are you a strong critical thinker, with good oral and written communication skills and an enthusiasm for further developing these skills?

The Nuffield Trust is looking for a Researcher to contribute directly to our mission by delivering high-quality research, evaluation, and policy analysis. You will work across a diverse range of projects and topic areas and have the opportunity to learn from colleagues who are experts in both content and methods.

In this role, you will work as part of project teams, undertaking research and policy analysis tasks to contribute to the successful delivery of our work. Supported by peers and more senior team members, you will contribute to writing and presenting work, disseminating findings and achieving meaningful impact.

We’d love to hear from you if you can bring:

• Skills consistent with experience of working in government, think tanks, or applied academic research – some of which may have been gained via a university-level qualification.
• Experience of qualitative research, evaluation, or policy analysis within health or social care.
• Strong analytical ability to synthesise evidence and turn complex information into clear, persuasive arguments.
• Proven reliability in meeting deadlines, producing high-quality outputs, and managing your time effectively.

Review the Application and Selection process in the attached Candidate Brief (page 11) for details on what your application should include.

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

In this role you will be leading on content, managing the calendar and working with our wider teams on the planning and delivery of Marie Curie campaigns including the Great Daffodil Appeal and the Nobody Should Die in Poverty campaign. This role is vital to the organisation; collaborating with colleagues and key stakeholders across the charity to bring our brand, our services, and our mission to life online. 

You will be responsible for:   

• Channel management and reputation: you will manage daily content across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and other social platforms with a combined audience of nearly 800,000 followers.  

• Social media strategy: you will also be responsible for the development of social media strategy for key campaign activity, e.g. Great Daffodil Appeal, National Day of Reflection, and brand campaigns, as well as ensuring social media is integrated into wider communications and marketing plans.  

• Content creation: leading on content across our national channels, you will work with colleagues in the PR, Content and Creative teams to plan and develop daily content.  

• Budget management and paid activity: you will lead on our organic paid strategy, working closely with our Digital Marketing Manager, and liaise with external agency on a weekly basis to review and refine our approach. You are the budget holder for this activity, including decision making to optimise best performing content and to maximise reach and engagement.  

• Regional strategy: you will lead on our regional social media strategy reflecting our aim to become a place-based organisation, working with key stakeholders across the nations, to ensure our local presence is engaging, vibrant and complements our national activity.  

Key Criteria: 

• An experienced social media expert to bring insight, passion, and talent to the organisation and team.  
• Experience of social-first content development, across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Linkedin and Youtube. 
• Proven ability in using data measurement and insights to improve and optimise social performance. 
• Proven track record of developing, managing, and growing successful online communities 
• A degree is not essential for this role however we expect you to have previously: 
• Created, developed and delivered social media strategy and plans (including managing content, engagement, platform development and listening tools). 
• Managed a variety of key stakeholders, including leading on strategy in devolved nations where appropriate 

Please see the full job description

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV. Review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: Wednesday 3rd December 2025 (please note we encourage early applications as we plan to interview before the festive period!)

Salary: £36,900 - £41,000

Contract: 6 month contract

Based: Homebased, can be based in London with regular travel to London Office

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments.  Please email any requests to

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to [email protected]

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Head of Research to lead our UK Research team.

Deadline: 5pm on Sunday 30th November
Location: Glasgow OR London
Salary: Starting at £52,166 rising to £60,861, plus London weighting of £4,000 where applicable
Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week)
Contract type: Permanent

This is an exciting new role with the UK’s leading public mental health charity. The Head of Research role is a fantastic opportunity to lead our UK research team to achieve social change. We are looking for research and management expertise, strategic thinking, operational delivery, and the ability to collaborate and communicate with a range of stakeholders including media, academics, policymakers and communities. You will be part of an outstanding leadership team committed to delivering change across the UK. The role will deliver our UK-wide research, reporting to the Director of Research & Lived Experience.

What does the role involve?

• Support the Director of Research & Lived Experience to develop and deliver a 5-year research strategy
• Lead our UK research team to deliver and commission studies and reviews to a high standard at pace
• Present research clearly and persuasively to media, governments, academics, funders and communities

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• Excellent research skills, experience and credibility in health or social research
• Strategic thinker who can also effectively manage teams and projects
• Proven communication skills to different audiences

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

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 5pm on Sunday 30th November and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for week commencing 8th December.

