Policy officer jobs in manchester, greater manchester

Location: Home based, or office based at Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1, in line with NCVO’s flexible working policy or home working policy.

Closing date: 5pm Tuesday 29 April 2025

​Shortlisting date: Thursday 8 May 2025

Interviews: Thursday 15 May 2025

About NCVO

We are the charities charity. For over 100 years, NCVO has stood shoulder to shoulder with communities, championing and celebrating voluntary action.

Our membership is made up of over 17,000 voluntary organisations across England, from small, grassroots community groups and social enterprises, to large, far-reaching charities.

We believe that communities are strengthened by voluntary action. We therefore want charities to thrive and be empowered to deliver for people and communities.

About the Transformation directorate

This role sits within the newly formed Transformation Unit.

​​The Transformation Unit comprises the Strategic Review; People, Culture and Inclusion; Technology, Programmes and Innovation; and Data and Insight teams. It will deliver key strategic projects that have a demonstrable impact on the organisational culture, growth and capabilities.

About the Insights Hub team 

The Insights Hub sits within NCVO’s Transformation Directorate and acts as the organisation’s central intelligence engine.

Bringing together expertise in research, data, performance and CRM, the team supports strategic decision-making through robust research and data analysis. From delivering flagship research projects like the UK Civil Society Almanac to optimising data systems and supporting internal and external stakeholders, the Hub transforms complex data into clear, actionable insights.

The Insights Hub ensures that everything we do is grounded in robust evidence and aligned with real-world impact across the charity and voluntary sectors.

About the role

The Research Officer will contribute to the Insights Hub’s qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.

This role supports the Research and Insights Manager with research projects including our flagship UK Civil Society Almanac, designing and analysing data, writing reports, and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders.

The Research Officer will also coordinate the Research Ethics Committee (REC) work, manage client relationships, and oversee research administration.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

NCVO is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our sector. We want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and identities. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in the voluntary sector and those with diverse, lived experience. As part of our commitment to employing disabled people, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirement for all competencies on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a pre-interview task and will have one week to complete the exercise. Interview questions will be shared in advance. 

NCVO is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from everyone. Charity No. 225922.

Benefits for NCVO employees

NCVO offers attractive benefits including:

• 25 days’ annual leave (for full time staff and pro-rata for part-time staff) and office closure between 25 December and 1 January inclusive. After three years' service annual holiday increases to 27 days, and after five years to 30 days, (pro rata for part time staff)
• the option to purchase or sell up to five more days each year
• five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
• 2.5 extra ‘wellbeing’ days off during the year
• enhanced pay for sick/maternity/adoption leave
• subsidised gym membership
• season ticket loan
• flexible working, including opportunities to work from home/off site
• monthly homeworking allowance for permanent homeworkers
• monthly office worker allowance for those who have to work from the office on a daily basis
• generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary, into our stakeholder pension scheme (linked to employee contribution)
• training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to join Hospital Saturday Fund health cash plan for free at the basic level of cover, or at a reduced rate for other levels of cover
• 24-hour free and confidential employee assistance programme

We’re located a short walk from London King’s Cross station in a modern accessible building, overlooking Regent’s canal.

Inclusion International is looking for a new Executive Director. This is a key leadership role for our movement.

We are the global network of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our goal is to build a world where everyone is included in community life and where people with intellectual disabilities and their families have equal opportunities and rights.

The Executive Director will work closely with our Board of Directors, Council, staff team, and our member organisations around the world to lead the organisation, support our network, and help deliver our shared strategy for inclusion.

About the Role

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of Inclusion International. This includes overseeing our programmes and operations, building strong relationships with our members and partners, and supporting our global advocacy and fundraising work.

We are looking for a strategic leader who can build trust, manage a skilled remote team, and strengthen the impact of our global work.

The successful candidate will have senior-level experience in the non-profit sector, a strong understanding of inclusive practice, and a commitment to the rights of people with intellectual disabilities.

You can find the full job description and more about who we're looking for in our attached recruitment pack.

The role is full-time and can be done remotely. We are especially interested in candidates who are based in the UK and familiar with the UK charity sector.

Salary is £95,000 per year, depending on experience.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including people with intellectual disabilities and their family members.

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Temporary HR Advisor to support our dynamic and growing organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity making a genuine impact on the lives of people living with allergic conditions.

