Senior Policy Adviser

Senior Policy Adviser | Full-time, Permanent
Location: St James’s Park, London SW1 | Hybrid
Salary: £40,926 p/a 

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser to join a growing, high-performing policy team focused on higher education policy.

The Senior Policy Adviser plays a central role in the Higher Education and Research Policy Team, part of the Academy’s Policy Directorate alongside the Public Policy Team and the Global Strategy, Policy and Engagement Team.

We position the Academy as a thought leader on higher education and research policy, delivering evidence-based policy to support the health and vibrancy of our disciplines in higher education and the wider RD&I ecosystem. Our work includes responding to sector developments and delivering proactive projects to strengthen our evidence base, support the SHAPE community and stimulate debate.

Current priorities include engagement with higher education policy changes in the context of financial strain, including the Post-16 Skills and Education White Paper, the International Student Levy, and reviews in Wales and Scotland. The team is also developing a programme on the form and function of the higher education system, and the Senior Policy Adviser will help shape and deliver this work.

Key responsibilities include connecting our evidence base to wider education policy implications, including long-term funding and investment; engaging stakeholders in and outside government; planning and delivering the programme of work; and line managing a Policy Adviser.

The role requires a proactive and collaborative approach to developing and implementing creative ideas in policy research and evaluation. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the Policy Directorate and the wider Academy to ensure higher education and research policy aligns with organisational strategic objectives.

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 require deep insight into people, culture and societies.

With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debate; and brings together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy comprises five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team fosters a culture of collaboration, respect and empathy, where contributions are recognised as we work towards shared goals. Our people strategy focuses on building strengths and sharing insight, with learning and development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion central to how we operate. Investing in staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance remain central to our success.

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.

To find out more and apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Midday on 17 March 2026.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to a diverse and inclusive working environment, equal opportunity and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

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