Policy officer jobs

We are seeking an agile and collaborative Policy and Communications Officer to join our small but mighty team. The Policy and Communications Officer will sit at the heart of CJA’s impact, combining policy research, member engagement, and digital communications to amplify our work and effect systemic change. They will prepare and distribute the weekly CJA e-bulletin; create engaging digital content across social media; draft CJA policy responses, briefings, and consultation submissions; undertake desk research on priority areas (such as policing accountability, diversion, and racial disparities) and assist in co-ordinating member meetings, policy roundtables, and events.

This is an exciting and varied role created at a pivotal moment as we approach our 20th anniversary and begin developing our 2027-30 strategy.

Salary: £35,850 - £36,493 (London) / £31,994 (National) per annum
Hours: 35
Contract: Permanent
Benefits:
- 27 days’ annual leave + statutory holidays + three closure days over the Christmas period.
- Flexible working for all staff including working from home/hybrid working, and flexitime/TOIL scheme.
- Attractive family friendly policies.
- Private healthcare cover.
- Season ticket loans.
- Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.

For more information about our benefits please visit our website.
Office locations: London or Bristol
Please note, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days in-person working per week on average which will include attendance at your office location.
Flexible working arrangements can be discussed and agreed with the line manager subject to role and business needs.

The National Housing Federation (NHF) is seeking a policy specialist to work on housing management, homelessness and supported housing, as well as other high profile policy areas impacting on housing.
The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around six million people. You can find further information about the NHF on our website.
Policy Officers at the NHF shape our policy work in specific areas, with support from the rest of the policy team and the wider organisation. In this role, you would become the expert in your policy areas, drawing on the knowledge and experience of our housing association members and your own skills and expertise.
Interested in applying your skills and knowledge to influence housing policy and working in a fast-paced environment?
Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to download the full job profile and person specification for this role.

Key elements of the role:
- Working closely with our members and helping to develop policy ideas and solutions.
- Engaging with members and stakeholders to identify and respond to opportunities and challenges facing the housing sector, now and in the future.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Keeping up to date with the current policy environment, latest thinking and issues that impact housing.
- Contributing to the NHFs high profile events and campaigns.
- Influencing strategic stakeholders and policy makers.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- A clear understanding of the processes of policy development, and substantial experience of working in a policy role (or in an equivalent role focused on developing strategic ideas and solutions).
- Experience of building relationships with, and influencing stakeholders.
- The ability to develop a strong understanding of specific policy areas.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
The NHF has published its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which was co-created with staff. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBTQ+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.

Disability confident employer
We are a disability confident employer and if you are a disabled person who demonstrates you meet the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.
We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process, please contact the People team with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.
Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.

Completing our Application Form
To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. The application form includes your employment and education history plus you will be asked to answer questions in relation to your knowledge, skills and experience, why you are applying for the role and questions in relation to our values. The application form is anonymous and will not require you to upload a CV or cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.

Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship
You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: 20 August 2026
Interview date: 3 - 8 September 2026

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Policy and Communications Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £37,198.00 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office.

The Vacancy

The Policy and Communications Officer will deliver key elements of NCB’s core and funded project work across policy, public affairs and communications. The position will play an important delivery role to enhance our visibility and impact across key policy areas, and to bring lived and learned experiences to the heart of our influencing.

This role will work to elevate our profile, transforming our evidence and expertise into impactful communications and influencing to build a momentum for meaningful policy, legislative and social change. This position will contribute to bridging the gap between NCB’s evidence-based policy development and national advocacy, translating complex policy issues into powerful narratives that resonate with decision-makers and galvanise wider support.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Applications close at 08:00am on Monday, 17 August 2026.
Assessment and interview dates are to be confirmed.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £37,198 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 1 day working in the office.

The Vacancy

We are currently recruiting two Policy and Public Affairs Officers.

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will play an important role in delivering NCB’s policy and public affairs priorities. This role will develop evidence-based policy positions through analysis, research, and collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. It will advance these positions by producing high-quality policy papers, reports, consultation responses, and blogs.

The role will support NCB’s engagement with key policy coalitions and decision-makers. Through collaboration with colleagues and external partners, it will ensure that the views of children, young people, and parents are represented in NCB’s policy development and public affairs.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Applications close at 08:00am on Monday, 17 August 2026.
Assessment and interview dates are to be confirmed.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

• As a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, you’ll support the British Heart Foundation’s policy and public affairs work across Scotland, helping to influence decision-makers and advance our priorities. Working within the Devolved Nations Policy and Public Affairs team, you’ll engage with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, charity sector and clinical community to help deliver BHF’s objectives.

