Social research jobs

SCIE Vision

We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.

At the SCIE, we are driven by our values:

· Progressive – always learning and developing.

· Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness.

· Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable.

· Transparent – open and honest.

· Committed - focused on making a difference to people’s lives.

The role:

A great opportunity for you to join our small friendly team and make a real difference to people’s lives by:

· keeping our finances running smoothly

· supporting smarter decision-making

· help power the work that changes lives.

If you’re detail-driven, organised and ready to make your skills matter, we’d love to have you on our team.

What we are looking for:

· actively studying for your AAT or already qualified, with a solid grasp of financial processes and the confidence to work accurately at pace.

· previous experience of working within a Finance Team

· someone who loves getting the details right and takes pride in keeping finances running like clockwork

· strong numeracy, great organisational skills, and a proactive, can-do attitude

· a problem-solver who enjoys improving systems, collaborating with colleagues, and making a real impact through your work.

What we offer in return.

We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary and homeworking allowance. We provide an employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum, an award-winning employee assistance programme, and an attractive holiday package which rises with length of service.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.

SCIE Vision

We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.

At the SCIE, we are driven by our values:

· Progressive – always learning and developing.

· Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness.

· Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable.

· Transparent – open and honest.

· Committed - focused on making a difference to people’s lives.

The role:

A great opportunity for you to lead a small, impactful team and make a real difference to people’s lives by:

· leading SCIE’s transformation in co-production, embedding sector-leading practice and strengthening governance across the organisation

· leading the implementation of SCIE’s Three-Horizon Roadmap for co-production, creating sustainable change and positioning SCIE as a sector leader in co-production practices

· managing and motivating a high-performing enablement team, providing expert guidance and support across all directorates.

· generating and sustaining income for co-production improvement activity, developing new products and partnerships

· embedding inclusive, co-production across all SCIE programmes, ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued

· building staff confidence and capability through training, resources, and practical tools.

What we are looking for:

· proven leader in co-production, with experience in social care or related sectors

· skilled in organisational change, income generation, and programme management

· exceptional communicator and relationship builder, able to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders

· in-depth knowledge of co-production principles and practice and health and social care systems

· committed to inclusive, trauma-aware practice and continuous improvement.

What we offer in return:

We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary and homeworking allowance. We provide an employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum, an award-winning employee assistance programme, and an attractive holiday package which rises with length of service. Benefits of working for SCIE can be found here Work for the Social Care Institute for Excellence - SCIE 

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.

About Us

Caritas Diocese of Salford is the principal social action agency of the Catholic Diocese. Our mission is to put Love Into Action. We help those across Greater Manchester and Lancashire experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination to transform their lives with dignity. We provide a practical response to those in crisis, suffering hardship or who are at risk. We rebuild lives for the long-term, enabling people to live in a safe, healthy, and secure environment. We call for a better, more just world, where the voices of the poor are heard and acted upon and positively influence the systems, decisions and resources that affect those in need.

About the job

We are looking to recruit a Grants and Foundations Officer to join Caritas Salford’s fundraising team. You will be part of a team that is passionate about tackling poverty and inequality, where your work will have a real and visible impact. Your focus will be on maintaining and growing income from charitable trusts and statutory agencies.

As a Grants and Foundations Officer, you will work closely with senior managers and service managers, researching potential funders, securing funding from trusts, foundations and other potential funding partners. As well as building and stewarding lasting relationships that will help sustain and grow Caritas’ mission. We will support your development, helping you grow your fundraising skills, take on complex projects and help shape bids for commissioned services.

You will have excellent interpersonal skills, strong research and analytical expertise, be highly organised and confident in using IT systems and digital tools for research, communication and data management. Additionally, you will have the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a range of stakeholders, plus a willingness to learn from others about fundraising and social impact.

37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday with occasional evening and weekends required.

