The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Process and Peer Review Co-ordinator to join our Research Funding team for 12 months, to build on the work previously completed across the International Team and wider Research Directorate. The role will have key responsibility for the planning and delivery of updated processes for application and assessment of research awards, including overseeing the allocation and management of peer reviewers.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Co-ordinator will lead on the identification and maintenance of data on peer reviewers and their expertise, working collaboratively with colleagues across the Research Directorate and in co-ordination with the Fellowship and Engagement team, the EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Manager and the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Team, to establish central resources that will enable best practice to be embedded across the range of programmes. As the Academy progresses its work on the development of the new Contacts Management System (CRM), the new Finance System and looks to build on the outcomes of the Processfix Workshops held in Jan-March 2024, the Co-ordinator will take the lead in establishing clear parameters for ensuring successful delivery in the longer term.

In this role the Co-ordinator will need to be an effective communicator, especially around change management, establishing good working relationships with colleagues across the Academy and with external stakeholders including our Fellows. The role will also provide senior staff with documentation, process maps and planners for the efficient development of new ways of working.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Analyse peer review processes and prepare planners and related documentation

• Develop a deep working knowledge of the range of the British Academy’s funding programmes and peer review processes and share this knowledge to apply it to maximum effect across the Academy. 

• Establish data on the peer review burden across the Research Directorate, including numbers of assessors engaged in assessment of Grants and Fellowship schemes for the British Academy, numbers of assessments required and timing of requirements, to enable tracking and forecasting of burdens and expectations across the Academy’s funding schemes. 

• Establish planners to identify when bottlenecks are likely to occur, ensuring awareness of peer review workloads, timelines and expectations, and lead co-ordination across the Directorate to minimise the impact of these. 

• Take the lead for the Research Directorate in responding to the development of revised working practices in implementing Project Minerva (the project to move the Academy’s contacts management to a new system from 2024-25) to ensure relevant information is being collected in a suitable format for efficient integration between the new CRM, the Flexi-Grant system and the needs for efficient peer review processes. 

• Take the lead for the Research Directorate in establishing awareness of the value of Augmented Intelligence in matching expertise of assessors against applicants’ research interests. 

• Take lead responsibility for developing and maintaining databank of assessors tracking availability, allocation and completion rates, communicating trends and insights to relevant stakeholders. 

• Take the lead for the Research Funding Team, in sharing intelligence on Fellows engagement with the assessment process, especially with the Fellowship and Governance team and the EDI Manager. 

• Establish data on the characteristics of past award-holders who engage with the Academy’s assessment process. 

• Lead for the Research Funding Team in collaboration with colleagues in the Early Career Research Network (ECRN) team to develop a peer review process for the ECRN seed fund programme to be relaunched as an Academy-driven programme in 2024. 

Analyse insights to establish improved reporting and guidance for Assessors

• Take lead responsibility for developing and implementing reporting requirements analysing trends in the Academy’s peer review data and assessment results for Section Chairs and Co-ordinators, representing the various subject areas in the Academy’s remit of Humanities and Social Sciences.  

• Co-ordinate staff across the Research Funding and Digital Teams to check and update as necessary guidance notes for reviewers. 

• Co-ordinate staff across the Research Directorate, especially the M&E Team, to identify where developments to information management and data gathering systems are needed, to better generate insights and evidence on the application and assessment process. 

• Support assessors’ use of the Flexi-Grant system and lead on developing, implementing and training on improvements to the review interface including assessor allocation.

Co-ordinate the ongoing development and embedding of EDI considerations in the Academy’s application and assessment processes 

• Take the lead for the Research Funding Team in working with the EDI Manager and other colleagues to ensure that appropriate considerations of EDI are embedded in all aspects of the Academy’s application and assessment process, fostering greater inclusivity and equality.   

• Co-ordinate the Research Funding Team’s engagement with the ongoing implementation of the Academy’s EDI Strategy from 2024. 

• Participate proactively in the ongoing development of the Academy’s programme of Additional Needs Funding, first launched in 2023. 

Conduct stakeholder engagement internally and externally in matters relating to application, assessment and award processes 

• Lead on liaising with Fellows, award-holders and institutions to maintain and enhance respectful and effective working relationships in relation to the Academy’s peer review processes. 

• Act as Secretary to the Fellows Working Group on grant processes and ensure appropriate engagement with their recommendations. 

• Take lead responsibility for ensuring the implementation of outcomes from the Processfix workshops into standard working practices in relation to application, assessment and award management, working with colleagues across the Academy.  

• Develop full understanding of best practice in peer review, driving forward initiatives to implement this in the Academy, working with both internal and external stakeholders, including the EDI Caucus, a special project funded from 2023-26 by the Academy in partnership with UKRI Research Councils and Innovate UK. 

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Director of Research 

• Research Directorate staff – Research Funding Team, International Team, M&E Team, ECRN Team 

• EDI Manager and Fellowship and Governance Team  

• Other colleagues across the Academy as appropriate

External

• British Academy Fellows   

• Current and past British Academy award-holders 

• Higher Education Institutions and Independent Research Organisations 

• EDI Caucus 

• Other funders (e.g. other National Academies, UKRI, Wellcome, Leverhulme Trust, etc)

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

None

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally. 

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments and with Fellows and funded researchers. 

• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-way. 

• Is sensitive to different working styles and views, adapting where appropriate. 

• Is willing and able to compromise and negotiate, including to resolve possible conflicts. 

• Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect. 

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Has strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 

• Has relevant experience in data analysis and producing reports and presentations for different audiences 

• Has excellent IT skills, specifically Excel, and capability to learn new IT skills as needed; knowledge of Power BI desirable. 

• Has knowledge and proven experience in delivering assessment processes. 

• Has knowledge and proven experience in delivering change management. 

• Offers creative solutions for improving the way things are done. 

• Seeks and uses opportunities to learn and develop, and is quick in picking up new tasks. 

• Has some knowledge and proven experience in delivering online and hybrid events and the technology needed to do so. 

• Shares knowledge and skills with others.

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

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

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

• Has experience of working independently and with strong attention to detail 

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input. 

• Evaluates and manages risks effectively. 

• Monitors progress effectively and adapts plans where possible.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Ability to multi-task and prioritise competing tasks to meet deadlines. 

• Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead, referring to the appropriate level where necessary. 

• Has a pro-active, can do, attitude, taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issues. 

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure. 

• Copes with the unexpected. 

• Handles difficult situations calmly, with sensitivity and respect.

LEADERSHIP

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

• Can think outside direct area of expertise and ownership to contribute to the wider strategic aims of the organisation. 

• May be required to deputise for the Head of Research Funding from time to time.

OTHER

• Will need to be present at the British Academy (10-11 Carlton House Terrace) for events, team building and other activities on occasion.

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 may 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 26 September 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 10 October 2024 but this may be subject to change.