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Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems

Are you energised by digging into problems and challenging assumptions? Are you inspired by designing new solutions to big social challenges? Are you motivated by helping people transform the systems around them?

Working at Innovation Unit might be your next big adventure.

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Innovation Unit’s mission

Innovation Unit is a not for profit social enterprise with a mission to grow and scale the boldest and best innovations that deliver long-term impact for people, address persistent inequalities, and transform the systems that surround them.

We have extensive years experience of doing this work with ambitious partners in local and central government, schools and hospitals, voluntary and community sector organisations, trusts and foundations.

What's it like to work at IU?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to how we work. This means members of our team could be focused on one significant project for a lengthy period of time, or could be working across two to three projects for shorter bursts.

We have a clear team structure and leadership, and we are not keen on hierarchy. We encourage everyone to use their initiative, take responsibility and manage risk. We help everyone to learn and grow through informal and structured development.

We encourage learning and flexibility – so we help people adapt to each new piece of work through strong team leadership and connections with others for ideas, advice and support.

And we offer a range of benefits including pension contributions, pension salary exchange scheme, life cover, childcare vouchers, agile hours and generous 27 days leave plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure.

 

Who works at IU?

We have colleagues in London, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and places in between, with access to offices in central London and Manchester. Our people have a range of backgrounds – some, not all, have worked in innovation and our areas of focus before; everyone has transferable skills which bring new ideas, creativity and energy into the organisation. We have researchers, service designers and programme managers working alongside nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and central and local government leaders.

We put lived experience at the heart of the work we do at Innovation Unit – whether through co-design, storytelling or participatory research. Much of our work is place based and within the mental health, health, children’s social care, and criminal justice systems. 

We are committed to becoming an anti-racist organisation, and strongly encourage people of colour to apply. We also welcome applications by candidates from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, those with disabilities as well as those who identify with any other underrepresented group. 

Our current vacancies

Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems – working at Innovation Unit might be your next big adventure.

Apply to work at Innovation Unit

Innovation Unit is an accredited Living Wage Employer and is committed to paying a wage based on the cost of living to all their staff.

Living Wage Employer