Smart Thinking
@smartthinking.bsky.social
Smart Thinking is a platform and network for UK think tanks. We share their research, events and career opportunities as well as providing networks, training and knowledge sharing for those working in think tanks.
Pinned
Following the huge success of last year's inaugural awards the Smart Thinking Think Tank Awards are BACK for 2026 and officially open for applications!
Key info:
✅Free to apply
✅Open to all UK-based think tanks
✅11 categories up for grabs
All information can be found here: bit.ly/4al6UK5
Key info:
✅Free to apply
✅Open to all UK-based think tanks
✅11 categories up for grabs
All information can be found here: bit.ly/4al6UK5
For the final time - we are rounding up all the think tanks heading off to conference this week!
Want to find out which think tanks are hosting events at Conservative Party Conference and making the trip to Birmingham?
🖊️ Sign up for our general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
Want to find out which think tanks are hosting events at Conservative Party Conference and making the trip to Birmingham?
🖊️ Sign up for our general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
October 2, 2026 at 9:27 AM
For the final time - we are rounding up all the think tanks heading off to conference this week!
Want to find out which think tanks are hosting events at Conservative Party Conference and making the trip to Birmingham?
🖊️ Sign up for our general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
Want to find out which think tanks are hosting events at Conservative Party Conference and making the trip to Birmingham?
🖊️ Sign up for our general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
Another party conference incoming!
🚊The think tanks are heading off to Brighton and Green Party Conference this Friday. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day?
Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
🚊The think tanks are heading off to Brighton and Green Party Conference this Friday. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day?
Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
October 1, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Another party conference incoming!
🚊The think tanks are heading off to Brighton and Green Party Conference this Friday. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day?
Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
🚊The think tanks are heading off to Brighton and Green Party Conference this Friday. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day?
Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
@learnworkuk.bsky.social is hiring a Head of Research for their Skills and Better Work programme!
You will lead their projects which focus on getting more adults engaged in learning💡and developing their skills📈, whilst influencing national debate.
Apply here: bit.ly/477gRcp
You will lead their projects which focus on getting more adults engaged in learning💡and developing their skills📈, whilst influencing national debate.
Apply here: bit.ly/477gRcp
September 29, 2026 at 1:11 PM
@learnworkuk.bsky.social is hiring a Head of Research for their Skills and Better Work programme!
You will lead their projects which focus on getting more adults engaged in learning💡and developing their skills📈, whilst influencing national debate.
Apply here: bit.ly/477gRcp
You will lead their projects which focus on getting more adults engaged in learning💡and developing their skills📈, whilst influencing national debate.
Apply here: bit.ly/477gRcp
Very cool job alert 🚨
@csjthinktank.bsky.social is looking to hire an Events Manager to help deliver their growing events programme, from roundtables to party conferences, and work with high-profile speakers & partners.
If you’re a confident organiser, apply here!
bit.ly/47ozBE4
@csjthinktank.bsky.social is looking to hire an Events Manager to help deliver their growing events programme, from roundtables to party conferences, and work with high-profile speakers & partners.
If you’re a confident organiser, apply here!
bit.ly/47ozBE4
September 29, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Very cool job alert 🚨
@csjthinktank.bsky.social is looking to hire an Events Manager to help deliver their growing events programme, from roundtables to party conferences, and work with high-profile speakers & partners.
If you’re a confident organiser, apply here!
bit.ly/47ozBE4
@csjthinktank.bsky.social is looking to hire an Events Manager to help deliver their growing events programme, from roundtables to party conferences, and work with high-profile speakers & partners.
If you’re a confident organiser, apply here!
bit.ly/47ozBE4
It’s that time of the year again…
🚊The think tanks are heading off to Liverpool and Labour Party Conference this weekend. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day?
🖊️ Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
🚊The think tanks are heading off to Liverpool and Labour Party Conference this weekend. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day?
🖊️ Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
September 25, 2026 at 9:16 AM
It’s that time of the year again…
🚊The think tanks are heading off to Liverpool and Labour Party Conference this weekend. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day?
🖊️ Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
🚊The think tanks are heading off to Liverpool and Labour Party Conference this weekend. Want to find out which think tanks are hosting what events? In a handy guide for each day?
🖊️ Sign up here under general round up: eepurl.com/cRkrK5
What gets measured gets done.
