Policy Research Jobs

Are you passionate about transforming lives and shaping the future of healthcare for people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis?  We are searching for a dedicated individual to lead the development and delivery of a new Crohn’s & Colitis UK evidence and insight programme, building the evidence base and delivering insight across the full range of experience of all those affected by Crohn’s and Colitis to support the strategic aims of the charity.

About Us

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. A diagnosis of Crohn’s or Colitis is life-changing. Over 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of, and for which there is no known cure.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK funds research, provides award winning information and support and raises vital awareness by increasing the public’s understanding of the conditions, and what it means to live with debilitating symptoms. But we need to do more. We need to be a louder voice in the marketplace. Our ambitious plans for 2025, will help to make a real difference to every supporter’s journey with us. If this excites you - join us!

Role Overview

As a member of the Senior Executive Team you will be responsible for translating the strategic direction of the charity into tactical plans for evidence and research to achieve the charity’s overall aims. In leading on the delivery of the Crohn’s & Colitis UK research strategy, you will be heavily focused on providing oversight of our programme of research grants and establishing networks, partners and alliances to drive increased investment in research. The remit will also involve oversight and responsibility for the day to day management, direction and leadership of the Evidence and Research teams.

 About You

You will have acquired a high level of experience of delivering programmes of evidence and insight in one or more of the voluntary, medical, health or research sectors, coupled with a solid understanding of the UK health research environment.  You will have developed and operationalised strategies, be an accomplished team leader, and have a proven ability engage and influence a diverse range of senior stakeholders

Please see our Recruitment Pack for details of our full Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Location

We are based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, so we are easily accessible by road and rail. In this role, there is plenty of scope for working from home,  although there will be times when you will need to be at face-to-face meetings. You will be required to attend meetings in Hatfield/London twice a month, as well as two Directorate days each year.  In addition, the charity meets four times annually at it’s office in Hatfield (or a location in London) for its’ ‘All Staff Together’ days of which attendance is mandatory.

Benefits 

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing one day per year up to 30 days
• Pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing programme
• Interest free loan for season tickets
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking and secure bike locks
• Training and development financial support and/or study leave
• Performance review and development scheme

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to the applicant residing in the UK and a valid right to work in the UK being provided.

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy, research and development organisation focused on lifelong learning, full employment and better work. We research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice. Social and economic inclusion are at the heart of all we do as we work towards a fair and prosperous society.

Our vision is for a prosperous and fair society in which learning and work provide opportunities for everyone to realise their potential and ambitions throughout life.

The Director of Policy and Research is a key senior leadership role at Learning and Work Institute. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the post-holder will be responsible for leading a team of around 30 experts in research, analysis, and policy development in these fields, generating more than £2.5 million in programme income and achieving a significant impact in policy and practice.

The appointed person will likely bring advanced knowledge of a range of methods and approaches that can be applied to research and development within public policy and will have a clear understanding of programme and project teaching and processes.

The successful candidate will also be committed to Learning and Works Institute’s charitable aims and objectives. You will have a track record of sizable income generation including developing proposals, developing funding relationships, and bid writing. You will also have a track record of delivering complex and high-profile programmes of research and/or development work, including managing resources and delivering to time and quality expectations within budget.

We welcome the appointed person’s proven track record in building strong relationships with national and local government, delivery organisations, partners and funders. Experience of leading a range of research and development approaches, such as reports, evaluations, pilot development and technical support, is also welcomed.

As a senior leader of the largest staff team the post-holder will need to possess excellent leadership and management skills, including an ability to inspire teams, develop and motivate staff, ensure high performance and deliver continuous improvement.

The opportunity is offered on permanent basis, though Learning and Work Institute is welcoming of flexible working patterns and arrangements, to be agreed upon appointment. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organisation and continuously strive to create an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact our retained advising consultants at Peridot Partners, Drew Richardson-Walsh or Olivia Robson, by visiting the link below:

Director of Policy and Research | Learning and Work Institute via Peridot

Context and Background

We are recruiting a Senior Policy Research Officer to develop and deliver our early years and health policy work to deliver real change and reform in the best interests of children.

The post holder will work in the UK/England part of the Policy and Public Affairs Team, focussed on influencing the Westminster Government. The role involves a variety of responsibilities including policy research, policy development and public affairs. This is a great opportunity to drive policy work in an exciting policy area, by building a strong evidence base and contributing to effective influencing strategies.

Job purpose

The Senior Policy Research Officer will be responsible for undertaking policy research to achieve the NSPCC's strategic goals, using their skills and experience to strengthen the NSPCC's impact on public policy relating to early years and health. In doing so, they will make a significant contribution to protecting the youngest children from abuse and neglect.

