Senior Policy Advisor

TN United Kingdom; London; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 41,000

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) is a research and information provision charity that is dedicated to improving and saving the lives of people with prostate cancer. Patients are central to everything we do and drive our work. Our work covers four key areas:

Academic and social research – We fund novel and innovative research projects at world-leading institutions that are working towards breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer, and better quality of life outcomes for patients. We ensure that our research is targeted to address patient need and research gaps to maximise our impact and reach better treatments for patients sooner.

Translational research – We set up Proven Connect, the translational research arm of PCR, to focus on ensuring more promising treatments get from lab to patient through bridging the gap between industry, investors, health providers and patients.

Patient information and empowerment – We acknowledge that research alone is not enough to achieve our vision. We involve, educate, and empower people affected by prostate cancer to enable them to play a more active role in driving forward changes in research, treatment and care.

Influencing – We seek to ensure greater equity of treatment and parity of care, and are working towards a world where no man is left behind, where prostate cancer is caught early and can be cured.

Our vision for the future is clear: to be an integral part of creating one of the healthiest ecosystems for any disease type. An ecosystem that is connected, collaborative, equitable, and effective. Over the next 3 years we are setting ambitious targets to double our research funding, accelerate twelve biotech ventures, engage at least 100,000 people in influencing change, initiate three novel projects to enhance equity, and grow our income to more than £7 million.

Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) is seeking an experienced and insightful Senior Policy Adviser to lead the development of our policy work and help drive meaningful change for people affected by prostate cancer.

Reporting to the Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs, you will be responsible for shaping evidence-based policy positions, producing high-impact consultation responses, and identifying strategic opportunities to influence health and research policy. This is an exciting opportunity for a policy professional with strong analytical and writing skills, a solid understanding of the health policy landscape, and a desire to make a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Leadership: Lead the development of PCR’s policy positions across a range of health and research issues through in-depth research, evidence analysis and horizon scanning, identifying key issues affecting prostate cancer patients and developing robust solutions for systemic change.

Consultation and Inquiry Responses: Draft high-quality, persuasive responses to government consultations, select committee inquiries, and regulatory reviews, ensuring PCR’s positions are well-evidenced, compelling and grounded in insight from those with lived experience.

Health Technology Appraisals: Lead or contribute to PCR’s submissions to NICE and SMC technology appraisals, ensuring that our input is evidence-based, reflects the lived experience of patients, and aligns with our policy positions.

Stakeholder Insight and Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, healthcare professionals, government bodies, think tanks, sector bodies such as the AMRC, and other key stakeholders to inform PCR’s positions and stay at the front of policy thinking.

Political and Policy Monitoring: Track key policy developments and legislative changes relevant to prostate cancer, assessing their implications and identifying opportunities for PCR to engage.

Internal Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across PCR, including research, communications, patient engagement and fundraising teams, to ensure a unified approach across policy and organisational priorities.

Briefings and Written Outputs: Deliver succinct, compelling, and well-evidenced policy briefings on key issues to a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and partners.

Public Representation: Represent PCR at external meetings, external policy networks, working groups, events, and conferences, ensuring our position is effectively communicated and influencing policy discussions in line with our strategic objectives.

Support for Public Affairs and Campaigns: Provide policy advice and support the development of policy-facing materials to support the delivery of public affairs and campaign activity led by the wider Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs team.

Person Specification:

Education and Experience:

Significant experience (typically 3–5 years) in a policy role, ideally within the health, research, or voluntary sector.
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, health sciences, social sciences, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
Demonstrable experience of developing evidence-based policy positions and delivering consultation or inquiry responses in a relevant context.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex policy issues and data to inform clear and strategic positions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting consultation responses, policy briefings, and position statements.
Demonstrable ability to build and maintain relationships with high-level stakeholders, including policymakers, public officials, and healthcare leaders.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute to cross-organisational goals in a fast-paced environment.
Strong collaborative skills, with experience working across teams and functions.
Good understanding of the UK healthcare system, NHS structures, and health policy environment.
Working knowledge of NICE and SMC health technology appraisal processes, including understanding of evidence submission, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making pathways.

Why Join Us?

Impactful Work:Make a significant impact in the fight against prostate cancer, contributing to initiatives that save lives and improve patient outcomes.
Career Growth:This role offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of new, exciting unit in an organisation that is already making its presence felt.
Collaborative Environment:Join a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to making a difference, in an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.

Benefits:Enjoy a range of staff benefits, including Bike 2 Work scheme, Mental Health Support Services, Perkbox, BUPA Health Insurance offer, pension scheme, birthday gift, ongoing L&D opportunities, generous annual leave, hybrid working options and a positive and supportive culture.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, your experience in project development and management, and how you align with PCR’s mission.

PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

Other Details

Working type: Hybrid with occasional travel to meetings required.
Hours: The position is full time at 35 hours per week.
Salary: £37,500-£40,600, commensurate with experience.
Reports to: Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs.

Applications close on 20th April 2025.

Participants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.

For enquiries about the role, please contact our Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs, Joe Clift (Contact details available in the attached job description).