Job description
Role title: Health Inequalities Policy Officer
Contract type: Fixed-term or permanent, Part-time (30 hours)
Location: Office based in Oldham, Greater Manchester with travel around the UK.
Start date: January 2026.
Salary: £28-30k depending on experience. (FTE, pro rata 30 hours)
For an informal discussion around this role, please email sam.pratt@sharedhealth.org.uk
Application deadline: Monday 5th January 2026
Role summary:
Shared Health Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which is passionate reducing the impact of poverty on health. We are clinically led, and evidence based.
We are brave, determined and solution focused and are absolutely committed to raising awareness and bringing change for the experience of families who are homeless.
Shared Health has been advocating for change since 2018 and is proud to have been able to influence the conversation around homeless families in Greater Manchester, and nationally, through being co-secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Households in Temporary Accommodation. This role specialises in the people and policies that can positively impact the health outcomes for children living in temporary accommodation (TA).
The successful candidate will have an interest in the health inequalities fields, and an understanding of how these outcomes can impact children. They will have a strong understanding of how to build supportive and effective relationships with professionals and also have an eye for detail in helping gather evidence, understand data, and make recommendations for change.
They will understand how policies are changed within the NHS and have the tenacity and kindness to influence decision makers. The candidate will be advocating for the most vulnerable.
Main responsibilities:
● Formalise and facilitate an existing informal network of healthcare professionals interested in gathering evidence and supporting advocacy within their professional roles.
● Engage with the NHS, ICB and Public Health around the issues of TA for children.
● Lead a pilot project to be held in hospitals to produce a data set for admissions and accident rates for children in TA.
● Increase visibility of Shared Health Foundation’s recommendations for change within professional bodies, including but not restricted to the Royal Colleges of Medicine, Public Health England, and the Institute of Health Visitors.
● Work with practitioners, researchers and data collectors for national policy influence for maternal and child health in TA.
● Support civil servants at the Department of Health and Social Care to produce guidance.
Personal specification
Experience
Essential
– Engaging with health and sectors and professionals to see change implemented.
– Experience and/or knowledge of the impacts of health inequalities.
– Working with people from a variety of backgrounds and forging strong relationships.
– Public speaking and presentation experience.
Desirable
– Previously worked within the VCSE sector.
– Understanding of data collection and analysis.
Qualifications
Desirable
– Politics or health related qualification, either A-level or degree standard.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
– Understanding of UK politics and current affairs.
– Knowing how to influence decision makers.
Desirable
– An understanding of the housing process for families in the UK.
– An understanding of the impact of homelessness on children and adults.
Other
Essential
– Builds good relationships
– Is able to be professional and understand professional boundaries.
– Is an encourager, but knows when to stand up for what is right too.
To apply, send your CV and a cover letter to contact@sharedhealth.org.uk
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 30 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: Monday 5th January 2026