Key relationships - Internal

• Reports to Policy and Public Affairs Manager
• Colleagues in the wider Policy and Public Affairs team across the UK
• Colleagues in the Research and Evidence team
• Colleagues in the Media and Campaigns teams
• Colleagues in the Services directorate (to ensure policy development takes into account experiences of frontline professionals)
• Colleagues in the Participation Unit (to ensure the involvement of young people in policy and influencing work)

Key relationships - External

• Key civil servants and policy advisers in the UK Government
• MPs and Peers in the UK Parliament
• Colleagues in relevant voluntary and statutory agencies
• Practitioner bodies
• Key academics, researchers and research networks

Main duties and responsibilities

Policy development:

• Develop and maintain a high level of expertise on policy priority areas, with lead responsibility for early years and health policy.
• Scope, develop and refine NSPCC policies on priority policy issues, putting forward the economic case for change where possible.

Policy research:

• Contribute to the delivery of our research activity, working with teams across the NSPCC to assess policy andevidence needs, then design and undertake impactful research projects to address these.
• Manage policy research projects from development and commissioning stage through to completion, providing direction and supervision to ensure the highest standards of delivery.
• Analyse a wide range of primary and secondary sources of evidence (such as official data sets and statistics, policy documents, academic literature, economic analyses, FOls and survey data) to develop innovative and evidence-based policy solutions to complex problems.

Public affairs:

• Prepare high-quality briefings, summaries and consultation responses for both external and internal audiences.
• Develop and maintain a network of key contacts across parliament, the civil service and civil society, using this network to amplify the NSPCC's voice and take advantage of opportunities to influence policy making.
• Represent the NSPCC at relevant internal and external advisory groups, meetings and stakeholder events.

Responsibilities within the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate

• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
• To maintain anoverview of child protection policy and practice
• To maintain an awareness of own and other's health and safety and comply with NSPCC's Health andSafety procedures
• An active commitment to promoting EDI, safeguarding and trauma informed practice
• An agile approach to work
• To maintain and develop competence in the use of IT systems

Person specification

1. Strong support for the NSPCC's mission and values, combined with a good understanding of public policy relating to child protection issues, and knowledge of the wider legal, government and media context.

2. Excellent policy development skills, with the ability to research, develop and refine innovative policy solutions to complex problems.

3. Proven ability to undertake research (qualitative and/or quantitative) and analyse the findings, with an ability to design methodologically robust and ethically sound research that is delivered to a high standard and agreed timescales.

4. Experience of successfully presenting research accurately to make a clear and compelling case for policy and legislative change.

5. Excellent communication skills including the ability to write concisely and persuasively in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences, and to deliver engaging oral presentations.

6. Good public affairs skills, with strong knowledge of parliamentary processes, sound political judgement, and experience of contributing to the delivery of influencing strategies to secure support from decision makers in parliament and beyond.

7. Ability to work on own initiative with strong organisational and project management skills, including demonstratabl eexperience of project managing small research projects, working at speed and under pressure when required, whilesuccessfully managing project progress, risks, and quality.

8. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build constructive working relationships with external stakeholders, aswell as to work effectively as part of an internal, cross-departmental team.

Salary: £70,000 per annum + generous benefits 

Contract: Full time, fixed term contract for up to 13 months 

Location: Victoria, London (hybrid working with one to three days in the office each week) 

Closing date: at 12 noon, Friday 28 February 2025

NHS Providers is the membership organisation for the NHS hospital, mental health, community and ambulance services that treat patients and service users in the NHS. We help those NHS foundation trusts and trusts to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care by enabling them to learn from each other, acting as their public voice and helping shape the system in which they operate. 

NHS Providers has all trusts in England in voluntary membership, collectively accounting for £124bn of annual expenditure and employing 1.5 million people. 

NHS Providers’ defining purpose as an organisation is supporting our members. Our policy and strategy directorate does this through enhancing influence and encouraging development and improvement: we offer the sector a strong voice in policymaking and government, and we work with their boards to help them navigate the complex times we live and work in. We have an influential voice within the policy landscape, focusing on issues that truly support our members’ priorities and work towards creating the conditions that will allow healthcare in the UK to thrive and flourish. Our policy and strategy directorate leads this influencing work; the directorate encompasses our policy, public affairs and analysis teams.

As head of policy and analysis, you will jointly lead and manage this busy and high performing directorate of around 30 people, taking specific responsibility for overseeing a number of policy portfolios and our analysis team. You will have the skills and experience to maximise the influence and impact of NHS Providers by ensuring that key priorities are identified and driven forward through effective member consultation, policy development and influencing activity. You will also play a key role as part of the organisation’s senior management team, working with colleagues across the organisation to support corporate development and strategy.

We actively support equality of opportunity for all our staff and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief. We particularly encourage applications from those from underrepresented communities.

Please send a CV and covering letter setting out why you are interested in the role and how you meet the person specification via our application portal by noon, on Friday 28 February 2025.

Visa sponsorship

You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. NHS Providers is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

With a passion for tackling poverty in later life, the Policy Manager will use the evidence and insight gained through our research, services, grants and campaign network to identify the problems that older people in poverty face and come up with innovate policy solutions to improve their lives. 

