Social Impact Consultant

FYI We are not accepting applications via LinkedIn 'Apply'. Please use the external link to our application platform if you are interested in applying. https://lnkd.in/eiQd8AUx

As a Consultant, you will manage a variety of evaluation, learning and co-design consultancy projects with charitable funders, charities, local authorities and public bodies. Our projects are varied but often include delivering: evaluations that involve primary and secondary data collection using mixed methods, analysis and impact measurement; learning partnerships with funders co-designing services with people with lived experience of social issues; developing accessible learning outputs for clients and stakeholders such as reports, case studies, blogs and presentations. We also provide strategic advice and learning partnerships that help organisations build a culture of learning and adaptation and we are known for engaging in large, complex place-based programmes of change.

You will play a key role in ensuring that projects are delivered to a high standard, on time and within budget. You will draw on your expertise in research methods, analysis, facilitation and project management to manage projects as part of multi-disciplinary teams. You will be the main point of contact for clients and ensure effective budget and resource management. Our project allocations are matched to your skills and interests wherever possible, providing room for professional development across sectors, themes and methodologies.

Alongside project delivery, you will contribute to business development by supporting proposal writing, relationship-building with prospective and existing clients and shaping new work aligned with our strategy.

Our client base includes organisations such as BBC Children in Need, Mission 44, Youth Endowment Fund, EY Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, City Bridge Foundation, the Mayor of London’s Office and various local authorities. We work across diverse policy areas including youth social action, prevention of violence, public health and education.

Recent and current projects illustrate the diversity of our work:

·      Partnering with a national youth funder to shift power to youth organisations and Black-led groups with a focus on anti-racism and youth empowerment.

·      Acting as learning partner for a foundation working with multi-academy trusts and charities to prevent school exclusions, supporting pilots and cross-sector learning.

·      Building an evaluation framework for a foundation that is shifting its strategy from service delivery-focused to being systems change-focused.

Joining us as a Consultant is an excellent opportunity for someone who is curious, proactive and motivated by social impact. You will gain varied experience, deepen your expertise in research, evaluation and learning and contribute to addressing the root causes of social and economic exclusion across the UK.

Responsibilities:

1. Project Management & Delivery

• Lead the delivery of multiple evaluation and learning projects simultaneously, serving as the key point of contact for clients, partners and community stakeholders.
• Mobilise projects from inception through to completion, ensuring delivery against agreed milestones, timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Establish and maintain project governance structures, monitoring progress, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Manage project budgets, including approving expenses, tracking financial reporting, and ensuring timely invoicing and payments.
• Assign and brief project teams, including internal colleagues, associates, sub-contractors and community stakeholders.
• Ensure all projects adhere to ethical, inclusive and participatory practices.

2. Research, Evaluation & Analysis

• Design and implement high-quality, ethical research and evaluation methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups and workshops.
• Develop research frameworks, including research questions, data collection methods and analysis plans.
• Conduct and manage robust analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights.
• Train and build the capacity of clients, community participants, and colleagues in research methods, impact measurement and data analysis.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of insightful, evidence-based reports, presentations and storytelling outputs tailored to diverse audiences.

3. Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, proactive relationships with clients, partners, and community stakeholders to ensure sustained engagement and collaboration.
• Present findings and recommendations clearly to clients, stakeholders, and public audiences through reports, presentations, workshops and events.
• Support clients in applying insights to inform strategy, policy and practice.
• Act as a critical friend and advisor to clients, providing constructive challenge and guidance.

4. Business Development

• Contribute to the preparation of proposals, pitches, and budgets for new work, supporting the organisation’s growth.
• Help nurture existing client relationships, identifying opportunities to expand and deepen partnerships.
• Represent the organisation at external events, conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to public-facing communications, such as blogs and thought leadership pieces, to showcase organisational expertise.

5. Team Collaboration & Organisational Support

• Provide guidance and informal support to junior team members and new joiners, and contribute to their professional development.
• Contribute to internal team learning and development initiatives, including knowledge sharing on methodologies, DEI practices and systems change approaches.
• Ensure accurate time recording, forecasting and documentation of work.
• Participate actively in team meetings, planning sessions, and organisational initiatives, including promoting sustainability, equity and inclusion.

Person Specification:

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum three years of applied experience in social research, evaluation, and impact measurement using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Proven experience managing research, evaluation, or learning projects from inception to delivery, including client and partner relationship management.
• Experience developing evaluation and learning frameworks, theories of change, and generating evidence-based, high-impact recommendations.
• Strong understanding of impact measurement, learning and evaluation methodologies, and the trade-offs involved in evidentiary quality and practical delivery.
• Experience designing and delivering research within a strong ethical framework, with particular attention to community-based and participatory methods.
• Experience producing a range of research, evaluation or learning outputs (reports, presentations, blogs) for varied audiences, including community stakeholders, public sector and funders.
• Knowledge of the social issues affecting communities, grassroots organisations, and/or local government.
• Understanding of the ethics of community participation and addressing power imbalances in facilitation and research.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, accessible outputs for diverse audiences.
• Strong facilitation skills, including designing and leading workshops (e.g. for developing theories of change) across varied stakeholder groups.
• Confidence in liaising and negotiating with clients, including presenting findings and managing expectations.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust and engage empathetically with colleagues, clients, and vulnerable groups.
• Proven ability to prioritise, plan, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to act on own initiative while contributing to team goals.
• Comfortable working across different projects, sectors, and with diverse participant groups.
• Interest and flexibility to work across multiple social impact sectors.
• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in all work.

Desirable Experience & Attributes

• Experience of line management, mentoring, or supporting the progression of junior colleagues.
• Familiarity with co-production, human-centred design, and participatory engagement methods.
• Experience working directly with young people or in youth-led programmes.
• Knowledge and/or experience of community development, grassroots initiatives, place-based approaches, and/or local government service delivery.
• Expertise in proposal writing, budget development and contributing to business development.
• Ability to manage complex group dynamics and facilitate inclusive, constructive dialogue.

Qualifications

None are specifically required for this role. In order to take a more inclusive and diverse approach to recruitment we would rather see evidence of skills through experience and previous outputs.

Values & Commitments

• Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Alignment with the organisation’s values and ethos.
• Interest in contributing to internal organisational learning and sustainability.