The organisation

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Ellwood Atfield is thrilled to partner with Power to Change who are a think-do tank that supports community business. It transforms bold ideas into action, giving communities the power to change what matters to them. The organisation recognises that community business plays a vital role in building stronger communities and creating better places to live. It has seen how people can create resilient and prosperous local economies when power rests in community hands.

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Power to Change also understands the barriers that can hinder success. Drawing on its experience, the organisation brings partners together to act, test, and learn what works. It works to shape the conditions necessary for community business to thrive.

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This is an exciting time to join an organisation that is relatively new to the thinktank landscape but is already making an impact, building on a decade of in-depth experience as a funder. Power to Change is guided by a think-do model that ensures all ideas are grounded in practice and reality.

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The opportunity

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Power to Change is seeking a Head of Policy and Research to manage a small team and drive the development and delivery of its policy and research strategy. The successful candidate will lead a robust research programme to maintain and enhance the evidence base, working closely with the Practice and Innovation Team to ensure integration with community business initiatives. This role involves developing compelling policy ideas that influence and elevate the impact and recognition of community business, while collaborating across internal and external stakeholders to build policies grounded in diverse experience and emerging social, political, and economic trends.

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As the public face of the policy function, the Head of Policy and Research will direct stakeholder engagement and public affairs efforts, including setting the agenda for policy-focused events and fostering relationships with policymakers, academics, and sector partners. The successful candidate will represent the organisation externally at meetings, conferences, and in the media, while managing the Policy and Research team and overseeing budgets, governance, and partnerships. Their strategic vision will help shape perceptions and behaviours to create long-term change in the community business sector.

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Experience required

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• Strong knowledge of policymaking, political trends, policy debates(especially in local economies and public service reform), political parties, and the community business sector.
• Skilled in research design, methodology, and conducting research to influence public debate.
• Proven experience in team leadership and line management.
• Effective communicator with the ability to synthesise complex information and influence through written and verbal communication.
• Experienced in partnership-building, coalition development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Capable project manager, including budget oversight.
• Skilled facilitator able to convene diverse groups, build consensus, and align discussions with strategic goals.
• Adaptable and strategic thinker with strong horizon scanning and cross-organisational collaboration abilities.

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Benefits

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• The starting salary for this role will be £60,000 (£63,500 where the role holder resides within the M25).  
• Hybrid working/Flexible working available
• Office based in London (SE1 6FE)
• Pension with 5% company contribution and4% employee contribution. 
• 25 days holiday plus 8 statutory holidays (pro-rata for part time roles). 
• Office closed between Christmas and New Year, and birthday leave. 
• Flexible hours and ways of working. 
• Wellbeing activity allowance, up to £250 a year. 
• Health Cash Plan, covering out of pocket NHS costs and an Employee Assistance Helpline. 
• Life insurance through Canada Life, covering 2x annual salary. 
• Generous maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave and pay. 

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How to apply

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A full candidate pack can be found here. To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV. 

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

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Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.