In this role, you will play a key part in strengthening our HR foundations during a period of growth and change. Your primary focus will be:

• Recruitment: Managing end-to-end recruitment processes, from drafting job descriptions and advertising roles to shortlisting, interviewing, and onboarding new team members. You’ll ensure an excellent candidate experience and help us attract passionate, talented individuals who share our mission.

• Policy Review: Conducting a comprehensive review of our HR policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant, up-to-date, and aligned with best practice. You’ll work closely with senior managers to recommend updates and support the embedding of refreshed policies across the organisation.

About you:

• You are CIPD-qualified (or equivalent) and have solid experience in recruitment and policy development.

• You have a strong understanding of current UK employment legislation.

• You are highly organised, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• You are confident working independently and can manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Experience within the charity sector would be an advantage, but is not essential.

At Allergy UK, we pride ourselves on creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment. This is your chance to contribute to an organisation that’s transforming awareness, understanding, and care for millions of people across the UK.

Ready to bring your expertise to a cause that matters?
Apply now and join us in making a lasting difference.

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. 

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the role

This role will support Kinship to operate as an effective charity by ensuring effective day-to-day operations and seamless delivery of the People function at the charity.

You will bring your People leadership experience, attention to detail and excellent communication skills to the role. You will be structured in your approach to ensure that day-to-day issues are handled while also working to improve processes and systems. You will be credible with senior management and able to articulate and balance the trade-offs of a People leadership role.

You will be able to balance multiple competing priorities and prioritise effectively, A positive mindset is key to being part of the team, as is thinking creatively to problem solve and being empathetic to colleagues. You will be highly motivated by our mission, recognising that excellent internal People processes are essential to allowing others to effectively complete their roles and achieve our mission.

You will be a powerful ambassador for our mission, credible with other HR and CSR professionals working to implement kinship friendly employer policies and processes.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Work with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Executive management team to design, develop and embed a high-quality HR function to support the employee life cycle.

• Responsible for ensuring all policies, procedures, and processes relating to people and culture, work effectively, efficiently and in line with legal requirements.

• Responsible for all People matters, ensuring they are handled fairly and consistently in line with policies and procedures.

• Support and advise line managers on People, EDI and change management activities, including promotions, disciplinary, capability and grievance procedures.

• Organise line manager training to ensure line managers understand their responsibilities and apply policies consistently.

• Responsible for the candidates’ recruitment experience. Ensure candidates receive a consistent and professional recruitment experience.

• Responsible for job descriptions, person specifications, recruitment packs and job adverts.

• Ensure offboarding processes are robust and implemented consistently to safeguard the charity’s assets and to comply with Data Protection rules.

• Lead on the delivery and growth of the ‘Kinship Friendly Employers’ scheme, driving growth in the scheme and the number of bronze, silver and gold partners

• Ensure Kinship role models ‘Kinship Friendly’ employment practices and seek opportunities to share these as examples with other HR professionals.

• Support fundraising efforts with corporate supporters who are ‘Kinship Friendly Employers’

Essential criteria includes:

• HR qualification or significant demonstrable experience.

• Coaching qualification or significant demonstrable experience.

• Demonstrable experience of supporting the development of a high-quality People function within a growing organisation.

• Demonstrable experience working in a changing and flexible organisation.

• Demonstrable problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.

• Demonstrable knowledge of best practices, employment laws, and regulations.

• Effective communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills – a genuine team player able to relate to a wide range of people.

• Ability to work on own initiative and manage own workload.

• Demonstrable experience of EDI principles.

Desirable experience includes:

• Personal experience of kinship care.

• Experience of working in a dynamic and fast-changing workplace.

• Exceptional business-partnering skills

What we’ll offer you 

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time) as well as a generous pension scheme. We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

This is a fantastic time to join a supportive and well-established team within an organisation with rapid growth ambitions. This role will be what you make it and we’re looking for someone to seize this opportunity!

How to apply

Please apply via Charity Job with your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages. Please include your notice period and earliest availability to start in your cover letter.     

• Application deadline:  Thursday 22 May, 9am
• First interview:                 29 May - 2 June
• Second interview:            TBC

Kinship reserves the right to close applications early on receipt of sufficient applications. Apply early!

Who are we?