They will then work with colleagues across the organisation, particularly Public Affairs, Campaigns and Media, to influence policymakers and make these policy calls a reality.

For full details on the role and requirements, please read the job description and person specification. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification, but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on our jobs website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do however include dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role.

Closing Date: Sunday 23 February at 11:59pm

Interview Dates: Initial interviews will be held online on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 March, via Microsoft Teams

We're looking for a Policy and Research Manager to join our Campaigns team, to develop and deliver policy interventions and research projects to influence the Government and to create real change for women seeking safety.

Policy and Research Manager
Location: Old Street, London, at least 2 days per week in the office
Accountable to: Campaigns Lead, Women for Refugee Women
Hours: 35 hours per week*, some flexibility required at evenings and weekends
*Please note that these are the contractual hours for this role. However, WRW currently operates a 4-day work week meaning staff can opt into working 32 hours per week spread across 4 days, workload allowing.
Salary: £36,400 per annum
Length of contract: Permanent

Main purpose of role
To develop policy goals and recommendations in line with Women for Refugee Women’s (WRW) overarching campaigns strategy to improve the lives of women seeking asylum in the UK; to develop and deliver policy interventions such as policy briefings, evidence for Parliamentary committees, responses to inquiries and consultations; to plan and carry out research projects for influencing purposes, ensuring that these are informed by and co-delivered with women in WRW’s network.

Job Description
Strategy: To develop and set feasible policy goals over the short, medium and long term, in line with WRW’s overarching campaigns strategy to improve the lives of women seeking asylum, in consultation with the Campaigns team, and the women in WRW’s network; to provide regular analysis on the external context and assess the opportunities for bringing about policy change in order to inform the strategic direction of the Campaigns team.

Policy: To lead the drafting of policy documents including briefings for MPs, civil servants and other influencing targets, evidence for Parliamentary committees, responses to inquiries and consultations, etc.

Research: To identify research opportunities to advance WRW’s policy goals; to plan and write up research projects for influencing opportunities, ensuring that these are informed by and co-delivered with women in WRW’s network, and carry them out in partnership with the other staff of WRW and our campaigns groups.

Influencing: To identify influencing avenues to advance our campaigning goals, and work with the Campaigns team to develop and maintain relationships with civil servants, parliamentarians, opinion-formers and other stakeholders.

Law: To explore the potential for use of the law in achieving our policy goals, including working on possible strategic litigation in partnership with other organisations and with lawyers.

Communications and media: To work closely with the Campaigns team to give input and advice on WRW’s communications through mainstream and social media to ensure that these are accurate and well-targeted; to act as a spokesperson for WRW’s campaigns, including on media platforms and at events, panels and other platforms to reach target audiences.

Partnerships: To work closely with policy colleagues in the sector to share intel, pool expertise, and advance joint goals; to represent WRW at conferences and forums, consolidating and initiating partnerships with partner organisations and other stakeholders in order to drive forward our policy work.

Support to refugee women: To ensure that our policy work is informed by the experiences of women seeking asylum; to ensure that the women in WRW’s network have an opportunity to shape WRW’s policy goals and are kept abreast of developments in our campaign to achieve these.

Line Management: This role currently has no line management responsibilities but this may be introduced to the role at a later date, depending on the resourcing of the Campaigns team.

Organisational input
Grassroots: to work with the Grassroots team in ensuring that the women in WRW’s network understand the policy and research function of the organisation and are updated regularly about our progress towards achieving these.

Monitoring and evaluation: to assist with the evaluation and monitoring of WRW’s policy work and its effectiveness.

Support with fundraising: to support the work of the Grants Fundraising Manager through contributing to grants applications and reports.

Policy compliance: to stay well informed about WRW’s existing policies on issues such as safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection, to ensure that all policy and research observes the letter and spirit of such policies, and to keep up to date in developments in best practice in these areas, so that WRW remains a well-run and effective organisation.

Organisational: to participate in and support activities such as staff meetings and workshops aimed at building a stronger organisation.

WRW is a small busy team that responds quickly to situations that are often fast moving and unpredictable. As a member of this team you would be expected to be flexible in the way that you work and to help out with other duties where appropriate.

Person Specification
Essential

• Thorough understanding of the UK asylum process and how it affects women and its political and legal context.
• Knowledge and understanding of social research methods, including qualitative methods and participatory action approaches.
• Experience of producing compelling policy and research documents, preferably in a political, legal or campaigning environment.
• Thorough understanding of the UK parliamentary processes and how a charity can lobby for change.
• Understanding of how strategic litigation can be used to create policy change.
• Commitment to social justice and a demonstrable passion for creating change on behalf of women or other marginalised groups.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to work co-operatively as part of a small team.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and the rights of women seeking asylum.

Desirable

• Experience of using strategic litigation to create policy change.
• Experience of working with the UK Parliament.
• Experience of dealing with the mainstream media and using social media.
• Experience of working directly with women who have survived violence or other vulnerable groups.

