Policy Partner

We are currently looking for a Policy Partnerto join our Innovation AcceleratorFunction within the Science Research & Innovation group.

Please note this opportunity is currently only available to those working within the Civil Service. Applications from non-Civil Servants will not be reviewed and will be rejected.

This is a full-time opportunity on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade Canary Wharf London E14 4PU. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible hybrid way of working with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role this can flex up to 12 days a month with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

Who are we

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices underpinned by science and research.

The Science Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact world-leading research innovation and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups Innovation Accelerator Clinical Investigations and Trials Research and Development Standards Lifecycle Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.

The Innovation Accelerator helps provide innovators access to MHRA scientific expertise and regulatory guidance helping developers of innovative products (medicines medical devices (including software) and blood components for transfusion) connect more dynamically with an enhanced advice and signposting service. It brings together the MHRA Innovation Office the Regulatory Advice Service for Regenerative Medicines (RASRM) Regulatory Science and horizon scanning. It also leads for MHRA on the delivery of the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP).

Whats the role

The role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation in the UK. This role will focus on leading on the delivery of the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP). The Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) aims to accelerate the time to market facilitating patient access to transformative medicines. Working across multiple organisations to ensure the successful delivery of the ILAP and ensure it can continue to develop to meet the needs of the whole sector. It is crucial to that we continue to enhance the value of the ILAP to the Life Sciences industry as part of demonstrating the UKs commitment to supporting the development of new innovation.

The successful candidate will have a key role in supporting cross-Agency work to develop and implement new policy aimed at streamlining regulatory pathways that accelerate the development of innovative products. In particular working closely with the Innovative Devices team to take lessons from theInnovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) pilotto inform the future direction of the MHRA alongside work to develop plans to establish a new Innovation Pathway that aims to draw together both ILAP and IDAP under a single programme.

Key responsibilities:

• Use programme management skills to deliver and track the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) and its integration with the next iteration of IDAP to create an Innovation Gateway.
• Manage the governance and procedural frameworks for the ILAP including operational roles and responsibilities including the risk register and reporting on performance against KPIs.
• Lead delivery of policy-based projects acting as the project manager for multiple pieces of work coordinating project roles tasks and use of resources and developing proposals for efficient delivery of projects.
• Monitor the broader policy landscape relating to innovative product and regulatory environment conducing policy analysis and formulating reasoned evidence-based arguments for change through use of data and other information to draft reports advice and briefings to senior leaders on a variety of policy and strategy areas.
• Establish strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with the broader ambitions including developing partnerships to support the delivery of projects and initiatives.

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill have:

• Demonstratable experience of managing complex programmes across multiple stakeholders
• Demonstratable experience of strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to align delivery with broader system objectives and policy context
• Experience of the health system and/or Life Sciences sector in the UK
• Proven leadership skills where they are visible empowering others building resilience and leading improvements
• Ability to see the bigger picture - ensuring plans and activities in your area of work reflect wider strategic priorities and communicate effectively with senior leaders to influence future strategies

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidatesfind out more here.

• Online application form including questions based on theBehaviour Experience and Technical Success Profiles.Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Presentation to be prepared as part of your interview with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
• Interview which can include questions based on theBehaviour Experience Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria ofDemonstratable experience of strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to align delivery with broader system objectives and policy context.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allowsufficienttime. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others or generated by artificial intelligence as your own.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process please contact as soon as possible.

Closing date:29 June 2025

Shortlisting date: 30 June 2025

Interview date:4 July 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questionsplease contact

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality information on whether you are able to apply is availablehere.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must completebasic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations and in some circumstances routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibilityhere.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries please contact.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointmenton the basis ofmerit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint you should firstly contact Florentina Oyelami Head of Talent Acquisition .

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