Founded in 1996 as the Sleep Apnoea Trust Association, a charitable incorporated trust, we're a patient support charity run mainly by volunteer patients

Be a part of our mission in working to improve the lives of sleep apnoea patients, their partners and families

Key duties and reponsibilities:

Management Role

· Based on the policies of the charity as defined by the Trustees Board (created Oct 2022 AGM), manage the affairs of the charity with due respect for its heritage, status and independence.

· Within those defined policies, take decisions that allow the development of its business activities, liaising with other Trustees as necessary, and report to the Trustees on a regular basis.

· When necessary, liaise on allocation of duties to other Trustees on a cooperative basis.

· Represent the charity at occasional public events and meetings with collaborative partners and in negotiations, e.g. NICE, ARTP, Sleep Clinics.

· Act as main point of external contact and manage that contact as appropriate.

· Take purchasing decisions within the defined responsibility of the position.

· Modernise and develop the SATA business on as cost efficient basis as possible — goal is generally self-financing.

· Explore business opportunities as appropriate. 

· Identify risk, consult with other officers and recommend action for Board decision.

· Finalise move to paperless operation.

Administrative Duties

· Arrange Trustee Board Meetings.

· Manage Membership Database.

· Administer Membership Renewals.

· Register & acknowledge new memberships.

· Handle resignations, deaths and other membership issues with appropriate respect.

· Acknowledge Donations.

· Administer Gift Aid claim with Treasurer.

For the full job description and further information, please refer to the attachement below. 

About you

Do you want to use your skills to make it possible for people with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, to live longer and better lives?

Myeloma UK is looking for a motivated and pro-active Policy Officer to join our Patient Advocacy team within the wider Research and Advocacy directorate.  You will have experience of analysing, developing, and communicating policy issues, excellent communication and influencing skills and the ability to present findings and recommendations to a range of audiences.  The post holder will have excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise and work under pressure.

The successful candidate will be a highly regarded ambassador for Myeloma UK with a desire to continuously improve and to make a difference while working flexibility and using their own initiative.

Experience of public/patient engagement work, participating in government policy consultations and patient advocacy campaign work would be beneficial but not essential.

About the role

As the Policy Officer you will be part of the Patient Advocacy team who work to ensure that the patient voice is heard and acted upon by UK and devolved nations healthcare policy decision makers. You will support Myeloma UK’s ambition to deliver personalised medicine, such that every person living with and affected by myeloma and associated conditions has access to the best diagnostics, treatment and care services and quality of life experience.

Your role is vital to developing strategic approaches to UK health policy legislation and consultations to ensure that UK government and devolved nations healthcare policy supports the needs of people living with and affected by myeloma and associated conditions. 

You will support the Policy Manager to assess existing healthcare policies, regulations and legislation to understand their implications for myeloma-specific healthcare systems, providers and patients

About us

Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on myeloma and its related conditions.  We provide support and influence access to treatments, while researching a cure.  Thanks to life-extending treatments and support, today many people affected by myeloma are able to live longer and to live well.  Together, we support, so no one faces myeloma alone. 

We are committed to bringing together the best and brightest people to help us ensure that every patient has an empowered present and a hopeful future.

Our ultimate goal is to find a cure and make myeloma history. Until then, our mission is to help every patient live well with myeloma for as long as possible. We are committed to diagnosing myeloma earlier, discovering and sharing knowledge, transforming the patient experience and influencing positive change in care.

Our culture

Wellbeing and staff engagement are at the heart of our culture.  We offer our employees a range of benefits including a pension salary exchange scheme, flexitime, flexible working from home with hub-based office working, health plan, employee assistance plan and holiday purchase scheme and we are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all our employees.

How to apply

If you think you would be a great fit for this role, get in touch and tell us more about yourself by sending the following:

1. A cover letter telling us more about you and what you think makes you a good fit for this role

2. A CV that sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements

Applications close on 12 May 2025 and interviews will be held w/c 19 May 2025.

Myeloma UK is an equal opportunities employer and always welcomes applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of:

· sex

· race

· disability

· age

· sexual orientation

· gender reassignment

· religion or belief

· marital status

· pregnancy and maternity

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.

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 23 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.     

