Senior Policy Adviser

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 focused on higher education policy.

The role

The Senior Policy Adviser is a key role in our Higher Education and Research Policy Team, a collaborative, productive and high-performing 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.

The Senior Policy Adviser will act as the team expert on areas of higher education, research and innovation policy work with internal and external stakeholders. The Senior Policy Adviser will lead on research and innovation programmes which offer insight into current and future critical policy issues. Current work includes assessments on the economic value of R&D and the role of R&D, innovation and technology as part of economic strategy, alongside a range of reactive engagement. Key responsibilities will include connecting our evidence base to wider implications for research policy, including long-term research funding and investment in the innovation system.

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.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today's complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engages the public with fresh thinking and debates, and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing, Development, Policy, Research, and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team. We have increased staffing in the last 12 months and expect to continue to grow this year.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team has worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning and development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success as we move forward and continue to grow. Find out more about the British Academy , including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 - a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a 35-hour working week, 34 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds in line with our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity, and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

To apply and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the link to access the Applied recruitment platform. Please contact the HR team at if you have any questions.

Closing date: Noon on 24 March 2025.