Policy Research Manager

Motability Foundation

Policy Research Manager driving policy insights and research at the Motability Foundation. Collaborating on advocacy efforts to enhance transport accessibility for disabled individuals.

Posted 6/22/2026full-timeHarlow • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £45,000 - £49,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Developing clear and persuasive evidence narratives that demonstrate the social value and impact of the Foundation’s work, drawing on research, evaluation findings and wider policy evidence.
Scoping, developing and oversight of rapid evidence reviews and insight summaries to inform policy positions, responses to consultations and support external engagement.
Delivering forward-looking policy analyses using futures and foresight approaches (including horizon scanning and trend synthesis), assessing potential implications for disabled people and organisational positioning.
Acting as the lead for policy-relevant research on welfare reform and related priority areas, synthesising internal and external evidence to inform organisational responses.
Supporting coordination with Motability Operations on shared policy and research priorities.
Supporting relationships with external partners including Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), think tanks and public research bodies, including representing the Foundation to contribute an evidence-informed perspective.
Supporting dissemination and engagement activity, including roundtables, briefings, thought pieces and events that help shape debate and explore innovative policy solutions.
Working collaboratively across the organisation to move our evidence and insight from reactive to proactive, strengthening our influence over time.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience conducting or coordinating research, evidence reviews or analysis in a policy, public affairs, research or related setting.
Familiarity with government policy-making processes, consultations and/or parliamentary engagement.
Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise written outputs.
Understanding of how research and evidence can be packaged and used effectively to inform or influence public policy.
Experience working with or alongside external organisations such as think tanks, charities, DPOs, academic or public research bodies.
Strong written communication skills and confidence contributing to external briefings, reports or events.
A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in a social science, public policy or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
Nice to haves:
Experience working on disability, welfare, transport or social policy issues.
Experience supporting advocacy or public affairs activity using evidence.
Experience designing or managing rapid evidence reviews or insight products.
A recognised professional research qualification such as the MRS Advanced Certificate, or equivalent professional research training.

Benefits

Comp & perks

26 days annual leave, plus the option to buy/ sell up to five days.
One wellbeing day for extra flexibility.
Pension scheme - Up to 20%, including a 10% non-contributory contribution and matched contributions up to 5%.
Life Assurance of four times your salary.
Private healthcare through BUPA for you and your family, along with a Medicash Health Plan.
Employee assistance programme: GP appointments, eye tests, flu vaccinations, sick pay and free gym and yoga sessions.
Enhanced Parental Leave, including Adoption Pay.
Free parking, EV charge points and a minibus service to/from the town centre and train station.
Fresh fruit, breakfast snacks, and a *Dress for Your Day* dress code.
Learning and development opportunities to help you grow.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

researchevidence reviewspolicy analysishorizon scanningtrend synthesissynthesising informationadvocacypublic affairsinsight productsevidence packaging

Soft Skills

written communicationcollaborationpersuasioncoordinationrelationship buildingengagementcritical thinkingclarityinfluenceproactive approach

Certifications

MRS Advanced Certificatepostgraduate qualification in social sciencepostgraduate qualification in public policy