Job Overview

About the BMA

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.  We represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students. 

Join the BMA at a crucial time for doctors and the NHS and be part of a team working for better pay and conditions for the profession.

About the role 

We're looking to recruit x2 Policy Advice and Research Officers to join the Public Health and Healthcare function, within our Communications and Policy directorate until December 2024.  The team leads work on a wide range of policy issues focused on improving health and reducing inequalities, including on the key drivers of ill health such as obesity and tobacco, mental health, climate change, the NHS and its workforce, as well as COVID-19. 

These are two new fixed-term roles created within the team to support the BMA’s policy, research and engagement work with the UK Covid-19 Inquiry and any separate inquiries within the devolved nations. 

These are hybrid roles and involve a mix of working at home and from our Central London office.  

In your new role you will: 

• Review, summarise and analyse evidence submitted to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry to support the BMA’s engagement with the Inquiry 

• Support the production of written and oral submissions to the Inquiry, drafting of questions for witnesses through analysis of key documents and wider research and policy evidence and contributing to the drafting of relevant documents 

• Provide intelligence and analysis of issues relevant to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry across the UK, as well as support the BMA’s engagement with the Scottish Covid inquiry as required 

• Work closely with colleagues across the BMA (including the policy, public affairs, communications, devolved nation and internal and external legal teams) as well as the BMA’s elected members and external stakeholders 

• The postholder may be required to work on other issues within the team’s remit  

The successful candidate will need: 

• Experience of conducting research and analysis and an ability to communicate analysis and research accessibly and succinctly 

• To be proactive, flexible and good at building effective working relationships, as this role requires effective matrix working 

• Have an ability to get up to speed quickly, especially if you have no prior knowledge of working in health and public health policy 

• Excellent written skills with experience of drafting policy reports and briefings  

• Good working knowledge and proficiency with MS Excel 

• Good analytical skills and an eye for detail  

• An understanding of health policy issues would be desirable  

Why work for us?

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a BMA company day
• Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary
• Additional leave entitlement for volunteering or moving house (after completion of probationary period)
• Onsite gym and subsidised café at BMA House
• BMA Law - discounted rates for employees requiring legal services such as will writing/conveyancing
• Multiple flexible benefits and discounts through our employee benefits platform
• Lots of Learning and Development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub
• Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) after completion of probationary period

Anonymous recruitment

The BMA endeavours to be an inclusive employer, ensuring fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for roles. To support our aims, we use specific software to remove all personal identifying information from CVs and applications.  Personal information such as name, date of birth, age and gender are anonymised and will only become visible to hiring managers if you are selected for interview.

Whether the role needs you to work at home, in an office or in a hybrid way, we`ll provide all the support you need.  

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply through our website. However,  if you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support at any point during the application process, please email recruitment@bma.org.uk.

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring:

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts everybody signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

BMA is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.

Please note, we are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system and we do not hold a sponsorship licence.