Respect supports frontline organisations across the UK, so that together we can end domestic abuse.  Our work is wide ranging: we offer accreditation of specialist services; we provide training for individuals and organisations working in the sector; we work in partnership with others to innovate and develop practice;  we provide two helplines to enable service users to get the help and advice they need; we lobby influencers to improve policy and practice; we support up-to-date research undertaken by specialists in the field; and we fundraise to ensure important work continues to happen. 

Respect has seen rapid growth over the last few years, and we now have 60+ staff running a range of projects and core activities and have ambitious plans for further growth and influence. 

Our vision   

We want a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse. Where it is never ok to control, harm or cause fear. Where those who perpetrate domestic abuse are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change.    

Our mission   

We work with our members, partners and allies to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse.  With innovative practice, robust research and quality data, we build evidence of what works, promote safe, effective practice and drive high standards.  We use our voice, in collaboration with others, to call for a response to domestic abuse that matches the scale of the problem.  We will not stop, until domestic abuse stops.    

Our Focus   

Respect was founded to focus on perpetrators of domestic abuse and this, including our vital work with young people who cause harm, will remain our key priority.  Our work with male victims will continue as an important, distinct, project.    

Our Values   

• Pioneering - We explore innovative ideas and develop new approaches with curiosity and rigour.   
   

• Collaborative - We work in partnership with our members, partners and allies to bring about individual, societal and systems change.   
   

• Accountable- We listen to survivors and centre their needs in our work.  We hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour and hold ourselves and our members accountable for ours.   
   

• Respectful - We live up to our name.  We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.  We are honest, compassionate and boldly challenge injustice.    

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.

Purpose of the role: 

The Senior Communications and Policy Officer will work with the Make a Change team at Respect to advance the development of communication and policy activities for the Make a Change model in project sites and nationally to encourage uptake in new areas. They will also work with Respect’s Communications and Influence leads to ensure alignment with the organisation's broader messaging and advocacy efforts, maximising the impact of Make a Change initiatives. The postholder will lead on developing and implementing communication strategies and plans in partnership with our delivery partners across the sites.

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

• Black and minoritised people 

• Disabled people 

We always welcome and support applications from those who have personal experience of domestic abuse. 

Please follow the link to find out more. 

About you

Do you want to use your skills to make it possible for people with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, to live longer and better lives?

Myeloma UK is looking for a motivated and highly proactive Senior Policy Officer to join our Patient Advocacy team within the wider Research and Advocacy directorate. 

You will have experience in analysing, developing, and communicating complex policy issues, strong communication skills, and the ability to prioritise a fast-moving and wide-ranging workload.

You will also have experience working collaboratively and building relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. 

You will have the ability to present findings and recommendations to a range of audiences and produce high-quality succinct briefings in a timely fashion, underpinned by evidence.

Empathy and sensitivity are required to work closely with patients and their families and friends.

Experience in the health charity sector, public/patient engagement work, and working on the National Institute of Health Care Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) consultation processes would be beneficial but not essential.

About the role

As Senior Policy Officer you will be part of the Patient Advocacy team who work to ensure that the patient voice is heard and acted upon by UK and devolved nations healthcare policy decision makers. You will represent the charity externally including national meetings with senior healthcare decision makers.

Your role is vital to developing strategic approaches to health technology appraisals (HTA), regulatory pathways (MHRA), clinical development programmes (academic and industry clinical trials) and commissioning routes to broaden access to new myeloma drug therapies and diagnostic technologies.

You will apply your skills flexibly across key policy areas including access to treatment, patient voice, stakeholder engagement and general healthcare policy and work with colleagues in communications and fundraising to make sure our supporters and the wider myeloma community understand the positive impact we make.

About us

Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on myeloma and its related conditions.  We provide support and influence access to treatments, while researching a cure.  Thanks to life-extending treatments and support, today many people affected by myeloma are able to live longer and to live well.  Together, we support, so no one faces myeloma alone. 

We are committed to bringing together the best and brightest people to help us ensure that every patient has an empowered present and a hopeful future.

Our ultimate goal is to find a cure and make myeloma history. Until then, our mission is to help every patient live well with myeloma for as long as possible. We are committed to diagnosing myeloma earlier, discovering and sharing knowledge, transforming the patient experience and influencing positive change in care.

Our culture

Wellbeing and staff engagement are at the heart of our culture.  We offer our employees a range of benefits including a pension salary exchange scheme, flexitime, flexible working from home with hub-based office working, health plan, employee assistance plan and holiday purchase scheme and we are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all our employees.

