Head of Knowledge Exchange Data & Evidence

Head of Knowledge Exchange Data & Evidence

This is a key role in the Research England (RE) Knowledge Exchange policy team – you will develop a strong understanding of the nature and structure of knowledge exchange (KE) data and evidence, and its importance in RE funding and policy work. This will include the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey, the funding model for Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF), and the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF). You will deploy this to support policy and help devise innovative funding and delivery approaches, including to support delivery of decisions relating to the long-term comprehensive review of RE’s approach to KE funding and policy, and to the recently announced HEIF Reform.

You will engage fully in policy discussion including with internal senior management and national and HE sector policy makers, problem-solve, understand and interpret implications in setting long term policy. You will be expected to contribute to commissioning of research and evaluation, focussed on formula funding, including making links and drawing on expertise of relevant external experts. You will also work on other projects within the scope of the Knowledge Exchange Policy team, including the next steps and long-term development of KE framework, specifically on the provision of evidence for Research England to support the sector’s continuous improvement in their practice of, and engagement in, KE activities, and supporting the development of new and improved KE data and evidence for use in RE KE policy through RE’s national KE metrics programme.

About Us

The post holder will join the Knowledge Exchange (KE) Policy Team in Research England, UKRI. This team supports the higher education sector to enhance its work with businesses, public sector and local communities for the benefit of the economy and society. The team work to meet Government priorities to provide assurance that universities are delivering efficiency and effectiveness in all forms of KE, in appropriate ways. Working with colleagues internally, in institutions, with academic and other experts and Government and other partner organisations, the post-holder will develop and deliver policy across a range of areas of activity within knowledge exchange.

Main outputs and activities

• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of, and act as an authoritative source of advice on, knowledge exchange policy and interpretation of analysis with the ability to distil key points for a range of audiences.
• Lead on policy on, and delivery of, methods and processes for allocating funding for KE working within context of overall RE KE policy priorities, focussed on formula funding including contributing to wider RE approaches. This will include:
  
  • Supporting senior colleagues on the development of wider KE policy and funding, making recommendations on how policy objectives can be addressed, taking into consideration availability of appropriate evidence and institutional burden
  • Leading on methods to deliver policies and priorities, and their implementation, specifically in support of delivery of the recently announced HEIF reform.
  • Working with policy and analysis colleagues in RE to ensure that KE policy reflects wider RE standards on data definitions/use and funding methods
  • Support the effective distribution of formula funding for KE (HEIF), working with colleagues across Research England through modelling data, responding to queries from HESA and providers, and contributing to the design and implementation of accountability and audits
  • Supporting senior colleagues on further development of the KE Framework (KEF), including advising on methods and approaches and leading solutions.
• Providing policy direction on use and analysis of HE-BCI and other KE data to feed into RE’s annual publication and wider evidence (KE Framework). This includes close working HESA (part of Jisc) share RE policy data needs, and liaison with other HE-BCI stakeholders, such as in devolved administrations/other UK funding bodies.
• Lead technical policy contributions to RE’s national KE metrics programme advising on KE data needs for formula funding policy, and testing use of new data in KE policy, working closely with and managing expert researchers where necessary, and providing technical advice on approaches to Associate Directors and Director for KE
• Give presentations and lead discussions at external meetings relating to KE evidence and policy, including funding and the KEF.
• Make a significant contribution to effective relations with HE institutions and sector bodies, communicating funding methods, answering queries and liaising with the RE analytical directorate over data issues.
• Contribute to briefing and advice to Government/DSIT and senior Research England and wider UKRI colleagues, taking a leading role in areas of analysis and evidence as they relate to KE policy
• Assess, use and present accurately complex quantitative evidence in policy development.
• Problem solving using evidence.
• Work as part of the team to assist with consideration of evidence and analysis to inform research and evaluation and monitoring of KE policy/HEIF. This will include assisting commissioning external work and contributing to formula funding work in Spending Review exercises.
• Internal project management (including managing expert researchers and working closely with statisticians).
• Production of RE Council and relevant Committee papers and other documents
• Represent Research England/UKRI at external meetings and presenting to external groups
• Leading a small team, including direct line management of up to 3 direct reports, to deliver a varied and complex workload, including the delegation of work as required.

UKRI can offer the successful candidate:

- Flexible Working

- 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays

- Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme

- Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider

How to apply  Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role.