The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Policy and Data Analyst to join our Higher Education and Research Policy team, providing key support in the delivery of data analysis and presentation on matters relating to higher education, teaching, and research policy.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Policy and Data Analyst will work closely with the other members of the Higher Education and Research (HE&R) Policy team (currently ten people) to conduct data sourcing, analysis and visualisation across our projects. The HE&R team is a collaborative, productive and high-performing team, which is part of the Academy’s Policy Directorate. We work to position the Academy as a thought leader on Higher Education and Research policy, engaging in evidence-based policy to influence the health and vibrancy of our disciplines throughout the education pipeline. This involves a combination of reactive responses to policy developments as they occur, and proactive planned projects designed to strengthen our evidence base, support the SHAPE discipline community and stimulate debate.

In an exciting new role, the Policy and Data Analyst will source, monitor and evaluate data and play a significant part in developing the Academy’s SHAPE Observatory. The Observatory investigates the health of the SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy) disciplines. The postholder is expected to take a proactive and collaborative approach in developing and maintaining an evidence base that will play a significant role in how the Academy promotes and makes the case for its disciplines. Programmes of work in the HE&R team cover the breadth of higher education teaching and research policy related to the SHAPE disciplines. These assessments underpin substantial policy programmes which inform ongoing policy debate about SHAPE teaching and research in the UK, including its societal and economic value (from local to international), R&D performance and role in key government agendas.

Joining an enthusiastic, close team of policy experts, the Policy & Data Analyst is expected to work with the wider policy teams and across the Academy to tailor our data analysis and monitoring to the most pressing issues in higher education and skills policy work. They will also have the opportunity to get involved in various Academy initiatives, from affinity groups and EDI planning, to monitoring and evaluating our performance.

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Evidence gathering and analysis

• Research, evaluate and interpret policy issues using quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine data from a variety of data sources including HESA, UCAS, ONS, UKRI, and Gov.uk.

• Identify evidence and data - including gaps and trends - that provide insight into and further the Academy’s goal of demonstrating the health and benefits of the SHAPE disciplines.

• Produce statistical notes, data visualisations, databases and statistical analysis as needed.

• Contribute towards reviewing and updating the HE&R team’s data analysis systems and processes, working with the team to identify where developments are needed, to better generate insights and evidence.

Producing policy outputs and outcomes

• Utilise research and analysis to support the development and delivery of policy projects, sometimes within larger programmes, under the HE&R policy workplan.

• Balance a range of projects and activities, including organising meetings, contributing to reports and consultation responses, and undertaking background research as necessary.

• Support the publication, launch and dissemination of relevant outputs and work with Academy colleagues to ensure relevant and timely and communication of the Academy’s higher education policy positions.

Stakeholder engagement

• Engage effectively with the interests, strategies and policies of stakeholders, using evidence to advance the development, visibility and impact of the Higher Education and Research policy programme, including working with committees, steering and advisory groups and the Academy’s Fellowship as appropriate.

• Develop and maintain partnerships, identifying opportunities for collaboration with external bodies and data holders where appropriate, seeking to understand the totality of the higher education data landscape and to advocate for the Observatory.

• Represent the Academy at appropriate meetings and events, presenting the Academy’s views and positions.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

Higher Education and Research team, and Director of Policy; News and Public Affairs team; Research Funding team; Monitoring and Evaluation Team

External

Includes but not limited to other National Academies and Higher Education or research representative bodies, and data holders in the sector.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

N/A

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Creates productive working relationships with others internally, particularly in working with committees and working groups, and with academics, to increase engagement in policy work

• Can build and maintain effective relationships with, and work in partnership with, other organisations in the higher education or SHAPE community, including data holders and providers.

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative and not waiting to be asked.

• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, in both written and oral communications.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Can demonstrate experience and skill in analysing, modelling and interpreting complex data in policy work, and is able to conduct qualitative and quantitative research to draw conclusions for policy briefings, reports, and other outputs.

• Is proficient and has experience in the use of statistical analysis and platforms to conduct research and analysis, such as Excel, Tableau and Power BI. Knowledge of education data sources is desirable.

• Can demonstrate an understanding of politics and policymaking in UK. Comprehension of the UK higher education landscape and context for SHAPE disciplines is desirable.

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives.

• An assured, open-minded, and positive outlook with a constructive attitude to challenges and sharing knowledge and skills with others.

• Is successful in planning and delivering projects, working in a team, taking ownership of tasks, and being proactive in spotting issues.

• Can proactively identify new sources and alternative ways of presenting data.

• Able to meet deadlines under pressure, accurately and with attention to detail, often balancing conflicting priorities.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Monitors progress effectively, including written reporting, and is able to escalate risks or concerns as needed.

• A creative and strategic thinker, with the capacity to deal with complex issues and ambiguity.

• Able to use tact and diplomacy and to handle confidential information.

OTHER

• Is able to be flexible about working hours on occasions

• Is willing to travel on British Academy business

WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview and will involve a task component.

Please note that you may be asked to reference any literature that you may refer to, as applications that are highly plagiarised and not your own work. e.g. ChatGPT, will be declined.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon 5 August 2024, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 20/21 August 2024 but this may be subject to change.