Freelance field researcher jobs

The Casework and Research Manager will lead Humanists International's efforts in supporting Humanists at Risk through strategic engagement, research, and the management of key publications, particularly the Freedom of Thought Report. This role involves coordinating all Humanists at Risk support in accordance with the organization's new two-tiered strategy (https://humanists.international/blog/a-necessary-evolution-in-our-support-for-humanists-at-risk/), direct liaison with stakeholders, contributing to organizational strategy, and line management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee the delivery of General Support to Humanists International's Members and Associates worldwide, including the provision of advice, guidance, and signposting to relevant resources.

• Coordinate the provision of direct, individualized casework support to leaders and officers of Humanists International's Member and Associate organizations who are facing significant risk due to their humanist activities or identity. This includes assessing needs, developing support plans, and ensuring timely and effective intervention.

• Develop and implement training programs for members and associates to enhance their capacity to support humanists at risk within their communities.

• Foster and strengthen partnerships with other human rights organizations to maximize the collective impact of our support efforts.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a comprehensive online resource library providing information on safety, security, advocacy, and support for humanists globally.

• Liaise and collaborate with staff in other humanist organizations to ensure coordinated and effective support for individuals at risk, aligning efforts with the new strategic framework.

• Develop and deliver fortnightly briefings to internal staff on relevant casework and risk-related matters, including updates on the implementation of the new support tiers.

• Prepare and present regular reports, statistical analyses, and updates on Humanists at Risk, and the effectiveness of the new support strategy, to the CEO and Board of Directors.

• Represent Humanists International at key stakeholder meetings, including platforms such as the EU Temporary Relocation Platform, building and maintaining effective relationships while articulating our revised approach to support.

• Lead the collection of compelling testimony and documentation for the Humanists at Risk campaign and the Freedom of Thought Report.

• Manage, edit, and oversee the entire production cycle of the Freedom of Thought Report, ensuring its accuracy, quality, and timely publication.

• Provide overall project management and strategic direction for the Freedom of Thought Report, including budget oversight and timeline management.

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising and Communications Officer to ensure the research and findings effectively inform fundraising and public awareness initiatives.

• Directly line-manage and mentor the Freedom of Thought Report Researcher, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality research output.

• Act as a representative for their area of work on the Management Team, actively contributing to strategic planning, policy development, best practice implementation, budgeting processes, and organizational decision-making, particularly in relation to the Humanists at Risk program.

• Manage and monitor relevant project budgets, ensuring responsible and effective resource allocation for both general support initiatives and any limited individual casework.

• Provide direct line management to staff, consultants, paid interns, and volunteers as required, fostering a productive and supportive working environment.

• Attend relevant conferences, seminars, and other events to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Humanists at Risk and promote Humanists International's work, clearly articulating our new strategic approach to support.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Education: A Master's degree in International Law, International Relations, Human Rights, or a closely related field; OR a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience in a related role.

• Strategic Understanding: A clear understanding of strategic planning and the ability to implement organizational strategies within their area of work.

• Legal Expertise: Excellent understanding of international human rights law, and refugee and asylum law and frameworks.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written communication skills and an excellent command of English (native or near-native proficiency).

• Language Skills: Fluency in other languages, particularly French, Spanish, or Arabic, is a significant asset.

• Casework Coordination/Management Experience: Proven experience in coordinating or managing casework or support programs, ideally within a human rights, equality, or asylum-related context.

• NGO Knowledge: A strong understanding of the landscape of international non-governmental organizations, their roles, and their operational scope.

• Analytical and Synthesis Skills: Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information from various sources and communicate it clearly and effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Research and Drafting Skills: Strong research, analytical, and drafting skills with a proven ability to produce high-quality written materials.

Desired:

• Humanist Knowledge: Experience with or a strong understanding of humanism and the role and objectives of humanist organizations.

• Alignment with Values: Excellent understanding of, and demonstrable sympathy with, the philosophy, values, and policies of Humanists International.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, efficient, and able to work independently, managing multiple priorities effectively.

