Head of Policy and Research

Lead change. Shape policy. Amplify the voices of bereaved families.

Child Bereavement UK is looking for an accomplished

Head of Policy & Research to lead our evidence and policy agenda at a pivotal time for the charity.

You'll bring a strong track record of leading policy and research activity, developing influential partnerships, and translating evidence into meaningful change.

With an established understanding of the policy landscape and the credibility to engage senior stakeholders across health, social care, government and the voluntary sector, you'll play a key role in shaping policy and practice for bereaved families across the UK.

You'll lead our research programme, develop evidence-based positions, build strategic partnerships, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are reflected in policy and practice across the UK.

Role Purpose

To lead the development and delivery of Child Bereavement UK's policy and research programme, ensuring robust evidence informs practice, policy and service development.

The role will strengthen the organisation's evidence base, develop policy positions and ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are reflected in decision-making.

• Main Responsibilities
• Research Leadership
• Develop and lead the delivery of the organisation's research programme.
• Commission and oversee research projects and partnerships that enhance understanding of bereavement experiences, inequalities and service effectiveness while generating sustainable income for the organisation.
• Build partnerships with academic institutions, funders, and sector bodies to strengthen the evidence base.
• Ensure Child Bereavement UK develops a strong and credible evidence base that strengthens services, informs policy and supports organisational growth.
• Ensure research activity contributes to organisational sustainability and long-term strategic goals.
• Ensure trauma-informed and participatory methodologies are embedded across research activity.
• Convene the Research Committee and coordinate research requests across the organisation.
• Develop systems for evaluating impact and generating evidence of effectiveness.
• Policy Development
• Lead the development of evidence-based policy positions.
• Draft consultation responses, policy briefings and submissions.
• Monitor policy developments across health, education, social care and justice.
• Identify emerging issues affecting bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child.
• Produce recommendations that support policy and practice change.
• Evidence Translation
• Translate research findings into accessible resources for practitioners, commissioners, supporters and policymakers.
• Produce reports, briefing papers and evidence summaries.
• Support communications activity by providing evidence-led content and insights.
• Partnerships & Collaboration
• Develop relationships with research institutions, professional bodies and policy organisations.
• Coordinate collaborative research and policy initiatives.
• Represent the charity within relevant research and policy networks.
• Performance & Resources
• Manage research budgets and commissioned projects.
• Monitor delivery against agreed KPIs and annual workplans.
• Provide regular reports on research outputs, policy activity and impact.
• All Staff
• Contribute to the vision and mission of Child Bereavement UK; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience in policy, research or evidence-based programme development, ideally in health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Experience commissioning or managing research projects, including participatory or trauma informed methods.
• Strong understanding of the UK policy landscape and policy-making processes and how to influence change.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to interpret complex evidence and communicate it clearly.
• Experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Commitment to participation, equity and inclusion.

Desirable

• Significant experience in policy and research within health, social care or the voluntary sector.
• Understanding of grief and bereavement support in practice and how it impacts on children, young people and parents.
• Knowledge of public health approaches to grief and loss.
• Experience working with universities or research institutions.
• Understanding of evaluation and impact measurement frameworks.
• Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline

August 2026 at midnight

Interview dates

• 7 th and 8 th
• September on MS Teams

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.