How to apply

If you think you would be a great fit for this role, get in touch and tell us more about yourself by sending the following:

1. A cover letter telling us more about you and what you think makes you a good fit for this role

2. A CV that sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements

Applications close on 12 May 2025 and interviews will be held w/c 19 May 2025.

Myeloma UK is an equal opportunities employer and always welcomes applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of:

· sex

· race

· disability

· age

· sexual orientation

· gender reassignment

· religion or belief

· marital status

· pregnancy and maternity

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.

About us 

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition unites the voices of parents, children, providers, early years professionals and the wider business community, working together for investment and reform of early education and childcare in England. 

We believe that we all benefit from investing in early education and childcare, and we all have a role to play in shaping a system that delivers for children, families and the economy. 

We are backed by some of the most high-profile campaign and research organisations in England. Our members include early years provider membership bodies, parent campaign groups, early childhood experts, trade unions, the business lobby, anti-poverty campaigners and NGOs. Together, we use our collective voice and research to build public and political support for early education and childcare.

And it’s worked. Thanks to the dedication of our members, early years is now one of the top six priorities for the new government’s Plan for Change, but our work isn’t done – we have an ambitious agenda to ‘rescue and reform’ the system, ensuring that: 

• every child can access high-quality education and care that their parents can afford and that will support them to thrive 

• every provider is funded fairly for the places they offer 

• every early years professional is rewarded and recognised for the skilled work they do 

About the role

We are now recruiting a Senior Research and Policy Officer on a fixed-term contract to help drive our aims during this exciting period. 

• Hours: 37.5 hours (5 days per week). Some out-of-hours work may be required for which TOIL will be given. 

• Duration: One-year contract with possible extension subject to funding. 

• Location: Home-working but located in Greater Manchester 

• Salary: £44,755 per annum 

Your time will be split between two key strands of work: 

• Our core research and policy function which responds to emerging early years policy, government consultations and shapes our own original research 

• A ‘test and learn’ pilot on workforce development. 

The former will require you to have a good grasp of mixed research methods, some understanding of the challenges facing early education and childcare, as well as a good understanding of the political and economic climate we’re working in. Naturally, you should be able to produce clear and compelling briefings that can be of use to policymakers and our members. 

The latter is an exciting new project that is a key output in our three-year programme, ‘Building the Early Education Workforce in England’. It will see you partner with combined authorities, think tanks and coalition partners. You will need to be comfortable handling data in this role.

We are a fully remote organisation, but ideally you should be based in Greater Manchester where the ‘test and learn’ pilot is being conducted. This will be important in building relationships with providers and local authorities that are participating in the project. 

We work flexibly and it won’t come as a surprise to you that we understand the challenge of caring commitments. We trust you to manage your time, but as a minimum requirement, we expect you to be available on Thursday mornings for our staff meeting. As a remote team this helps us to stay in touch and connect. 

The Coalition has experienced significant growth over the last two years and with early years firmly on the political agenda, we expect this to continue. Our hope is that this role will evolve and the successful candidate will continue to progress within this growing and impactful organisation. 

For the last two years, the Coalition has been incubated by the Women’s Budget Group, the UK’s leading feminist economic think tank. Our growth means that we are now ready to spin out into a separate and independent legal entity. That means that your employment contract will initially be with WBG on behalf of the Coalition but will then transfer across to the newly constituted organisation. This won’t change your role, your terms or your pay, but we want to tell you now. We are happy to answer questions at interview about that. 

What you can expect to be doing 

• Use detailed knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to produce policy papers  and reports on topics relevant to the Coalition’s aims 

• Work closely with our Associate Director of Research and Coproduction, to deliver our ‘test and learn’ pilot analysing data from local authorities and early years providers and codesigning the final outputs with stakeholders. 

• Support our response to key fiscal events including the Spending Review 

• Work with Coalition members to promote shared learning of innovative practices and coordinate joint research 

• Maintain awareness and knowledge of research and policy literature related to early education and childcare 

• Support the advocacy and communications team with the dissemination of research and policy 

About you 

You will have experience in a research or policy role where you’ve been responsible for responding to government policy, producing briefings and reports, and shaping future research. Given the nature of coalition-working, experience of working with a broad range of stakeholders would be beneficial, as would any experience of codesigning policy solutions, although this is not essential.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable handling data and using data to make policy recommendations. Experience of working on public service reform would be a bonus. 