• Communication Style: A clear, persuasive, and confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

SafeDeposits is Scotland’s leading tenancy deposit protection scheme and dispute resolution provider. As a not-for-profit, SafeDeposits donates surpluses generated to its charity, the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust (“the Trust”). The Trust aims to improve standards in Scotland’s private rented sector by promoting education, training and best practice.

In addition to its grant-giving, the Trust is developing an ambitious research programme designed to inform future policy making and debate. This includes two new national representative surveys: “The Voice of the Tenant (Scotland)” and “The Voice of the Landlord (Scotland)”.

SafeDeposits and the Trust are part of the TDS [The Dispute Service Ltd] Group; a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee that operates equivalent deposit protection services across the UK and delivers a range of initiatives to raise standards in the private rented sector. 

We have a new opportunity within our Policy, Research and Strategy team to join them as a Research and Programme Officer.

This is a full-time, permanent position ideally based within commuting distance of our Glasgow office. However, we are open to considering home-based candidates from other areas of Scotland, depending on their skills and experience.

The purpose of this role is to deliver and support the expansion of SafeDeposits research programme. The successful candidate will work on qualitative and quantitative research projects and ensure findings are disseminated effectively. Our priority is to recruit an individual with the requisite research skills and experience. Where required, appropriate training and support will be provided for the aspects of the role involving coordination of the grant-giving programme. The role offers a unique opportunity for a researcher to not only contribute to the evidence base, but to also work with TDS and SafeDeposits colleagues to commission evidence-based solutions for positive change.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Working with external contractors to deliver the Voice of the Tenant (Scotland) and Voice of the Landlord (Scotland) surveys.
• Conduct, analyse, and report on qualitative and quantitative research projects.
• Lead research collaborations with other organizations and stakeholders.
• Develop content, including blogs and social media posts, to share research findings in collaboration with marketing.
• Represent SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust at internal and external events, including presentations and public speaking.
• Assess and monitor grant applications in collaboration with an external contractor.

To be considered for this opportunity you must:

• Have a degree in a relevant field
• Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in research, social policy, or a similar role (or equivalent postgraduate study).
• Be proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Have strong working knowledge of Excel for statistical analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of data validity and credibility.
• Be able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letting outlining how your skills and experience match the person specification.

TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers.

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Research Officer to support our team in Scotland.

Deadline: 5pm on Friday 16th May
Location: Glasgow
Salary: Starting salary £31,350
Hours: Full-time, 32 hours per week (as part of our 32-hour week pilot and may revert to 35 hours after July 2025)
Contract type: This is a fixed-term role for 18 months

This is an exciting opportunity to design and implement impactful research and evaluation projects. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to collect and analyse data, ensuring that our work is informed by lived experience and reflects the diverse needs of the communities we serve.

What does the role involve?​​

• Lead and support research projects, including quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Produce high-quality reports, presentations, and academic publications to share findings with varied audiences.
• Conduct systematic and pragmatic evidence reviews to inform our initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues in communications and policy to ensure our research drives meaningful impact.
• Represent the Mental Health Foundation at events to promote our research and vision.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?​

• A degree or relevant equivalent in a relevant field with substantial research elements, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proven ability to manage research projects and deliver results on time and to budget.
• Strong communication skills to present complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and inclusivity, with a focus on addressing inequality and adversity.

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.

About us

Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health.

Our vision is for a world with good mental health for all. With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.

We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.

The Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.

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 form by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'. Please note that all sections of the application form should be completed as CVs alone will not be accepted. Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 16th May and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for Monday 2nd June.

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 for full time staff, pro rata for part time staff.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Established in 1954 we are a UK based charity devoted to the study and conservation of the mammals of the British Isles. We aim to raise awareness of the issues mammals face and share our scientific research so they can be best protected in the future. A small team of staff delivers big results through coordination and promotion of surveys, trainings, campaigns, publications and events that inspire, inform and mobilise our members and supporters and support the work of grassroots mammal groups and individual volunteers

Following the recent confirmation of the Mammal Society’s research priorities for the next 5 years, we are seeking a talented, enthusiastic Data and Research Officer with a passion for nature, science and conservation who will help us to put strong foundations in place so that we can deliver maximum positive impact for mammals through our work.