Part time would be considered FLEXIBILITY TO WORK REMOTELY, WITH REGULAR VISITS TO CARITAS SERVICES ACROSS GREATER MANCHESTER AND LANCASHIRE

If this sounds like the next step you are looking for and you would like to work for an organisation passionate about transforming lives, we would love to hear from you!

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to interview/ appoint before the closing date. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

Closing date: Thursday, 8 January 2026 at 9am

Interview: Monday, 19 and/or Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Caritas follows Safer Recruitment practices, and this post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service check. 

For full details please visit Caritas Diocese of Salford - Caritas | Diocese Of Salford – About - Careers

Caritas Diocese of Salford is an equal opportunities employer

Registered Charity Number: 1125808

Please note we do not accept applications via agencies or CVs

The Social Research Association (SRA) is an educational charity and membership organisation for social researchers, dedicated to advancing excellence in social research across the UK. We support the research community by:

· Growing and connecting an inclusive, diverse community of social researchers.

· Expanding career pathways and professional development.

· Advancing knowledge, best practices, and innovation in social research.

· Representing and advocating for the profession.

We are entering a very exciting period of increased member engagement by expanding our member benefits, researcher community offerings which include mentoring, and the launch of a new digital community platform. Alongside these new activities, it is important that our core activities such as training and events continue to run smoothly and this role is key to supporting those activities.

We are a small team of eight people and are working in a very inter-connected manner.

About the Role

The Finance and Administrative Assistant will provide essential support across three main areas: finances, events and training. This role is about being detail-oriented in the finance administration, well organised, supporting smooth communication, and helping our members and partners to engage with our services. The role will report to the training and conference manager. The successful candidate will have a strong background in finance administration, substantial experience of using Customer Relations Management Systems (CRM) and Xero (or similar systems), and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Above all, you should be eager to learn and ask questions. This is a new role for us – so we're excited to explore and shape it together.   

Key Responsibilities:

*Manage and maintain accurate financial records for the organisation, including accounts payable and receivable

*Manage weekly accounts reconciliation process

*Preparing financial reports, issuing invoices and chasing debtors for training and events

* Assist operations manager with budgeting and forecasting

Training and events

* Provide administrative support to the operations and training manager by managing the training and events inbox, bookings and attendance.

*Assist in monitoring of training and events by running feedback reports

*Provide more general administrative support for regular training events and the annual conference

* Coordinate meetings and events, liaising with trustees, volunteers and colleagues

General

* Develop and implement administrative processes and procedures to improve efficiency

* Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders

* Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

Who We’re Looking For

We know that great candidates don’t always meet 100% of the criteria. If you’re excited about this role, and keen to go on this exciting phase of our development, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Experience & Skills

● You have worked in a finance administrative role where you’ve managed multiple tasks and met deadlines.

● You have experience using digital tools like Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM) and accounting software. You don’t need to be highly technical, but you should be comfortable navigating systems, updating records, and assisting others with basic queries.

● Responding to customers/clients via emails

● You have experience supporting projects or coordinating tasks

● Intermediate level of excel skills, e.g. produce monitoring reports on training bookings

Desirable Experience (Nice to Have, but not required)

● Knowledge of financial regulation for charities, e.g. the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)

● Experience working in a membership organisation, charity, or similar setting.

● Familiarity with basic data management (e.g. updating records, handling databases).

● Experience coordinating online or in-person events

● Experience of changing website content or interest in learning

What We Offer

28 days of annual leave (pro rata) + bank holidays

Fully remote working (with occasional travel for meetings, not anticipated to exceed 10 per year)

Even though we're fully remote, we offer a few days of face-to-face induction to help you connect with the team and organisation right from the start.

Personal and professional development including payment for one subscription to a relevant membership/professional body

Our culture

It is important part of our mission to represent the profession in all its diversity. To do that, we are committed to developing a talented workforce that represents that diversity.  We are an inclusive and welcoming organisation and committed to ensuring our culture and ways of working enable all of our people to thrive at work, and not negatively impact on their private lives. 

