About us
The Runnymede Trust is the UK’s leading independent race equality think tank. For over 50 years, we have worked to challenge racial inequalities and create a more just and equitable society through high-quality research, evidence-based policy development, and public engagement.
Our work is grounded in the belief that racial justice is essential to a thriving democracy and a fair society. We work across a wide range of issues including education, employment, criminal justice, health, migration, housing, and economic inequality - centring the lived experiences and voices of racially minoritised communities throughout our work.
We combine rigorous research with advocacy, strategic partnerships, and influencing work to shape public debate and drive systemic change. Our work seeks not only to understand inequality, but to challenge the structures and systems that sustain it.
To support the delivery of our mission, we are guided by a set of core values that shape both our work and our culture:
We’re uncompromising on quality and evidence - producing rigorous, credible work that drives informed debate and meaningful change.
Our work is rooted in care - centring humanity, wellbeing, and respect in how we work with communities, partners, and each other.
We believe in the power of solidarity - recognising that collective action and collaboration are essential to achieving racial justice.
We are thoughtfully courageous - willing to challenge injustice, ask difficult questions, and speak truthfully with integrity and purpose.
As an organisation, we are committed to anti-racism, equity, collaboration, and intellectual integrity. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive working environment where colleagues are empowered to contribute, develop, and make meaningful impact.
Finances
Runnymede Trust has incurred planned deficits over the past few years as it has used monies received from a spike in funding from the death of George Floyd. We have undertaken a significant exercise over the last few months to ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation as well as ensuring that our financial approach reflects the strategic aims of the charity by being able to be in control of our own work through core unrestricted funding.
Equity, diversity and inclusion statement
The Runnymede Trust is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable and supportive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As an organisation dedicated to racial justice and social equity, we recognise that a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives strengthens our work, challenges our thinking and improves decision-making.
We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and racially minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people with caring responsibilities, people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and others who are underrepresented within the charity, policy and research sectors. In our recruitment processes, we value the skills, knowledge, experience and perspectives that individuals can bring, particularly where these contribute to broadening representation and bringing insights that are not currently reflected within our organisation.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please let us know.
We recognise that candidates may not meet every requirement in the person specification. If you are excited by the role and believe you can make a strong contribution to our work, we encourage you to apply.
This job description provides an overview of the role and may evolve over time in line with organisational priorities.