Policy Advisor

Policy Advisor (maternity cover)
The Work Foundation

Location:

Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 full‑time, fixed term
Closing Date:
Thursday 05 March 2026
Interview Date:
Monday 16 March 2026
Reference: 0020-26

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Policy Advisor (maternity cover) to join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University. At a time of big changes in the world of work, we are looking for a talented individual who shares our goal to tackle structural inequalities in the UK labour market.

The ideal candidate will be able to undertake research and policy analysis, help secure and manage funded research projects and clearly communicate complex issues to a range of audiences. Experience of building effective internal and external relationships with a wide range of groups including civil servants, academics, politicians, business leaders and workers will be a particular advantage.

The Policy Advisor will support the research team to deliver valuable new quantitative and qualitative evidence and insights. We are ambitious about delivering research that has a positive impact in society, and work closely with workers, employers and policymakers to realise that goal.

We are a small, friendly and collaborative team. Flexible working is important to us at the Work Foundation and we’re open to candidates who would like to work flexible hours, part‑time, or job share. This role can either be London based at our office in Fetter Lane or based at the Lancaster University campus, with a hybrid working arrangement. Our team tend to work part of the week at home, and part of the week on site.

Benefits include a defined benefit pension with the USS Scheme, generous holiday entitlement (25 days plus five university closure days between Christmas and Easter), a Cycle to Work Scheme, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and a range of other benefits and discounts.

This is a maternity cover position for 10‑months with a potential to be extended, but this is not guaranteed.

Please note:

it is the normal expectation of Lancaster University that the chosen candidate will be appointed to the minimum point of that grade. If you would like to discuss this role before applying, please contact Alice Martin (Head of Research), with any questions. To view the full Job Description and apply, please visit the Lancaster University jobs site.

We believe everyone should have access to secure, rewarding and high‑quality work. By engaging directly with workers, employers, policymakers and leading academics, we deliver rigorous applied research to tackle structural inequalities in the labour market and improve working lives across the UK.

Lancaster University is among the best in the UK, a top 15 university in the three major UK league tables, and highly ranked in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings. It has been recognised as a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Disability Confident employer, and holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award for advancing the careers of women in higher education.

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. No agencies please.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.