Research and Policy Director
| Posting date: | 05 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,378 to £62,457 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 June 2025 |
| Location: | SE16 2LJ |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 1 day per week |
| Company: | Restorative Justice for All CIC |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: |
Summary
About RJ4All
Restorative Justice for All (RJ4All) is a charitable, user-led international institute with a vision of a world that embraces the restorative justice values of power-sharing, fairness, equality, dignity and respect and where power abuse is rooted out. We pursue our vision by using the power of dialogue, education, sports, and art through the ethos of restorative justice.
The RJ4All Headquarters are in London at the RJ4All Rotherhithe Community Centre and we have a sister organisation based in Cyprus, “RJ4All Europe”.
Our mission centres on addressing power abuse, conflict, and poverty through the application of restorative justice values and practices. We advance equality, community cohesion, and human rights through multiple interconnected approaches. Our work encompasses delivering social justice and poverty relief projects, alongside educational programmes and youth clubs+ that foster understanding and growth. We facilitate intercultural dialogue initiatives and awareness-raising workshops while providing high-quality internships and volunteering opportunities that empower individuals to create positive change.
Job Overview
This is a key leadership role within RJ4All, reporting directly to the RJ4All Director and working in close collaboration with the UK Operations Director and the RJ4All Europe Manager. The Research & Policy Director will play a central role in strategically shaping the organisation’s growth and long-term impact by leading and expanding its research and policy work nationally and internationally. The postholder is expected to bring a high degree of independence, critical thinking, and creativity to the role, while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and alignment with RJ4All’s mission and core values.
The Research & Policy Director will provide thought leadership and direction to the organisation’s research and evidence base, ensuring that RJ4All’s activities remain at the forefront of innovation in restorative justice and social justice. This includes leading the design, implementation, and coordination of high-quality research projects at the local, national, and international levels. The postholder will also be responsible for developing policy responses, shaping advocacy strategies, and engaging with key legislative and policy developments in both the UK and internationally.
Key Job Objectives
Research & Evaluation, RJ4All Publications and Coordination
Lead on the development, coordination, and delivery of RJ4All’s research and evaluation work, as well as RJ4All Publications, ensuring they all align with the organisation’s mission and core areas of expertise. Coordinate and support the implementation of local, national, and international research and evaluation projects, including flagship programmes such as the Restorative Justice Postcode pilot, the Level 5 Diploma in Restorative Justice Practice, the International Symposia on Restorative Justice and the RJiNEAR model. Publish articles, briefings, and reports that elevate RJ4All’s influence and reputation as a thought leader in restorative justice and social justice fields.
Policy Development and Engagement
Monitor and respond to key UK and international legislative and policy developments, Lead on RJ4All’s contributions to public consultations, policy briefings, and strategic partnerships in the UK and internationally. Engage with EU-level regulatory frameworks and developments related to RJ4All’s areas of expertise. Ensure RJ4All’s evidence and practice inform, and are informed by, current policy debates and developments. Lead on the organisation and delivery of events disseminating RJ4All’s policy work including its activities during International Restorative Justice week and the RJ4All International Annual Conferences. Act as an ambassador for RJ4All’s research and policy voice in academic, policy, and public forums.
Cross-Organisational Collaboration
Work closely with the UK Operations Director, the RJ4All Europe Manager and RJ4All Publications Secretariat to foster collaboration across all RJ4All branches and arms. Ensure strategic coherence and shared learning between them including research outputs, funding opportunities, and joint projects.
Income generation & Staff Management
Contribute to the development of strategic funding proposals in alignment with research and policy priorities, in partnership with the other Directors. Work with the marketing team to sell RJ4All Publications and RJ4All Education services. Manage the Research and Policy staff and volunteers.
Key Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master's Degree in social sciences/ law
Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a relevant field
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in research and policy development, writing papers and communicating them
Experience in managing projects, internal communications and paid and volunteering personnel
Knowledge of restorative justice and RJ4All areas of expertise
Experience in academic publishing and evaluations
Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to contribute to decision-making and planning
Excellent attention to detail, well-developed organisational skills, and ability to deliver on a deadline
And more!
