Policy and Research Associate

Policy and Research Associate

Location: Hybrid (London) or Remote
Salary: £25.17 per hour plus £2.92 per hour holiday pay (equivalent to annual salary of £44,000 FTE)

Hours: 28–35 hours per week (to be agreed with the successful candidate)
Contract: Temporary role until 31st March 2025

Are you passionate about improving mental health outcomes for children, young people, and families? Do you have expertise in research, policy analysis, and translating evidence into actionable insights? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Charity People are delighted to be partnering with a globally recognised mental health organisation dedicated to transforming the mental health landscape for children, young people, and families. They are at the forefront of advancing mental health science and practice, bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation. Their mission is to empower current and future generations with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and mentally.

About the Role

As a Policy and Research Associate , you will play a key role in they Early Years and Prevention team, supporting evidence-based projects and training initiatives. You’ll focus on early intervention and integrated family services, including perinatal mental health and family hubs. Using your research expertise, you will identify and synthesise insights from a variety of sources, collaborate with stakeholders, and help shape guidance and training resources.

Key Responsibilities

Design research frameworks and approaches to support learning on family hubs and early intervention services. Conduct rapid reviews and synthesise evidence from academic studies, policy reports, and case studies. Collaborate with regional teams to gather insights and triangulate findings into practical, evidence-based guidance. Lead stakeholder meetings, workshops, and events, engaging with policymakers, academics, and practitioners. Write accessible resources, including reports, policy briefings, training content, and case studies. Present findings at conferences and training events, contributing to the dissemination of key learnings. Support broader departmental functions, including bid writing, monitoring and evaluation, and funder reporting.

About You

You’ll bring both academic expertise and practical experience, with a proven ability to translate research into real-world impact. A collaborative team player, you’ll also be confident working independently and managing multiple priorities.

Essential Skills and Experience:

In-depth knowledge of local authority and voluntary sector landscapes relevant to early years and family services. Awareness of UK policies affecting health and social care for families with young children. Strong research skills, including data analysis, research design, and handling complex datasets. Proven experience in translating research into practice and creating accessible resources. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in stakeholder engagement and presenting findings. Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.

How to Apply:

If you’re excited about this opportunity and meet the requirements, please send your CV as soon as possible. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so don’t delay in applying!

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We know that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.