Interview Process & Accessibility

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process that gives all candidates the best possible opportunity to show their value.

• We will provide interview questions 2-3 days in advance to help candidates prepare.
• We will reach out to you in advance of the interview to check if there are any needs or requests that will make the process work better for you. We’ll strive to meet any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.
• Interviews will be held online, but we can arrange an in-person interview if preferred. In-person interviews would need to be held in London.
• We anticipate one interview and it’s likely this will be a mix of questions and a task.

The internships positions are for a 6-Month basis starting between either January - July or July - December.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute and gain insight into L&W’s high-impact research, policy, and campaigning activity across all areas of our Strategic Plan. You will be responsible for participating in our programme of research, as well as proactively supporting other colleagues across the organisation. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Your principal duties and responsibilities will be to contribute to L&W’s research programme across a range of high-profile and time-critical projects for government, trusts and foundations and other funders. Suitable candidates should demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity throughout the conduct of their duties.

Assist the L&W research team with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. This may involve review and analysis of national and local data sources, recruitment for qualitative research, conducting depth interviews and focus groups with service users, staff and other stakeholders, and managing and analysing data.

• Carry out literature and evidence reviews, including identifying relevant research evidence, appraising the quality of evidence and writing up key findings.
• Support income generation, in collaboration with other Learning and Work staff, including contributing to the preparation of research proposals.
• Work as part of research project teams and actively participate in project meetings.
• Assist in other tasks to support the work of the research team as required. This will involve some research administration.
• Proof-reading reports, events programmes and marketing material for clarity and accuracy to ensure they meet our high quality standards.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity.

About You

Essential

• Degree in a relevant subject (e.g. social sciences, economics, research methods, etc) or equivalent qualifications or experience in a research capacity.
• Experience of writing for external publication e.g. websites, reports, newsletters.
• Experience of undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis
• Accuracy and attention to detail, and ability to show initiative and work independently.
• Excellent understanding of Microsoft Office suite (in particular, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Ability to work to deadline and manage multiple, competing priorities.
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups
• A commitment to the values of Learning and Work Institute

Desirable

• Understanding of a range of research and evaluation methodologies and methods.
• Understanding and interest in a subject area of relevance to L&W: adult learning, skills and employment policy and/or practice.
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups

Benefits

-Salary of £25,878 Leicester or £28,475 London pro rata per annum (Living Wage)

- 27 days' holiday, of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays. This will be prorated based on length of contract.

- Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

- Group Life Assurance 3*salary

- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)

- Flexible working practices

- Employee Development Scheme

- Retailer Discounts

- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay

- Enhanced occupational sick pay

- Eye care scheme and flu jab reimbursement benefit

- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme

- Gold award in Investors in People

Digital Communications Officer

Maternity Cover (Jan 2026 - Jan 2027)

Hybrid / London

Starting from £36,272 + benefits

We’re looking for a Digital Communications Officer to support the Digital Communications Manager in promoting, strengthening, and protecting the reputation of the Academy by delivering and evaluating digital campaigns across key communications channels that engage and influence new and existing audiences.

You will achieve this by creating high-quality, engaging written and visual content that is on brand and optimised for different audiences and digital channels used by the Academy, including social media channels (LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube), email and our website. You will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the Academy and external partners, including influential UK and international medical researchers as well as patients, carers and the public, to help shape our work.

What you will be doing

• Preparing engaging written and visual content for social media, email campaigns and the Academy website in collaboration with the Digital Communications Manager, Creative Content Manager and the wider communications team.
• Working on projects and tasks across social, email, website and content creation as required.
• Implementing evidence-based digital comms plans, focusing on optimisation, consistency, accessibility, engagement and impact.
• Working with colleagues to identify and action digital opportunities and projects, connecting with diverse audiences and stakeholders, while being aware of new technologies, such as AI, with consideration to ethics and reputational risk.
• Embedding user experience, accessibility, and audience needs throughout your work.
• Effectively recording and monitoring digital data and metrics, adopting a data-driven approach to projects.
• Using our email marketing and CRM platforms, Dotdigital and Salesforce, to manage and deliver email campaigns.
• Supporting the capture and editing of short-form video content and post as part of multi-platform campaigns.
• Developing and maintaining effective working links with appropriate representatives at peer organisations, including other National Academies, Government departments, universities and research funders.

