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- Tasks: Lead evidence-driven policy programmes on communities and social infrastructure.
- Company: Join the British Academy, the UK's national body for humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 34 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social policy and engage with diverse contributors.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of social policy and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture focused on learning, development, and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 46000 £ per year.
The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser to join our Public Policy Team. The role is crucial for the development and delivery of evidence-driven British Academy policy programmes on communities and social policy, using SHAPE research to impact policy outcomes that support the Academy’s and the Policy Directorate’s strategy.
The British Academy’s public policy programmes explore domestic policy challenges that SHAPE research (Social sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy/Environment), which can help policymakers to understand, reframe and find solutions. We work closely with our Fellows, alongside a diverse community of academics, experts, practitioners and importantly, policymakers. Our approach is focused on drawing together insights from SHAPE research and convening key figures to understand how these can be applied to policymaking. This gives us opportunities to bring fresh thinking to the most challenging issues, reframe debates, and develop new evidence-based solutions.
The Senior Policy Adviser will lead the delivery of evidence-driven policy programmes focused on communities and social infrastructure, with an opportunity at the outset to define the scope and strategy of these programmes. You will need understanding and knowledge of social policy, particularly areas of social policy relating to communities and civil society. You also need to be comfortable with bringing insights and analysis together and making new connections across policy themes to approach problems from a fresh perspective.
This is a varied role that requires ambition and confidence to engage with a wide variety of contributors to bring together the insights from our evidence base. You will have the ability to plan and deliver different types of activities: convening stakeholders, managing researchers, and collaborating with counterparts in academia and government.
You will be proactive and always looking for opportunities, using effective communication and developing or strengthening crucial relationships to extend the reach of our programme. You will often work independently, but won’t be on your own – we are a collaborative, supportive and friendly team of 12, working on the basis of mutual trust and responsibility, all working on different but connected areas, striving together to achieve our goals.
The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges require deep insight into people, culture and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debate; and brings together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy.
The Academy comprises five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a Governance & Fellowship Team.
Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.
Terms and conditions: The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 – a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.
We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.
Closing date: Midday on 23 March 2026.
Senior Policy Adviser (Public Policy) in Wendover employer: The British Academy
Contact Detail:
The British Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Adviser (Public Policy) in Wendover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public policy space, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Policy Adviser role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the British Academy and its current projects. Understand their approach to SHAPE research and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise during interviews by sharing specific examples of how you've tackled social policy challenges in the past. Use data and insights to back up your claims, demonstrating your ability to deliver evidence-driven solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our collaborative and supportive team at the British Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Adviser (Public Policy) in Wendover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with clues about what the British Academy is looking for in a Senior Policy Adviser. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience: When answering the application questions, highlight your experience in social policy and community engagement. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully tackled similar challenges in the past. This will help us see how you can bring fresh thinking to our team.
Be Authentic and Engaging: We want to get to know the real you! Write in a way that reflects your personality and passion for public policy. Don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm shine through; it’ll make your application stand out from the crowd.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary details and updates there, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Academy
✨Know Your SHAPE Research
Familiarise yourself with the SHAPE research framework and its implications for social policy. Be ready to discuss how this research can inform evidence-driven policy programmes, as it’s crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in convening stakeholders and managing collaborations. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully brought together diverse contributors to achieve a common goal.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to analyse complex social policy issues. Bring examples of how you've synthesised insights from various sources to create innovative solutions or reframed debates.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience working in collaborative environments. Discuss how you’ve built relationships and fostered teamwork, as this role thrives on mutual trust and shared responsibility within a supportive team.