The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser to join a growing and high-performing policy team, focussed on higher education policy.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Senior Policy Adviser is a central role in our Higher Education and Research Policy Team; a collaborative, productive and high-performing team which is part of the Academy’s Policy Directorate alongside the Public Policy Team and the Global Strategy, Policy and Engagement team. 

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 in higher education and the wider RD&I ecosystem. This ranges from reactive work responding to developments in the sector to more proactive planned projects, designed to strengthen our evidence base, support the SHAPE discipline community and stimulate debate.

Current work includes robust engagement with emerging HE policy changes in the context of financial strain, including the Post-16 Skills and Education white paper, the International Student Levy and the reviews in Wales and Scotland. The team is embarking on an ambitious new programme on the form and function of the higher education system, and the Senior Policy Adviser will have an important role to play in shaping this work. Key responsibilities will include connecting our evidence base to wider implications for education policy, including long-term funding and investment in the system, engaging with stakeholders in and outside of government, and helping to plan and execute the programme of work.

With line management responsibility for a Policy Adviser, the Senior Policy Adviser will need to take a proactive and collaborative approach in developing and implementing creative ideas and concepts in policy research and evaluation. Joining an enthusiastic, close team of policy experts, the postholder is expected to work with the wider policy teams and across the Academy to help tailor our higher education and research policy work to the strategic objectives of the organisation.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research and analysis

• Research, evaluate and interpret complex policy issues using, or seeking appropriate expertise to use, quantitative and qualitative methods and a variety of data sources, and propose new areas of research and advise on suitable methods and approaches.

• Maintain expertise in certain topics relating to higher education and research policy, and monitor and review external developments, propose responses and identify opportunities for policy and programme development.

2. Producing policy outputs and outcomes

• Oversee the development, design and delivery of a key programme(s) of work within the Higher Education and Research policy workplan. Take strategic responsibility for related projects, outputs, activities and communications and oversee contractors and/or members of staff involved in the work.

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

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

3. Stakeholder engagement

• Identify and pursue opportunities for engagement with external stakeholders, forging new relationships and maximising established ones, in pursuit of the Academy’s strategic objectives and in relation to specific policy objectives.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with academic experts within and outside the Academy Fellowship to ensure effective use of the expertise necessary for the delivery of activities. This includes building networks within the Fellowship, particularly through facilitating relevant committees and working groups.

• Ensure the Academy is well represented at appropriate meetings and events, either by presenting the Academy’s views and positions on education issues or by briefing the Head of Policy (Higher Education and Research), the Director of Policy, the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team, relevant Academy Officers, and Council and Committees as appropriate.

4. Strategy and planning

• Motivate, manage and collaborate with a Policy Adviser to deliver outputs which have policy impact. Work within the team management group to develop the Policy Advisor by seeking appropriate development opportunities.

• Proactively identify new opportunities for the Higher Education and Research Policy team, which align with the Directorate and Academy strategic aims, and take forward - with endorsement from the Director and team Heads - the planning and implementation of new programmes of work.

• Recognise and develop potential synergies between the higher education and research policy programme and the Academy’s other policy activities.

• Work 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:

Director of Policy; News & Public Affairs; Global Strategy & Engagement; Public Policy.

External:

Includes but not limited to other National Academies and HE representative bodies.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally, particularly in working with committees and working groups, and with academics, to increase engagement in policy work

• Can strategically build and maintain effective relationships with, and work in partnership with, other organisations in the higher education, research and 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 a strong working knowledge of the UK higher education policy landscape. Comprehension of the context for SHAPE disciplines is desirable.

• Has good quantitative and qualitative research and analytical skills, particularly in relation to providing a robust evidence base for policy development.

• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, in both written and oral communications, including delivery of presentations, data analysis and report production.

• 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, managing and delivering policy projects, taking ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate.

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

• Monitors progress effectively and adapts plans where needed, evaluating and reflecting on delivery to apply learning to future planning.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• 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 

• A motivating, respectful and collaborative line manager, including in a matrix structure.

• 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

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 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 may involve a task component.

Please note that we use AI screening software to identify responses that have been copied from AI sources and are not your own work.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 17 March 2026, 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 1 April 2026 but this may be subject to change.