Policy Manager in Manchester

The HRA is a dynamic organisation, delivering excellent services through its committees, simplifying the health research process and championing research in the NHS. The HRA is a Non Departmental Public Body with the remit to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. We do this by supporting and promoting a robust and efficient regulatory and governance framework in the UK. We provide the Research Ethics Service (RES), Confidentiality Advice function, assessments and assurances on behalf of the NHS, and learning, guidance and advice for the research community. Our ambition is to make the UK a great place to do research, where more money invested in research goes into carrying out relevant, good quality research.

The Policy Manager helps the Health Research Authority (HRA) to make change happen. This is a key role within the Policy and Partnerships Directorate, leading projects, engagement and public involvement activities that form part of the Policy and Partnerships Directorate’s busy work plan.

Main duties of the job

• Working collaboratively to develop policy through desk research and the development of policy positions, gathering, analysing and sharing complex information from different sources to inform policy development.
• Independently plan and manage projects from initiation through to delivery, managing the project team, delegating tasks, managing risks and reporting progress as required.
• Keeping abreast of latest developments in the health and social care research environment, sharing knowledge with colleagues and identifying any necessary responses.
• Managing and influencing external stakeholders including patients, the public and research professionals through policy projects and engagement forums.
• Represent the HRA at conferences, training events and meetings with stakeholders.

Working for our organisation

Working at the HRA, we are reminded daily of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement – if it works for us, we will do our best to make it work for you.

Benefits

In return for your commitment, we offer excellent opportunities for personal development and a healthy work-life balance. The HRA is committed to promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality. The HRA welcomes and encourages applications from candidates meeting the role criteria, irrespective of age, gender identity and gender expression, disability, race, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, sex or sexual orientation, or any other personal circumstances. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made upon request for candidates with a disability. The HRA welcomes applicants who are interested in flexible working including job share, part time work, secondments or home-based working. Please discuss any preferred flexibility at your interview.

Qualifications

Relevant degree qualification or equivalent through demonstrable experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Expertise

• Knowledge of the UK health and care system.
• Knowledge of the UK research environment and research governance system.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to research.
• Knowledge of a range of stakeholders with an interest in health and social care research and established connections with them.

Experience

• Managing and developing health or research policy in a public sector organisation.
• Project management experience, including planning, risk management, reporting on progress and evaluating benefits.
• Producing well-drafted reports, papers and other communications using language suitable to the audience.
• Stakeholder engagement experience, including developing engagement plans, running stakeholder groups and incorporating feedback into the policy development process.
• Supporting committees or stakeholder groups, including liaising with members and writing minutes.

Analytical and judgement skills

• Ability to analyse complex information and distil key points.
• Ability to understand and interpret guidance and legislation.
• Ability to use judgement in giving policy advice, assessing options and managing stakeholders.

Interpersonal skills

• Good networking and influencing skills: an ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Negotiation skills, including an ability to say no.
• Diplomacy and sensitivity: able to handle difficult situations and diffuse tensions.
• Collaborative: supporting and seeking support from colleagues where work sits across departments.

Other

• Self-motivated, proactive, innovative, with ability to work independently and on own initiative.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to adjust priorities against a background of uncertainty.
• Resilient, able to maintain clear direction in face of criticism and controversy.