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

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

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

We look forward to hearing from you!

Practice Specialist (experienced social worker)

§  Salary: £46,920 or £49,980 (London based) 

§  Contract: 6 to 9-month fixed term contract

§  Working pattern: Full time, 37.5 hours a week

§  Location:  Hybrid/homeworking

§  Due to travel across London and South East, you will be based in London or Southeast. You’ll be expected to attend our London office, in Chancery Lane/Farringdon or London venue at least 2 days a month, with flexibility.

§  Closing date: 5 pm, Monday 1st December 2025

§  Interview dates: 10th and 12th December 2025

We are looking for a dynamic and highly motivated professional to join our Practice Specialist team, working within our Programme team.

Practice Specialists play a crucial role in preparing Think Ahead participants to become outstanding social workers. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced social worker to maintain links with frontline practice and practice education, with development opportunities for teaching delivery, and coaching and mentoring others. Each Practice Specialist will have responsibility for a number of Think Ahead units (groups of 4-6 participants based in the same organisation), ensuring that participants receive an outstanding practice learning experience, and that there is effective delivery of our innovative curriculum in the practice environment provided by the NHS Trusts and Local Authorities that we partner with. 

 As Practice Specialist you will:

· Manage the implementation of the programme across host organisations ensuring quality placements and that the academic and practice components are brought together effectively. This will include visiting units of participants on placement, and virtually unit meetings. 

· Support development of CSW’s through regular coaching, supervision and training.

· Establish strong relationships with all relevant key contacts across our partner NHS trust and local authorities, holding regular meetings to quality assure the programme and develop our partnerships. 

· Provide specialist professional social work expertise to the Think Ahead team bringing experience and knowledge of frontline practice.

Who we’re looking for

The ideal candidate will be an experienced social worker and practice educator, that has experience of working within mental health and has a proven record of accomplishment of developing and supporting social workers. We are also looking for someone with experience and confidence in delivering training and is willing and motivated to get involved in this evolving area of the charity. 

What we can offer you

We offer excellent employee benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement (28 days) plus additional office closure over Christmas, enhanced family-friendly leave, flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm, a matched pension scheme with up to 7% employer contributions, an employee assistance programme and more. 

How to apply 

Download the candidate pack from our website.

Please provide a CV and a supporting statement (max 2 pages) outlining your fit for the role based on the person specification in the candidate pack and email these to us, together with the completed Equality and Diversity questionnaire.

We will use both the CV and the supporting statement to enable us to shortlist for interview. Unfortunately, we will not be able to consider any applications that do not address how the candidate meets the person specification in the supporting statement.

We're looking for an enthusiastic Research and Engagement Officer to plan and deliver engagement and research for our core and project work. This role involves listening and reaching out into communities to understand the experiences and concerns of local people using health and social care services and presenting this feedback to those planning and running services.

An ideal candidate is someone who walks into a room full of strangers and comes out with contacts, stories and having built a trusting connection. This role will include going out to geographical and communities of interest with an aim of making sure that we hear from all of the diverse communities of Wakefield District.

We recognise that research can be a term that puts people off, but we want to make research accessible and manageable for everyone. So, put simply, our research projects are always focussed on hearing from a specific community and we use different methods to reach them effectively and to capture their comments in ways that resonate and have impact. 

Purpose

To plan and deliver engagement and research for Healthwatch Wakefield’s core and project work. To understand the experiences and concerns of people using health and social care services in Wakefield District and represent this feedback to service providers and commissioners. The role involves some analysis of data and intelligence to influence change and improve services.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

This is a dynamic role with lots of opportunity to make it your own. We have a small team of Research and Engagement Officers, and each works slightly differently to achieve the shared goal of reaching out and exploring ways to capture and interpret the experiences of people who use local services. The main functions are:

• Engagement
• Research and Project Management
• Data and Intelligence Analysis

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of engagement, particularly with seldom heard groups and communities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Capable of working independently and managing a varied workload.
• Experience of using various engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Experience working with, networking, and developing partnerships with a range of people, including project stakeholders, diverse community groups, and other organisations.
• Experience using various research and engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Word.
• Commitment to the principles and values of Healthwatch.
• Demonstrates empathy, integrity, and a drive to influence positive change in health and social care.
• Willingness to travel within the Wakefield area.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Experience producing impact-focused reports and summary documents.
• Familiarity with local services and community needs.
• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector, especially in Wakefield District.
• Good understanding of health and social care sectors, especially within the Wakefield area.

