The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – is seeking a Policy Adviser to join our Higher Education & Research Policy team, providing key support in the delivery of higher education, teaching and research policy. 

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Policy Adviser position is an integral part of our established Higher Education & Research Policy Team (currently twelve people). The Higher Education Team is a collaborative, productive and high-performing team, part of the Academy’s Policy Directorate alongside the Public Policy Team. We work to position the Academy as a thought leader on higher education and research policy, engaging in evidence-based policy work to influence the health and vibrancy of our disciplines throughout the pipeline, from school through to employment. This involves a combination of reactive responses to policy developments as they occur, as well as proactive planned projects designed to strengthen our evidence base, support the SHAPE discipline community and stimulate debate.  

The core duties of the Policy Adviser will be to support the development and delivery of a range of policy projects within our workplan. Programmes of work cover the breadth of higher education and research policy related to the SHAPE disciplines (Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy). The primary role of the Policy Adviser will be to work on our teaching and education programmes, monitoring and evaluating data on disciplines. Key programmes of work will be our flagship languages programme; evaluating patterns in post-16 subject choice and what this means for education policy; and working as part of a team to assess student access to higher education across the UK.  

Joining an enthusiastic, close team of policy experts, the Policy Adviser will be expected to work with the wider policy teams and across the Academy to tailor our higher education and skills policy work to the most pressing issues. They will also have the opportunity to get involved in various Academy initiatives, from affinity groups and EDI planning, to building redevelopment and the implementation of our new Strategic Plan. 

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and analysis

• Research, evaluate and interpret policy issues using, or seeking appropriate expertise to use, quantitative and qualitative methods and a variety of data sources.

• Develop and maintain a body of expertise in topics relating to higher education, to monitor and review external developments, propose responses and identify opportunities for policy and programme development in collaboration with Academy colleagues’

Producing policy outputs and outcomes

• Oversee the development and delivery policy projects, sometimes within larger programmes, under the Higher Education and Research policy workplan

• Balance a range of projects and activities, including organising events and meetings, preparing briefings, consultation responses, programmes and promotional copy, and committee papers, undertaking background research as necessary

• Support relevant Academy committees and groups by organising meetings, drafting papers, briefing chair(s) and writing minutes. Ensure relevant policy work you are responsible for is presented and discussed at these committees.

• 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

• Contribute to the development of links, networks and collaborations with appropriate organisations and stakeholders, forging new relationships and maximising established ones with individuals and projects

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with academic experts within and outside the Academy Fellowship. This includes building networks within the Fellowship, particularly through facilitating relevant committees and working groups.

• Ensure the Academy is well represented externally, at meetings with stakeholders and other key audiences. This may include presenting work, attending events, and briefing the Head of Policy (Higher Education and Research), or Senior Management Team and Council and Committees as appropriate.

• Work collaborative across the Academy, as well as with the other UK National Academies on specific projects and initiatives, supporting and leading as necessary, to ensure a joined-up approach

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Higher Education & Research Policy team

• Director of Policy

• News and Public Affairs team

• Research Funding team

• International Policy and Funding team

• Public Policy team

External

Includes but not limited to other National Academies and Higher Education or research representative bodies.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Is able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others internally, particularly in working with committees and working groups, and with academics, to increase engagement in policy work

• Can build effective relationships with, and work in partnership with, other organisations in the higher education or SHAPE community

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

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

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

• Is able to conduct qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, using findings to write policy briefings, contribute to reports, and other outputs

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

• Is aware of own strengths and weaknesses, seeking and using opportunities to learn and develop, and is quick in picking up new tasks

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

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

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

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

• Willing to build (or learn) and monitor project plans, policy methodology and budgets

• Can confidently organise committee or working group meetings, including all papers, and liaising with members

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

• Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral

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

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions

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

• Takes a professional and assured approach when dealing with a variety of people and has the ability to work independently, and as part of a wider team

• Is able to represent the HES team, or a policy area, internally and with close supporting organisations or committees

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Is able to be flexible about working hours on occasions

• Is willing to travel on British Academy business

BRITISH ACADEMY 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.

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.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for week commencing 22 January 2024 but this may be subject to change.