Research & Policy Lead – Homes & Communities (Flexible)

This role will help Ageing Better deliver its ambition for more people to live in Age-friendly Homes and Communities—enabling people to live well, age well, and remain independent for as long as possible.

Reporting to the Head of Homes, as Research and Policy Manager (Homes and Communities), you will design and deliver research and policy projects from end to end by setting priorities, applying robust methodologies, managing partnerships and ensuring outputs are accessible, impactful and evidence-based. Working closely with colleagues across the Homes and Communities Team to ensure projects help to influence national and local policy and support our wider goals.

As one of two research and policy managers, you will be taking a lead delivery role on our research projects and be responsible for designing and conducting original research using both quantitative and qualitative methods, generating new insights that inform our policy positions and contribute to meaningful change. You will also model our commitment to tackling inequalities and ensuring that the voice of a diverse mix of people in later life is visible and influential within all our activities.

We are looking for someone with strong experience in delivering research projects, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies and producing clear, high-quality outputs while managing budgets and risks. You will be confident using qualitative and quantitative research methods, including evaluation approaches and have experience turning detailed findings into practical and actionable insights. Experience in basic data analysis is essential.

You will be highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and stakeholders effectively and bring strong project management skills. You will also be a clear and effective communicator. This includes being able to produce engaging outputs such as reports, blogs and case studies, alongside being confident designing and facilitating workshops. We are looking for someone who builds positive working relationships, works collaboratively and can contribute effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Experience of the housing and communities’ sector is desirable, as is an interest in issues affecting ageing and older people.

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network. Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes. We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people. We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

To apply please follow the link to complete an application form and Equality and Diversity form. Please address in your supporting statement how you meet the person specification for the role as fully as possible to demonstrate why you should be shortlisted for interview for this post. Failure to do so will result in your application being automatically rejected. The closing date for this role is 9am Monday 13th April with in-person interviews to take place Thursday 23rd April. If you have any questions please email recruitment@ageing-better.org.uk