Director of Policy and Research

local.gov.uk; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading not-for-profit network in the UK is seeking a Director of Policy & Research to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in policy development and research, excellent communication skills, and the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages. Located UK-wide, this role involves regular travel and offers a competitive salary of £65,000–£70,000. Join us to lead impactful initiatives that promote social cohesion and integration through evidence-based policy strategies.

Benefits

30 days’ annual leave

3% pension contribution

Enhanced Sick Pay

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Qualifications

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs including reports and consultation responses.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, and journalists.

Skills

Policy development

Research leadership

Social policy understanding

Excellent communication skills

Political awareness

Education

Relevant qualification in public policy or social research

Job description

Job title: Director of Policy & Research

Employer : The Belong Network

Working hours: Full-time

Location: UK-wide with regular travel across England and Wales

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £65,000–£70,000

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in joining Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network as our next Director of Policy and Research. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of Belong’s mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. We are looking for a strategic leader who is passionate about building a more united and less divided society and wants to make a lasting difference to communities.

As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale. With a strengthened national profile, a bold strategy for the years ahead, and an ambitious Senior Leadership Team, this is an extraordinary time to join us.

As Director of Policy and Research, you will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships that influence change. You will ensure our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience, while amplifying Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers. We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with deep expertise in policy development and research, who is confident in leading teams, developing evidence-based recommendations and influencing public discourse. You will bring intellectual curiosity, political awareness, a commitment to equity and inclusion and have excellent communication skills – being able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages and build trusted relationships across sectors.

If you thrive in a collaborative leadership role and want to drive systemic change, we would love to hear from you.

Kelly Fowler

Chief Executive Officer, Belong

About Belong

Belong is the UK’s leading not-for-profit network focused on social cohesion. Established 2019, Belong works across sectors to build a more connected, less divided society by strengthening trust, belonging and resilience in communities.

Belong connects people, places and organisations across the UK to share learning and best practice on cohesion and integration. Working with local and national partners, we build capacity to lead and deliver change, and amplify what works through research, policy and a strong collective voice. Belong’s growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society and business.

Belong Delivers:

• Place-based cohesion and intercultural work with local authorities, communities and partners
• Research and policy to build the evidence base and influence national change
• Training, consultancy and leadership development
• Knowledge sharing, networks, learning events and thought leadership
• Belong is collaborative, evidence-led and learning-driven, celebrating the benefits of diversity and operating within an equalities framework. Belong is independent, professional, transparent and committed to convening bold conversations to move beyond differences, strengthen social bonds and build common ground.

About the Role and You

We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks or advocacy organisations
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration and community relations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in media engagement and public speaking
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research or related field
• Experience in managing teams and budgets
• Experience in fundraising and proposal development

Personal Qualities:

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK
• Strategic and visionary thinker
• Collaborative and inclusive leader
• Politically astute and intellectually curious
• Practical, focused and reliable

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy & Research Leadership

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy
• Produce high-quality policy outputs including reports, briefings, consultation responses and thought leadership pieces
• Ensure Belong’s research is rigorous, inclusive and informed by lived experience
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies
• Foster strong collaboration between Programme Delivery and Policy & Research teams

Influencing & Communications

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists and opinion formers
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events and in the media
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that amplify Belong’s impact
• Collaborate with communications team to inform public affairs strategy
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals

Organisational Development

• Contribute to Belong’s strategic planning and senior leadership decision-making
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing support and developmentCollaborate with Director of Programmes to ensure alignment between delivery and influencing work
• Support income generation through proposal development and funder engagement
• Uphold Belong’s values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Our Team Benefits

At Belong, our team is united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We bring together a diverse group of professionals with backgrounds in research, community engagement, communications, facilitation and policy.

Benefits include:

• 30 days’ annual leave per year
• 3% pension contribution
• Hybrid working (typical pattern of 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

To Apply

Deadline: 23:59, Monday 12 January 2026

First interviews: 29 & 30 January (online)

Second interviews: 12 February (in-person)

To apply, please submit your CV and a Word document answering the following questions (max 400 words per answer) to [e-mail] with the subject line: Application to the role of Director of Policy & Research:

Why are you interested in applying and how do you feel your personal values align with our mission?

What are the key achievements and outcomes within your career that make you a strong candidate for the role?

How does your leadership style support others in their growth and create a positive environment for empowerment?

If you have any questions or would like to arrange an informal discussion, contact: [e-mail]

Registered Charity: 1180761

Website: belongnetwork.co.uk

Twitter: @BelongNetwork

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/the-belong-network6