Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead evidence-driven policy programmes on sustainability and environmental issues.
- Company: 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 environmental policy with leading experts in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of climate and environmental policy; strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on innovation and positive change in society.
The predicted salary is between 36740 - 41400 £ per year.
£40,926
18-month fixed-term contract
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 in the area of environmental policy and sustainability, using SHAPE research to impact policy outcomes that support the Academy’s and the Policy Directorate’s strategy.
the role
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) can help policymakers to understand, reframe and find solutions to. We work closely with our Fellows, who are some of the world’s leading experts, 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 Sustainable Futures policy programmes, with an opportunity at the outset to define the scope and strategy of these programmes. The role needs someone with understanding and knowledge of climate, nature and environmental policy from academia, policy or practice. It also needs someone comfortable 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 someone ambitious 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 activity: 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 your 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.
About the Academy
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 can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.
The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.
Working at the Academy
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.
Find out more about the British Academy, including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement.
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.
How to apply
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.
Please contact the HR team at
hrteam@thebritishacademy.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Please click Apply to apply on the Applied recruitment platform.
Applications must be received no later than 12:00 noon on 31 October 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Policy Adviser employer: The Training Brokers Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Training Brokers Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of environmental policy and sustainability. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to chat with people who are already in the game. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your previous work related to SHAPE research and environmental policy. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations like the British Academy and express your interest in potential roles. A friendly email can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve made it super easy for you to submit your application via Applied. Make sure to tailor your responses to showcase how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Policy Adviser. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the Senior Policy Adviser role entails and how your skills align with the requirements. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience: When answering the application questions, highlight your relevant experience in environmental policy and sustainability. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. We want to see how your background can contribute to our mission!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your written responses. We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you! Share your passion for SHAPE research and how it drives your approach to policymaking.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website using the Applied platform. It’s designed to make the process fair and straightforward. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Training Brokers Ltd
✨Know Your SHAPE Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the SHAPE research areas relevant to the role. Brush up on recent studies and findings in social sciences, humanities, and the arts that relate to environmental policy. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to evidence-driven policy-making.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, and practitioners. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully convened or collaborated with diverse groups. This will highlight your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
Be ready to share specific instances where you identified opportunities for policy development or improvement. The British Academy values a proactive approach, so think about how you can bring fresh perspectives to their Sustainable Futures programmes and articulate your vision during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex policy issues. Use concise language and avoid jargon unless necessary. This will help you connect better with the interviewers and convey your ideas effectively.