Innovation Team Policy Advisor

About the Team

The multi‑award winning Open Innovation Team is a cross‑government unit housed in DfE that works with experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy. We operate like an in‑house consultancy, working at pace across all areas of government policy, including health, growth, policing, justice, foreign policy, digital transformation and government innovation.

As a Policy Advisor you will be a key member of the team, helping to deliver critical, relevant policy research projects, develop leads for new work, collaborate with our partners inside and outside government, and potentially lead some research projects as you develop in the role. You will be expected to work independently and as part of a team to research a range of policy issues and topics.

Research and analysis of complex evidence, working across diverse policy areas, and contributing to a supportive, flexible, creative working environment will be central to your day‑to‑day work.

• Research policy projects, review evidence, and produce clear analysis and recommendations to meet deadlines.
• Manage workload across multiple projects, collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels, and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Deliver a great service for clients, including training sessions, workshops, building robust relationships, and providing professional support.
• Build connections and spot opportunities for new collaborations or projects, representing the team’s work externally.
• Support diversity and inclusion by actively supporting people from different backgrounds within the team and organisation.
• Lead on research projects and, as you develop, project‑manage other staff members.
• Contribute proactively to developing and testing new products and services that apply expert insights to policy problems.

Successful applicants are likely to be good all‑rounders with particularly strong research, analytical and communication skills. They can manage multiple priorities while delivering high standards and meeting tight deadlines. A keen, positive contribution to a supportive working environment with shared goals is essential.

The Civil Service promotes equal opportunities and diversity, welcoming all candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity or background, in line with the Civil Service Code.