Policy Assistant

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Policy Assistant to join our Public Policy Team, providing key administrative and research support for the Policy Directorate.

This is a varied role that cuts across the Public Policy team’s four themes: Sustainable Futures, Digital Society, Social and Cultural Infrastructure, and Governance, Trust and Voice. It includes a range of responsibilities, including assisting with the production and management of policy team events, logistical and administrative support for policy activities, coordinating team diaries, assisting with policy projects and research activities, and helping to implement a new relationship management tool (based on Salesforce).

The role will include opportunities to work across a range of British Academy policy projects and this makes it an ideal role for those looking to build up more experience in evidence-based policy work.

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 1700 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.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have 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 & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & 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 use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.

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

Please contact the HR team at hrteam@thebritishacademy.ac.uk if you have any questions.

To find out more about this opportunity and to apply, please visit our recruitment page via the apply button.

Applications must be received no later than Midday on Friday, 6 March 2026.

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