BELONG-1
Director of Policy and Research Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026 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. About Belong Belong is the UK's leading not-for-profit network focused on social cohesion. Established in 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 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. Our Team & Benefits 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 Job Title: Director of Policy & Research Working Hours: Full-time Location: UK-wide, regular travel across England and Wales Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £65,000-£70,000 Key Responsibilities - About the Role You will lead Belong's policy and research agenda, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and impact at national level. Strategic Policy & Research Leadership Lead development of Belong's policy and research agenda Produce high-quality policy outputs (reports, briefings, consultation responses) Ensure research is rigorous, inclusive and informed by lived experience Oversee design and delivery of research projects Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations Foster collaboration between Programme Delivery and Policy & Research teams Influencing & Communications Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings and media Develop strategic messaging and narratives Collaborate with communications team on public affairs strategy Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives Organisational Development Contribute to strategic planning and senior leadership decision-making Line manage policy and research staff Collaborate with Director of Programmes for alignment Support income generation through proposals and funder engagement Uphold Belong's values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion Note: This list is indicative and not exhaustive. About 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 Committed to personal and professional development Application Process Submit CV and answers (max 400 words each) to: Why are you interested in applying and how do your values align with our mission? What key achievements make you a strong candidate? How does your leadership style support others and create empowerment? Email: Subject: 'Application to the role of Director of Policy & Research' Deadline: 23:59, Monday 12 January 2026 Interviews: First: 29 & 30 January (online) Second: 12 February (in-person)
Director of Policy and Research Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026 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. About Belong Belong is the UK's leading not-for-profit network focused on social cohesion. Established in 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 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. Our Team & Benefits 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 Job Title: Director of Policy & Research Working Hours: Full-time Location: UK-wide, regular travel across England and Wales Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £65,000-£70,000 Key Responsibilities - About the Role You will lead Belong's policy and research agenda, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and impact at national level. Strategic Policy & Research Leadership Lead development of Belong's policy and research agenda Produce high-quality policy outputs (reports, briefings, consultation responses) Ensure research is rigorous, inclusive and informed by lived experience Oversee design and delivery of research projects Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations Foster collaboration between Programme Delivery and Policy & Research teams Influencing & Communications Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings and media Develop strategic messaging and narratives Collaborate with communications team on public affairs strategy Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives Organisational Development Contribute to strategic planning and senior leadership decision-making Line manage policy and research staff Collaborate with Director of Programmes for alignment Support income generation through proposals and funder engagement Uphold Belong's values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion Note: This list is indicative and not exhaustive. About 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 Committed to personal and professional development Application Process Submit CV and answers (max 400 words each) to: Why are you interested in applying and how do your values align with our mission? What key achievements make you a strong candidate? How does your leadership style support others and create empowerment? Email: Subject: 'Application to the role of Director of Policy & Research' Deadline: 23:59, Monday 12 January 2026 Interviews: First: 29 & 30 January (online) Second: 12 February (in-person)
BELONG-1
Director of Programmes Recruitment Pack Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026 - DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES Thank you for your interest in joining Belong - The Cohesion and Integration Network as our next Director of Programmes . This is an exciting time for Belong as we strengthen our national impact and expand our programme delivery across England and Wales. 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. 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 Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale. The Director of Programmes role is a senior leadership position at the heart of Belong's mission to build a more integrated and less divided society. As Director of Programmes, you will hold overall responsibility for the design, delivery and impact of Belong's programmes across the UK. You will lead a team of Programme Leads and Associates, ensuring that our work is strategic, inclusive and evidence-based. You will work closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to shape Belong's programme strategy and contribute to organisational growth. This role is ideal for someone with a strong track record in programme leadership, partnership development and social impact. We are seeking a visionary and experienced programme leader with a deep understanding of social cohesion, social policy and systems change. The ideal candidate will be confident in leading teams, managing complex portfolios and building strategic partnerships, bring a collaborative and inclusive leadership style and be passionate about creating lasting change. You will also be highly organised, politically astute and able to translate insights into action, as well as possessing intellectual curiosity, strong political awareness and a commitment to equity and inclusion. A compelling communicator, you will be able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages and build trusted relationships across sectors. If this sounds like you, and you are excited to help shape Belong's future while driving positive change across the UK, we would be delighted to hear from you. About Belong Belong is the UK's leading not-for-profit network focused on social cohesion. