At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead welfare policy initiatives to support working-age individuals with health conditions.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on improving health and welfare policies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a hybrid working model.
- Other info: Inclusive hiring process encouraging diverse applicants to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and welfare policies for those in need.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of welfare issues and experience in policy analysis.
The predicted salary is between 67752 - 67752 £ per year.
Date posted: 6 July 2026
Salary: £67,752 per annum with excellent benefits
Contract type: Permanent
Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week (part time over 30 hours considered). All staff are required to work in person for a minimum of two days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. The post-holder may be required to undertake some work outside normal working hours.
About The Role
This role will lead our agenda around the role of welfare to support the working age population to maintain good health and support people with long term health conditions or disability when they are unable to work or participate. The Commission for Healthier Working Lives identified a number of issues with welfare support which effectively disincentivise people from accessing and staying in work and the purpose of this role is to make the case for change and point to potential solutions.
The post holder will have a strong understanding of the current welfare agenda, and particularly what this means for people with long term health conditions and disability. Working with the Senior Fellow, you will identify the opportunities to shape better policy, providing decision makers with the evidence and clear recommendations. As well as conducting your own analysis, you will help commission policy research projects from internal and external experts and provide oversight for these projects.
Developing your own profile as an expert, you will also lead or support drafting of external outputs, speak at external events and grow and maintain external stakeholder relationships. The role provides a real opportunity to have a voice to influence the future shape of health and welfare policies and practice.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each opportunity on merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply to us. We have identified three key areas to improving diversity. Our aim is to achieve a more balanced representation across our organisation, with a particular focus on increasing the number of women in leadership, enhancing the representation of people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds and welcoming more people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we strongly encourage applications from these groups.
Closing date: Sunday 26 July
Interview dates: Week commencing 10th August 2026
Research and Policy Manager - Welfare in London employer: THE HEALTH FOUNDATION
The Health Foundation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises impact and evidence-based solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the organisation offers numerous opportunities for professional development while working in a vibrant environment in the heart of the UK, where your contributions can directly influence health policy and improve public health outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Policy Manager - Welfare in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like THE HEALTH FOUNDATION, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like THE HEALTH FOUNDATION and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Policy Manager - Welfare in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for THE HEALTH FOUNDATION and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE HEALTH FOUNDATION
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with THE HEALTH FOUNDATION, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for THE HEALTH FOUNDATION.