Person specification 

Essential 

• Educated to degree level in social sciences and/or demonstrable research experience in public service reform issues 

• Experience of data collation and statistical analysis, working with large datasets and data analysis packages 

• Experience of working in research within an applied setting 

• Knowledge and experience of analysing and summarising quantitative and qualitative research 

• Comfortable with remote-working with the ability to work on own initiative 

• Commitment to the aims of the EECC and our principles. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to write reports for a policy audience 

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person with a range of different audiences 

• Experience of liaising with a wide range of stakeholders in the context of a research and policy project 

Desirable 

• Experience of leading on research projects 

• Experience of working on codesigned projects 

• Some knowledge of the challenges facing the early education and childcare system 

• Experience of stakeholder engagement or engaging research participants

The application process 

Please apply with CV and cover letter by the listed closing date. No agencies please. We are using anonymous recruitment via Charity Jobs so please apply via that process.

The EECC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We use anonymous recruiting during the application process and we use positive action under section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race. This means that if we have two candidates of equal merit in our process, we will seek to take forward the disabled or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidate in order to diversify our staff team. 

Please note we can only consider applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.

We regret that our small team does not have capacity to respond to unsuccessful applicants individually. 

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th May

Interviews: w/c 19th May 

Start date: ASAP 

As Senior Policy Manager, you will take a leadership role within the Policy and Influencing Team, providing strategic direction and subject matter expertise in health policy related to bowel cancer. Working closely with the Head of Policy and Influencing and Director of Research, Policy and Influencing, you will drive the development and implementation of policy initiatives that align with the organisation’s strategic priorities and positively impact the lives of people affected by bowel cancer. You will lead a team of policy officers and provide expert advice on complex policy issues, influencing decision-makers in government, healthcare organisations, and partner agencies across the UK.

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.

the3million is the largest grassroots organisation for EU citizens* in the UK, formed after the 2016 referendum to protect the rights of people who have made the UK their home. 

Our work ranges from organising EU citizens’ communities and informing people about their rights, to holding the Government to account on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and advocating for social justice.

We are now looking for a Research and Policy Manager to lead on evidence-based research and support in the analysis of government policy and legislation which impacts EU citizens in the UK. 

We are looking for a creative problem solver who is detail orientated and approaches research through an investigative lens. 

This work often intersects with the wider issues of social justice, migrant rights, race equality, and data rights. 

You will work closely with the Head of Policy and Advocacy to direct strategic research initiatives, presenting recommendations to influence decision-makers and guide advocacy efforts, ensuring the3million’s campaigns are informed and led by robust evidence of EU citizens’ lived experience. 

*the3million uses ‘EU citizens’ as shorthand for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were resident in the UK before 31 December 2020, and their family members (of any nationality) with derived rights.

Main duties and responsibilities: 

1. Strategic research and issue analysis

You will lead on the3million’s research, working closely with the Head of Policy and Advocacy to ensure our work is shaped by lived experience, analysing issues experienced by EU citizens related to applying for immigration status, proving their rights and accessing services in the UK. 

• Collect, analyse and categorise issues raised by EU citizens through the3million’s reporting channels, including highlighting correlations to equality characteristics such as race and ethnicity, age, gender etc (including our ReportIt! system, email, social media and listening campaigns). 
• Interview EU citizens who report issues, sharing information about rights, signposting to relevant legal advice organisations.
• Identify trends in the challenges faced by EU citizens, documenting these in detail, analysing systemic issues.
• Provide strategic guidance on how research findings can inform the3million’s advocacy, campaigns and communications activities.

2. Policy development and advocacy

• Contribute to the production of high-quality policy briefings, reports and strategic recommendations that are clear, actionable and directly relevant to stakeholders including the Government.
• Support in the research and analysis of government policy developments, legislative changes and public consultations affecting EU citizens in the UK, specifically on areas related to immigration and welfare, assessing their potential impact.

3. Report writing and presentation 

• Lead on the development of in-depth reports and support in the production of policy papers and position statements, presenting complex data into clear and accessible documents.
• Present research findings and policy recommendations at meetings and events, effectively communicating complex issues to audiences. 
• Contribute to the production of advocacy materials, including media briefings, campaigns’ resources and informational content for the3million’s website, social media channels and for event distribution.