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience through innovative programmes, research, and policy influence. Our 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. Our Team & Benefits 30 days' annual leave per year Hybrid working (typical pattern of 3 days in the office) Enhanced Sick Pay Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay Job Title: Director of Programmes Working Hours: Full-time Location: UK-wide, with regular travel across England and Wales Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £65,000-£70,000 Key Responsibilities - About the Role You will lead Belong's programme portfolio, ensuring quality, consistency, and impact. You will work closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to shape strategy and contribute to organisational growth. Strategic Programme Leadership Lead the strategic development and delivery of Belong's place-based programmes Ensure programmes are aligned with Belong's mission, values and strategic objectives Oversee programme design, delivery, evaluation and learning Line manage Assistant Director, Programme Leads and Programme Coordinators Apply systems thinking to understand interconnected community, policy and service ecosystems Ensure programme quality, consistency and impact across all delivery areas Ensure close alignment with the Policy & Research team so that delivery informs research priorities and vice versa Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with funders, commissioners, local authorities and community organisations Oversee management of politically sensitive work in place Represent Belong at national forums, events and networks Lead on co-design and collaborative approaches Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding Organisational Development Contribute to Belong's strategic planning and organisational growth Develop new programme models and approaches Support income generation through proposal development and funder engagement Share learning and insights across the organisation Note: This list is indicative and not exhaustive. About You We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with: Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios Strong insights and/or experience in delivering programmes in a related field Experience working at a senior level in charity, NGO or public sector Strong leadership and line management skills Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches Ability to manage stakeholders from strategic to community level Excellent strategic thinking and planning abilities Experience in income generation and bid development Understanding of social cohesion and integration issues Strong communication and influencing skills Experience in impact measurement and evaluation Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities Project and risk management skills Desirable: experience in Prevent, PCVE, community tensions/hate crime/misinformation Personal Qualities Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK Strategic and visionary thinker Collaborative and inclusive leader Diplomatic and politically astute Practical, focused and reliable Committed to personal and professional development Application Process Submit CV and answers (max 400 words each) to: Why are you interested in applying and how do your values align with our mission? What key achievements make you a strong candidate? How does your leadership style support others and create empowerment? Email: Subject: 'Application to role of Director of Programmes' Deadline: 23:59, Monday 12 January 2026 Interviews: First: 22 & 23 January (online) Second: 9 February (in-person)
Director of Programmes Recruitment Pack Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026 - DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES Thank you for your interest in joining Belong - The Cohesion and Integration Network as our next Director of Programmes . This is an exciting time for Belong as we strengthen our national impact and expand our programme delivery across England and Wales. 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. 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 Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale. The Director of Programmes role is a senior leadership position at the heart of Belong's mission to build a more integrated and less divided society. As Director of Programmes, you will hold overall responsibility for the design, delivery and impact of Belong's programmes across the UK. You will lead a team of Programme Leads and Associates, ensuring that our work is strategic, inclusive and evidence-based. You will work closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to shape Belong's programme strategy and contribute to organisational growth. This role is ideal for someone with a strong track record in programme leadership, partnership development and social impact. We are seeking a visionary and experienced programme leader with a deep understanding of social cohesion, social policy and systems change. The ideal candidate will be confident in leading teams, managing complex portfolios and building strategic partnerships, bring a collaborative and inclusive leadership style and be passionate about creating lasting change. You will also be highly organised, politically astute and able to translate insights into action, as well as possessing intellectual curiosity, strong political awareness and a commitment to equity and inclusion. A compelling communicator, you will be able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages and build trusted relationships across sectors. If this sounds like you, and you are excited to help shape Belong's future while driving positive change across the UK, we would be delighted to hear from you. About Belong Belong is the UK's leading not-for-profit network focused on social cohesion. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience through innovative programmes, research, and policy influence. Our 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. Our Team & Benefits 30 days' annual leave per year Hybrid working (typical pattern of 3 days in the office) Enhanced Sick Pay Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay Job Title: Director of Programmes Working Hours: Full-time Location: UK-wide, with regular travel across England and Wales Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £65,000-£70,000 Key Responsibilities - About the Role You will lead Belong's programme portfolio, ensuring quality, consistency, and impact. You will work closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to shape strategy and contribute to organisational growth. Strategic Programme Leadership Lead the strategic development and delivery of Belong's place-based programmes Ensure programmes are aligned with Belong's mission, values and strategic objectives Oversee programme design, delivery, evaluation and learning Line manage Assistant Director, Programme Leads and Programme Coordinators Apply systems thinking to understand interconnected community, policy and service ecosystems Ensure programme quality, consistency and impact across all delivery areas Ensure close alignment with the Policy & Research team so that delivery informs research priorities and vice versa Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with funders, commissioners, local authorities and community organisations Oversee management of politically sensitive work in place Represent Belong at national forums, events and networks Lead on co-design and collaborative approaches Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding Organisational Development Contribute to Belong's strategic planning and organisational growth Develop new programme models and approaches Support income generation through proposal development and funder engagement Share learning and insights across the organisation Note: This list is indicative and not exhaustive. About You We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with: Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios Strong insights and/or experience in delivering programmes in a related field Experience working at a senior level in charity, NGO or public sector Strong leadership and line management skills Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches Ability to manage stakeholders from strategic to community level Excellent strategic thinking and planning abilities Experience in income generation and bid development Understanding of social cohesion and integration issues Strong communication and influencing skills Experience in impact measurement and evaluation Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities Project and risk management skills Desirable: experience in Prevent, PCVE, community tensions/hate crime/misinformation Personal Qualities Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK Strategic and visionary thinker Collaborative and inclusive leader Diplomatic and politically astute Practical, focused and reliable Committed to personal and professional development Application Process Submit CV and answers (max 400 words each) to: Why are you interested in applying and how do your values align with our mission? What key achievements make you a strong candidate? How does your leadership style support others and create empowerment? Email: Subject: 'Application to role of Director of Programmes' Deadline: 23:59, Monday 12 January 2026 Interviews: First: 22 & 23 January (online) Second: 9 February (in-person)