Women for Refugee Women particularly welcomes applications from individuals with experience of migration and/ or seeking asylum.

We are seeking a dedicated Senior Policy Officer to join our Policy and Research department. The Senior Policy Officer will support the development and implementation of our policy activity, including our work to support the Youth Employment Group and APPG for Youth Employment.  This role is ideal for someone with a background in policy development and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development and Analysis: 

• Respond to external policy, research papers, and inquiries.

• Conduct labour market analysis and develop policy recommendations, including updating the Manifesto for Youth Employment.

• Update the website with new reports, insights, and commentary.

Leading our work as the Secretariat for the APPG for Youth Employment and Co-Chair of the Youth Employment Group: 

• Lead our work as the Secretariat for the APPG for Youth Employment and Co-Chair of the Youth Employment Group.

• Work with key colleagues internally and externally to explore work strands, inquiries, and build evidence to support policy asks.

Public Affairs: 

• Provide briefings for the CEO & SLT as required.

• Present externally on behalf of Youth Employment UK at events, conferences, and in policy discussions.

• Work with key government officials, MPs, and Ministers.

• Develop a network of stakeholders and build relationships with the media.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Coordinate meetings for the SLT with external stakeholders or internal meetings as required.

• Prepare information, briefings, and reports as needed.

• Maintain a stakeholder list, keeping key information up to date and stakeholders engaged with our activities.

• Attend meetings to represent Youth Employment UK and provide written summaries of key information post-meeting.

Other Activity

• Support with newsletters.

• Support with relevant campaigns and promote our activity across a range of channels.

• Keep up to date the key Google Drive and Monday.Com folders relating to Policy & Research.

The main responsibilities of this role are as described here. As our needs as a not-for-profit organisation change, we may need to make reasonable changes from time to time, in consultation with you.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant field. 

• Experience in the policy landscape around education, skills or youth employment.

• A proven ability to monitor, analyse and respond to policy developments. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy.

• Passionate about policy work and driving good youth employment policy

• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.

Would you like to join RBL’s influential Campaigns, Policy and Research team? Would you like to to champion and advocate for the interests of the Armed Forces community?

We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our busy team, specialising in Health and Care policy.

This role will see you working to influence the policy landscape, and develop evidence-based policy positions, on issues concerning the Armed Forces community, with regards to health and wellbeing; social care; and loneliness and social isolation.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Reporting to the Policy Manager, key responsibilities will include:

- Monitor the policy landscape and upcoming policy development across the health and care portfolio, within central, local, and devolved government
- Track and analyse changes in needs, priorities, and concerns of the armed forces community, support available, and government policy development across the health and care portfolio
- Use qualitative and quantitative research, policy analysis and lived experience to develop robust, evidence-based policy positions and proposals that can deliver better outcomes for the Armed Forces community
- Identify, establish, and maintain an impactful network of key policy stakeholders across the charity sector, national, local, and devolved government
- Work closely and effectively with colleagues in Public Affairs and Campaigns, to ensure RBL continues to be leading partner in facilitating policy change, through influencing policy professionals, parliamentarians, and senior civil servants

Here at RBL, we aim to support our people and their wellbeing, with a package including generous paid holiday allowance and pension scheme contributions, and a range of optional benefits and discounts.

You will be contracted to your home address, and you will perform most of your work remotely there using our collaboration tools to work with colleagues, with occasional travel (incl. for monthly team meetings) to our London Head Office hub.

Should you wish to explore a hybrid London working contract (to include an additional London Supplement to salary), this can be discussed at interview stage.

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Date(s):      Week commencing 10th March

Interviews will be held virtually to include a panel interview and a short assessment/presentation, details of which to be shared within interview invitation

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We are seeking a dedicated Senior Research Officer to join our Policy and Research department. The Senior Research Officer will support the development and implementation of research projects, analyse data, contribute to report writing and policy recommendations. The role includes supporting the creation, development and analysis of our flagship Youth Voice Census and Good Youth Employment Benchmark reports. 

Key Responsibilities:

Research Leadership:

• Design and lead complex research projects that align with the organisation's strategic objectives, including the annual Youth Voice Census and Good Youth Employment Benchmark.

• Develop and implement research methodologies to ensure high-quality data collection and analysis.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

 

Data Analysis:

• Utilise advanced statistical tools and software to analyse data and identify trends.

• Provide actionable insights and recommendations based on data analysis to inform strategic decision-making.

• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of research data and findings.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and other relevant parties.

• Represent the organisation in high-level meetings and negotiations.

• Communicate research findings and policy recommendations effectively to stakeholders.

Report Writing:

• Lead the creation of detailed and comprehensive reports that effectively communicate research findings and policy recommendations.

• Ensure reports are well-structured, clear, and tailored to the needs of stakeholders.

• Utilise appropriate formatting and visual aids to enhance readability.

Other Activity

• Coordinate meetings for the SLT with external stakeholders or internal meetings that are required. 