The Mammal Society is committed to being an inclusive and disability-friendly employer and is keen to attract applicants from a range of backgrounds. All applications will be anonymised and shortlisted via a consistent and transparent points-based process against the requirements of the role as set out in the Job Description and Person Specification. The role is home-based, and interviews will be conducted via Zoom unless a candidate raises an issue with this format, in which case an alternative will be arranged to satisfy any requirements for inclusion.

To apply, please submit your CV with a covering statement of no more than 750 words explaining your suitability for the role as outlined in the JD and Person Specification.

We would be grateful if you could also complete and return an Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form, but this is optional and may be submitted separately.

Ex Cathedra is a world-class ensemble that leads the choral sector in the fields of performance, learning and wellbeing. Thanks to a recent donation, we are excited to create this new role for a skilled fundraiser to join our team to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities. You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.

We believe that the benefits of singing are for everyone, and seek to reach and engage as many people as possible through outstanding vocal experiences. We do this by exploring, commissioning and performing the finest choral music, nurturing young singers, and delivering an extensive, inspirational learning and wellbeing offer for participants of all ages – engaging 80,000+ people every year in a range of venues, schools, hospitals and communities, including through our acclaimed Singing Schools and Singing Medicine projects.

It is an exciting time to join us and shape this new role. Over the next 5 years we will celebrate the legacy of founder Jeffrey Skidmore OBE and welcome a new artistic director. We are enjoying audience growth, our projects are being recognised at Award ceremonies, and we already have an established individual giving scheme which we hope you will help us grow.

Find the full application pack on our website. The following is extracted:

Key responsibilities

The Individual Giving Manager will contribute towards Ex Cathedra’s ongoing sustainability and success by maximising philanthropic income:

Strategy and research

• build, maintain and continually seek to expand a pipeline of prospects capable of making gifts at a high 4-, 5- and 6-figure level, making sure that all progress is tracked, monitored and reviewed on a routine basis

• explore our existing data to identify major gift prospects, working in line with data protection law and fundraising regulations

Individual giving

• work closely with the General Manager and Individual Giving Officer to further develop and implement strategies that will increase major gifts and legacy donations to Ex Cathedra, dovetailing with the Trusts and Foundations consultant where appropriate

• arrange and conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects and donors to help build and progress meaningful relationships through regular dialogue

• use their judgement to involve the artistic director, trustees and colleagues where most beneficial/advantageous

• align prospective donors with high-value funding opportunities for the performance programme, education and participation work, or area of greatest need according to the interests of the donor

• promote and encourage giving towards the establishment of an Endowment Fund that will provide long-term financial sustainability for the organisation

• meet agreed targets for activity (i.e. number of prospect meetings and solicitations) and income generation (i.e. funds raised)

• personally manage the portfolio of higher level donors and prospective donors.

Communications

• manage the delivery of specific appeals to prospects and donors

• work with the General Manager and freelance designer to devise and produce materials in support of Ex Cathedra’s fundraising aims

• create and refresh inspiring copy for inclusion in print, on our website and other relevant materials

Other

• record and maintain progress, ensuring that income can be projected as accurately as possible, liaising with the Finance Manager as appropriate

• carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the General Manager

About you

You will be a skilled fundraiser, able to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors, capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities.

You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience

• demonstrable experience in a similar role

• direct experience of securing gifts and donations at 4- and 5-figure level from individuals by initiating, building and stewarding relationships

• experience of developing engaging and attractive gift opportunities; and scoping, developing and articulating fundraising projects

• experience of working in a target-driven environment

Knowledge

• knowledge of the principles of major gift fundraising and Donor Relations (including stewardship)

• knowledge of the Arts and/or Charity funding landscape and UK philanthropic trends

• knowledge and understanding of donor motivations, and how to align philanthropic interests with organisational priorities

• a sound working knowledge of data protection legislation and national fundraising best practice

