Head of Policy and Advocacy

Royal Statistical Society

About the Organisation

Our vision is a world where data is at the heart of understanding and decision-making. Founded in 1834, the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) is one of the world’s leading organisations advocating for the importance of statistics and data. We are a professional body for statisticians and data scientists, wherever they may live.

We have more than 8,000 individual members in the UK and across the world. As a charity, we advocate for the key role of statistics and data in society, and work to ensure that policy formulation and decision-making are informed by evidence for the public good.

Digital channels and content delivery are a key part of the RSS offer. They support member engagement, help the Society communicate its work clearly and effectively, and enable staff, members and volunteers to take part in online activity, access information and connect. The Digital Content Team plays an important role in ensuring these channels and services run smoothly and meet a high standard.

About the role

The Head of Policy and Advocacy leads a small team of staff who convene RSS members and support them to develop, formalise and communicate the RSS’s views on major challenges and policy issues. The team also seeks funding for, and conducts, research to identify and promote relevant changes to the statistical system or government policy. 

Responsibilities

Leading the RSS’s policy work, engaging with RSS membership to extract expert views and develop policy positions:

• Maintaining awareness of the political environment and relevant external developments (including announcements, inquiries, consultations and debates)  
• Overseeing media monitoring to identify where the Society’s input could add greatest value and potentially bring about the most positive and meaningful reforms  
• Running and engaging members in formal horizon scanning processes 
• Managing advisory groups and task forces providing strategic advice to chairs and overseeing secretariat 
• Leading the team to produce (and writing or editing/coordinating) policy documents and associated materials, consultation responses, position papers, statements, letters and articles.

Leading RSS policy and advocacy campaigns:  

• Defining and prioritising campaigns in line with RSS strategy, for approval by relevant groups 
• Developing campaign objectives and planning associated activities in partnership with relevant colleagues across the RSS 
• Establishing and overseeing time-limited groups to achieve policy or campaign objectives 
• Delivering, and overseeing the delivery of, campaign activities including roundtables, events and development of policy outputs 
• Working with the CEO, developing and reviewing external affairs and engagement strategies 
• Leading RSS advocacy activities – facilitating relationships and implementing and monitoring engagement strategies across the UK Statistics Authority and wider statistical system, the civil service, Parliamentary committees, the research and education communities, potential funders and other relevant organisations 
• Advising and briefing the CEO to inform meetings with senior stakeholders 

Developing the RSS’s research pipeline and portfolio of projects: 

• Building and maintaining relationships with funders, and collaborating with them to develop ideas for future projects 
• Developing and maintaining a pipeline of possible fundable research projects, extracting ideas from members and wider stakeholders/partners 
• Working with the policy researcher and manager, and head of partnerships, to develop proposals for prioritised new research on a frequency that ensures funding for the team is sustained 
• Overseeing the delivery of research to time and quality, and driving impact of the work through associated activities 

Overseeing the communications, media and press work of the society relating to policy and advocacy: 

• Overseeing the work of the press and communications officer 
• Commissioning policy-related content from the content team  
• Managing relationships with journalists regarding RSS policy  
• Disseminating and socialising RSS policy and research recommendations to generate impact  
• Representing the RSS externally as required, including contributing to and attending the Society’s main external-facing events 
• Ensuring website and other materials are up to date  
• Providing news of relevant policy developments and accomplishments to RSS members, appropriate colleagues and wider stakeholders, to ensure that our policy achievements are understood both by RSS members and the broader public

General leadership and management of the policy and advocacy function: 

• Drafting strategy implementation plans and ensuring activity is aligned with organisational strategic priorities 
• Writing reports and making presentations to SMT and Trustees on areas of responsibility 
• Maintaining a tracker to support understanding of the impact of our work, what works, and any learning for future work 
• Monitoring and reporting on progress and performance against targets or key performance indicators to evaluate impact and inform future planning 
• Effectively line managing staff, overseeing performance management to ensure high standards and continuous improvement 
• Project managing initiatives to time and quality, and overseeing wider project delivery within area of work 
• Working across the organisation and programmes to develop our understanding of the needs of our members and partners and embed our policy work where relevant 
• Acting as a specialist advisor to the Society’s Vice Presidents, Officers and other Trustees 
• Drafting and monitoring team budgets to ensure activities are delivered to budget; other financial management responsibilities including authorisation of expenditure 
• Managing contracts and agreements with specific providers or partners 
• Working collaboratively to identify and pursue sponsorship and funding opportunities 
• Contributing to the annual RSS conference, including delivery of the RSS stand and presentations on policy and advocacy 
• Overseeing the monitoring of shared inboxes and ensuring messages are dealt with as appropriate in line with customer service standards 
• Overseeing, developing and maintaining standard operating procedures for all areas of work 
• Leading continuous improvement of the policy and advocacy function 
• Undertaking such other duties as may reasonably be required, consistent with the level and purpose of the role. 

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Qualifications & Professional Background:

• Significant experience leading policy development within a membership organisation, NGO, professional body, think tank, regulator, or government department.
• Demonstrable experience managing policy campaigns, influencing decision makers, and shaping public debate.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality policy outputs (consultation responses, position papers, statements, briefings).
• Knowledge of the UK statistical system, data governance, or evidence-based policymaking.
• Experience working with or within the civil service, Parliament, or regulatory bodies.

Knowledge & Expertise:

• Strong understanding of UK political processes, legislative cycles, and public policy development.
• Ability to interpret complex technical or research material and translate it into clear, compelling policy positions.
• Knowledge of effective advocacy strategies, stakeholder engagement, and influencing techniques.
• Understanding of research commissioning, project management, and impact evaluation.
• Familiarity with issues relating to statistics, data ethics, AI governance, or research funding landscapes.
• Understanding of membership engagement and professional standards bodies.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive policy documents, briefings, and public-facing materials.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including representing an organisation externally at senior levels.
• Ability to lead horizon scanning, identify emerging issues, and develop strategic responses.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience building relationships across government, academia, civil society, and funders.
• Strong analytical skills and sound political judgement.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery on time and to quality.
• Competence in budget management, financial oversight, and contract management.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, supporting professional development and high performance.    Essential
• Media handling experience, including working with journalists or providing expert comment.
• Experience developing or implementing organisational strategies.

Leadership & Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational priorities into actionable plans.
• Confident leader who can inspire teams, volunteers, and members.
• Collaborative working style, able to build trust across internal departments and external partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively on written documents to build consensus.
• High level of initiative, autonomy, and accountability.
• Commitment to evidence-based policymaking and the mission of the RSS.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and maintain high standards.
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience supporting or advising trustees, senior executives, or governance committees.

Required Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience.
• Degree or postgraduate qualification in a numerate/mathematical discipline.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Applications should be sent to [email protected]
• To apply, please send us your CV and a supporting statement that covers the following:  
  • Why are you interested in the role and why do you want to work for the RSS? (200 words) 
  • What are the three key ways in which you meet the person specification? Please provide evidence from your experience to support your answer. (500 words) 
  • Describe a time when you or your team successfully advocated for a change (either through engaging with an external organisation, or within your own organisation). What were the challenges? How did you use policy or research work? What was the result? (300 words) 
• Applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.   
• Any questions about the role should be directed to Jonathan Everett, [email protected].
• The deadline for applications is 29th October 2026.

Interviews

• Interviews to be held w/c 2nd / 9th November 2026.

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