Senior Research Excellence Framework ( Policy and Engagement Advisor

Position: Senior Research Excellence Framework (REF) Policy and Engagement Advisor
Senior Research Excellence Framework () Policy and Engagement Advisor Research England Salary: £46,743 per annum | UKRI Band E | Closing date: 14th July 2026

Hours:

Full time (Hybrid working available) Contract Type:
Fixed-term until June 2030

Location:

Westward House, Lime Kiln Close, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SR
The Research Excellence Framework () is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK. The  delivered by Research England on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies (Scottish Funding Council, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Department of the Economy Northern Ireland).

Research England is a council within UK Research and Innovation.  a fast-moving exercise managing a wide range of policy areas, expert panel members that span all research disciplines and types of research outputs. Key to our success will be close team working and supporting each other through peak periods. Joining our team provides a great deal of opportunity to learn and develop.

Purpose Are you looking for a new challenge? An opportunity to work on a major, high-profile, project in a close-knit team and a fast-paced environment? Do you want to use your knowledge and skills in an agile way across a broad range of focus areas, learning new things and innovating along the way? Do you want to learn about the UKs different funding bodies, and work with some of the most highly respected people across the UKs research community?

Then this may be the opportunity for you! Research England and the UKs other funding bodies undertake periodic assessments of research quality to inform their funding allocations and to provide quality assurance as to how these funds are spent.  was the second  the sixth national exercise in broadly its present form. 157 Higher Education Institutions submitted returns to , with assessment taking place across 34 disciplinary units of assessment.  

is gearing up to publish the final guidance and criteria for this assessment exercise, before moving into the submissions phase from later in 2026 where will be supporting and collaborating with both universities and our expert panels as they make their preparations. From late 2028, we will then enter the assessment phase of the exercise, supporting 1200 panel members to assess submissions made by universities across the UK.

You will have experience of working in a policy field or strategy field and be keenly aware of the importance of stakeholder engagement to successful policy and strategy development. This role will support the effective implementation of the Research Excellence Framework by leading and managing the delivery of policy areas key to the exercise, briefings, and related community engagement. Main outputs and activities Supporting the final development of the detailed guidance for  at pace Supporting the implementation of detailed policy for  through the submission and assessment phases Supporting additional  recruitment and relationships Representing the , giving presentations and leading discussions at external meetings Providing authoritative advice and guidance on the  a range of audiences Providing policy input to FAQs and queries Supporting the development of the  audit approach Leading on relationships and policy on the use of HESA data in  Leading development and maintenance of key stakeholder relationships Leading internal projects and groups This role requires flexibility to travel to meetings, including in locations that may require travel outside of work hours.

Assessment criteria (S) Assessed at shortlisting (I) Assessed at interview (S&I) Assessed at both shortlisting and interview

Experience of policy or strategy development and delivery, or of strategic engagement for policy or strategy development (S) Excellent communications skills, with good attention to detail and nuance, able to communicate effectively with a mixture of audiences and levels of seniority, in written and verbal formats (S&I) Able to plan and prioritise a varied workload to ensure that work meets deadlines, and be flexible and adaptable to competing and changing priorities and demands (S&I) Able to think and work creatively to tackle problems and challenges, demonstrating own initiative and judgement within given constraints and asking for and giving help when needed (I)

Experience of building, maintaining and influencing a strategic network of stakeholders to work collaboratively and find the best possible outcomes (S) Highly collaborative, able to take responsibility for delivery, and to trust and empower others to take ownership and deliver independently (S&I) Proven ability to motivate, empower and inspire others to work effectively to deliver personal and team objectives (S&I) Ability to travel across the UK, including overnight stays (S)…