At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful policy development in higher education and knowledge exchange.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on societal and economic benefits through knowledge exchange.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in higher education while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46743 - 52000 £ per year.
Salary: £46,743 per annum
Band: UKRI - Band E
Hours: Full Time / Part Time (min 0.8 FTE) flexible working available
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Fixed end date, 4th June 2027)
Location: Westward House, Bristol
Closing Date: 23rd March 2026
About the role
We use the term knowledge exchange to cover the multiple interactions between universities and businesses, public services, charities and communities to create societal and economic benefit. These interactions include joint research and development projects, consultancy and training, knowledge transfer partnerships and setting up new companies and social enterprises.
We are looking for a very well-organised, self-motivated person, ideally with a background in higher education, knowledge exchange or research policy. Capable of working on their own initiative, the ideal candidate will contribute substantially to the delivery of policy. You will have strong project management skills, an analytical approach, and be a confident communicator with people at all levels. You will need to work flexibly to contribute fully within a small team, with a proactive approach to solving problems within challenging deadlines.
Your responsibilities:
- The Knowledge Exchange (KE) team cover a broad area of KE activities - making best use of resources and skills within a small team and ensuring broad understanding of all aspects of KE policy.
KE policy responsibilities of the post:
- Contribute to the development of KE policy and funding, particularly incorporating policy objectives within processes, while considering the level of institutional burden and monitoring information required. This will include:
- Contribute to the design and implementation of a programme of review to Research England's approach to Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF).
- Contribute to policy delivery on a range of KE topics, particularly on the delivery of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results.
- Supporting senior colleagues on the development of wider KE policy and funding, drawing together data and evidence and options as required as recommendations are developed on how policy objectives can be addressed and implemented.
- Support the effective distribution of formula funding for KE (HEIF), working with colleagues across Research England through analysis of funding data, creating options appraisals, and contributing to work required on funding assurance and accountability.
Personal Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
Essential
- Experience of policy development in a higher education, or research-based organization, with demonstrable interest in developing knowledge of how UKRI operates within the higher education sector.
- Experience of working effectively in a team, including planning and leading activities. (S+I)
- Strong project management and organisational skills, particularly relating to commissioning research/knowledge exchange awards, with the ability to forward plan time and resources accordingly.
- Numerate, with strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate and interpret information to form judgements, with an ability to present complex data clearly and effectively, both visually and in writing.
- Ability to write clear and accurate correspondence, appropriately tailored to the audience.
- Strong IT skills using Microsoft software packages (Word, Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint) and confident in working alongside/engaging with IT professionals engaged in technical delivery.
Locations
Senior Policy Adviser - Full Time in Bath, Somerset employer: Research England
At our Bristol location, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the higher education sector. With flexible working options and a commitment to professional development, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions to knowledge exchange can thrive, ensuring both personal and societal benefits. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values initiative and creativity in shaping effective policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Adviser - Full Time in Bath, Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its policies. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's answering common interview questions or discussing your experience, being articulate and confident can make a huge difference. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We often have exclusive listings and resources that can give you an edge in your job search. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Adviser - Full Time in Bath, Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide examples of your project management and analytical skills in action. We want to see how you've tackled challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. Remember, we appreciate well-structured correspondence that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Research England
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current policies related to knowledge exchange and higher education. Brush up on UKRI's role and recent developments in the sector. This will not only show your interest but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you demonstrated strong organisational skills and effective teamwork. Be ready to discuss how you planned, executed, and evaluated these projects, especially in a research or policy context.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role requires strong analytical skills, practice interpreting data and presenting it clearly. Bring along examples of how you've used data to inform policy decisions or project outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tailor Your Communication Style
Think about how to adapt your communication for different audiences. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past, whether through written correspondence or presentations.
