Policy Researcher

My client, a leading professional membership body based in Central London with over 19,000 members of all ages, stages or disciplines across the UK, is currently recruiting for a Part Time Policy Researcher. If you are seeking a part-time role for four days a week and are a Policy Officer, Advisor or Executive with experience in advocacy, research, writing, stakeholder engagement, and influencing government or regulatory policy within the political landscape — ideally gained within a membership or trade association environment — we would love to hear from you.

This four-day-a-week part-time role could be ideal for a wide range of people, including students balancing work alongside their studies, parents or carers who need an extra day for family responsibilities, and individuals seeking a better work–life balance. It may also suit freelancers who want stable, regular work while keeping time for other projects, as well as professionals returning to work or transitioning careers who value flexibility without losing momentum or meaningful involvement in a role.

The Role of Policy Researcher

• Research and develop the Association’s policy positions on a range of sector issues through engagement with members and volunteers.
• Contribute to the delivery of effective lobbying activities within joined-up campaigns on the Association’s priorities to effect policy change.
• Lead on the coordination and delivery of the Association’s Scottish Branch activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and draft policy statements, consultation responses and website content on relevant policy issues, bringing together members’ views, evidence and information.
• Act as the main point of contact on relevant policy issues at a UK level and keep abreast of political developments relating to the Association’s work in the UK, Scotland, and internationally where relevant.
• Respond to policy enquiries from members, stakeholders, and the public.
• Provide the secretariat for a range of single-issue working groups and lead the programme of work and implementation of recommendations.
• Provide the secretariat for the Association’s Scottish Branch and lead on member and stakeholder engagement in Scotland.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of campaign strategies on relevant areas of work, advise on key policy recommendations, and identify any areas of difficulty, working closely with the media and digital teams.
• Work closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager to help deliver the annual programme of lobbying and stakeholder events.
• Encourage member engagement on relevant policy issues and campaigns via the Association’s website and other online and offline communication tools.
• Brief the Association’s Officers, Scottish Branch Officers, and other colleagues on relevant policy issues, including in preparation for ministerial/parliamentarian meetings, appearances before committees, and media interviews as required.
• Draft and update parliamentary briefings, letters, and other materials to support the Association’s public affairs work.
• Contribute to good working relationships with the Association’s divisions and all devolved branches to promote the principle of ‘one voice’ for the profession.
• Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, to facilitate collaborative working on priority campaign areas.
• Carry out any other duties consistent with the role as required, supporting the work of the Head of Policy and Public Affairs.

Person Specification

• Excellent policy skills, including research, analysis and strategic thinking.
• Ability to assimilate complex information and weigh up competing arguments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Good political judgement, diplomacy and relationship management skills.
• Experience in a public affairs, or broader communications, role campaigning for policy change.
• Experience of working with committees within a membership organisation (desirable).
• Experience of working within the not-for-profit/charitable sector (desirable).
• Knowledge and understanding of UK and/or devolved parliamentary processes and procedures (desirable).
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.

To apply for this role of Policy Researcher, please send your CV. Due to the volume of applications, we are only able to contact successful applicants. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 10 working days, please deem your application unsuccessful on this occasion.