The Research Manager at Healthwatch Hounslow will be an experienced manager of community-focused projects or programmes.

You will be comfortable with all aspects of research – from scoping, to desk research, to fieldwork, to analysis and writing reports. You will be a clear and confident communicator, whether producing concise, engaging content such as reports, or resenting/speaking in meetings or at events.

We are looking for someone who understands and has experience of creatively engaging diverse groups and communities – particularly seldom heard and underserved groups. Ideally you will be familiar with and an advocate for the principles and practices of co-production and public involvement.

The Research Manager will enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people – from hearing residents’ views and experiences of services, to influencing senior commissioners or providers of health services to make changes and improvements.

You will have a keen interest in Health and Social Care; and a passion to ensure that local people in the community are heard, and health inequalities are addressed.  

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking a collaborative and organised Lambeth Community Research Network (LCRN) Coordinator to play a pivotal role in the growth and coordination of a borough-wide partnership driving change in how research is designed and delivered. 

This is an exciting opportunity to support a dynamic, cross-sector network that connects community organisations, researchers, and public institutions to ensure that research in Lambeth is fairer, more inclusive, and community-led. 

You’ll help coordinate the network’s programme of events and projects, strengthen member engagement, and lead on communications that celebrate and share learning. Working within High Trees’ Research and Impact team, you’ll ensure the LCRN continues to thrive as a collaborative and well-connected space that champions community voice and knowledge. 

If you’re a strong communicator with excellent organisational skills and a passion for community-led research, partnership working, and social impact –  we’d love to hear from you. 

About High Trees 

High Trees Community Development Trust has been rooted in Tulse Hill, Lambeth, for over 27 years. We deliver services in education and training, employment, youth and family work, community action, and research and capacity building, working alongside local people and organisations to create meaningful change. 

We are recognised for our collaborative and place-based approach, our long-term partnerships, and our commitment to equity, participation, and community leadership. 

At High Trees, you’ll join a supportive, values-driven organisation that places community at the heart of decision-making. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to innovative and meaningful work that strengthens the influence of communities in shaping research, policy, and practice across Lambeth and beyond. 

About the Lambeth Community Research Network (LCRN) 

The Lambeth Community Research Network (LCRN), hosted and led by High Trees, brings together community organisations, research institutions, funders and public bodies to create a more equitable research ecosystem. 

The network aims to rebalance power in research, ensuring that communities – particularly those often underrepresented –  have genuine ownership and influence over how research is designed, delivered and used. 

Through collaboration, learning, and shared accountability, LCRN members are shaping a model for community-led research that leads to stronger insights, better decisions and more equitable outcomes for Lambeth residents.

We’re looking for a Research Funding Officer to join our team

Salary: £34,754

Base: Central Edinburgh/hybrid

Hours: Full time and permanent.  35 hours a week over core working hours of 10am – 3pm, Monday to Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. The office is open 8am – 7pm daily and our hybrid working policy requires all full-time employees to work at least two days a week in the Edinburgh office. 

Benefits: 10% employer pension contribution; private medical insurance; employee assistance programme and counselling service; enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay; enhanced sick pay; 31 days’ paid holiday/year plus four paid winter public holidays; 2-weeks fully remote working/year; three paid carer days/year; death in service benefit; cycle to work and travel season ticket schemes.

To support the Team’s work-life balance, we work a nine-day fortnight where the charity is closed every second Friday.  

About the role and what we’re looking for

What will you be doing?

· Supporting applicants from all over the world to bring us their new ideas in cancer research by providing guidance in a timely manner. You’ll receive and process discovery cancer research funding applications, ensuring validity and completeness.  

· Leading on the expert peer review process. You’ll identify appropriate expert reviewers to ensure that the charity receives high quality, independent review advice to inform funding decisions.

· Managing funded grants. You’ll build relationships with grantholders and process change requests to best serve the science of our funded awards.

· Working with partner organisations.  You’ll collaborate with our research partners to manage co-funded projects as well as providing funding information for internal and external purposes. 