What you bring to the role

• An interest in science and health communications.
• Knowledge of digital communications platforms, such as content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and email marketing platforms.
• An interest in current social media and digital trends, including the production and use of short-form video content.
• Skills in digital monitoring, evaluation and reporting, including knowledge of reporting tools for social media, email marketing and websites, ideally including Google Analytics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an eye for visual content design, plus the ability to turn written copy into engaging and accessible digital content for use across social media, websites and email.
• Being a team player who enjoys working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.
• Possessing strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Anticipating reputational risks and taking ownership to ensure robust results, alongside being able to work flexibly and to deadlines on reactive communications projects.

Benefits

• Salary progression framework
• Hybrid and agile working
• 29 days annual leave, including Christmas closure dates, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Regular organisation-wide Wellbeing Days
• Pension (the Academy offers a flexible contribution structure with a minimum employer contribution of 8% up to a maximum of 13% of gross salary, with an employee contribution ranging from 3% to 8%)
• Life assurance
• Vitality Private Medical Insurance, on completion of probation
• SimplyHealth Cash Plans, on completion of probation
• Season ticket travel loan (interest-free), on completion of probation
• Cycle to work scheme, available on completion of probation
• Family-friendly benefits – enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying period), coaching for parents returning to work
• Subscription to Headspace and Class Pass
• Staff training to support your development, including EDI training

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

Closing date: 8 December 2025.

Interview date: 17/18 December 2025 (held online).

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

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.  

We are looking for an enthusiastic Volunteer Officer to plan and deliver our new Volunteer Strategy. This role involves leading and coordinating our voluntary role holders across different roles and integrating with the wider work of the team.

We want someone who is passionate about volunteers and who will rise to the challenge set by our Chief Officer for all our work to have a clear fingerprint of volunteers demonstrated. The post holder will have latitude to develop a modern, exciting, and vibrant volunteer base and will work across the team to embed new roles which enable us to spread our reach further into the District.

We work closely with the local health and social care system to use our volunteer’s skills and lived experience to support Patient Safety Walkabouts and Patient Led Assessments of Care Environments (PLACE). We also have the power and responsibility to deliver Enter and View visits as a Local Healthwatch organisation. The Volunteer Officer will coordinate and oversee these activities to continue our successful partnership approach.

We are committed to providing social value to the local population, we do this through our opportunities which include volunteering, collaborating, work experience, and placements.

Purpose

To have responsibility for the Healthwatch Wakefield Volunteer Strategy. To lead on recruitment, co-ordination, and support of a diverse range of volunteers for Healthwatch Wakefield; including a ‘buddy’ system to help overcome barriers to involvement. To facilitate and maintain an activity and training record, and report on volunteer contributions on a regular basis. To remain up to date with relevant legislation and good practice in volunteering. To review and develop the roles available for volunteers in Healthwatch, working collaboratively with volunteers, contributors and the team.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Promote and deliver volunteering opportunities
  
• Recruit, induct, support and develop volunteers
• Lead Enter and View visit planning and coordinate patient safety activities
• Provide leadership for the volunteer programme

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of supporting and supervising volunteers, including recruitment and induction.
• Experience of producing systems and procedures for volunteers.
• Experience of delivering and co-ordinating training.
• Experience of working with a diverse range of communities.
• Experience of working in partnership and with external stakeholders.
• Experience of report writing.
• Communication, facilitating, and liaison skills.
• Ability to confidently build and maintain professional relationships.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate with others.
• Good planning and organisational skills, including ability to prioritise workload.
• Able to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines.
• Able to produce succinct, articulate and well-formatted documents and reports.
• Ability to understand, interpret and analyse basic financial information
• Competence in IT skills and internet use.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of developing a volunteer policy.
• Experience of working with volunteers within a health or social care setting.
• Experience of managing a project budget.
• Knowledge of the third sector in Wakefield District and the environment within which it works.
• Knowledge of health and social care structures.

