Senior Policy and Research Officer

Senior Policy and Research Officer 

Job Description

Role Overview

Role title: Senior Policy and Research Officer
Team: Policy and Research
Reports to: Policy and Research Director
Salary: £32,000 – £34,000
Location: Kettering (flexible working considered)

Purpose of the role

The Senior Policy and Research Officer supports the organisation’s work to influence policy and practice by delivering high-quality research and analysis.

The role contributes to building a strong evidence base that informs decision-making by government, employers and partners, and supports Youth Employment UK’s position as a trusted source of insight.

What the role is accountable for

Outputs (what is delivered)

The role is responsible for designing, delivering and reporting research projects, including quantitative and qualitative analysis.

This includes analysing data, developing research tools, producing reports and briefings, and supporting the communication of findings to a range of audiences.

Outcomes (what success looks like)

Success in this role is demonstrated through the production of high-quality, reliable research that informs policy, supports organisational strategy, and is used by stakeholders.

The role contributes to strengthening the organisation’s evidence base, supporting policy development and influencing work, and enabling colleagues to use research effectively.

Behaviours (how the work is done)

The role requires a structured and analytical approach to work, with clear and accurate communication of complex information.

It involves working collaboratively with colleagues, maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism, and ensuring that research outputs are accessible and useful to different audiences.

Attitudes (ownership and judgement)

The role requires a strong sense of responsibility for the quality and accuracy of work.

This includes taking ownership of research tasks, managing competing priorities, identifying risks or issues early, and applying sound judgement when interpreting data and presenting findings.

Key priorities

The main focus of the role is on delivering research projects to a high standard, supporting policy development, ensuring research is accessible and usable, and contributing to the wider work of the team.

Skills and experience

The role requires experience in research within a policy or related environment.

Candidates should demonstrate strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, the ability to analyse and interpret complex data, experience using relevant tools, and the ability to communicate findings clearly.

An understanding of youth employment or related policy areas is desirable.

How success will be measured

Performance will be assessed through the quality and reliability of research outputs, ability to meet deadlines, contribution to policy work, effectiveness in communication, and alignment with organisational values.

Working arrangements and benefits

This role is based in Kettering, with flexibility considered depending on the needs of the role and team.

Youth Employment UK offers a supportive working environment and is committed to flexible working where possible. Benefits include annual leave, pension contribution, and opportunities for development.

Values

Youth Employment UK is committed to being a professional, collaborative and purpose-driven organisation.

All colleagues are expected to:

• work in a way that reflects our commitment to young people and employers

• demonstrate professionalism and integrity in their work

• collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners

• contribute to a positive and supportive working environment

Recruitment process

We aim to provide a clear and consistent recruitment experience.

The process for this role is expected to include an initial online interview (approximately 30 minutes), followed by a second-stage interview, usually held in person, including a structured interview and a role-related task.

Candidates who attend the interview will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.

We are committed to fair and accessible recruitment. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.