Director of Policy and Research Learning and Work Institute

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Join Learning and Work Institute as Director of Policy and Research. In this role, you will lead research and development across learning, skills, and employment areas, and contribute to policy which influences a fair and prosperous society.

• Location: Hybrid working (40% of time spent in London or Leicester offices)

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy, research and development organisation focused on lifelong learning, full employment, and better work. We research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice. Social and economic inclusion are at the heart of all we do as we work towards a fair and prosperous society.

We seek a Director of Policy and Research to join our senior leadership team. The Director of Policy and Research will play a key role in shaping the direction of the organisation. The opportunity is offered on a permanent basis, though Learning and Work Institute is welcoming of flexible working patterns and arrangements to be agreed upon appointment.

You will work closely with our Chief Executive and Board and lead a team of experts in research, analysis, and policy development whilst ensuring a significant positive impact across all areas of responsibility.

Our vision is for a prosperous and fair society in which learning and work provide opportunities for everyone to realise their potential and ambitions throughout life.

Our strategy focuses on four priorities to help us achieve this: Lifelong Learning, Essential Skills, Employment, and Better Work.

With aims to increase our recognition across a wider range of people, broaden our impact and recognition, and continue with our natural and sustainable growth, we seek a talented person who cares deeply about the outcomes we contribute towards and whose expertise and drive will ensure these goals are achieved.

• Ambition - The leading and most powerful voice for lifelong learning and better work.
• Expertise - Using evidence-based thinking to deliver real-world change in learning, skills, and employment.
• Independence - An unshakeable commitment to being open-minded, honest, and fair.
• Collaboration - Putting partnership and networking at the heart of what we do.

Our work involves a mix of research and analysis, evaluation, policy development, events, and campaigns. We aim to maximise our impact and reach through the quality of our work and by working in partnership, underpinned by:

• A fundamental commitment to equality and diversity: We seek to understand, challenge, and address inequalities in access to and achievement in learning and work.
• Strong leadership: Our Trustees and senior team need a wide spread of skills and experience, as well as reflecting the diversity of voices that our work encompasses.
• Professional and skilled team: We need a strong and thriving team with knowledge, credibility, and relationships across all of our priorities.
• Partnership: We build strong relationships with a wide range of supporters and partners, including working with international networks, to inform our work.
• Involvement: We seek to ensure that those whom our work seeks to benefit are involved in our work, maximising the voices of lived experience.
• Secure and diverse funding: We are clear about the work we want to carry out and aim to work with a wide range of funders and partners.
• Clear measurement of impact: We build clear measurements of the impact we want to achieve into our work, aiming to maximise its collective impact.

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:

If you would like to know more about this role, please contact Olivia Robson.