Earlier today, we ran an online workshop which brought together over 30 think tankers from our member network to share how they measure impact - it was a great discussion with lots of food for thought!
Recording available for members 🤓
Earlier today, we ran an online workshop which brought together over 30 think tankers from our member network to share how they measure impact - it was a great discussion with lots of food for thought!
Recording available for members 🤓
September 24, 2026 at 2:03 PM
What gets measured gets done.
Earlier today, we ran an online workshop which brought together over 30 think tankers from our member network to share how they measure impact - it was a great discussion with lots of food for thought!
Recording available for members 🤓
Earlier today, we ran an online workshop which brought together over 30 think tankers from our member network to share how they measure impact - it was a great discussion with lots of food for thought!
Recording available for members 🤓
Do you enjoy directing and strategising comms???
🚩The Jobs Foundation is looking to hire a Communications Director!
In this role, you would grow their influence, shape campaigns + lead their comms strategy. Very exciting!
If this could be you, apply here: bit.ly/4rsgpi8
🚩The Jobs Foundation is looking to hire a Communications Director!
In this role, you would grow their influence, shape campaigns + lead their comms strategy. Very exciting!
If this could be you, apply here: bit.ly/4rsgpi8
September 23, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Do you enjoy directing and strategising comms???
🚩The Jobs Foundation is looking to hire a Communications Director!
In this role, you would grow their influence, shape campaigns + lead their comms strategy. Very exciting!
If this could be you, apply here: bit.ly/4rsgpi8
🚩The Jobs Foundation is looking to hire a Communications Director!
In this role, you would grow their influence, shape campaigns + lead their comms strategy. Very exciting!
If this could be you, apply here: bit.ly/4rsgpi8
🚩New development role at @csjthinktank.bsky.social!
CSJ is looking for a 'Senior Development Manager' to grow their supporter base, build donor relationships + secure new partnerships.
Interested?
Apply now: bit.ly/4h9fTSI
CSJ is looking for a 'Senior Development Manager' to grow their supporter base, build donor relationships + secure new partnerships.
Interested?
Apply now: bit.ly/4h9fTSI
September 23, 2026 at 9:11 AM
🚩New development role at @csjthinktank.bsky.social!
CSJ is looking for a 'Senior Development Manager' to grow their supporter base, build donor relationships + secure new partnerships.
Interested?
Apply now: bit.ly/4h9fTSI
CSJ is looking for a 'Senior Development Manager' to grow their supporter base, build donor relationships + secure new partnerships.
Interested?
Apply now: bit.ly/4h9fTSI
New fundraising role at think tank Theos! As Fundraising & Supporter Relations Officer you will grow their individual giving + supporter programme by managing key donor relationships, planning events + working closely with the comms team.
Apply now: bit.ly/4r9IRW0
Apply now: bit.ly/4r9IRW0
September 10, 2026 at 10:34 AM
New fundraising role at think tank Theos! As Fundraising & Supporter Relations Officer you will grow their individual giving + supporter programme by managing key donor relationships, planning events + working closely with the comms team.
Apply now: bit.ly/4r9IRW0
Apply now: bit.ly/4r9IRW0
⏰Applications for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Partnerships Manager role are closing soon! Interested in building relationships across business, academia + philanthropy and developing new funding opportunities in a think tank environment?
Apply now: bit.ly/4xwAbeF
Apply now: bit.ly/4xwAbeF
September 1, 2026 at 11:29 AM
⏰Applications for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Partnerships Manager role are closing soon! Interested in building relationships across business, academia + philanthropy and developing new funding opportunities in a think tank environment?
Apply now: bit.ly/4xwAbeF
Apply now: bit.ly/4xwAbeF
Reposted by Smart Thinking
I liked what @jennybrennan.bsky.social @aidanpeppin.bsky.social were doing with researchascraft.substack.com
@smartthinking.bsky.social have some useful articles (and training etc), Cast from Clay on influencing
I know of some books, & there'll be stuff internal to some orgs
But what's out there?
@smartthinking.bsky.social have some useful articles (and training etc), Cast from Clay on influencing
I know of some books, & there'll be stuff internal to some orgs
But what's out there?