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]

Social Development Direct is a mission-driven, international development consultancy with a global reputation for excellence in gender equality and social inclusion. As a social enterprise subsidiary of Plan International UK, we combine commercial agility with a deep commitment to social change.

We are seeking a Managing Director who will lead the next phase of SDDirect’s development, advancing the organisation’s influence and impact. 

The Managing Director will report into the CEO of Plan International UK and the SDDirect Board, and will provide inspirational leadership to SDDirect’s talented and motivated executive and staff, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver excellent technical quality alongside sustainable commercial performance.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a dynamic, values-led and engaging leader, with drive, resilience and commercial acumen.A high level of commercial awareness combined with a social justice technical background, and a proven track record of successfully leading and managing a commercial enterprise, consultancy or similar organisation or unit in the international development sector, is highly preferable for this position.

For more information about the company, role and responsibilities, please find the full job description and person specification below. 

How to Apply: Please click 'Redirect to recruiter' for details on how to apply for this position.

If you would like a confidential discussion about the role, please get in touch with Sue Griffiths, Managing Director, to arrange this. Contact details can be found in the job description.

About Global Canopy

Global Canopy is a data-driven not for profit delivering real transparency and accountability for market impacts on nature and people. Our special focus is on ending deforestation – an essential step in achieving urgent global goals on climate, nature and human rights.

About Corporate Performance

A growing number of companies and financial institutions are seeking to mitigate their impacts on nature. But many have made commitments that are not being met, and others are failing to take any action at all. We hold to account through our Forest 500 project, assessing the policies and performance of influential companies and financial institutions. With our suite of Deforestation-free Finance Guidance and a forthcoming new tool, DEFT Pathway, we provide tools and data for financial institutions and investors to support effective engagement with high-risk companies. We support the finance sector, policy makers and other stakeholders by providing market-leading data on deforestation and ESG metrics through Forest IQ.

Role Overview

This is an exciting and pivotal role for an experienced research and project lead. As Research Lead for the Corporate Performance Programme, you will have oversight of all aspects of research relating to three of Global Canopy’s flagship projects: Forest 500 (including Floresta 250), Forest IQ and DEFT Pathway as well as associated Guidance. You will be part of an effective team in a fast-growing and dynamic non-profit delivering on complex and impactful projects around the world.

You will manage a team of researchers, building on the strong and collaborative atmosphere already in place. You will have a vital role across the organisation with visibility of other research projects too, including how they complement each other and interact, and work with other experts such as those from communications or Human Rights.

The Research Lead contributes to strategy developments and innovations in our approach and in the data products and tools we provide. You will work with colleagues to help secure funding for the continued impact of our research as the world changes.

You will lead methodology updates in line with the Accountability Framework initiative and in the context of world events relating to forest risk commodities, and interpret methodologies for annual assessment cycles led by the team.

