Senior Policy Adviser

Senior Policy Adviser

Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.

RCN UK HQ (London), with opportunities for flexible hours, home and hybrid working.

Permanent contract, 1.0 FTE post (35 hours)

At the Royal College of Nursing we're an optimistic organisation. And we've got good reason to be. We all share the same voice when it comes to changing the shape of the health policies of the future. And as the largest trade union of nursing staff and students in the UK - with over half a million members - all we can see are the infinite possibilities for a brighter future. Join us and you will too.

The role

As Senior Policy Adviser at the RCN, you'll collaborate closely with colleagues and functions across the UK organisation, leading complex policy development and influencing to bring about change to public policy in England and across the UK, on issues impacting our members.

You'll work closely with colleagues in research, public affairs and nursing practice to identity key issues, risks and opportunities for the nursing profession, using this insight to design policy work programmes and develop robust positioning to test with members, colleagues and stakeholders. You'll create compelling evidence-based policy narrative and targeted recommendations.

You'll build strong relationships with peers at Royal Colleges, Trade Unions, Government departments and other organisations across the health and social care sector. You'll use your relationships to influence change, identify opportunities for collaboration and bring insight into the organisation.

The person

To join us you'll need to demonstrate that you have experience of analysing external policy and political landscape in the UK to identify specific issues and levers for change. You will also have the ability to produce detailed and consistently high-quality policy and data analysis, and policy recommendations supported by a credible evidence-based case for change.

You will also be able to demonstrate that you can foster strong professional relationships internally and externally and encourage close collaboration across the organisation.

It is essential for you to have demonstrable experience of providing analysis and developing policy positions and recommendations. The policy team at the RCN handles a wide range of issue portfolios, balancing proactive and responsive work, managing uncertainty and changing priorities in the external environment. Therefore, we are looking for candidates who have experience managing competing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

To succeed at the Royal College of Nursing all you need to do is think bigger, better and brighter. And with an attitude like that, anything is possible.

What we offer you

We expect you to look after our members. And we expect you to be rewarded for it. We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme. We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.

We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale. We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary.

We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance. Our hybrid working model allows for up to 60% of your working time to be carried out from home. At least 40% of your working time will be spent working in person.

There may be further flexibility to the locations advertised. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss if alternative office locations are available.

Our selection process

Please click the 'apply now' button to apply and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don't. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.

We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.

Equal opportunities for everyone

Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients. xwzovoh

As proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Opening date: Friday 1 May 2026

Closing date: midnight on Sunday 24 May 2026