Policy and Research Officer

Reports to: Policy and Research Manager    

Direct reports:   None  

Location:  Our well-equipped office is in Kings Cross, London, WC1X 9NW. We encourage staff to work where they wish, at home or in the office, within the limits of the role and taking into account personal circumstances. This role will generally be expected to attend the office at least once a week and will have meetings at other locations in London fairly frequently.  

Status:   Permanent  

Hours:   Full-time  

Salary:   £31,437 to £34,659; plus benefits

Role Summary  

This position provides key support for the policy and research functions of the charity, in addition to collaborating on campaigns and public affairs work. You will be responsible for carrying out primary research relevant to the charity’s policy and research functions. You’ll be monitoring and collating new policy and research materials and contributing to public communications including report-writing, blog posts and social media activity. You’ll be providing input into strategic planning regarding policy and research activities. You’ll connect with researchers and policy people from other charities and from universities. Finally, you’ll be attending conferences and meetings on behalf of the charity.  

Key Tasks and Responsibilities   

Policy  

• Support the P&RM, DR&PA and CEO in responding to public consultations, advising policymakers and working with national policy and research bodies as appropriate.   

• Represent the charity in meetings with policy partners where appropriate.  

• Attend policy and research conferences on behalf of the charity, providing feedback to the team on key learning and opportunities that arise.  

• Work with the SC&PA and DR&PA to draw up influencing strategies to target key stakeholders on policy priorities.  

• Monitor external research that helps our policy work and opportunities for collaboration.   

• Work with the SC&PA  to engage campaigners in our policy work.   

Research  

• Work with the P&RM to carry out research activities relevant to the policy and research functions of the charity; including collating and analysing data, and co-authoring reports for both internal and public purposes.  

• Work with the P&RM and the Communications and Marketing teams to produce engaging and accessible communication of research findings for a range of audiences. 

• Monitor and collate new policy and research materials, including research reports, policy documents and media activity. Work with the P&RM to produce internal reports where appropriate and to ensure the charity’s activities reflect and respond to the wider policy and research environment.  

• Work with the P&RM on external research projects funded by the charity, including support with assessing the quality of bids by external researchers. 

Across both areas  

• Produce social media communications where relevant to policy and research. Work with colleagues across the Research and Public Affairs and Communications and Marketing teams to develop strategies for maximising impact, especially in digital communications.    

• Contribute to strategic planning by contributing to staff meetings, producing supporting materials and providing feedback on public affairs.    

The postholder will also be expected to:   

• attend training courses and develop skills as required, sharing learning with other staff as relevant   

• in unusual circumstances, work weekend and / or evening hours, for which time in lieu will be given   

• undertake other reasonable work as requested by the P&RM.