Skills and abilities

• good organisation and planning skills, with an ability to prioritise the things that matter most

• excellent communication skills with an ability to persuade and influence with tact and diplomacy

• an ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders

• an ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences

• an ability to think both creatively and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fundraising goals

• good listening skills

Attributes and attitudes

• a strong team player, who enjoys building and maintaining productive relationships with others

• pro-active, results-oriented and ambitious, with a determination to succeed and improve

• resilient, focused, tenacious and confident

• a creative thinker, with a keen interest in trying new approaches to bring about enduring, positive change

• a willingness to work outside normal hours and travel when required

• a genuine affinity and passion for music and the Arts, and their transformational power

How to apply

Full details on how to apply can be found in the Application Pack, which is available from our website. We welcome informal, pre-application conversations, and details on how to arrange this with Peter Trethewey, General Manager, are also set out in the pack.

Application deadline: Thursday 1 May, 5pm

If you have any access needs relevant to your application, please contact Peter.

Role: Research Fellow

Location: London

Hours: Full time (Office Based, London)

Salary: £50,000 per annum

Our client is an independent foundation that invests in children and young people in developing countries to improve their lives and to maximise demographic dividends for long term economic growth. They do this by partnering with visionary African governmental leaders to deliver on initiatives that have the potential to positively and dramatically enhance the life outcomes of their people and the trajectories of their countries. Focusing on and supporting the efforts of their partners to aid success, our client has adopted a new strategy with a clear accountability target: Over the next five years, they want to have played an integral role in substantially and tangibly improving 23.5 million lives. 

Our client is now recruiting for a Research Fellow to support their Program Directors and governmental partners by providing comparative research that will help shape programs and guide development strategies. Key responsibilities include working with the Program teams to develop reliable, actionable research on human capital challenges facing our government partners in Africa. You will research and identify vendors and consultants who can provide technical support, conduct desktop reviews for country scoping missions, and research and prepare briefings on partners, policies, demographics, and governance matters. In addition you will review existing monitoring and evaluation frameworks and performance management dashboards and help evaluate program proposals and concepts notes by researching assumptions and theories of change.

The successful candidate will have excellent research, data and analytical skills having worked previously in a research role. You will have experience working in international development, public health, econometrics, data science or a similar field and will ideally have some experience of living or working within sub-Saharan Africa (although not essential). You will bring a strong work ethic and have excellent people skills, including communication and presenting skills. You will also have skills and experience working alongside external partners. It would be preferable for the successful candidate to have a graduate degree in econometrics, public health, data science, or a related field however we would also consider candidates who are qualified through their work experience.

To apply please submit your CV only in the first instance preferably in Microsoft Word/PDF format. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact Steven Fraser from Prospectus.

Please note : Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis therefore we encourage candidates to apply ASAP. We reserve the right to close adverts early should we successfully appoint before the advert closing date.

As a specialist recruitment practice Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

This role focusses on raising funds for Bowel Research UKs medical research projects and work that focuses on patient and public involvement. Funds raised will be a mix of restricted project funding and unrestricted funds that can support the organisations core operations.

You will need to work closely with colleagues in Research and Patient & Public Involvement to ensure you have a strong understanding of current funding needs and research successes. You will take the lead on seeking out new prospects and nurturing existing relationships to significantly grow income. You will achieve this by researching sources of funding, devising individually tailored applications, maintaining excellent communications with existing and potential donor trusts and foundations, delivering an agreed income target as well as growing funding from these sources.

The role will include researching relevant opportunities, identifying the most appropriate projects, writing and submitting applications and ensuring excellent donor management, development and reporting. Trusts and Foundations income is a cornerstone of Bowel Research UKs charitable income each year and is responsible for around a third of fundraised income. The organisation has assessed the trusts' function recently, the outcome of which shows that there is scope to significantly grow this area of activity. Full support will be given to the Trust Fundraising Manager to enable this growth to happen.

You will be a motivated self-starter able to write, budget and communicate effectively. You will develop relationships with ease and feel able to positively influence colleagues at all levels of an organisation. The position requires someone with a positive attitude who is determined and resilient. 

