Head of University Insight

Research England
Salary: £58,589 | UKRI Band F | Closing date: 19th July 2026
Contract Type:
Fixed-term contract (6 months)
Hours:
Full-time
Location:
Westward House, Lime Kiln Close, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SR

This key role in the Research England (RE) Insight and Engagement Team (I&E) requires a deep understanding of the research and innovation system in higher education, including university operations, governance, finances and the political and policy environment. You will develop innovative approaches to defining, measuring and analysing the health of the research and innovation (R&I) system in England, leading on the interpretation and transformation of a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative evidence into actionable ‘insights’ for use within Research England, UKRI, external partner agencies and government.

• Develop expert knowledge and act as an authoritative source on higher education and wider fiscal policy affecting the health of research and innovation in English higher education providers.
• Work with colleagues across I&E, RE and UKRI to identify needed information and activities to contribute to a nuanced, real‑time understanding of the R&I system, identifying evidence gaps and policy needs.
• Interpret analysis and distil key points for a range of audiences.
• Lead on policy and delivery of methods and processes for defining, assessing and monitoring the health of the university sector.
• Support senior colleagues in developing recommendations on how Research England’s policy objectives can be met, considering evidence availability and institutional burden.
• Give presentations and lead discussions at external meetings relating to HE evidence and policy.
• Maintain effective relations with HE institutions and sector bodies, communicating policy decisions, data analysis, answering queries and liaising with the analytical services directorate over data issues.
• Contribute to briefing and advice to Government/DSIT and senior RE and UKRI staff, leading analysis and evidence work.
• Act as the main contact for queries from the sector on matters relating to the health of the university sector.
• Line‑manage one or more Policy or Senior Policy Advisors.
• Assess, use and present complex quantitative evidence accurately in policy development.
• Contribute to design and delivery of new data and evidence, including policy work with RE, UKRI and external partners such as DSIT, DfE, the Office for Students and devolved funding bodies.
• Assist consideration of evidence and analysis to inform research and evaluation, monitoring the impacts of funding policy, commissioning external work and contributing to formula funding work in spending cases. Manage internal project work, including supervising expert researchers and statisticians.
• Develop effective relations with universities and other bodies, representing RE/UKRI at external meetings and presenting to external groups.
• Produce RE Council and relevant Committee papers and other documents.

• Excellent analytical skills across both quantitative and qualitative datasets, and applying mixed‑method approaches.
• Ability to interpret and transform a wide variety of evidence into a range of outputs digestible for various audiences.
• Demonstrably strong understanding of the research and innovation system in higher education, including university operations, governance, finances and the political and policy environment.
• Ability to work effectively with others at all levels, including technical analysts.
• Ability to develop an authoritative knowledge base of research and knowledge exchange evidence, identify policy solutions and share knowledge and solutions effectively with others to make effective recommendations about future RE policy.
• An excellent communicator, with ability to:
  • Communicate complex subjects with people at all levels, both verbally and in writing, in a clear, concise and fluent manner.
  • Demonstrate effective collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including universities, government and policy experts; represent RE and UKRI at meetings and events.
• Ability to work flexibly to contribute fully within a team that covers a shared…