· Demonstrating our values. As a Curestarter, you’ll demonstrate our values every day - curious, united, real, entrepreneurial and spirited – as you help bring about our vision that no life is cut short by cancer.

What are we looking for?

· With a higher degree in a biomedical related field, you have excellent scientific understanding of molecular and cell biology as well as a broad knowledge of cancer research.

· You have a good understanding of research funding processes, particularly peer review and conflicts of interest.

· You’re a collaborative person who works respectfully in a diverse team of experts to deliver work that makes an impact.

· As a detailed planner and organiser, you thrive on deadlines and feel confident prioritising your time across multiple, concurrent projects.

Who are we? 

At Worldwide Cancer Research, we start new cures. Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but cutting-edge science can give us hope. Discovery research seeks to uncover new knowledge that could change the way we think about cancer. It reveals new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer that can save lives.

We actively seek unconventional and imaginative ideas from scientists at all stages of their career, across the globe. In some cases, we are the only organisation that will fund a scientist’s idea. We take an unbiased approach to research funding by focusing on supporting only the best ideas for new cures. By having a diverse research portfolio, we increase our chances of finding breakthroughs.

Our vision is of a day when no life is cut short by cancer, and we believe we can achieve this by starting the life-saving advances of the future by sowing the seeds of discoveries. Anyone that helps bring forward breakthroughs – including our staff, our supporters, and the researchers we fund – is a Curestarter.

As a charity, we are committed to opportunity without barriers, and we are striving to seek, value and learn from different perspectives and experiences. We want Worldwide Cancer Research to be an inclusive organisation – where everyone can be themselves and feel valued – as diverse as the scientific community we fund and the families whose lives we impact.

We are committed to ensuring that we provide equal opportunities to every applicant regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We aim to ensure that our recruitment process is unbiased and that everyone is treated equitably because our team members are at the heart of everything we do to start new cancer cures around the world.

To help start new cancer cures and save lives, we are looking for a Research Funding Officer to join the busy Research team at Worldwide Cancer Research, to help the charity run its multi-million-pound funding programme for discovery cancer research.

READY TO HELP BUILD SOMETHING THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE?

LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND GROW WITH A START-UP?

WE’RE RECRUITING AN ASSISTANT TO THE FOUNDER…

Can Do is a start-up using digital technology to create social change. We work across addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty and justice to help people access the support they need.

We are looking for an assistant to work closely with founder Mark Johnson. This is a hands-on role which could be for someone early in their career who wants a chance to learn, take on real responsibility, and be part of building something meaningful. It will suit someone who is organised, curious, and keen to develop.

This is a varied role in a start-up environment. Things are still being built, processes are developing, and we need someone who brings order, accuracy, and a calm, positive attitude.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong academic ability and can pick things up quickly
• Is organised, meticulous, and takes pride in keeping things in order
• Is interested in social justice and wants to understand our sector
• Has an open, willing attitude to learn and develop
• Can use digital and AI tools to simplify tasks
• Communicates clearly and can write simple, accurate notes and emails
• Is based in the South of England and willing to travel

This role may not be the right fit if:

• You prefer large, structured organisations with established systems
• You are mainly looking for visibility, status, or a defined career track
• You are not comfortable with varied tasks or learning as you go

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Communication support: Draft emails, prepare short notes, and help keep Mark up to date with actions and priorities
• Organisation: Keep diaries, documents, and information in meticulous order
• Meeting support: Join conversations, take clear notes, track actions, and ensure follow-up happens
• Research: Collect short summaries, stats, and key information about our sector (addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty, justice)
• Fundraising and bids: Assist with drafting, formatting, and preparing proposals and applications
• Documentation: Prepare simple business cases, summaries, or briefing papers
• Operations: Support basic bookkeeping tasks, receipts, and expense organisation
• Learning and development: Take on a variety of new tasks as skills grow

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY.

Can Do welcomes applications from people with lived experience of social challenges. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in our recruitment process and workplace culture.

Join the leading UK network for British Muslim-led charities and community organisations! Building on your passion for social justice and sector improvement, support the growing sector, advocate for change for minority communities and the user-led organisations who support them. 

Job role: Junior Policy and Advocacy Officer

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum

Salary: £29,000 –£32,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)

Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.