If you are someone who is or has operated at a senior trust fundraiser level, or someone who can demonstrate experience of developing a trust and grants pipeline, creating compelling applications and directly delivering income success, then this role might be for you.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact Jo to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Wednesday 30th April 

Interviews are expected to be held on Thursday 8th May (virtually) 

The School:

Merchant Taylors’ School is a large Independent Boys’ School, situated in 280 acres of parkland in Northwood, Middlesex.  The School was founded in 1561, is owned by the Merchant Taylors’ Educational Trust and moved to its present site in 1933. There are four distinct boys’ day schools on campus. The Nursery, the Pre-Prep & the Prep cater for 370 boys, while the Senior School has over 960 pupils. The Senior School employs over 110 teachers and 160 Support staff across Merchant Taylors’ School.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Fundraising

· Developing and innovating the school’s regular giving programme, the Merchant Taylors’ Fund, to ensure a consistent income stream and increased participation from alumni, parents and friends.

· In conjunction with external consultants, running our (currently) biennial telephone fundraising campaigns and Giving Days.

· Liaising with school departments, clubs and societies to identify exciting projects to motivate supporters.

· Segmenting and targeting recipients for appeals to ensure the greatest impact and returns.

· Devising the strategy for promoting legacy giving as a means of supporting Merchant Taylors’, and to implement this strategy to increase the number of known legacy pledges to the school.

 Stewardship

· Establishing and running a comprehensive benefactor stewardship programme that thanks and stewards donors at all levels, including legacy pledges, through regular communication and events.

Reporting

· Reporting on progress against all objectives to the Development and Alumni Relations Sub-Committee of Governors.

· Where appropriate, working with the Development Executive (Events and Communications), to produce benefactor report publications and contribute to other Development publications.

· Ensuring that all contact with OMTs and parents is recorded on the Development Office’s database, the Raiser’s Edge.

Safeguarding responsibilities:

It is the post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy Statement at all times.  If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the Head Master.

Merchant Taylors’ School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As this role will bring you into contact with children you are expected to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Further information on how the School uses personal data is set out in the School’s Staff Transparency Notice, which can be found n the Vacancy page of the School Website.

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

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

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

About World Physiotherapy: World Physiotherapy is a leading international professional association and UK Registered Charity. Founded in 1951, we represent the global physiotherapy profession and are dedicated to advancing our profession, advocating for universal access to improve health and wellbeing.

The role: World Physiotherapy is seeking a dynamic and experienced development programme manager to lead and manage our portfolio of development projects and initiatives. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and tracking of specific short-term projects or a series of long-term projects, with the aim of advancing global physiotherapy practice. 

Key responsibilities:

· Project leadership: Plan, manage and evaluate international development projects (25–40% travel)

· Cross‑functional collaboration: Align programmes with events and membership activities; partner with marketing, finance and HR

· Fundraising and reporting: Draft grant applications; compile narrative and financial reports to funders

· Risk and compliance: Conduct risk assessments; ensure adherence to internal policies and donor regulations

· Communications: Develop project updates; represent World Physiotherapy at global forums

Requirements:

· Degree in public health, international development, social sciences or related field; project management qualification desirable

·  5+ years’ experience managing international development or capacity‑building projects

·  Strong grant‑writing, report‑writing and stakeholder‑management skills

·  Proven ability to multi‑task, work under pressure and drive cross‑team collaboration

·  Familiarity with donor compliance, risk management and low‑resource contexts

·  Fluent English; additional language (eg French, Spanish) a plus

What we offer:

• A vibrant, international work environment committed to global health improvement.
• The opportunity to make a significant impact in advancing physiotherapy standards worldwide.
• A competitive salary and the flexibility of a hybrid/remote work arrangement.

Heard is a multi-award-winning charity working at the intersection of storytelling and social justice. For over 15 years, we’ve inspired content and communication that shift public perspectives and drive real-world change on issues such as climate change, migration, trans rights, and more. Our work supports people to create compelling narratives that move hearts, change minds, and spark action.

