Policy and Research Manager

Our Foundation

We are an independent charitable organisation working to build a healthier UK. Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity, and helps build a stronger society. Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK and services are struggling to provide access to timely, high-quality care. It doesn't have to be like this. Our mission is to help build a healthier UK by:

1. Improving people's health and reducing inequalities
2. Supporting radical innovation and improvement in health and care services
3. Providing evidence and analysis to improve health and care policy.

We aim for excellence across our work and will achieve this by producing research and analysis, shaping policy and practice, building skills, knowledge, and capacity, and acting as a catalyst for change.

The role

Are you passionate about shaping policy to improve workforce health and reduce inequalities? We are seeking a Policy and Research Manager to join our Healthy Lives directorate and contribute to advancing the recommendations of the Commission for Healthier Working Lives.  

In this pivotal role, you will lead the delivery of policy development and research projects, including externally commissioned work, ensuring outputs are delivered on time and with impact. You will support the implementation of a programme testing preventative workplace interventions, synthesise emerging evidence, and develop credible policy recommendations to influence decision-makers. 

You will also play a key role in building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, representing the Health Foundation externally, and communicating insights to a wide range of audiences across policy, practice, and research communities. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual with strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to improving health through action on the wider determinants. We are looking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.  

The Healthy Lives directorate leads the Health Foundation’s strategic work on the wider determinants of health, focusing on areas such as employment, education, housing, and community. Within this, the Economic Determinants of Health team builds evidence and policy analysis to influence government and employer action. Our independence, supported by our endowment, enables us to innovate and test practical solutions that drive long-term change. 

To apply

Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and invite you to find out more. You can find the job description for this role here If you would like to apply, please submit your CV, and using no more than 1000 words answer the following application questions:

1. Describe your experience of designing a policy research programme. How did you select the questions and research methods? How did you ensure the research was delivered to high quality and had an impact?
2. Give an example where you have collaborated effectively with stakeholders to deliver a piece of work. How did you engage key influencers and ensure that diverse voices were heard? What impact did this engagement have?
3. Share your achievements in developing ideas that have had an influence on national or local employment or health policy. How did you make the case for change and gain traction for the idea, e.g. media coverage or direct influencing?

Closing date: 31/08/2025 at 23:00

Interviews: September 11th or 12th 20:25  

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