Location: London SE1. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Lambeth North

Closing date for applications:  16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified. 

About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)

Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy.

We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society.

Role Purpose

The Junior Policy & Advocacy Officer will support the delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research work. Working closely with the Head of Policy & Advocacy, they will contribute to policy monitoring, research projects, member engagement, and influencing activities across government, civil society, and the wider third-sector ecosystem.

This role is ideal for an early-career professional with strong analytical skills, a passion for social justice, and an interest in policy, research, and advocacy relating to the Muslim-led voluntary and community sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Monitoring and Research Support

• Track and summarise relevant UK policy, regulatory, parliamentary and sector developments related to civil society, charity regulation, funding, equity, inclusion and climate-related legislation or sustainability policy, reflecting MCF’s commitment to sector-wide awareness of climate action.

• Assist in drafting policy briefings, consultation responses, evidence submissions, and research summaries.

• Support the Head of Policy & Advocacy in compiling data and insights for reports, position statements and strategic documents. • Conduct desk-based research on thematic issues affecting Muslim-led and minority-led organisations.

• Monitor media commentary relevant to the British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector and contribute to the preparation of responses, in collaboration with the Policy and Communications teams.

2. Advocacy and Influencing Support

• Support engagement with government stakeholders by preparing meeting briefs, background notes, and follow-up materials.

• Help coordinate MCF’s involvement in roundtables, APPG sessions, consultations, and external events.

• Maintain databases of stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, think tanks, regulators and sector partners. • Support public affairs monitoring, including parliamentary questions, debates and committee activity.

• Contribute to MCF’s work on climate action awareness and sustainability by supporting advocacy messaging, stakeholder engagement or policy monitoring relating to sustainable practice across the Muslim charity sector.

3. Engagement with Members and Sector Stakeholders

• Assist in organising policy workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building resources for MCF’s members.

• Help collect insights, feedback and lived experience from member organisations to inform MCF’s policy positions.

• Respond to member enquiries relating to policy, regulation or advocacy support.

• Contribute to resources that help Muslim-led charities navigate regulatory and structural barriers.

• Support member-facing materials and capacity-building related to sustainability, climate awareness, or environmental good practice where required. 4. Communications and Content Support

• Draft accessible summaries of policy developments for newsletters, blogs, briefings or social media (in collaboration with the Communications team).

• Ensure policy messages are communicated consistently and clearly to internal and external audiences.

• Help prepare slides, visuals or short reports for senior-level advocacy engagements.

• Work with the Communications team to cntribute to external messaging that aligns with MCF’s media monitoring, research findings and sector commentary.

5. Administration, Coordination and Reporting

• Provide administrative support for the policy and advocacy workstream, including scheduling, minutes, organisation of meetings and events. • Maintain systems for tracking policy work, research outputs and stakeholder engagement.

• Assist with monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the impact of policy activities.

• Ensure compliance with internal processes and external regulatory requirements (e.g., lobbying regulations).

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience (including internships or volunteering) in policy, research, public affairs, community advocacy or a related area.

• Strong understanding of UK political, charity or social policy landscapes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex information clearly.

• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data and produce evidence-informed insights.

• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening underrepresented communities.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, fast-paced team.

• Sensitivity to issues affecting Muslim-led, minority-led or faith-based civil society.

• Awareness of key issues, legislation or trends relating to climate change or sustainability affecting civil society.

• Interest in media monitoring, public messaging or analysing public commentary related to the sector.

Desirable

• Experience working or volunteering within the voluntary sector, community organisations, or advocacy projects.

• Understanding of intersectionality and structural inequalities affecting minority and marginalised communities.

• Experience producing policy briefs, research notes or advocacy materials.

• Familiarity with parliamentary processes or government engagement.

• Lived experience relevant to the communities MCF represents.

Values and Behaviours

• Collaborative, inclusive and respectful approach to diverse stakeholders. Proactive, organised and self-motivated, with willingness to learn.

• Integrity and professionalism when representing MCF.

• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Ability to amplify underrepresented voices with care and accuracy.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to develop skills in policy, research, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

• Mentorship and learning from experienced senior leaders.

• A supportive and inclusive working environment.

• Chance to contribute to meaningful, systemic change within the UK’s Muslim led charity sector.

Application Information

If you are a change maker who wishes to help us empower the sector, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.