The impact and audience for this data will be a key focus for you. You will distill the resulting data into findings and insights for content creation and publications and will work with colleagues to ensure the data is well understood by media and assessed entities. By speaking and representing Global Canopy at events you will ensure our methodology and data is shared openly and delivers impact.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Corporate Performance (CP) research team, maintaining accountability for technical quality assurance of our data, process and findings across three of Global Canopy’s flagship projects: Forest 500+ (including Floresta 250), Forest IQ and DEFT Pathway, as well as Deforestation Free-Finance Guidance
• Lead and manage the research team, supporting Research Associates and Researchers to own and succeed in their respective projects and with the workflows they manage
• Build strong teamwork and technical excellence with a focus on impact
• Stay abreast of methodological updates, research methods and best practices across the assessment cycles, based on ongoing NGO alignment and external developments in line with our Theory of Change
• Lead cross-function collaborative team working and communication to ensure a focus on impact in research strategy and delivery, with seamless end-to-end processes up to and including data and content releases
• Strongly contribute to the management and strategy of the CP programme during a pivotal year by driving and developing new innovations
• Contribute to new fundraising proposals that strategically progress research needs and ensure continued funding.
• Deliver commitments to donors and in the CP annual plan related to research and help maintain donor relationships by reporting on Research-led deliverables
• Connect the CP programme with its target audiences and extend impact by engaging with NGOs, working with the Communications team to create public-facing content, and representing Global Canopy externally, particularly on technical elements of the methodology, best practice and findings

About You

To be successful in this role, these are the things that will matter the most:

• Strong background in research and research methods related to forest-risk commodities
• Ability to set realistic goals in planning research and data development, and managing a team to meet agreed timings for public releases
• Ability to lead, manage, and develop a research team
• Ability to identify strategic opportunities and innovations

Essential behavioural competencies:

• Attention to detail and accuracy through data, communications outputs, and engagement
• Ability to problem-solve and identify opportunities for improvement of existing systems
• Ability to think creatively and identify innovative ways to use existing and new data and metrics to reach audiences and deliver impact

Skills and experience:

• Leading a small team
• Strong data literacy and analysis skills, including qualitative data collection and analysis
• Demonstrable experience of applying research methods and practices, including both quantitative and qualitative data and statistical analysis, and programming and/or use of tools related to research techniques
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and methodologies to non-expert audiences

Desirable:

• Specialist technical knowledge on one or more of the following: deforestation, agricultural commodities, ESG, supply chains, sustainability or financial services
• Knowledge/experience working on the human rights and social dimensions of commodity-driven deforestation and environmental degradation
• Experience contributing to programmatic strategy to create impact and develop funding opportunities
• Experience of working across functions
• Experience of how data is delivered to target audiences

Benefits

Salary: £60k full time equivalent. This role sits within Band C on Global Canopy’s remuneration framework.

Nature of contract: Full-time, fixed-term (24 months), with possibility to extend dependent on funding. We are a flexible employer and welcome candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Base: Our office is in Oxford, with flexible home-working arrangements in place. Ability to attend the office fortnightly at minimum would be desirable.

Holidays: 36 days (including bank/public holidays) for discretionary use across the annual leave year. Option to purchase up to an additional 5 days or equivalent of one week’s leave.

Pension: Employer pension contribution of 8%.

Healthcare cashback plan: Covering dental fees, eye-care, wellbeing, physiotherapy, chiropody and much more – for you and any children.

Group Life Assurance: Paying a lump sum of 3 times annual salary

Group Income Protection: Paying 75% of annual salary for up to 2 years (for long term sickness).

Employee Assistance Programme: Which provides free, confidential advice on personal and legal matters.

Other: Huge range of discounts and cashback deals at gyms, restaurants, holidays, and much more.

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please follow the link and submit an up-to date CV and covering letter.

The covering letter should explain your motivation for the role, and how your skills and experience fit the person specification. (Please no more than 1 side of A4).

The closing date for applications is 8 December 2025 at 9am GMT. Early application encouraged as we will be conducting rolling interviews. We may close applications early if suitable candidates are identified.

First-round interviews calls will be conducted remotely via a video call. Following rounds consist of a take-home technical test and a final interview (in person at our Oxford office where possible; we will reimburse reasonable travel expenses to attend interviews).

The right-to-work in the UK is required for this role.

Applicant data will be managed in accordance with the candidate privacy policy available on our website.

The Opportunity   

This role is central to shaping and delivering the Social Mobility Foundation’s media, public affairs, and campaigning work, alongside the Campaigns Manager. You will influence changemakers - including politicians and journalists - through strategic media, political, and social media interventions. You will also collaborate with our Young Campaigners to amplify their voices and co-create impactful campaigns with them that drive systemic change.