• Prepare information and or briefings and reports as required.

• Maintain a stakeholder list, keeping key information up to date and stakeholders engaged with our activities.

• Attend meetings to represent Youth Employment UK and provide a written summary of key information post the meeting.

• Support with newsletters.

• Support with relevant campaigns and promote our activity across a range of channels.

• Keep up to date the key Google Drive and Monday.Com folders relating to Policy & Research.

The main responsibilities of this role are as described here. As our needs as a not-for-profit organisation change, we may need to make reasonable changes from time to time, in consultation with you.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree level in a relevant field. 

• Experience in research, data analysis, or a related role; experience in policy research is a plus.

• Strong understanding of statistics and data analysis

• A proven ability to monitor, analyse survey data 

• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Excel).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy.

• Passionate about research and its application to policy-making.

• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.

Aviation is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, and bold action is needed to accelerate its transition to a greener future. Transport & Environment (T&E), Europe’s leading clean transport think tank, is seeking an Aviation Policy Manager to drive its UK efforts in decarbonising the sector.

In this pivotal role, you will hold the aviation industry accountable for its environmental impact while spearheading the shift towards zero-emission transport. You will design and implement targeted advocacy strategies, engaging with UK regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to influence policy and legislative change. Your work will involve commissioning and delivering high-impact research, shaping key policy discussions, and championing ambitious measures that align with the UK’s carbon reduction targets. Covering areas such as sustainable aviation fuels, industrial policy, and the non-CO2 climate impacts of aviation, you will also represent T&E in public forums, engage with the media, and collaborate with environmental organisations to maximise impact.

The ideal candidate will have at least six years of experience in UK climate, energy, or transport policy advocacy, with a proven ability to influence regulatory stakeholders and shape policy development. A deep understanding of the UK political system, strong political analysis skills, and the ability to navigate a fast-changing policy landscape are essential. Exceptional project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills are also key to success. Experience in aviation policy, parliamentary work, or international collaboration would be advantageous.

This is a London-based, hybrid role, requiring at least three days per week in the office, with occasional travel to Brussels. If you are passionate about environmental sustainability and want to make a tangible impact in aviation decarbonisation, we encourage you to apply.

If this description resonates with you, we encourage you to submit your CV in Word format as soon as possible. Please note that suitable candidates will be provided with further details about the role.

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

Note: Applicants must be UK based within a reasonable commute of London.  Application without a cover letter will not be considered.

Location                      Home based (Home working with regular meetings in London)

Hours Full Time, permanent (flexibility may be offered for an excellent candidate.)

Reports to Director of Policy and Research

Main purpose and scope of the role:

Parentkind is a national charity working with more than 23,500 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Councils and Schools. We are the voice of parents in policy making. 

We are an ambitious organisation and we are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated individual to support our work in Westminster and Whitehall. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of public affairs, advocacy and/or working in a policy environment. 

We are looking for an ambitious and motivated individual able to take on responsibility and lead. 

The role will involve:

• Managing the work of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Parents to make this one of the most high profile APPGs in Parliament.
• Organising events to communicate our research, including roundtables, lunches/dinners and launch events in Westminster. 
• Leading our political and policy stakeholder engagement activity to ensure we have strong relationships where they matter. 
• Dissemination of our research to political and policy audiences to ensure our research is seen by the right people. 
• Support our parent research, including polling of parents and making policy recommendations based on this research. 

As a UK wide charity, you will be expected to support our work in other parts of the UK and the devolved administrations. 

We would particularly welcome candidates with media experience, including writing press releases and placing stories with national media outlets.

Duties and key responsibilities

Managing the work of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Parents. 

• Developing a plan for the APPG to achieve our ambition of making this one of the most high profile APPGs in Parliament.
• Raising the profile of the APPG for Parents and increasing the number of MPs and peers engaged with its work. 
• Organising well attended APPG meetings and events. 
• Providing the secretariat to the APPG and working with the Officers to deliver the work of the Group.

Organising events to communicate our research, including roundtables, lunches/dinners and launch events in Westminster. 

• Manage and organise research/policy led events with political/policy audiences, including roundtables, lunches/dinners and launch events.
• Increase attendance at these events to make sure we are successfully engaging with political/policy audiences.

Leading our political and policy stakeholder engagement activity to ensure we have strong relationships where they matter. 

• Developing our stakeholder database of priority contacts.
• Actively arranging high value meetings to promote Parentkind.
• Maintaining a consistent level of communication with political/policy audiences on behalf of Parentkind.

Dissemination of our research to political and policy audiences to ensure our research is seen by the right people. 

• Taking responsibility for high quality dissemination of our research and evidence to political/policy audiences. 

Support our parent research, including polling of parents and making policy recommendations based on this research.

• Working across the organisation to support our parent polling activity with engaging and topical questions.
• Support the development of policy recommendations based on our research.
• Writing concise and compelling briefing documents.