How to apply
Please email your CV, Cover Letter, and Diversity Monitoring Form to vacancies@rj4all.org by June 15th, 2025, at 5:00pm.
Restorative Justice for All (RJ4All) is a charitable, user-led international institute with a vision of a world that embraces the restorative justice values of power-sharing, fairness, equality, dignity and respect and where power abuse is rooted out. We pursue our vision by using the power of dialogue, education, sports, and art through the ethos of restorative justice.
The RJ4All Headquarters are in London at the RJ4All Rotherhithe Community Centre and we have a sister organisation based in Cyprus, “RJ4All Europe”.
Our mission centres on addressing power abuse, conflict, and poverty through the application of restorative justice values and practices. We advance equality, community cohesion, and human rights through multiple interconnected approaches. Our work encompasses delivering social justice and poverty relief projects, alongside educational programmes and youth clubs+ that foster understanding and growth. We facilitate intercultural dialogue initiatives and awareness-raising workshops while providing high-quality internships and volunteering opportunities that empower individuals to create positive change.
Job Overview
This is a key leadership role within RJ4All, reporting directly to the RJ4All Director and working in close collaboration with the UK Operations Director and the RJ4All Europe Manager. The Research & Policy Director will play a central role in strategically shaping the organisation’s growth and long-term impact by leading and expanding its research and policy work nationally and internationally. The postholder is expected to bring a high degree of independence, critical thinking, and creativity to the role, while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and alignment with RJ4All’s mission and core values.
The Research & Policy Director will provide thought leadership and direction to the organisation’s research and evidence base, ensuring that RJ4All’s activities remain at the forefront of innovation in restorative justice and social justice. This includes leading the design, implementation, and coordination of high-quality research projects at the local, national, and international levels. The postholder will also be responsible for developing policy responses, shaping advocacy strategies, and engaging with key legislative and policy developments in both the UK and internationally.
Key Job Objectives
Research & Evaluation, RJ4All Publications and Coordination
Lead on the development, coordination, and delivery of RJ4All’s research and evaluation work, as well as RJ4All Publications, ensuring they all align with the organisation’s mission and core areas of expertise. Coordinate and support the implementation of local, national, and international research and evaluation projects, including flagship programmes such as the Restorative Justice Postcode pilot, the Level 5 Diploma in Restorative Justice Practice, the International Symposia on Restorative Justice and the RJiNEAR model. Publish articles, briefings, and reports that elevate RJ4All’s influence and reputation as a thought leader in restorative justice and social justice fields.
Policy Development and Engagement
Monitor and respond to key UK and international legislative and policy developments, Lead on RJ4All’s contributions to public consultations, policy briefings, and strategic partnerships in the UK and internationally. Engage with EU-level regulatory frameworks and developments related to RJ4All’s areas of expertise. Ensure RJ4All’s evidence and practice inform, and are informed by, current policy debates and developments. Lead on the organisation and delivery of events disseminating RJ4All’s policy work including its activities during International Restorative Justice week and the RJ4All International Annual Conferences. Act as an ambassador for RJ4All’s research and policy voice in academic, policy, and public forums.
Cross-Organisational Collaboration
Work closely with the UK Operations Director, the RJ4All Europe Manager and RJ4All Publications Secretariat to foster collaboration across all RJ4All branches and arms. Ensure strategic coherence and shared learning between them including research outputs, funding opportunities, and joint projects.
Income generation & Staff Management
Contribute to the development of strategic funding proposals in alignment with research and policy priorities, in partnership with the other Directors. Work with the marketing team to sell RJ4All Publications and RJ4All Education services. Manage the Research and Policy staff and volunteers.
Key Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master's Degree in social sciences/ law
Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a relevant field
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in research and policy development, writing papers and communicating them
Experience in managing projects, internal communications and paid and volunteering personnel
Knowledge of restorative justice and RJ4All areas of expertise
Experience in academic publishing and evaluations
Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to contribute to decision-making and planning
Excellent attention to detail, well-developed organisational skills, and ability to deliver on a deadline
And more!
How to apply
Please email your CV, Cover Letter, and Diversity Monitoring Form to vacancies@rj4all.org by June 15th, 2025, at 5:00pm.