Research as Craft | Substack
Research as Craft is a newsletter and community about how we can grow and improve as researchers. Click to read Research as Craft, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
researchascraft.substack.com
August 27, 2026 at 2:53 PM
I liked what @jennybrennan.bsky.social @aidanpeppin.bsky.social were doing with researchascraft.substack.com
@smartthinking.bsky.social have some useful articles (and training etc), Cast from Clay on influencing
I know of some books, & there'll be stuff internal to some orgs
But what's out there?
@smartthinking.bsky.social have some useful articles (and training etc), Cast from Clay on influencing
I know of some books, & there'll be stuff internal to some orgs
But what's out there?
CLOSING SOON! A fantastic opportunity at @demos-uk.bsky.social where you will lead their media strategy, grow their media network, engage day to day with journalists to maximise coverage of Demos' work and have a real impact.
Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4g8GL4E
Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4g8GL4E
August 19, 2026 at 9:19 AM
CLOSING SOON! A fantastic opportunity at @demos-uk.bsky.social where you will lead their media strategy, grow their media network, engage day to day with journalists to maximise coverage of Demos' work and have a real impact.
Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4g8GL4E
Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4g8GL4E
Applications for this year's Smart Thinking Awards have now closed and a staggering 50 think tanks have applied! The standard of entry was high so it is going to be very competitive - it is now over to the judges for the preliminary judging stage! 🏆
August 12, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Applications for this year's Smart Thinking Awards have now closed and a staggering 50 think tanks have applied! The standard of entry was high so it is going to be very competitive - it is now over to the judges for the preliminary judging stage! 🏆
Coming up this September we have our very popular Media Training! Spaces are limited but if you want to become more confident in talking to the media, understand how to effectively communicate your message and above all practice then find out more here: bit.ly/45ljeY1
August 11, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Coming up this September we have our very popular Media Training! Spaces are limited but if you want to become more confident in talking to the media, understand how to effectively communicate your message and above all practice then find out more here: bit.ly/45ljeY1
⏰Last chance to apply for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Events Officer role! As part of the events team you will get the chance to support the design and co-ordination of the Institute’s programme of public and private events.
Apply now: bit.ly/4gaZMTX
Apply now: bit.ly/4gaZMTX
August 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM
⏰Last chance to apply for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Events Officer role! As part of the events team you will get the chance to support the design and co-ordination of the Institute’s programme of public and private events.
Apply now: bit.ly/4gaZMTX
Apply now: bit.ly/4gaZMTX
Want to get started in think tanks? Interested in urban policy? @centreforcities.bsky.social 4-month External Affairs internship is now open for applications! You will get the chance to create content, support podcasts and get vital experience in policy comms.
Apply now: bit.ly/4fMvhSZ
Apply now: bit.ly/4fMvhSZ
July 30, 2026 at 7:56 AM
Want to get started in think tanks? Interested in urban policy? @centreforcities.bsky.social 4-month External Affairs internship is now open for applications! You will get the chance to create content, support podcasts and get vital experience in policy comms.
Apply now: bit.ly/4fMvhSZ
Apply now: bit.ly/4fMvhSZ
Closing soon! Last chance to apply for @nestauk.bsky.social role in their Centre for Collective Intelligence, taking ownership of their flagship product Zeitgeist and leading the development of digital tools for public participation.
Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4fhmnho
Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4fhmnho
July 29, 2026 at 10:53 AM
Closing soon! Last chance to apply for @nestauk.bsky.social role in their Centre for Collective Intelligence, taking ownership of their flagship product Zeitgeist and leading the development of digital tools for public participation.
Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4fhmnho
Interested? Apply now: bit.ly/4fhmnho
Looking for a new events role? Fancy working for a think tank? @smfthinktank.bsky.social are looking for an EVENTS OFFICER to help their events team organise interesting + impactful discussions between leading policy experts and high-profile politicians.
Apply now: bit.ly/4yx1k1F
Apply now: bit.ly/4yx1k1F
July 21, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Looking for a new events role? Fancy working for a think tank? @smfthinktank.bsky.social are looking for an EVENTS OFFICER to help their events team organise interesting + impactful discussions between leading policy experts and high-profile politicians.
Apply now: bit.ly/4yx1k1F
Apply now: bit.ly/4yx1k1F
CLOSING SOON! @nestauk.bsky.social are looking for a Freelance Policy Director for their The Policy Fix podcast. Exploring bold ideas + radical policy thinking to help drive the UK forward they need someone to shape the content and narrative direction of the show.
