Senior Policy Advisor, Knowledge Exchange

Senior Policy Advisor

Research England

Salary: 46743 per annum
Band:UKRI Band E

Team: Knowledge Exchange

Hours:Full Time / Part Time (min 0.8 FTE) flexible working available
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Fixed end date 4th June 2027)
Location:Westward House Bristol
Closing Date: 23^rd March 2026

Interview Date: 14^th April 2026

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time please refer to the Recruitment Policy for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and the designated HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood prior to a move taking place.

About the role

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.

A Higher Education Policy Adviser at pay band E contributes to the Councils 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 this role is 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.

We are looking for a very well-organised self-motivated person ideally with a background in higher education knowledge exchange or research policy. Capable of working on their own initiative the ideal candidate will contribute substantially to the delivery of policy. You will have strong project management skills an analytical approach and be a confident communicator with people at all levels. You will need to work flexibly to contribute fully within a small team with a proactive approach to solving problems within challenging deadlines.

If you have these qualities and experience; knowledge and interest in higher education knowledge exchange policy & funding; and would welcome the opportunity to take on this exciting role then we would very much like to hear from you.

Your responsibilities:

The Knowledge Exchange (KE) team cover a broad area of KE activities - making best use of resources and skills within a small team and ensuring broad understanding of all aspects of KE policy.

KE policy responsibilities of the post:

• Contribute to the development of KE policy and funding particularly incorporating policy objectives within processes while considering the level of institutional burden and monitoring information required. This will include:
  • contribute to the design and implementation of a programme of review to Research Englands approach to Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF).
  • contribute to policy delivery on a range of KE topics particularly on the delivery of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results.
  • supporting senior colleagues on the development of wider KE policy and funding drawing together data and evidence and options as required as recommendations are developed on how policy objectives can be addressed and implemented.
  • support the effective distribution of formula funding for KE (HEIF) working with colleagues across Research England through analysis of funding data creating options appraisals and contributing to work required on funding assurance and accountability.
• Considering evidence and analysis to inform evaluation and monitoring of KE policy/HEIF to enable Research England to make a strong case for the value of our funding mechanisms both externally and to Government including assisting in procuring and commissioning external work and managing external suppliers as necessary;
• 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;
• Act as a point of contact for queries from the sector and wider stakeholders on knowledge exchange particularly focussed on use of and monitoring HEIF formula funding as well as broader work and building relationships with nominated external stakeholders for effective policy engagement and dissemination;
• Supporting the development of evidence for the value of HEIF both qualitative and quantitative.

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

• Experience of policy development in a higher education or research-based organization with demonstrable interest in developing knowledge of how UKRI operates within the higher education sector (SI)
• Experience of working effectively in a team including planning and leading activities. (SI)
• Strong project management and organisational skillsparticularly relating to commissioning research/knowledge exchange awards with the ability to forward plan time and resources accordingly. (SI)
• Numerate with strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate and interpret information to form judgements with an ability to present complex data clearly and effectively both visually and in writing. (SI)
• A confident and approachable communicator able to communicate and build effective working relationships with people at all levels internally and externally in a clear concise and fluent manner (I)
• Ability to write clear and accurate correspondence appropriately tailored to the audience. (SI)
• Demonstrating a creative flexible and positive approach to problem solving. (I)
• Strong IT skills using Microsoft software packages (Word Outlook Excel & PowerPoint) and confident in working alongside/engaging with IT professionals engaged in technical delivery. (S)

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply online if you experience any issue applying please contact