We’re looking for a passionate and creative programme manager with TV experience to join our Climate team and lead the television strand of our Climate Stories That Work programme.

As programme manager, you’ll work closely with broadcasters, production companies, writers, and creatives to spark climate stories that resonate with audiences and inspire action.

You don’t need to be a climate expert. What matters most is that you understand how great TV gets made and that you're motivated to help translate climate and sustainability themes into narratives that people genuinely want to watch.

You’ll oversee the TV-focused work of the climate programme from concept to delivery. That includes shaping strategy, running story consultations, developing creative decks, facilitating workshops, and building partnerships that bring impact both on-screen and behind the scenes. You'll also play a key role in connecting climate issues with entertainment, working alongside campaigners, public figures, and cultural influencers to develop meaningful, relatable stories.

You’ll be supported by the senior programme manager, programme coordinator, and a network of consultants to ensure smooth delivery. You’ll also contribute your insights and experience to the executive team, helping guide the future direction of the programme.

At Heard, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking, creative, and supportive team. If this sounds like a fit for you, apply now!
 

OVERVIEW

Job Type: Fixed term contract (until 29 May 2026 with possibility of extension)
Working: Full time (35 hours per week, not including breaks)
We’re ideally looking for someone full-time, but we’re open to part-time or flexible options for the
right candidate.
Reporting to: Senior Programme Manager
Based at: Heard, The Green House, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9DA. Hybrid -- Staff are able to work from home for part of their week, and are required to be in the office for 2 days a week as we think it is important to stay connected as a team.
Salary: £36,720 pro rata
Staff benefits: 7.5% pension contribution and salary sacrifice scheme, 30 days holiday (pro-rata) plus bank
holidays, mentoring scheme, annual training budget, and hybrid working.

See job description for full details.

Full time 37 hours, permanent position
Salary in the range £56,869 - £69,506 per annum

Based in Reading -  hybrid working available (1-2 days in the office)

About us

PACT is a supportive and respectful charity where people are genuinely passionate about what we do and are at the heart of everything we can achieve together. 

We change lives by building and nurturing adoptive families and empowering women, children and parents to rebuild after trauma and embrace a positive future.

Established in 1911, we are now one of the UK’s leading charities in its field dedicated to finding secure and loving families for children waiting to be adopted, continued support through therapeutic services, supporting and empowering women facing multiple disadvantages and the recovery of children affected by domestic abuse.

The role

We are looking for an experienced Head of People and Operations who is passionate about our work and who will flourish in a values-based culture founded on professionalism, positivity, innovation and a genuine desire to help others.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Senior Management team, this is a key role that leads a dedicated team responsible for ensuring that the charity has exceptional people and providing them with the necessary resources and equipment to excel in their roles and thrive.

Committed to delivering excellence, you will seek opportunities to enhance the services you and the team provide across the charity and will be a champion for people’s wellbeing and a culture of inclusion.

About you

To flourish in this role, you will need to be a confident and trusted CIPD qualified practitioner, who has significant experience of working in a generalist HR role at a senior management level.  You will need excellent knowledge and practical application of employment legislation.

A skilled and considerate communicator, you will enjoy managing, motivating and coaching others as well as working collaboratively to find pragmatic solutions to issues and challenges. 

Given the size of the charity and the team, you will be comfortable in a dynamic role where no day is the same; moving easily from strategic to operational tasks and ways of working. 

Whilst you do not need to be an expert in offices services and facilities and IT systems and applications, a general understanding and desire to learn would be an advantage.

If this sounds like you then visit our website and apply today to join an amazing organisation and be part of something that is truly special. You will also find contact details on our website for an informal discussion about the role.

Closing date: noon, Wednesday 30 April 2025

Interview dates: Monday 12 May, Wednesday 14 May and Tuesday 20 May 2025.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Human Resources, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Senior HR Manager, HR Consultant, Head of Operations, Head of Support Services

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

Operations Officer 

Location: Home-based, with a minimum of every other week travel into our London Office (Islington)

Responsible to: Governance, HR and Operations Manager 

Responsible for: N/A 

Salary: Point 27-30, £30,116- £33,083 (a London Allowance will be applied to employees who live in London) 

We are pleased to offer a starting salary at the beginning point of the salary band. This position offers opportunities for salary increases based on performance and tenure. 

