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Policy and Research Officer

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Salary: £30,867
Location: London / Hybrid
Join the Centre for Young Lives
Help shape the future for children and young people
This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's most ambitious and influential organisations focused on improving the lives of children and young people.
Founded by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE, the Centre for Young Lives combines the rigour of a think-tank with the drive and energy of a campaigning organisation. We bring together advocacy, evidence, lived experience and policy expertise to influence government, shape national debate and drive meaningful change for children, young people and families.
In just a short time, we have established ourselves at the forefront of debates on mental health, education, early intervention, enrichment, youth services and wellbeing. We work with ministers, parliamentarians, officials, practitioners, philanthropists, businesses, charities and young people themselves to develop bold ideas and turn them into action.
Our work includes major national programmes such as Future Minds, Young Futures, Growing Up Well, early years reform and the development of our flagship Vulnerability Index. We are growing quickly and are looking for exceptional people to join our team at a pivotal moment in our development.
Why Join Us?
The Centre for Young Lives is small but highly influential. That means our team members have opportunities for influence and impact that would often take many years to achieve elsewhere.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Working here, you won't be waiting on the sidelines. You'll be trusted to lead projects, contribute ideas, build relationships with senior decision-makers, and see your work make a real difference.
You Will
- Be part of a mission-driven organisation tackling systemic barriers for young people.
- Help shape national conversations on social innovation and systems change through evidence and insight.
- Deliver meaningful, lasting improvements to outcomes for children and young people in local communities.
As part of the compensation package, you will also benefit from:
- A pension scheme, offering 7% employer contribution.
- A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays).
- Flexible, hybrid working arrangements (60% in office).
- Family-friendly policies that support wellbeing.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for people who are ambitious, motivated by social impact and excited by the opportunity to help shape the future for children and young people.
You will thrive at the Centre for Young Lives if you are:
- Intellectually curious.
- Entrepreneurial and solutions-focused.
- Relentlessly focused on impact.
- Proactive and forward-thinking.
- Comfortable working at pace.
- Committed to excellence.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
How To Apply
If this sounds like you, please send the following to Recruitment@centreforyounglives.org.uk:


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- a CV (maximum of two pages)
- a supporting statement setting out:
- Why you are interested in this role.
- How you meet the Essential Person Specification within the Job Description.
Please be advised roles may close early if the right candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and from underrepresented groups. We are committed to building a diverse team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we particularly welcome applications from racially marginalised communities.
We encourage applicants to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring form. This is anonymous and cannot be linked to your application, and helps us to better understand the diversity of candidates applying to join us.
Right to work
We expect all staff to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. The Centre for Young Lives cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.
This position was originally posted by the Centre for Young Lives and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.
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