The Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP) is Britain’s leading think tank on inclusive growth. We believe equity and economic efficiency can go hand-in-hand. We reject the old idea that prosperity or opportunity “trickles down” from successful people or places to the rest of us. Contributing to economic life should bring dignity for all; and in turn, our economy should help rather than hinder the flourishing of all people and places. At CPP we call this model inclusive growth.

At CPP we see people, place and productivity as the key drivers of inclusive growth. We are statisticians and storytellers. We convene cohorts of inclusive growth leaders – from community halls to city halls, to Whitehall – and share the best innovations and blueprints to inform their work. Our research is necessary but not sufficient: we want to nourish a community of like-minded thinkers and decision-makers across the country. Through our Inclusive Growth Network (IGN), we support places across the country to deliver inclusive growth in practice and demonstrate how national policy can be informed by local approaches and interventions.

This is an exciting time to join CPP. Our upcoming programmes of work – on how we can spend smarter across the public sector, support good jobs in all communities, and manage the industrial transitions the UK’s economy will face over the coming decade – are amongst our most ambitious yet. We will also be continuing to ramp up our on-the-ground efforts with IGN members across the UK to help them foster inclusive economies at a time of national political change.

We are looking for an outstanding Policy and Practice Officer to work across our twin programmes of policy and research and place and practice. You will play an integral role, working flexibly to produce impactful analysis and policy recommendations that will be read by senior politicians, civil servants, business leaders and journalists. You will have the chance to bring fresh ideas to inform our thinking as we seek to influence party manifestos ahead of the next general election.

We are open to considering candidates with varying levels of experience, but you should have existing experience as a researcher or policy officer at a minimum. This does not have to have been in think tanks, and we welcome those who have worked in local/national government, charity or private sector.

Key responsibilities

Conduct innovative, high-quality research designed to influence public policy and deliver real-world impact. Support places to embed inclusive growth by playing a key role in programme management of our Inclusive Growth Network.

Specific tasks will include a blend of activity across:

Research and policy:

• Contribute to empirical research projects and write compelling policy recommendations.
• Monitor relevant political and policy developments and build specialist knowledge in one or more research/policy areas.

Place and practice:

• Collaborate with stakeholders, including IGN members, partners, and funders/potential funders, to co-design and deliver impactful policy and practice.
• Coordinate IGN membership and support peer to peer learning. Support delivery of practical workshops and roundtables for the Inclusive Growth Network, including coordination, content scoping and materials.
• Develop practical resources and insights to share learning from the Network and demonstrate impact.

Communications:

• Support colleagues to disseminate research findings and IGN insights through communications and events across the country, including through drafting content for CPP and IGN newsletters.
• Produce quick analysis and commentary that can be used on social media, opinion pieces for press, and the CPP and IGN websites.

Other:

• Support the development of bids and project proposals for new work.
• Be an ambassador for CPP, representing CPP at external conferences and events. •
• Other tasks as required, potentially including recruitment and/or management of interns.

Person specification:

Essential:

• Experience of successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• A track record of drafting and publishing clear reports, articles and briefings at speed and for different audiences.
• Solid understanding of at least one major UK policy area: inclusive economic growth, devolution, education and skills, population health and public services.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, sharing and incorporating insights.
• Able to take responsibility for high quality outputs with clear attention to detail whilst being able to adapt to changing priorities and work at pace.
• Willingness to work in a small but highly productive and collaborative team.

Desirable:

• Experience of presenting research to a public audience.
• Quantitative and qualitative research experience.
• Experience of bid writing or income generation.