At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team managing the UK's research assessment process and support high-profile projects.
- Company: Be part of UK Research and Innovation, a leader in higher education research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the research community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong IT skills, team player, and experience in organising meetings or events.
The predicted salary is between 30895 - 30895 £ per year.
Salary: £30,895 per annum
Hours: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed Term until January 2030
Location: Westward House, Stoke Gifford, Bristol (hybrid)
Grade: UKRI Band C
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
About us:
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK. The REF is delivered by Research England on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies. Research England is a council within UK Research and Innovation.
The REF Delivery Team is responsible for all administrative tasks throughout this complex, large-scale project. Key to the success of the REF project is team working, and while all members of the REF Delivery Team will have individual responsibilities, they will need to work together to support the delivery of key tasks during peak periods.
Main outputs and activities:
- Develop and maintain a good general knowledge of the REF process and administrative requirements of the exercise, and report on progress to the senior colleagues as appropriate.
- Proactively and effectively manage multiple complex diaries, making appropriate use of time and resources, taking advice as necessary.
- Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Plan meetings, visits and other events ensuring all details are confirmed and correct and that plans are within budget.
- Organise all travel and accommodation.
- Organise and circulate relevant papers, briefing notes and action notes for meetings.
- Develop and maintain spreadsheets and databases as needed.
- Support the delivery of the REF panel project, assisting the Panel Project Manager with large mail outs and data management.
- Act as a first point of contact for Panel and Advisory Group members’ administrative queries.
- Process panel member fees and expenses in a timely manner, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
- Liaise with panel members and secretariat staff on administrative issues.
- Share meeting information via the Panel Members’ Website or via email within an agreed timescale.
All members of the REF Administration Team will be responsible for responding to REF queries from our community. This requires building accurate knowledge of REF guidelines, criteria and procedures as these develop, and ensuring that enquiries are responded to accurately and in a timely manner.
Shortlisting Criteria:
- Self-starter – able to prioritise, manage and organise time well, anticipating peaks and troughs in workload.
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft software packages and a willingness to learn new IT packages as required.
- Ability to write emails, letters and draft papers clearly and accurately.
- A creative, flexible and positive approach to problem solving.
- Good team worker – committed to collaborating to achieving results.
- A flexible and positive approach to developing, maintaining and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience of organising and supporting high volumes of meetings or external events.
- Experience of working with databases and/or spreadsheets and maintaining accurate records.
- Ability to demonstrate accountability and ownership.
- Interest in developing knowledge of the higher education sector and the REF.
- Flexibility to travel to meetings, including sometimes working outside office hours.
Team members are expected to attend the office for monthly team meetings and quarterly planning days. In addition, they should be available to work on-site for extended ad hoc periods when required to support business-critical, collaborative projects.
Benefits:
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
- 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days.
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
- Flexible working options.
- Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
REF Delivery Officer in Bristol employer: UKRI
At UK Research and Innovation, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and continuous learning. As a REF Delivery Officer based in the vibrant location of Stoke Gifford, Bristol, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, all while contributing to a high-profile project that shapes the future of research in the UK. Our commitment to employee development and wellbeing ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land REF Delivery Officer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the REF or similar projects. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing the REF inside out. Familiarise yourself with its processes and recent developments. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. Whether it's drafting emails or discussing complex topics, being clear and concise is key. We all know how important it is to keep everyone on the same page!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace REF Delivery Officer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the REF Inside Out:Before you start your application, take some time to understand the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and its importance in the UK higher education landscape. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and show us that you're genuinely interested in the role.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:As a Delivery Officer, you'll be juggling multiple tasks. Make sure your application highlights your ability to manage complex diaries, organise meetings, and handle large volumes of information. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've done this in the past!
Tailor Your Writing Style:When drafting your application, pay attention to the language and style used in the job description. We want to see that you can write clearly and accurately, so make sure your emails and letters reflect the professional tone we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us that you're proactive and tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your REF Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and its significance in UK higher education. Familiarise yourself with recent developments and how they impact the role of a Delivery Officer. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Delivery Officer, you'll need to manage multiple complex tasks. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully organised events or managed diaries. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised tasks and handled any challenges that arose.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Teamwork is crucial for this role, so be prepared to talk about your experiences working collaboratively. Share specific instances where you supported colleagues during busy periods or contributed to team success. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to assist others.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be liaising with various stakeholders, so think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with different audiences in the past, whether through emails, meetings, or presentations. Tailor your examples to show your adaptability and professionalism.
