Job overview

The newly formed Innovation, Research, Life Sciences and Strategy (IRLSS) Policy and Strategy function has a mission to make the NHS the best health system in the world, transforming care through research and innovation.  

You will work on a range of complex policy projects – developing the policy framework and guidance to enable the NHS to support the design, development and deployment of innovation. You will drive changes that will transform the NHS, helping to tackle immediate pressures and enable the shifts to the new models of care, supporting a move to earlier diagnosis, personalisation and prevention and a shift to out-of-hospital care settings.

We are looking for someone with outstanding policy skills and experience of working in an agile, project based way. You will have delivered work across the whole policy cycle, be able to utilise a range of policymaking tools including literature reviews, data analysis, stakeholder  management, options analysis, implementation design and evaluation. You will have experience of drafting, developing and delivering national policy documents, board papers, and senior level briefings. You should have a strong background in project and/or programme management and be able to demonstrate delivery. In addition, you should have  outstanding relationship management skills, and an ability to build credibility and trust with colleagues in Government, academia, industry and the NHS. 

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will lead a range of policy projects to support life sciences, research and innovation within the NHS – often working with other teams across NHSE and the wider innovation ecosystem to develop the policy framework that will enable the NHS to be a key partner in the development and deployment of life sciences innovation in the NHS. 

The post holder will need to have the knowledge and experience to deliver projects across the whole of the policy life cycle from scoping to final recommendations and guidance production. They will support team members and other teams to utilise a range of policy making tools including literature reviews, data analysis, stakeholder interviewing, and options analysis.

The post holder will need experience of drafting, agreeing and delivering engaging national policy documents, board papers, and senior level briefings along with outstanding relationship management skills, and an ability to build credibility and trust with colleagues in Government, academia, industry and the NHS. Having a project/programme management background is preferable at this role will entail supporting the Project Management Office (PMO) function.

The role holder will have knowledge and experience of the policy environment within the life sciences sector and/or in healthcare innovation and research and knowledge of macro trends in life sciences and health and social care innovation and research.

Working for our organisation

The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:

• Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
• Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
• Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
• Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
• Delivering value for money.

If you would like to know more or require further information, please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.

Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.

NHS England hold a Sponsor Licence; this means that we may be able to sponsor you providing the Home Office requirements are met. To be eligible for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker route you’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £38,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher. You can find more information on the Government website.