Director of Policy, Influence and Change at Impact on Urban Health

The Director of Policy, Influencing and Change will lead efforts to shape policy, influence practice, and channel resources towards effective approaches to advancing health equity, including spreading and scaling proven projects and ensuring their work has a wider impact.

This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering organisation committed to addressing some of the most significant health inequalities faced by people living in urban areas. Impact on Urban Health, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation, is dedicated to building health equity so that everyone, regardless of where they live in a city, has a fair and just chance to thrive and enjoy good health.

Urban areas such as inner-city London experience some of the most serious health disparities in the country. These challenges arise from social, economic, and environmental factors including financial insecurity, air pollution, access to nutritious food, and mental health. Impact on Urban Health focuses on the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark as a place-based starting point to test and support programmes addressing these issues. Through long-term partnerships, evidence-based innovation, and a strong commitment to racial equity and inclusion, the organisation works to remove barriers and improve health outcomes for marginalised communities.

The Director of Policy, Influencing and Change will play a vital role in advancing the organisation’s vision to shape policy, scale successful initiatives, and influence systems change at local and national levels. As a senior leader, the role involves overseeing a team dedicated to building partnerships, engaging with decision makers, and ensuring that Impact on Urban Health’s work achieves broad and lasting impact. This position requires a confident and thoughtful leader capable of navigating complex systems, fostering strong relationships across sectors, and passionately advocating for equity. 

This role offers the chance to be at the heart of a mission to transform urban health, beginning in Lambeth and Southwark and extending influence across cities nationally and beyond.