Principal Policy Adviser

UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education.

UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.

We’re a successful and fast-growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We're committed to delivering a first-class service to all of our customers — they're at the heart of everything we do.

The Customer Operations business unit at UCAS was formed to deliver and enhance the support and product & services provided to students, advisers, providers and other stakeholders involved in the higher education admissions process. This department focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of customer interactions, ensuring that applicants and the providers they consider, and apply to, receive timely and accurate information, assistance, and guidance throughout the application cycle. It’s also the unit where we anticipate, respond to and define customer change to ensure UCAS can meet the needs of its customers and stakeholders going forward. Working in cross-company multi-disciplinary teams comprising; Customer Service and Relationships, Product Management, International, Policy, Admissions Reform and Fair Access.

The Principal Policy Adviser will be responsible for a specific policy area, setting the strategic vision and establishing UCAS’ ambitions in this area in order to enhance UCAS’ reputation as a policy expert, and ensure the organisation is fully understanding and engaged with external developments.
The Principal Policy Adviser will develop, enact and deliver a workplan for their area, delivering upon the agreed objectives.
The core purpose of the role is to:

The Principal Policy Adviser will be responsible for a specific policy area, setting the strategic vision and establishing UCAS’ ambitions in this area in order to enhance UCAS’ reputation as a policy expert, and ensure the organisation is fully understanding and engaged with external developments.

The Principal Policy Adviser will develop, enact and deliver a workplan for their area, delivering upon the agreed objectives.

The core purpose of the role is to:

• Own and hold a deep understanding of higher education policy, particularly in relation to progression.

• Lead and shape UCAS’ position and response regarding their specific policy area.

• Have ownership of the quality of output in their area.

• Highlight, understand, and mitigate any reputational risks of UCAS’s policy work in a specific area.

• Establish the stakeholder engagement plan in their area, and own stakeholders at a senior level.

For full job description, please see role profile attached.

• Project management experience, including overseeing multiple simultaneous projects.

• Experience of applying quality control oversight of policy or research reports.

• Deep understanding of a specific policy area within post-16 education and training.

• Strategic thinker, with ability to quickly undertake impact assessments of potential and real change

• Experience and confidence in independently engaging senior external and internal stakeholders.

• Knowledge of how to influence and deliver government policy change.

 Salary - up to £50,000 - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

• Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity

• Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies

• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts

• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave

• Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools

• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office

• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders

• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond

Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they tick every box. At UCAS we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. So, if you are interested in this vacancy, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please apply.

If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via careers@ucas.ac.uk.