Senior Policy Adviser – Knowledge Exchange, Research England
SALARY: £45,272 Per Annum
HOURS: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term (Concluding 04 Dec 26)
LOCATION: Westward House, Stoke Gifford, Bristol (Hybrid)
CLOSING DATE: 15 September 2025
ABOUT US
The post holder will join the Knowledge Exchange (KE) Policy Team in Research England, UKRI. This team supports the higher education sector to enhance its work with businesses, public sector and local communities for the benefit of the economy and society. The team work to meet Government priorities to provide assurance that universities are delivering efficiency and effectiveness in all forms of KE, in appropriate ways. Working with colleagues internally, in institutions, with academic and other experts, with Government and other partner organisations, the post-holder will develop and deliver policy across a range of areas of activity within knowledge exchange.
We use the term ‘knowledge exchange’ to cover the multiple interactions between universities and businesses, public services, charities and communities to create societal and economic benefit. These interactions include joint research and development projects, consultancy and training, knowledge transfer partnerships and setting up new companies and social enterprises.
PURPOSE
A Higher Education Policy Adviser at pay band E contributes to the Council’s work by working with colleagues to develop and/or implement Research England policy and by managing – and sometimes leading – relations with universities and other external organisations. The main purpose of these roles are overseeing funding allocations and/or funded awards and in policy development – particularly assimilating evidence that is both qualitative and quantitative and producing detailed papers and briefings.
MAIN OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES
Contribute to policy delivery on a range of KE topics, particularly on the delivery of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results;
Responding to queries from Government, including updates on emerging policy priorities and more business-as-usual work on KE policy activity,
Work as part of the team to assist with the design and implementation of KE funding assurance and accountability processes, particularly for HEIF, and supporting the internal management of process delivery;
Working on projects as they arise to meet emerging KE policy priorities and other emerging Research England priorities;
Supporting the development of evidence for the value of HEIF, both qualitative and quantitative.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Demonstrable interest in developing knowledge of the higher education sector in which UKRI operates.
Experience of working effectively in a team, planning and leading activities.
Strong project management and organisational skills, particularly relating to commissioning research/knowledge exchange awards, with the ability to forward plan time and resources accordingly.
Ability to write clear and accurate correspondence, appropriately tailored to the audience and in accordance with UKRI style.
Demonstrating a creative, flexible and positive approach to problem solving.
DEVELOPING TALENT:
We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.
BENEFITS:
UKRI can offer the successful candidate:
– Flexible Working
– 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays
– Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme
– Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider
Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
CLOSING DATE: 15 September 2025
Application URL:
https://applytrack.onefixmedia.co.uk/4e3130303030304c31737456