Reference: 98145
Date Added: 15 December 2025
Closing Date: 12 January 2026
Job Title: Director of Policy and Research
Working For: The Belong Network
Location: UK wide with regular travel across England and Wales
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Length of Contract: Permanent
Job Details
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more connected, less divided society. Established in 2019, Belong works across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities through research, policy, and practical delivery.
We are seeking a Director of Policy & Research, a senior leadership role at the heart of Belong’s mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join us during a period of growth and influence national conversations on cohesion and integration.
Role Overview
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Location: UK-wide with regular travel across England and Wales
Closing Date: 23:59, Monday 12 January 2026
As Director, you will lead Belong’s policy development and research strategy, ensuring our work is evidence-based and informed by lived experience. You will produce high-quality policy outputs, oversee research projects, and translate findings into actionable recommendations. The role involves influencing public discourse, representing Belong externally, and building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, and opinion formers. You will also line manage staff, contribute to strategic planning, and support income generation.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a strategic and insightful leader with proven experience in policy development and research leadership, strong understanding of social policy, and excellent communication skills. You should be able to simplify complex research into accessible messages and have knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development. Experience managing teams, budgets, and fundraising is essential. Personal qualities include political awareness, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Benefits
30 days annual leave
3% pension contribution
Hybrid working (typically 3 days in office)
Enhanced sick pay and family leave
Click the link below to view the full job pack in English and Welsh:
https://www.belongnetwork.co.uk/about-belong/work-with-us/director-of-policy-research/
Closing Date: 12 January 2026
Interview/Start Dates
Applications close at 23:59 on closing date. Please ensure your submission is received before this deadline. First interviews will take place online on 29–30 January, and second interviews will be held in person on 12 February.
Application Details
To apply, please email your CV and a Word document answering three application questions (to be provided) to recruitment@belongnetwork.co.uk with the subject line: Application to the role of Director of Policy & Research. Each question should be answered in no more than 400 words. If you have any questions or would like an informal discussion about the role, contact the same email address. Full details, including the job pack in English and Welsh, can be found here:
https://www.belongnetwork.co.uk/about-belong/work-with-us/director-of-policy-research/
Website: http://www.belongnetwork.co.uk