Senior Policy Advisor System Architecture and the NHS Operating Model (maternity cover)

About The Role

As Senior Policy Adviser for system architecture and the NHS operating model you will:

1. Lead policy influencing strategy develop and drive proactive member-informed influencing plans producing credible recommendations for national policymakers and responding quickly to emerging issues.

1. Act as a recognised subject matter expert on system architecture and the NHS operating model gather insight from members and the wider system and provide insight briefings and clear policy positions to stakeholders.

1. Ensure policy alignment and coherence contribute to policy work across The NHS Alliance which relate to system architecture and the NHS operating model ensuring outputs are consistent with wider organisational priorities and positions.

1. Represent and promote our policy work internally and externally support senior leadership to influence national debates through media events and stakeholder engagement raising the profile of members work.

1. Lead delivery of projects and programmes scope plan and manage key projects ensuring the are delivered effectively on time and to a high standard.

1. Build and manage strategic relationships develop strong relationships with members partners and stakeholders facilitating collaboration and joint policy or delivery initiatives.

1. Support organisational sustainability and growth contribute to membership recruitment and retention business planning and the development of commercial and contract opportunities and income streams.

1. Provide leadership and team management line manage staff support their professional development and contribute to a high-performing collaborative team culture.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Have a demonstrable understanding or experience of the challenges and opportunities facing our members with regards to system architecture and the NHS operating model.

• Can shape national policy interpret complex information and navigate complex political and system dynamics.

• Have experience leading policy research analysis and influencing activity working as part of a policy-focused organisation or team.

• Thrive in collaborative matrix working environments.

• Work effectively with very senior internal and external stakeholders including managing formal engagement channels and relationships with commercial partners.

How To Apply

Please download the job description found at the end of this page and click apply to complete the application form. Please note we do not accept CVs.

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must therefore have a valid right to work in the UK which will be required at the point of offer.

For an informal discussion about the post and The NHS Alliance before applying please contact

Application deadline: 29October 2026 11:59pm(please note we may close the advert early should we receive a high number of suitable applications).

Interview date: 13thNovember2026

The NHS Alliance is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for our staff. A place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of inclusive employment policies including family friendly policies and flexible working and we have range of channels to support staff from different backgrounds including our fantastic staff EDI networks and trade unions.

The NHS Alliance is committed to being a flexible employer. We understand the value and benefit to our employees being able to work flexibly and our agile working principles are designed to empower our people to work with optimal flexibility and minimal constraints to enable them to fulfil their potential at work whilst balancing home life and health and wellbeing.

You will receive an excellent benefits package including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) options to buy or sell additional leave continuous professional development salary sacrifice schemes including our pension scheme cycle to work and green car schemes time off for volunteering and much more.