1. Helping to plan and deliver campaigns activity, both planned and reactive, including: 

• Organising campaign events e.g. Parliamentary receptions and communicating our campaigns online and on social media.
• Assisting the Campaigns Manager to commission research and polling support our campaigning.
• Monitoring parliamentary activity, and horizon scanning - considering how political developments may affect our campaigning work, providing opportunities and risks. 

2. Leading our media work to maximise the impact of our campaigning, building awareness of social mobility as an issue amongst influential and informed audiences: 

• Developing and executing media and communication plans to support our campaign goals.
• Monitoring the media and responding to stories that allow us to land our key messages, share our point of view and platform SMF young people.
• Responding to requests from journalists for comment and advising and briefing members of staff on how to respond.

3. Co-create campaigns alongside our Young Campaigners and engage them in delivering and designing campaign activity:

• Developing and facilitate spaces for our Young Campaigners to co-create campaign activities and take actions to influence changemakers.
• Working with young people to share their experiences, through speaking at events and other campaigning opportunities.
• Training and supporting young people to speak to the media, ensuring safeguarding processes are embedded and providing follow up pastoral support where needed.

See attached job description for more detail on the key responsibilities in the role

Person Specification

• Experience of working within a media, campaigning, public affairs or political environment.
• Excellent understanding of the UK political system and political processes and a thorough understanding of public affairs tactics.  
• Experience of planning and delivering projects or campaigns in a charity, political or media context. 
• Excellent copywriting skills, with experience of writing press releases, quotes, interview briefings, social media posts and opinion pieces.
• Experience of successfully influencing policy or practice.
• Experience of speaking to journalists, succinctly describing our positions, handling media enquiries and making recommendations to senior colleagues on next steps.

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Benefits

• 36/37 days (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays and three days to be taken between Christmas and New Year) plus up to 3 days additional annual leave increasing with length of service.  
• Time off in lieu for work outside contractual hours
• Employer pension contributions of 5% plus salary sacrifice contribution the equivalent of Employer National Insurance after a satisfactory completion of your probationary period 
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Cycle to Work scheme

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Tuesday 2nd December and submit:
 

a) A cover letter (no longer than 700 words) outlining your previous experience, your motivation and your suitability for the role.
 

b) A 500-word op-ed written for our CEO, Sarah Atkinson on why the government should make large employers report on their class pay gap, linking this to a recent news hook, relevant events or political moments happening soon.
 

c) A short email pitching your op-ed to the comment editor of the Guardian.

Please note that generic applications and CV’s will not be considered.

JOB TITLE: Education Social Impact Manager

REPORTS TO: Head of Social Impact

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Permanent

HOURS OF WORK: Such hours as are necessary to fulfil the duties. This will involve a minimum of 35 hours per week and include work in evenings and weekends as required.

LOCATION: Hybrid of London office and home based.  ParalympicsGB Office: 101 New Cavendish Street, W1W 6XH. Travel may also be required in the UK and abroad as necessary

JOB PURPOSE: The Education Social Impact Manager will manage the implementation of ParalympicsGB’s schools’ programmes and campaigns; a range of Get Set programmes with an initial focus on establishing a new Get Set for Equal Play – inclusive PE resources. Additionally leading aspects of the Equal Play programme playing a key role in education stakeholder engagement and support the organisation’s approach to influencing public policy in education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Get Set Education Programme design, development and project management

· Input to design and development of educational programmes with Get Set delivery agency, to shape curricular activities and learning materials tailored to ParalympicsGB target audience of young disabled pupils and teaching workforce.

· Project manage the new Get Set for Equal Play programme working with agency, internal team and ParalympicsGB partner Nat West to scope, develop and account manage the programme focused on inclusive PE resources.

· Lead on reporting progress to NatWest working with delivery agency, demonstrating impact and programme performance.

