Senior Policy Advisor, Exchange

Bristol, United Kingdom

• Job Category Policy
• Apply Before 03/23/2026, 12:00 AM
• Job Identification 2057
• Posting Date 03/05/2026, 02:41 PM
• Job Shift Day
• Hours Full Time/ Part Time

Research England

Salary
: £46,743 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
: 23rd March 2026

Interview Date
: 14th 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 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 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 England’s 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…