Job summary
At DSIT we�re all about improving people�s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.�
We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.��
We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.�
We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.�
We do all this to enable the Government�s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.�
Above all, we focus on improving people�s lives. Whether it�s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.�
Our Inclusive Environment��
We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We�are�enormously proud�to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We supportcandidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.��
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is�found. To learn more please see the��and the���
Find Out More�
We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here:��
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Job description
Two vacancies for Senior Policy Advisors have arisen in the DSIT Regulation for Innovation Team which sits within the DSIT Technology and Innovative Regulation (TIR) Directorate. The roles involve work on the flagship new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), announced in the Government�s manifesto. RIO will help regulators update regulation, speed up approval timelines, and co-ordinate issues that span existing boundaries.�
The RIO has strong Ministerial interest and is a delivery priority for the government. The Regulation for Innovation Team is playing a key role in determining the RIO�s functions and responsibilities. Given that RIO is an emerging entity, the ideal candidate would be comfortable working under uncertainty on issues with close ministerial involvement. The successful candidate will be working on the RIO at an exciting early stage and there will be the opportunity to shape the role to fit the candidate�s skills and preferences.
The role would be crucial in ensuring that the UK delivers on its stated commitments on regulatory innovation while also exploring the next frontier for how we can use regulatory approaches to support technology adoption.
Innovation-friendly regulation plays a critical role to encourage and translate R&D investment into real-world, marketable products and services that could, in future, be scaled across domestic and international markets to support economic growth.�
Successful candidates will lead on some of the key programmes that enable the team to achieve its objectives. These could include (but are not limited to):
1. Implementing ministers� ambitions for the Regulatory Innovation Office.
2. Lead the effort across Whitehall and manage the relationships within DSIT to drive progress against the Government�s commitments in the Regulation and Standards strand of the Science and Technology Framework.
3. Lead the work to coordinate the strand effectively including reporting to the centre of Government and monitoring and evaluation. The role will involve making a significant contribution to the Government�s flagship science and technology ambition.
4. Support the development and implementation of the Regulatory Support Service, a specialised initiative aimed at assisting science and technology businesses in navigating regulatory frameworks.Working closely with colleagues in the team, this work will build on Professor Dame Angela McLean�s Pro-innovation of Technologies Review: Cross-Cutting and Growth Duty Recommendations. Collaborate across the team to identify and develop new opportunities for pro-innovation regulation.
5. Lead and develop effective partnerships, fostering collaboration among domestic stakeholders from across government, regulators, and industry.
6. Support the scaleup of the Regulators� Innovation Network, an informal group of over 30 UK regulators dedicated to advancing new technologies through innovation-friendly regulation, collaboration, and the sharing of best practice among regulators.
7. Lead on creating a Policy Framework to disseminate best practice around the use of standards to support emerging technologies, working closely with colleagues across DSIT and DBT.
8. Support the development of strategy around the role of the National Quality Infrastructure within the RIO.
Person specification
Key responsibilities:
Regulatory Innovation Office
9. Supporting elements of the RIO�s development. This could be working to ensure that the RIO�s delivery remains on track, working with other government departments to ensure it is effective, and advising ministers on how it can be implemented.
Science and Technology Framework, Regulation and Standards strand:
10. Manage the coordination of teams across Whitehall and within DSIT to deliver against the commitments in the strand, involving relationship building and project management skills.
11. Provide day-to-day leadership of the strand involving chairing weekly meetings with seniors to report progress, risks and unblock issues.
12. Work closely with colleagues across government to ensure the monitoring and evaluation approach delivers against the needs of the programme.
13. Lead reporting to No10 and Cabinet Office and collaborate closely with the Science and Technology Framework�s strategy teams to deliver against those expectations.
Regulators� Innovation Network (RIN)
14. Organise and chair quarterly meetings of the RIN, leading engagement with regulators to ensure these meetings are tailored to their needs and priorities.
15. Shape how the RIN operates by exploring ways to scale up engagement, foster collaboration, and share best practices on innovative regulatory approaches.
16. Develop a communication strategy to build the profile of the RIN, exploring how it could engage a wider audience including local authorities.
Standards
17. Deputise as needed for the monthly Standards Working Group and support engagement across Whitehall and the NQI to develop and adapt RIO�s standards strategy.
18. Commission and manage deliverables in partnership with national quality infrastructure (NQI) partners.
19. Conduct scoping and gap analysis in collaboration with DSIT and DBT to develop work packages such as capacity building and designation of standards in a joined-up way.
Other Responsibilities:
20. To prepare briefings for senior leaders, including maintaining the division�s core briefing materials.
21. Building a robust evidence base by engaging with key stakeholders and conducting research, including developing bespoke research, to support the broader team's mission of advancing experimental approaches to pro-innovation regulation.
22. Due to the dynamic and matrix nature of the team, be able to pivot to other priorities and take upon additional duties to support team�s ambitions.
Potential line management responsibilities in the future.�
Skills and experience:
We would love to hear from candidates with the following skills/experience:
23. Strong communication skills, articulating complex issues and technical information clearly and concisely to a range of audiences verbally and in writing.�
24. The ability to engage widely and creatively with a range of stakeholders to generate actionable, well considered policy advice.�
25. An interest in the innovation landscape and a proactive approach to work including learning and sharing relevant information to boost effectiveness of the workstreams you�re delivering.��
26. Proven track record of managing and delivering high-quality outcomes at pace.�
27. A self-starter able to independently drive work forward with strong organisational skills.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
28. Communicating and Influencing
29. Seeing the Big Picture
30. Making Effective Decisions
31. Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
32. Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �38,860, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes �11,257 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:
33. A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
34. Automatic enrolment into the, with an employer contribution of
35. A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
36. An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
37. Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
Office attendance
The Department operates a discretionary hybrid working policy, which provides for a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non-home-based location for 40-60% of the time over the accounting period.