4. Stakeholder engagement 

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and other advocacy groups.
• Collaborate with other team members within the organisation to ensure research and policy recommendations are effectively integrated into the3million’s community organising activities, campaigns and strategic communications.

5. Monitoring and evaluation 

• Report on the progress and outcomes of research and policy activities regularly, within the organisation and to the3million’s funders. 

6. General responsibilities 

• Represent the views of the3million in the media, when appropriate.
• Provide assistance in other areas of the3million’s work as and when deemed necessary by the CEO.

Person specification 

Knowledge and experience:

• Experience (2+ years) working within research or investigative settings 
• Proven track record in producing research reports and presenting research findings

Skills: 

• Expertise in investigative research and analysis, including the ability to summarise complex information and communicate it effectively to different audiences
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce high quality reports and other written materials
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to build rapport with research participants through individual or group interviews
• Proficient in using spreadsheets for data analysis
• Awareness of research ethics and data protection

Personal attributes: 

• A deep commitment to migrants’ rights and a passion for social justice
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, external partners, and community groups

Desirable 

• Experience working on immigration policy, human rights, or social justice
• Experience of obtaining information through Freedom of Information requests 
• Experience of building research tools and developing creative methods and techniques of research
• Knowledge of the Citizens’ Rights Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement, its current implementation in the UK, and the EU Settlement Scheme

Before you apply

One of the3million’s core values is equity - we are people led, we value diversity and are enriched by differences. We strive to listen to, engage with and represent the broadest range of people. 

We recognise our team is not currently representative of communities that experience racism and that our own ways of working may replicate wider societal oppression and injustices. We are actively working towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation, including taking steps to create a more inclusive recruitment process.

You may not have worked in an organisation whose focus is campaigning for migrants’ rights. Or you may have experience in a grassroots setting which is not formalised. Please still consider applying as many other settings offer transferable skills.

If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the migration sector - for example you are from a community that experiences racism, or you have lived experience of migration, or you are a disabled person, or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child - we strongly encourage you to apply.

We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity. the3million welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.

Working conditions

Position: Full time 
Duration: Initial 12 months contract, with possibility of extension, subject to funding
Salary: £38,419 per year
Location: Remote, must be UK based. Travel may be required (all travel expenses covered)
Benefits: 28 days holiday + bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, flexible working patterns.
Reporting to: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Preferred start date: 7th July 2025
Interviews will be held on 28th, 29th and 30th May.

The Digital Engagement Officer is a key member of the Marketing and Communications team and will support the day-to-day running and development of our digital channels. You’ll work to drive engagement, reach new audiences and provide a smooth supporter experience.

You’ll be writing and uploading content to our website, analysing performance, reporting back on learnings and developing plans for improvement. You’ll also help run our email programme. This will involve managing our supporter newsletter, with the support of the Senior Digital Engagement Officer. It’ll also cover growing our list of supporters consenting to hear from us, running testing plans and assisting other teams with their mass email needs.

You’ll work closely with the Senior Digital Engagement Manager, Senior Digital Engagement Officer, wider Marketing and Communications team and colleagues across fundraising, policy, research and services to contribute to the digital elements of the marketing and communications strategy.

Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be working with a forthcoming non-profit organisation with a strategic focus on protecting and advancing the rights of Muslims across the UK. An exciting opportunity exists for a Director to join the team. As Director, you will lead the organisations’ vision and direction across all areas, overseeing strategic litigation that sets important legal precedents; driving research and policy initiatives that influence debate and decision-making ensuring the delivery of accessible advice and guidance to those navigating legal or civic challenges. This is a full-time, permanent role, home based within the UK with meetings and in person events in London.

Who are we looking for?

Ideal candidates will possess senior leadership experience in a legal, policy or advocacy organisation with a track record of strategic delivery and managing external partnerships. A strong understanding of UK legal and political issues affecting Muslim communities, including civil liberties, counter-terrorism and discrimination. You will be a confident communicator with experience representing organisations publicly and will have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with fundraising, donor engagement and knowledge of non-profit operations or governance would be an advantage however it is not essential for the role.

If the above role description sounds of interest and you feel like you meet the criteria; please apply immediately or for further information, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full JD and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing on a rolling basis and roles may closer earlier than initially indicated.