Overview
Policy Engagement Lead (CC13048) – Bath, BA2 7AY
We are seeking a skilled and dedicated policy professional to join the University of Bath’s Research and Impact Services (RIS) as our Policy Engagement Lead.
The University of Bath’s research is helping to change the world for the better. We work in partnership to create a healthier, more sustainable and connected future for us all.
About the role
Our Research and Impact Services (RIS) department supports the full research lifecycle – from funding applications and project delivery to knowledge exchange, impact, and commercialisation. As the Policy Engagement Lead, you’ll be in a pivotal role at the heart of this work, enabling our research to reach, inform and influence policymakers nationally and internationally.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver the University’s strategy for engaging with policy. You will design and oversee programmes of activity that enhance the reach and impact of our research, and support colleagues across the University to engage effectively with policy decision-makers.
Policy Engagement is an important part of the research lifecycle for researchers across the University. This post offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic skilful policy engagement lead to work across all faculties of the University and with colleagues from professional services to embed a culture of understanding and processes for policy support that will upskill researchers’ capabilities and deliver meaningful impact.
About you
Working closely with the Head of Public Affairs, Institute for Policy Research (IPR) and colleagues across the University, you will broker connections between Bath experts and policy professionals, increasing the visibility and influence of our research. You will also ensure the infrastructure to support and evaluate policy engagement is coherent, accessible and tailored to researchers’ needs.
You will play a key role in developing the infrastructure, support and training that enable effective policy engagement across the research lifecycle—from early planning through to capturing evidence of impact and sharing success stories.
We are looking for someone with:
- An established background in policy and stakeholder engagement, with an excellent understanding of how evidence informs policymaking in different contexts.
- Experience of building and maintaining strong relationships with policy stakeholders at regional, national and/or international levels.
- The confidence and experience to engage with senior leaders, policymakers and practitioners
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
- A collaborative, team-focused approach with the ability to lead projects from conception to delivery.
Further information
This position is offered on a part-time, permanent basis (0.6 fte).
The role may involve occasional travel in the UK and overseas to represent the University at conferences and policy events.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Kirsty Grainger, Director of Research & Impact Services, at kg909@bath.ac.uk or Steve Boakes, Head of Knowledge Exchange (sb2577@bath.ac.uk.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
What we can offer you
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.
Closing Date: 06 Oct 2025
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 pro rata
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