Salary: £38,000 per annum 

Contract: Permanent 

Reports to: Head of Policy and Research

Hours: Full time (40 hours per week including one hour lunch break each day) 

Start date: May 2025 

Location: Home-based (travel costs paid for meetings) 

Annual leave: 27 days FTE per annum plus Bank holidays (22 days FTE per annum whilst the 4 day week is in place) 

Please note that at Waterwise we work a Four Day Week, under voluntary agreements which all staff members sign. This means that you will be contracted and paid as full-time but you will sign a voluntary agreement stating that you commit to employing efficiency tools both individual and team-wide to deliver and be paid for 5 days work within four normal 9 to 5 days - the office is closed on Fridays. Training will be provided and you will be expected to continue to refresh your training and to keep up use of the efficiency tools. Annual leave is also pro rata’d. More information on a Four Day Week can be found here. We can answer any questions you may have about this at interview.

Waterwise 

Waterwise is the leading independent voice in the UK for using water wisely, for the benefit of people and the planet. Our vision is that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by everyone. We are the UK’s conscience on water efficiency, on behalf of people and the planet, and are experts in water efficiency policy, regulation, research, behaviour and campaigns. Waterwise is a people-led organisation which prioritises the wellbeing of its staff.

Water scarcity is an urgent issue right here, right now, right across the UK - consistent record-breaking high temperatures and low rainfall, and recurring drought, show how climate change and population growth are already putting our water resources under severe pressure, and this challenge is growing. Water efficiency has to be a big part of the solution, and we support and challenge governments, industry, customers and others to be innovative and ambitious on water efficiency. Our work includes campaigns, events, media, policy and regulatory influencing, research projects, stakeholder engagement and services such as Waterwise Training and the Waterwise  Checkmark. We are funded by supporters across and beyond the UK water sector. Our Waterwise Strategic Direction to 2030, published in August 2022, tells you a bit more about us. Our UK Water Efficiency Strategy to 2030 tells you a bit more about our ambition.

At Waterwise we put staff wellbeing first, and our staff surveys show that our team knows, feels and appreciates this. Our values are 

People: We will prioritise staff wellbeing, be an inclusive, kind and positive team. 

Purpose: We will deliver independent and ambitious leadership to drive social and  political change on water efficiency 

Pioneer: We will be forward-thinking and visionary in our approach, being brave and  innovative in challenging the status quo 

Passion: We will campaign to protect water and the planet and work to keep our own  environmental impact as low as possible 

We are always looking for bright, committed people with a diverse set of skills and  experience to help achieve our vision that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by  everyone. We are a lively, happy, friendly team, and we can’t wait to read your application! 

At Waterwise, we’re committed to driving equity and preventing discrimination at work and in the work we do. Please see more on this below. 

We are also working to reduce Waterwise’s own carbon and environmental footprint. 

Policy Manager role description

You will report to the Head of Policy and Research and be part of a small but growing sub-team leading on our policy advocacy work and winning and delivering water efficiency research projects. 

Key responsibilities in the role include: 

• Supporting and influencing policy development including engaging with policymakers through meetings and consultation responses

• Supporting the delivery the UK Water Efficiency Strategy to 2030 and helping provide secretariat support to the associated forum and groups 

• Leading Waterwise’s work with stakeholders on policy across the UK

• Working with the Head of Policy and Research to maintain a network of relevant stakeholders and supporters across the UK

• Working with communications and marketing colleagues to provide content for blogs, trade media and press

• Working on discrete research projects as and when necessary, including undertaking a project management role on some projects

• Assisting the team with events (e.g. Waterwise annual conference), campaigns (e.g. Water Saving Week) and training

• Attending and speaking at conferences, seminars and meetings to represent Waterwise

• Working with colleagues to develop new funding proposals and providing financial information to the CEO

Other tasks and duties may arise and training will be provided. There will also be an opportunity to develop skills in being interviewed for the media.

The above is not an exhaustive list of activities but hopefully gives you a sense of the role  and requirements. 

Policy Manager person specification

We need someone who is proactive and a self-starter, with excellent communication and organisational skills. You will have a track record in policy and evidence work and/or water sector stakeholder engagement management to join our small, high-powered, influential team. The role involves policy and strategy support, project and programme management and delivery as well as stakeholder engagement. It's a great opportunity to be immersed in the water policy, regulatory and delivery agenda, as well as engage in external meetings and networks.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

• Experience in influencing and advocating for policy change - including planning and delivering against agreed objectives

• Experience working with external stakeholders

• Experience in supporting delivery of stakeholder groups such as steering groups, task and finish groups, workshops, webinars and conferences

• A good understanding of the UK water industry and, ideally, some experience with water efficiency

• Excellent interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including policy makers

• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to plan and work proactively to meet deadlines

• Excellent attention to detail 

• Ability to positively promote Waterwise and its work

• Experience in project management such as developing leads and bidding for projects desirable but not essential if a commitment to develop skills in this area

