Head of Research and Policy

Economic and Social Research Council

Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 18th October 2024

 
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Details

Reference number

370052

Salary

£54,043

Job grade

Grade 7
UKRI Band F

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

ESRC - Administration

Type of role

Analytical
Economist
Geography
Library
Market Research
Operational Research
Policy
Psychology
Science
Social Development
Social Research
Statistics
Strategy

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Compressed hours

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

Swindon

Job summary

About Smart Data Research UK

Our mission is to unlock the power of data to improve lives.

 

Smart data is made whenever we engage with the digital world. When we buy something, ‘like’ something, or get directions. If used for scientific research smart data can change our world. It can help us to understand important social challenges – from disease prevention to climate change.

 

Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) is the UK’s national programme for smart data research. We’re investing £59.3m in an ambitious programme to provide researchers with safe and trustworthy access to smart data. We’ll safeguard public trust in how data are used, build capability for cutting-edge data-driven research, and support research that addresses important social and economic challenges.

 

At the heart of our programme are our data services - teams of experts from research institutes across the country. They will build partnerships with data owners and provide secure access to data for researchers. Coordination and leadership are provided by a Strategic Hub team, based at the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). 

 

Job description

About the role

The Head of Research and Policy is a strategic leadership role based in SDR UK’s Strategic Hub, where you will join the senior management team. You will set strategic direction, with responsibility for shaping an innovative programme of research initiatives, investments, and partnerships to stimulate cutting-edge data science that has clear public benefits. You’ll also develop a policy function - scanning the horizon, ensuring SDR UK’s work connects with key government missions, and commissioning legal and ethical advice.

 

The role will involve building networks with a broad range of stakeholders – often bridging between academic, government and commercial sectors. You’ll lead your team to act as conveners and advocates, encouraging nationwide uptake of data analysis (including AI) to tackle social and economic challenges.

 

Key responsibilities include:

  • Shaping and leading a programme of investment to demonstrate the value of smart data research to address real-world challenges across our four research themes (includes overseeing investment of a £6m research budget)
  • Developing partnerships with government users of data and research, connecting government missions and public policy challenges to the capabilities within our infrastructure. This will include building networks with:

o   Research and innovation communities across the UK

o   Government departments and devolved administrations

o   The wider data, AI and technology landscape, including regulatory bodies, data policy communities, and international institutes.

  • Overseeing development and delivery of a data policy function, including scoping and securing appropriate legal and ethical resources for the programme
  • Contributing to the development of strategies and activities led by other parts of the SDR UK Hub, including data infrastructures, capability, and public engagement.
  • Leading a small, high performing team.

 

Person specification

About you

We’re looking for a strong leader with good strategic judgement who’s excited by the opportunities of smart data. You’ll have experience of working with a range of stakeholders, communicating and influencing effectively with diverse audiences.

 

Shortlisting criteria

 

We are committed to a level playing field and recognise the value of diverse skills and experience. If our mission excites you and you can demonstrate most of these criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Essential 

  • Strong leadership skills, including ability to set clear direction, inspire teams, shape a work area, secure buy-in and influence a wider strategic landscape.
  • Highly developed strategic skills, including the ability to map the landscape, identify and prioritise opportunities, translate complex problems into actionable projects, evaluate options and make effective decisions.
  • Experience of building and maintaining effective networks with different communities to deliver outcomes.
  • Ability to communicate and influence effectively with a variety of audiences.
  • Understanding and experience of the use of data, analysis or research.
  • Understanding and experience of the UK data policy landscape, including governance, legislation and ethics.

 

Desirable 

  • An understanding of the UK academic funding environment.

 

Please note that all SDR UK Hub roles are contractually office-based, however currently we operate hybrid working arrangements with a flexible commitment to 1-2 days per month on site. Travel within the UK and possibly overseas is also expected.  

 

ESRC has a strong commitment to the welfare of our people, and we have a culture which takes wellbeing and work-life balance seriously. Please find our benefits page for more information (UKRI). Flexible working is something UKRI provides to its employees therefore working arrangements are welcome to be discussed at interview stage.

Selection process details

 

Essential 

  • Strong leadership skills, including ability to set clear direction, inspire teams, shape a work area, secure buy-in and influence a wider strategic landscape.
  • Highly developed strategic skills, including the ability to map the landscape, identify and prioritise opportunities, translate complex problems into actionable projects, evaluate options and make effective decisions.
  • Experience of building and maintaining effective networks with different communities to deliver outcomes.
  • Ability to communicate and influence effectively with a variety of audiences.
  • Understanding and experience of the use of data, analysis or research.
  • Understanding and experience of the UK data policy landscape, including governance, legislation and ethics.

 

Desirable 

  • An understanding of the UK academic funding environment.

 

Please note that all SDR UK Hub roles are contractually office-based, however currently we operate hybrid working arrangements with a flexible commitment to 1-2 days per month on site. Travel within the UK and possibly overseas is also expected.  



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
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Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

  • Name : recruitment@ukri.org
  • Email : recruitment@ukri.org

Recruitment team

  • Email : recruitment@ukri.org

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