· Work with the commercial team to provide commercial partner updates on Get Set activations as needed, and to secure approvals for any collaborative or co-branded activities.

· Liaise with athlete services and ParalympicsGB athlete community to engage athletes in the organisation’s schools’ programmes, including sharing updates, booking personal appearances, briefings and managing invoicing.

· Work with ParalympicsGB communications leads to ensure that programme marketing and promotional opportunities are maximised.

· Support the Head of Social Impact, with overarching management of the Get Set youth education programme including overseeing athlete input to materials and establishing athlete ambassadors, sign off content, resources, marketing and design ensuring adherence to ParalympicsGB brand style and approach, identifying new opportunities with stakeholders.

Education stakeholder engagement

· Increase and maintain relationships with education, PE and disability stakeholders as well as educators, sector leads and partners to support the implementation of ParalympicsGB Equal Play programme and campaign.

· Represent the ParalympicsGB at relevant Education events, conferences, and meetings.

· Undertake consultation with education stakeholders to inform and deliver future Equal Play direction and activities.

· Support the establishment and day to day management of an Equal Play Steering Group / Committee.

· Support the Head of Social Impact in represent ParalympicsGB on the Youth Sport Trust Inclusion 28 programme.

Equal Play Project Management

· Manage timelines, resources, and risks to ensure successful delivery of the Equal Play programme including internal reporting.

Research

· Undertake desk-top research across education, PE and school sport to build and deepen ParalympicsGB understanding of the relevant parts of the education sector.

· Seek out examples of best practice and support the facilitation of sharing best practice.

· Project manage research project focused on teachers’ knowledge gap in delivery of inclusive PE and school sport.

· Support future research projects in relation to the Equal Play programme.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and may be amended from time to time in the light of the changing needs of the organisation through appropriate processes of consultation and the mutual agreement of both parties.
 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree or similar-level qualification, or equivalent working experience

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Essential

• Strong leadership and project management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in programme planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Knowledge of education systems and policy landscape and understanding of school delivery models.
• Experience of delivering schools programmes and / or managing agencies delivering schools programmes.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maximise working relationships with diverse stakeholders, particularly across the education and sports sectors.
• Ability to undertake desk-based research, analyse data and summarise opportunities /make informed decisions.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.

Desirable

· An understanding of the SEND education policy and delivery landscape.

· An understanding of the PE / inclusive PE sector.

· An understanding of the teacher training environment.

· An understanding of ParalympicsGB, its function and role and the environment in which it operates.

· Charity communications.

· General knowledge of disability sport and the disability sector.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND QUALITIES

Communication: Excellent communication skills with the ability to express message and impart information clearly, concisely, and convincingly to a wide variety of audiences and through a variety of mechanisms, including both verbal and written communication.

Creativity: The ability to understand a problem or issue, and the factors that influence it, and consider constructive inventive ways in which a solution can be found, and a positive work outcome achieved. The desire constantly to consider ways in which existing practices could be done better and more efficiently.

Organisational Skills: The ability to plan, organise and execute work programmes, working to tight deadlines and often in a reactive environment.

 VALUES

ParalympicsGB is an organisation with a unique role and key responsibilities within the UK high performance system. Delivery of our ambitions very much relies on both working with, and through others, and by focussing on our two strategic priorities: taking the best prepared team to each summer and winter Games; and inspiring social change.

As an organisation we are committed to three values: excellence, respect, and integrity. Every ParalympicsGB employee is expected to adhere to: 

Excellence

Everything we do at ParalympicsGB reflects our ambition to be world leading. We care deeply about what we do and bring a flexible, positive, and progressive approach to our interactions with others. Like the athletes that we support, we will always challenge ourselves and others to do better. 

Respect

Our relationships with each other, our partners and the wider community are based on respect, trust, and a deep-seated belief in diversity, inclusion, and the value of our differences.

 Integrity 

We demand the highest standards from ourselves and others, seeking always to do the right thing and to engage with openness and transparency in all that we do.