  You’ll contribute to influencing plans, monitor political and policy developments, prepare high-quality briefings and consultation responses, and identify opportunities to raise awareness of issues affecting people with heart and circulatory diseases. You’ll also help organise events, build relationships with key stakeholders and represent BHF at meetings, conferences and parliamentary events.

  Working collaboratively across the organisation, you’ll help ensure BHF’s policy positions are evidence-based, relevant to Scotland and effectively communicated to a range of audiences.

  About you

  As our ideal candidate, you’ll have:

  • Knowledge of the political environment and devolved government in Scotland.
  • A strong interest in policy and public affairs, with relevant experience desirable.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
  • Experience producing high-quality written content for a variety of audiences.
  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Effective interpersonal and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage a range of stakeholders.
  • The ability to work independently whilst contributing positively as part of a team.
  • Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, and a willingness to learn Microsoft 365 Copilot.

  If you’re a proactive and collaborative individual with an interest in policy and public affairs, and you're looking to make a meaningful impact in the fight against heart and circulatory disease, we’d love to hear from you.

  Belonging at BHF

  By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we strengthen our ability to achieve our mission of saving and improving lives, ensuring our work reflects and serves the needs of every community across the UK. 

  To hear from our people, check out  Belonging at BHF. 

  Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.

  Working arrangements

  This is an 18 month fixed term contract to cover an internal secondment.

  This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our Edinburgh Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.

  Benefits and development 

  At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth.

  To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out our Benefits and Development pages.

  Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.

  Interview process

  The interview process may take place in-person or virtually via MS Teams.

  How to apply

  It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria. 

  Our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and inclusive. BHF use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey. 

  We support responsible use of AI to help shape your application. By applying for a role at BHF, you confirm that your application is authentic and reflects your own skills and experience, to ensure everyone is assessed fairly.

  Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.

Youth Employment UK is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to join our Policy and Research department at an important moment for youth employment policy.

The Senior Policy Officer will strengthen Youth Employment UK’s policy and insight capacity by helping gather, analyse and communicate evidence from young people, employers, members and the wider youth employment system.

Working with the Policy and Research Director, the role will support Youth Employment UK to develop high-quality policy positions, recommendations, briefings and reports, and to strengthen our reputation as a leading source of insight and practical solutions for youth employment.

This is a policy-focused role with strong research literacy. It is not a technical academic research post, but the postholder will need to be confident in interpreting evidence, drawing out implications, writing clearly, and translating insight into practical recommendations for different audiences.

Summary of responsibilities

• Monitor, analyse and respond to youth employment-related policy developments through written briefings, articles, guidance and formal evidence submissions. 

• Support the development of Youth Employment UK policy positions, recommendations and messages

• Work with Youth Ambassadors and young people to gather insight that informs policy positions, reports and recommendations

• Support delivery of our Youth Voice Census by writing up findings for a wide range of audiences

• Support Youth Employment UK’s Good Youth Employment Benchmark by conducting employer interviews and writing employer-facing reports.

• Support Youth Employment UK’s public affairs activity, including APPG, Connected Communities and other policy forums.

• Work closely with the Policy and Research Director, Policy and Research Coordinator and wider team in an agile, fast-paced working environment 

About you

We are looking for someone with strong policy judgement, excellent writing skills, professional curiosity and a commitment to improving systems for young people. 

You will bring:

• Experience in policy, public affairs, research, youth employment, education, skills, employment support, social policy or a related area

• Research literacy and confidence working with evidence, data, reports and lived experience insight

• Ability to turn complex information into clear briefings, recommendations and practical outputs

• Confidence in engaging with a range of stakeholders, such as young people, employers, members, policymakers, charities, NGOs, think tanks or public bodies.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication to a wide range of audiences 

• A high level of self and project management skill, able to work effectively as part of a team and independently 

• A clear passion for improving education, employment and transitions outcomes for young people through policy activity. 

A full overview of responsibilities in the role and person criteria can be seen in the attached job description. 

What we will provide to you

• Competitive salary.

• Standard company pension.

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 26 days after 12 months’ service.

• 2 volunteering days per year.

• 2 additional wellbeing days per year.

• Onsite parking, available on a first come, first served basis.

• Personal development opportunities.

• Free breakfast and lunch options when in the office.

• Team activities and events.

• Dog-friendly office.

Please note that this is a full-time (37.5 hour) role, with some flexibility over working hours. Our main office is in Kettering, right next to the train station. However, we are open to discussing remote and hybrid working arrangements with the right candidate.