Policy & Research Officer

We are looking for a passionate and committed individual with experience of policy and research, to support our work to influence strategic change.   

We strongly encourage applications from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller people. 

Are you interested? If you would like to talk to us about our organisation’s work or chat informally about the role, contact Ilinca Diaconescu on LGT's info email or ring our office number 

Date for interviews: 12th March 2024

Who we are

London Gypsies and Travellers is an organisation which challenges social exclusion and discrimination, working for change in partnership with Gypsies and Travellers. We work with families across London Boroughs, living on council caravan sites, roadside camps, with those living in bricks and mortar housing, and those experiencing homelessness. We work together with Gypsies and Travellers to build the capacity of individuals and their communities to influence the decisions that affect their lives. For more information visit our website 

Job Purpose

The key purpose of the role is to support LGT’s work to influence strategic change at London-wide and Borough level, through policy and research focused on accommodation and equality.

Our policy work is focused on influencing strategic London-wide policies and practice, but we recognise the importance of working across all levels of government. We work collaboratively with communities, decision makers and other stakeholders to achieve positive change, while challenging policy and legislation that discriminate and impact negatively on Gypsies and Travellers.

The key issues we focus on in our policy work are accommodation and equalities. We aim to strengthen the voice of Gypsy and Traveller Londoners to gain the recognition, inclusion and equality which are their human rights. Our policy work is rooted in the needs and aspirations of Gypsies and Travellers, and complements the community development, campaigns, communications and advocacy work we do, seeking opportunities for people to be involved in influencing long-term change.

Working within the Community Development team, the Policy and Research Officer would be involved in the delivery of several ongoing and new projects including:

·       Training for local authorities on Negotiated Stopping

·       Monitoring opportunities to feed into Local Plans and the delivery of sites across London Boroughs

·       Better Temporary Accommodation for Londoners

·       London Gypsy and Traveller Forum quarterly meetings

·       London Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment and review of the London Plan

Role and responsibilities

1.    To keep abreast of policy development in relation to Gypsies and Travellers on a national, London-wide, and local level with a focus on housing and planning, and gain an understanding of relevant research and good practice

2.    To provide accessible policy advice and briefings for LGT’s Borough and London-wide work (for example on issues such as Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessments, Local Plans, London Plan, Temporary Accommodation etc)

3.    To conduct data analysis and research to inform LGT’s policy, campaigns and communications work.

4.    To support the Community Development team in organising meetings, events and training with the aim of influencing policy and decision-makers

5.    To build constructive working relationships with policy and decision-makers and other stakeholders

6.    To support teams with report writing (for example impact/funding reports, reports and communications about LGT’s strategic work)

7.    To support organisational knowledge capture through accessible documentation of LGT’s policy work within the London context

 Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential

1.             A commitment to equality and challenging discrimination

2.             Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of policy and legislation in areas such as housing, planning and equalities

3.             Ability to digest and summarise complex documents, and to communicate key points in an accessible way.

4.             Experience in organising meetings and events

5.             Ability to conduct research, monitoring and data analysis

6.             Ability to build positive relationships and develop potential partnerships with a wide range of agencies and politicians

7.             Good communication skills, both written and oral, with a wide range of audiences. 

8.             Good IT and administrative skills and the ability to write reports and keep accessible records.

9.             Ability to contribute to projects in terms of planning, implementation, and evaluation

10.          Ability to work flexibly to respond to changing needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community and the organisation and to prioritise work within the resources available.

Desirable

11.          Experience of working on policy and research related to Gypsy and Traveller communities