Hours: 35 Hours per week 

Job type: Permanent, subject to funding.

Benefits:  

• Friendly and collaborative working environment

• Remote working 

• 25 to 30 days holidays per annum plus bank holidays (depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees) 

• Contributory pension scheme including 6% employer’s contribution (subject to employee’s minimum 2% contribution) 

• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay 

• Occupational sick pay depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees.

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Access to staff discounts

Closing date: 9th May 2025 

Interviews to take place: Monday 19th May 2025. These will be held via Microsoft Teams.

About the role:

Respect is looking to expand our Operations team with this new Operations Officer role. We’re looking for someone with demonstrable experience in scheduling meetings, HR administration, and coordinating internal and external correspondence with a variety of stakeholders. You must have a strong understanding of GDPR and Microsoft packages and be able to prioritise a busy workload in a fast-changing working environment. Ideally you will have some previous experience of minute-taking as well as inventory and supply management.

About you:

• Experience of administrative support in the above areas  

• Demonstrate a commitment to – and understanding of – the values, aims and objectives of Respect 

• Ability to handle sensitive information, and work with discretion 

• Commitment to policies that advance equity, diversity and inclusion practices 

• Ability to use your own initiative as well as part of a team 

• Be a problem solver, with an eye for efficiency and collaboration 

About Respect 

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 25 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.

How to apply 

Please visit our website for a full job description and person specification, where you can find and complete the application form and equalities monitoring form.

Please ensure that all application submissions are submitted in Word Document format only. 

Successful applicants must reside in the United Kingdom. 

We would particularly welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics1, particularly people from the following under-represented groups on our staff team:

• Black and minoritised people 

• Deaf and disabled people 

We would also warmly welcome an informal chat about the role, if you are interested but unsure whether you meet the requirements or would be suitable. 

Make a Change 

Make a Change is a community-wide, early response approach to people using abusive behaviours (or who are concerned that they might be) towards a current or ex-partner. The model has been developed by Respect in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation England, drawing inspiration from their Change that Lasts approach. It includes three strands: expert support programme for perpetrators with parallel support for survivors, workforce development and community outreach.

Improving the safety, freedom and wellbeing of adult and child survivors of domestic abuse is a key outcome for our work with perpetrators.  The Make a Change model is a multi-partner project offering local areas a framework for delivering perpetrator work. Where feasible, we aim to establish partnerships with local survivor domestic abuse service to deliver parallel support for survivors (referred to as Integrated Support Service) as part the expert support strand.

This is a new and exciting role within the Make a Change team. This exciting new role offers a unique opportunity to join our team at a pivotal moment.  As the first person to fill this position, you'll play a key role in shaping its development and collaborating with the team to define its future direction.  This is a fantastic time to join us as we grow, and you'll be an integral part of establishing this important function and contributing to our collective and continued success 

We are seeking a Make a Change Development Lead to drive the development and innovation plans for the model for 2025-28. This pivotal role will focus on enhancing the three core strands of Make a Change: Expert Support, Workforce Development, and Community Outreach.

This role requires innovation, leadership and collaboration with a range of stakeholders, ensuring these strands work seamlessly together to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes for individuals and communities.

You will need to think long-term and understand how different components of the programme fit together. Strong leadership skills are necessary to guide teams, inspire collaboration, and make decisions that will influence both the direction of the programme and its day-to-day operations. You will have a passion for innovation and continuous improvement to develop and test new strategies, tools, and methodologies, ensuring that the programme remains dynamic and responsive to changing needs.

This is an exciting opportunity within a creative and proactive team, where members are encouraged to seek out and share learning. The role focuses on continuously developing our work with perpetrators, contributing to the growing evidence base on effective behaviour change and strategies to keep survivors safe.