Interested? bit.ly/4vTrxWC
Interested? bit.ly/4vTrxWC
July 13, 2026 at 12:28 PM
CLOSING SOON! @nestauk.bsky.social are looking for a Freelance Policy Director for their The Policy Fix podcast. Exploring bold ideas + radical policy thinking to help drive the UK forward they need someone to shape the content and narrative direction of the show.
Interested? bit.ly/4vTrxWC
Interested? bit.ly/4vTrxWC
Brilliant new job at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk! Following a major strategy review this is a rare opportunity to become a core member of the senior team. You will build + lead an expanded research team + drive work on the ecosystem of central gov and parliament.
bit.ly/4v2N9Pf
bit.ly/4v2N9Pf
July 1, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Brilliant new job at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk! Following a major strategy review this is a rare opportunity to become a core member of the senior team. You will build + lead an expanded research team + drive work on the ecosystem of central gov and parliament.
bit.ly/4v2N9Pf
bit.ly/4v2N9Pf
Getting stuck in with our first round of press interviews in this month's media training. Very foreign policy focused today from our attendees so we are learning a lot!
#stmembers #thinktanks
#stmembers #thinktanks
June 17, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Getting stuck in with our first round of press interviews in this month's media training. Very foreign policy focused today from our attendees so we are learning a lot!
#stmembers #thinktanks
#stmembers #thinktanks
🚨New job alert!🚨 @csjthinktank.bsky.social are looking for a new HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT to join their small, high-performing fundraising team and play a key role in securing new funding as well as managing current donors.
Interested? Apply here: bit.ly/4xhQwEj
Interested? Apply here: bit.ly/4xhQwEj
June 5, 2026 at 9:27 AM
🚨New job alert!🚨 @csjthinktank.bsky.social are looking for a new HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT to join their small, high-performing fundraising team and play a key role in securing new funding as well as managing current donors.
Interested? Apply here: bit.ly/4xhQwEj
Interested? Apply here: bit.ly/4xhQwEj
Following the huge success of last year's inaugural awards the Smart Thinking Think Tank Awards are BACK for 2026 and officially open for applications!
Key info:
✅Free to apply
✅Open to all UK-based think tanks
✅11 categories up for grabs
All information can be found here: bit.ly/4al6UK5
Key info:
✅Free to apply
✅Open to all UK-based think tanks
✅11 categories up for grabs
All information can be found here: bit.ly/4al6UK5
June 1, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Following the huge success of last year's inaugural awards the Smart Thinking Think Tank Awards are BACK for 2026 and officially open for applications!
Key info:
✅Free to apply
✅Open to all UK-based think tanks
✅11 categories up for grabs
All information can be found here: bit.ly/4al6UK5
Key info:
✅Free to apply
✅Open to all UK-based think tanks
✅11 categories up for grabs
All information can be found here: bit.ly/4al6UK5
Our latest careers blog is with Emma Ma from think tank @hepi-news.bsky.social! As Director of Business Operations Emma plays an invaluable role across numerous areas of their work. If you would like to know more about what being a think tank ops director entails: bit.ly/4nR0vMn
May 21, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Our latest careers blog is with Emma Ma from think tank @hepi-news.bsky.social! As Director of Business Operations Emma plays an invaluable role across numerous areas of their work. If you would like to know more about what being a think tank ops director entails: bit.ly/4nR0vMn
🚨NEW JOB ALERT!🚨 @futuregovforum.bsky.social have a brilliant role now open - Head of Policy and Research!
You will lead the delivery of strategic research projects set out in their 3 year strategy, ensuring their work is underpinned by highly quality research.
Apply now: bit.ly/4wGR8C
You will lead the delivery of strategic research projects set out in their 3 year strategy, ensuring their work is underpinned by highly quality research.
Apply now: bit.ly/4wGR8C
May 20, 2026 at 8:37 AM
🚨NEW JOB ALERT!🚨 @futuregovforum.bsky.social have a brilliant role now open - Head of Policy and Research!
You will lead the delivery of strategic research projects set out in their 3 year strategy, ensuring their work is underpinned by highly quality research.
Apply now: bit.ly/4wGR8C
You will lead the delivery of strategic research projects set out in their 3 year strategy, ensuring their work is underpinned by highly quality research.
Apply now: bit.ly/4wGR8C