• Ability to work flexibly within a small team that works from home

• Ability to manage own time and prioritise tasks

• Ability to communicate across the team about your work and workload

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and wellbeing 

• Eligibility to work in the UK

Benefits 

At Waterwise the wellbeing of our employees is our number one priority. To recognise the  fantastic work our team does in driving water efficiency, and to support their wellbeing, we  have a wide range of employee benefits, beyond statutory commitments. These include: 

• Positive, values-based environment and an inclusive culture where it feels safe for  employees to say ‘no’ on grounds of workload 

• Strong emphasis from CEO on wellbeing and workload management 

• Homeworking and a small allowance for occasional shared office working 

• Four Day week - being paid full-time but working 80% of this (or pro rata equivalent), in exchange for using tools to work efficiently - for full-time employees this equates to a day off every week, in addition to annual leave

• Flexible working 

• Part-time working 

• 27 days annual leave per annum for full-time employees (or pro rata equivalent for part-time colleagues), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d to 22 days full-time equivalent as we work a Four Day Week)

• Death in service benefit at x2 of salary 

• Paid chartered and professional memberships 

• Individual and team training budgets 

• Maternity leave and maternity adoption leave beyond statutory 

• Childcare costs for activities undertaken outside normal working hours 

• Sickness pay beyond statutory 

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Waterwise, we’re committed to driving equity and preventing discrimination at work and in the work we do. We know that simply having a diverse workforce is not enough. We want to create an inclusive environment within Waterwise and in our work and events, where everyone can contribute their best and develop to their full potential. We celebrate and value how different everyone is, and we work hard to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. This aligns with our ‘People’ value that we will prioritise staff wellbeing, and will be an inclusive, kind and positive team.

Please see our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement here. 

We are committed to treating all current and prospective employees fairly and to ensuring  that our workplace and employment practices are free from discrimination, harassment or  victimisation on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil  partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We  strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and with different identities and experiences to apply. Everyone in our team has a role to play in helping Waterwise become more diverse and inclusive, and we hope you will join us for this next stage in our journey - for this role we therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under-represented in Waterwise’s workforce. These include people of the global majority, LGBTQI+ people, and men.

We want to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive of and accessible for everyone.  If you are interested in applying for a role with us and think you may need some additional  support or reasonable adjustments made to any part of the recruitment process, please get  in touch on the email address below.

How to apply 

To apply for this role, you will need to answer role-related questions.  Please provide evidence and examples from your work history or other aspects of your life to  answer the questions and demonstrate how you meet the criteria required. Please refer to the person specification when you are doing this.

Our goal is to remove bias from the hiring process and so rather than asking you for a CV  and cover letter, we have set up role-related questions which will allow us to assess your  approach to a problem and understand what knowledge and skills you have. Your answers  will be anonymised, randomised and reviewed by the selection panel. We will use these  scores to shortlist for interviews. We also think giving feedback is incredibly valuable for  candidates, so at the end of the process, you'll see how well you performed during the  application process.

The closing date for applications is 23:59pm on 16th March 2025. There will be a two-stage interview process. First interviews will be held on 25th March 2025 and second interviews will be held on 9th April 2025.  First interviews will be held online via Zoom and second interviews will be held in person in Birmingham (venue TBC).

We will consider flexible working requests within this role - please state your preferred hours  and working pattern within your application.

Policy Analyst – Private Sector

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Location: The role will be based in a WaterAid Office in either United Kingdom, United States, Sweden or Ghana.  All locations are subject to right-to-work eligibility in the respective countries. Hybrid working options are available and can be discussed at the interview.

For the UK Location, we offer a minimum of 40% of working time is spent face to face, either in London office, or as a result of external engagement or travel for WaterAid. WaterAid is located at Canary Wharf, London and this will be your location and contract base.

Salary: Salary: Salaries and benefits for different countries will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience. See further details below for some of the countries:

• London, UK: GBP 45,851- 51,583 per annum with excellent benefits
• USA: USD 65,000 - 87,500 per annum with excellent benefits
• Sweden: SEK 38,000 – 45,000 per month with excellent benefits  
• Ghana: GHS 182,753 – 286,864 per annum with excellent benefits

About WaterAid:

Want to use your skills driving companies and other private sector players to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone everywhere?

We need passionate, creative and dedicated people. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be yourself at your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference.

Join WaterAid as Policy Analyst - Private Sector to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.

About the Team:

The WaterAid's Private Sector Policy and Advocacy team where we are working to change company practices while capturing private sector know-how and innovation to ensure everyone everyone has access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. The private sector policy and advocacy team works closely with WaterAid's partnerships and programmes team to drive change through 3 areas: leveraging private finance, bringing about greater water security through integration of WASH in corporate practice, and engaging private sector actors to help extend and ensure sustainability of water and sanitation services.

About the Role:

As a critical thought leader, communicator, and connector, the Policy Analyst - Private Sector will be a critical resource for WaterAid to advance the private sector’s contribution to WASH, working closely with other colleagues across the organisation, and developing informed WaterAid positions and advocacy on the key areas through which WaterAid can work to influence the behaviours and actions of these critical actors in the achievement of water security and WASH services.