If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).

No agencies.

UK residents only. Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the friendly, dynamic, multi-disciplinary team at the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre) as our new Deputy Director, Research and Evaluation. This is a key leadership role within the CSA Centre, central to our ambition to raise awareness of the true scale and nature of sexual abuse and to drive evidence-informed improvements in policy and practice.

About the role:

The CSA Centre aims to inform and improve policy and practice at local and national levels by identifying, generating and sharing high quality evidence on the current scale and nature of child sexual abuse and what works to prevent and tackle it, and our extensive research, evaluation and monitoring activity is central to that mission.

Leading our highly skilled and experienced research and evaluation team, you will play a key role in developing and overseeing the CSA Centre's research and evaluation plans over the immediate and longer term, helping us to ensure that our publications, practice resources and policy and communications activity are robust, evidence-informed and accessible to a wide audience, driving real change in the response to child sexual abuse across England and Wales.

As a member of the CSA Centre's Senior Management Team, you will have a leadership role across our multi-agency, multi-disciplinary team, enabling you to draw on expertise from a wide range of different professional backgrounds. You will lead our strategic engagement with research and evaluation leads from across Government departments and key stakeholder groups, and contribute to our wider influencing activity with senior leaders at local, regional and national level.

We are looking for an experienced manager and leader with strong skills and significant experience of designing, planning and overseeing research projects and programmes of monitoring and evaluation on child sexual abuse, or closely related issues, using a wide range of methodologies. You will have demonstrable expertise in qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation, an in-depth knowledge of the current research landscape in relation to child sexual abuse, and experience of translating organisational objectives into a strategic and cohesive research and evaluation plan.

As Deputy Director, Research and Evaluation, you will play a role tackling child sexual abuse alongside the work of our colleagues across practice, policy, communications and training. This is important work - the CSA Centre conservatively estimates that one in ten children will experience some form of child sexual abuse before age of 16, and our ambitious programme seeks to improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of professionals (social workers, teachers, social workers, nurses etc.) in identifying and responding to child sexual abuse. We have already made great progress, but there is much more to be done – and your leadership is essential to help us do it!

CSA Centre roles are currently funded until 31 March 2027, in line with our current grant funding arrangements. This will be reviewed in late 2026, as future funding for the CSA Centre from 2027/28 onwards is confirmed.

About us

We are the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre). Our aim is to reduce the impact of child sexual abuse through improved prevention and better response. To tackle child sexual abuse we must better understand its causes, scope, scale and impact.

Established since 2017, we are a multi-disciplinary team that is funded by the Home Office, hosted by Barnardo's and we work closely with key partners from academic institutions, local authorities, health, education, police and the voluntary sector. We're proudly independent and our team will challenge any barriers, assumptions, taboos and ways of working that prevent us from increasing our understanding and improving our approach to child sexual abuse.

We bring about change by:

• Collating and analysing existing research, policy, practice and the real experiences of those affected, and filling the gaps we identify with new research, insights and analysis;
• Using that evidence and insight to challenge and improve existing policy and practice, develop new approaches and increase everyone's knowledge and confidence to more effectively tackle the issue.

This role is home based with regular travel required, usually to London.

The CSA Centre acknowledges that tackling child sexual abuse can feel challenging but is incredibly rewarding and positive when actively making change. Our open working environment ensures that there is support for all employees, across the team and with access to a therapist, if needed. Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspect of this further.

We believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore are open to offering flexible working arrangements.

The CSA Centre is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from disabled candidates and candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as they are currently under-represented at the CSA Centre.

When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description.

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.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.

At Barnardo's we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.  Our safer recruitment processes mean that the safety and welfare of the child is paramount at every stage of the process and therefore, we adopt rigorous scrutiny in our pre-employment checking. This post is subject to a range of pre-employment checks including a Criminal Records Enhanced Disclosure for the successful candidate.

About Barnardo's

At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is reflected in our values and our practice, and we have invested in this area of our work to ensure that we can deliver on our commitments to be an inclusive employer. EDI is a key enabler of our purpose as a charity and we want to ensure that the diversity of our teams is reflective of the communities we serve and that we continue to learn and develop our work with a focus on inclusion. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic Communities, candidates who are LGBT+ and Disabled candidates. 

Our basis and values