Policy officer jobs in Edinburgh
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Research and Policy Officer
Job Description
About DigitalCare Hub
Digital technology helps care services spend more time caring. It helps the people we support keep control of their lives, and of their care. Over the last few years, the need for information to be shared securely and efficiently between health and care services has become even moreapparent. But this introduces new risks – for example how information is kept safe and secure, and what happens if a digital system fails.
This is a shared role across DigitalCare HubandtheBetter Security, Better Careprogramme which wemanage.
Digital Care Hubis runwithsocialcare,for social care.The Digital Care Hub provides free information,guidanceand support to enable adult social care providers to make the most of digital technology – and to do it safely.
We are an independent, not-for profit, Community Interest Company, guided by care providers, so we understand the needs and challenges facing the diverse range of organisations in our sector.
Better Security, BetterCareis a support programme– funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and managed by Digital Care Hub -to help adult social care providers to store and share information safelyby using the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). The DSPT is a free, online self-assessment for health and care providers to evaluate and improve their data and cyber security.
The programme is delivered by acentral team and our local support organisations across the country. Most of these support organisations arelocal care provider trade associations. We also work closely with colleagues from the NHS, ADASS, DHSC and local councils.
About you and the role
We're looking for an inquisitive, analytical and collaborativeResearch and Policy Officerto join our growing team.
You'll play a key role in helping Digital Care Hub become the leading source of evidence, insight and practical guidance on digital transformation, data, AI and cybersecurity in adult social care.
Working across our national programmes, you'll design and deliver research projects, analyse policy developments, engage with providers and partners, and translate complex issues into clear, practical resources that help the sector improve. You'll contribute to consultation responses, produce reports and briefings, support national events and webinars, and help us demonstrate the impact of our work.
This is a varied role that combines research, policy development, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery. No two weeks will look the same—you could be facilitating a roundtable with care providers, analysing survey data, drafting a briefing for government, interviewing providers for a case study or helping develop new guidance on AI in social care.
You'll work closely with colleagues across Digital Care Hub and our national partners, taking an entrepreneurial approach to identifying emerging issues, generating insight and turning evidence into action. You'll report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will have the opportunity to shape the development of our research and policy function as the organisation continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Insight
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Design and deliver research projects.
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Develop surveys and analyse data.
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Conduct interviews and focus groups.
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Facilitate provider roundtables.
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Review policy and academic literature.
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Produce evidence summaries.
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Identify emerging issues across digital health and adult social care.
Policy Development
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Draft policy papers and consultation responses.
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Translate research into practical recommendations.
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Produce briefings for government, boards and senior leaders.
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Track developments across DHSC, NHS England, CQC and ICO.
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Support Digital Care Hub policy positions.
Programme Delivery
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Support grant funded programmes.
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Develop guidance and resources.
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Produce webinar materials and case studies.
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Coordinate advisory groups.
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Support monitoring and evaluation.
Stakeholder Engagement
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Build relationships with providers and representative bodies.
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Collaborate with universities, government and sector partners.
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Engage technology suppliers where appropriate.
Communications
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Write reports, briefings and newsletters.
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Draft articles and presentations.
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Support thought leadership.
Monitoring and Evaluation
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Develop outcome measures.
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Analyse programme impact.
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Produce evaluation reports.
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Identify lessons learned.
Person Specification
Essential
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Degree or equivalent experience.
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Experience designing research projects.
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Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.
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Excellent written communication.
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Ability to explain complex subjects clearly.
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Excellent organisational skills.
Desirable
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Charity experience.
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Knowledge of digital transformation.
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Understanding of AI and cybersecurity.
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Experience evaluating programmes.
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Experience working with government.
Main terms and conditions
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£36,000 per annum including pension.
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Full timefixed term12 month fixed term contract
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Homebased,withsometravelacross England
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28 days annual leave plus Bank holidays
The Digital Care Hub provides free information, guidance and support to enable adult social care providers to make the most of digital technology
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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As a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, you’ll support the British Heart Foundation’s policy and public affairs work across Scotland, helping to influence decision-makers and advance our priorities. Working within the Devolved Nations Policy and Public Affairs team, you’ll engage with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, charity sector and clinical community to help deliver BHF’s objectives.
You’ll contribute to influencing plans, monitor political and policy developments, prepare high-quality briefings and consultation responses, and identify opportunities to raise awareness of issues affecting people with heart and circulatory diseases. You’ll also help organise events, build relationships with key stakeholders and represent BHF at meetings, conferences and parliamentary events.
Working collaboratively across the organisation, you’ll help ensure BHF’s policy positions are evidence-based, relevant to Scotland and effectively communicated to a range of audiences.
About you
As our ideal candidate, you’ll have:
- Knowledge of the political environment and devolved government in Scotland.
- A strong interest in policy and public affairs, with relevant experience desirable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
- Experience producing high-quality written content for a variety of audiences.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Effective interpersonal and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage a range of stakeholders.
- The ability to work independently whilst contributing positively as part of a team.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, and a willingness to learn Microsoft 365 Copilot.
If you’re a proactive and collaborative individual with an interest in policy and public affairs, and you're looking to make a meaningful impact in the fight against heart and circulatory disease, we’d love to hear from you.
Belonging at BHF
By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we strengthen our ability to achieve our mission of saving and improving lives, ensuring our work reflects and serves the needs of every community across the UK.
To hear from our people, check out Belonging at BHF.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.
Working arrangements
This is an 18 month fixed term contract to cover an internal secondment.
This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our Edinburgh Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Benefits and development
At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth.
To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out our Benefits and Development pages.
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
Interview process
The interview process may take place in-person or virtually via MS Teams.
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.
Our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and inclusive. BHF use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
We support responsible use of AI to help shape your application. By applying for a role at BHF, you confirm that your application is authentic and reflects your own skills and experience, to ensure everyone is assessed fairly.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.