In this role, you will support the development of a coherent and evidence-based narrative on the private sector’s contribution to improving water security and WASH outcomes with an emphasis on their role in the delivery of WASH services and impacts on water resources.

You’ll also:

• Understand and document the the best models of WASH service delivery where the private sector has played a key role.
• Support the development of frameworks for integrating WASH into the most salient corporate sustainability mechanisms (both social and environmental), building on existing work completed at WaterAid and facilitating their adoption.
• Lead the work of documenting and developing case studies of positive private sector actions across the federation working closely with colleagues working on private sector projects or approaches.
• Develop a strong project management system for tracking progress and support delivery of all centrally managed WaterAid private sector initiatives, working closely with leads.
• Work with colleagues to conduct analyses of policies that enable the uptake and implementation of the most impactful private sector actions, across service providers to impactors and financiers, for WASH.
• Lead work with Communications and Media teams to disseminate research through media and social media channels and internal communications working with colleagues in program support and knowledge team.
• Coordinate, support and accompany technical and policy leads to represent WaterAid at key meetings, and act as lead when they are not available.
• Coordinate and directly build  a strong network of key players – both within the WASH sector and in broader private sector and development communities – to increase influence and position WaterAid as a leading organisation in terms of leveraging core strengths of the private sector for WASH outcomes.
• Travel as necessary to regions and Country Programmes, as well as to relevant international events and conferences. 

Requirements

To be successful, you’ll need: 

• Very strong project management skills with the ability to work and communicate effectively with and across key internal stakeholders across different geographies, in establishing the necessary evidence, policy positions and research gaps.
• Knowledge and experience working with  private sector actors (with an emphasis on service providers) and understanding how they can provide solutions for improved WASH outcomes, including the key enabling factors necessary.
• Knowledge, interest, and experience in working in and developing frameworks related to corporate sustainability (both environmental and social) that impact on WASH outcomes,
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English with proven experience of authoring high-impact policy briefs

Although not essential, we also prefer you to have:

• Masters’ degree, or post-graduate qualifications and research experience in a relevant water related or development field AND/OR significant experience in private sector delivery of WASH Services
• Functional fluency in French, Spanish or Portuguese
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

View the full job description here

Closing date: Applications will close at 12:00pm on the 24th February 2025.

How to Apply: Click ‘Apply’ to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV. 

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre-employment screening: To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to the applicable laws in the respective countries.  All our UK-based vacancies require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy. 

Benefits

As an organisation WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. So, in addition to our inspiring global mission and engaging work environment, we have a generous benefit package to help you take care of your health, happiness and wellbeing.

Our Commitment

Our People Promise:
We will work with passion and focus to ensure safe and sustainable water, toilets and hygiene are available to everyone, everywhere. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have.  We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to put the wellbeing of our people first, to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.  

Equal opportunities:
We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.

Safeguarding:
We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.

Are you passionate about shaping healthcare policy and making a real impact on the lives of patients and medical professionals? If so our new Policy and Public Affairs Manager role may be the next exciting opportunity for you.

We’re looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead strategic policy development and influence government decision-making at the highest levels. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) is a leading medical organisation, working in the heart of our External Affairs team the Policy and Public Affairs Manager will develop high-profile policy initiatives, drive impactful advocacy campaigns, and engage with senior stakeholders across government, the NHS, and the wider healthcare sector.

The successful candidate will be proactive and high performing, using your skill set and expertise to drive real change in healthcare policy, doing your part to contribute to our meaningful mission.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and lead a programme of relevant, well-evidenced and compelling policy outputs, with tangible and policy solutions aligned to what will make the biggest impact for RCR members and for patients.
• Manage a clear framework for policy development including horizon scanning, policy development and effective collaboration.
• Shape and deliver integrated policy influencing plans that result in policy impact in priority areas.
• Support the Policy Adviser and Public Affairs Officer as well as work with data, press and social media colleagues to ensure the College is influential and respected.
• Craft external policy content as required including reports, briefings, speeches, blogs, web content and presentations.
• Engage with sector partners and clinicians (e.g. via policy roundtables) to achieve consensus and guidance on particular topics.

What you’ll need:

• Experience of influencing and effecting change in government policy. 
• Sound knowledge of political and parliamentary process and procedure.
• Experience writing impactful policy papers and consultation responses.
• Good working knowledge of the health policy agenda.
• Experience working with a press office function.
• Ability to translate complex policy content into succinct and clear messages.
• Skilled manager of people, able to bring together, motivate, co-ordinate and develop a team.

To find out more about this exciting opportunity, the RCR and how to apply please review the Policy and Public Affairs Manager Candidate Pack.

Why join us:

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
• Hybrid working (up to 60% working week can be done remotely)
• Modern working environment
• Equipment provided to work from home
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme