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Policy Officer (Research and Innovation), GUILD HE
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Policy Officer (Research and Innovation), GUILD HE
Policy Officer – Research & Innovation
GuildHE – Representing Diversity in Higher Education
GuildHE is a formal representative body for the higher education sector, advocating for a diverse range of institutions across the UK. As we transform our policy approach and member-focused services, we’re seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to drive impact and support our membership through research and innovation initiatives.
This role will involve monitoring policy developments, producing insightful briefings, and leading critical events—including our flagship PGR Doctoral Festival—to help institutions maximise research impact and share best practices.
If you’re bold, proactive, and excited to help us grow, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
Policy Analysis & Communication
- Horizon Scanning: Track policy developments across key bodies (DSIT, DfE, UKRI, Research England, OfS, Innovate UK, etc.) for research and innovation.
- Policy Briefings: Produce concise, high-quality briefings, data summaries, and position papers on pressing issues (e.g., REF, knowledge exchange, KEF, commercialisation, open research).
- Consultation Drafts: Assist senior colleagues in crafting strong responses to consultations, gathering member feedback, and articulating GuildHE’s positions.
- Best Practice Sharing: Identify and promote case studies from members to drive national discussions on sector innovation.
- Policy Knowledge: Maintain up-to-date awareness of relevant R&I policies under guidance from Head of Research Policy or Policy Manager (Research, Innovation, International).
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Member Support & Consortium Coordination
- Member Engagement: Build relationships with research and innovation leads across GuildHE institutions, fostering collaboration via networks like Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place.
- Member Development: Support implementation of best practice guidelines and associated resources (e.g., Research Degree Awarding Powers).
- Event Delivery: Organise and contribute to events such as:
- GuildHE Research Consortium meetings
- Research and Knowledge Exchange Symposium
- PGR Doctoral Festival
- PGR Student Networks and sandpit/workshops
- Shared Services: Collaborate on initiatives like research repositories, PGR training platforms, and impact tracking tools.
- PGR Student Initiatives: Develop programmes (e.g., PGR Support for students from the global majority) in partnership with Policy Manager (Student Experience).
Strategic & Cross-Team Support
- Contribute to GuildHE’s overarching strategy and reflective competencies.
- Actively participate in campaigns, communications (blogs, articles, press releases), and cross-team activities.
- Build stakeholder relationships (academics, policymakers, senior leaders) and gather member feedback for continuous improvement.
- Embed EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) principles into policy work and advocacy.
- Represent GuildHE externally as needed and deputise for senior colleagues when required.
Person Specification
Core Skills
- Strong communication with the ability to negotiate, influence, and build trust with diverse stakeholders.
- Clear, concise writing for policy drafts, reports, and stakeholders—with meticulous attention to detail.
- Data synthesis: Ability to extract key themes from complex policy documents for member insights.
- Digital expertise: Proficiency in MS Office/G Suite and tools for data tracking, project management, and evidence-based work.
- Task management: Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and mitigate risks across multifaceted projects.
- Facilitation skills (advantageous but not mandatory).
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Core Attributes
- Quick to build and sustain professional relationships across members and stakeholders.
- Disciplined organiser with proactive problem-solving and a keen eye for detail.
- Team player and independent worker: Collaborative yet comfortable operating autonomously.
- Aligns with GuildHE’s values of equity and inclusion, embedding these into daily work.
- Understanding or interest in UK higher education policy, research funding, or public sector reform.
- Willingness to travel and work flexibly, as required across the UK.
Ideal Experience
- Background in higher education policy, research support, or innovation ecosystems.
- Experience developing policy positions/responses or supporting training/development.
Closing Date: 12 July 2021 Interviews: 21 July 2021
Apply with your CV and cover letter via [jobs portal]([GuildHE careers page]) or email recruitment@guildhe.ac.uk. For inquiries, contact Dana Gamble, Policy Manager: dana.gamble@guildhe.ac.uk.
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