At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research and policy development to promote justice and accountability.
- Company: Join a leading legal charity dedicated to fundamental rights and social justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the justice system for marginalised communities.
- Qualifications: Deep understanding of public law and experience in empirical research.
The predicted salary is between 45669 - 45669 £ per year.
About Public Law Project (PLP)
The Public Law Project (PLP) is a leading independent legal charity dedicated to protecting and promoting fundamental rights while ensuring those in positions of authority remain accountable. Our mission is to make the justice system accessible, fair, and effective for everyone, particularly those from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds. Through strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and high-quality research, we tackle systemic issues within public and administrative law. We believe that a strong and inclusive justice system is vital for a healthy democracy, and we work tirelessly to remove barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the legal remedies they deserve.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow to join our dynamic team of legal researchers and policy experts. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in shaping and delivering PLP’s research agenda, working closely with our Research Director and colleagues across the organisation. Your work will contribute directly to building a more inclusive administrative justice system—one that is adequately resourced and responsive to the needs of all. Beyond research, you will collaborate with casework, public affairs, communications, and fundraising teams to ensure our findings drive tangible legal and policy change. This is a full-time position, though part-time arrangements (minimum 28 hours per week) will be considered for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Research Fellow, your responsibilities will span research, policy development, and strategic collaboration. You will identify, design, and execute high-quality research projects that align with PLP’s mission, producing impactful reports, policy recommendations, and advocacy materials. You will lead policy engagement, contribute to public events, deliver training, and prepare media briefings. Collaboration is key—you will work with legal, policy, and civil society partners, as well as individuals with lived experience, to influence law and policy reform. Additional duties include managing grants, mentoring junior researchers, supporting strategic litigation, and representing PLP at conferences and public forums.
Eligibility Criteria
We are looking for a candidate with a deep understanding of public and administrative law, coupled with experience conducting impactful empirical research. You should have a proven track record in producing high-quality written outputs, developing policy recommendations, and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Experience in fundraising, grant management, and applying monitoring and evaluation frameworks will be highly valued. The ideal candidate will share PLP’s values, demonstrate cultural competence when working with marginalised communities, and have strong public speaking skills. Prior experience in NGOs, legal charities, or other civil society organisations is desirable. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Working Conditions & Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary of £45,669 per annum, with an annual cost-of-living uplift and a 10% pension contribution after one year of service. We offer 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), flexible working arrangements, and a supportive, family-friendly environment. While the role is based in Central London (EC1V), we support hybrid working in line with our policies. New hires are expected to attend the office 2-3 days per week for the first three months. We also value work-life balance and provide time-off-in-lieu for occasional evening commitments.
Application Process
To apply, complete the application form provided in this information pack and send it to hr@publiclawproject.org.uk. Applications will be assessed based on how well candidates meet the essential requirements outlined in the person specification. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews scheduled for 8 and 9 September 2025, with final interviews (if necessary) on 18 September 2025. The selection process will include a practical skills test and a structured panel interview. Feedback is available upon request. The deadline for applications is Sunday, 24 August 2025, at 11:59 pm.
Senior Research Fellow — Public Law & Policy Impact in Tipton employer: Canon Sphere
The Public Law Project (PLP) is an exceptional employer committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Central London. With a focus on employee growth, PLP offers competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a family-friendly culture that prioritises work-life balance. As a Senior Research Fellow, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research that drives social change while collaborating with passionate colleagues dedicated to promoting justice for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow — Public Law & Policy Impact in Tipton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its mission. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! As a Senior Research Fellow, you'll need to present your findings and engage with various stakeholders. Join a local speaking group or practice with friends to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of making justice accessible for all.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow — Public Law & Policy Impact in Tipton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you really understand public and administrative law. We want to see your passion for the subject shine through in your application. Highlight any relevant experience or projects that showcase your expertise!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their responses to our mission and values. Show us how your skills and experiences align with what we do at PLP.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since this role involves producing high-quality written outputs, make sure your application reflects your writing prowess. Use clear, concise language and structure your application well to make it easy for us to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Follow the instructions carefully and ensure you submit all required documents before the deadline. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canon Sphere
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of public and administrative law. Brush up on recent cases and legislation that relate to PLP’s mission. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous research projects in detail. Be ready to explain your methodology, findings, and how they influenced policy or practice. Highlight any experience you have with empirical research and how it aligns with PLP’s goals.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with PLP’s work and values. Think about how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding inclusivity and access to justice. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission during the interview.
✨Practice Your Public Speaking
Since the role involves delivering training and engaging with diverse stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews or presentations to refine your public speaking skills before the big day.
