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 for a Senior Policy Adviser to join BMA Scotland and provide expert policy, negotiating and strategic support to committees, office bearers and negotiating teams.

 You’ll advise on complex policy and contractual matters, develop negotiating positions, analyse emerging issues and produce clear briefings and guidance. You’ll also help shape policy and strategy and support BMA Scotland’s campaigning activity. Working across the BMA and with external stakeholders, including Scottish Government and NHS Scotland employer representatives, you’ll build strong relationships, represent the BMA at meetings and contribute to the delivery of BMA Scotland’s strategic priorities.

This is a hybrid role and will involve a mix of working from home and our Edinburgh office.

To be successful in the role you’ll ideally have:

• Equivalent or previous experience in a senior policy, negotiating or advisory role
• Experience in government, health, employment or social policy (a background in health policy or medical workforce issues would be particularly advantageous)
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to develop policy proposals, negotiating positions, briefings and guidance
• Experience of interpreting complex contractual or policy matters and providing clear, authoritative advice
• Sound political judgement and the ability to identify and assess risks, benefits and stakeholder interests
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Good planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload effectively
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• The confidence to represent the BMA externally and work effectively with senior colleagues, committee members and partner organisations

 We anticipate that interviews will take place week commencing 16th November 2026

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, moving house or wedding leave (after completion of probationary period)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Group Income protection & life assurance that is seven times your annual salary
• Annual salary reviews & incremental salary increases from year one to year three
• Onsite gym and subsidised café (at BMA House in London)
• Electric Vehicle and Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme's (available after completion of probationary period)
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with free confidential counselling, a helpline and specialist support available
• Long service recognition every 5 years
• Professional subscription cover where membership of a professional institution is required for your role
• 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)
• Additional annual leave- buy up to 5 additional holiday days per year

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.

To apply please upload an up to date version of your CV and supporting information setting out your suitability for the role. 

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.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. 

The role profile outlines the current key responsibilities and expectations for the position. However, the British Medical Association (BMA) is presently engaged in an organisation design process, which aims to ensure that our structure, roles, and ways of working best support our strategic objectives and the needs of our members. As a result, the responsibilities and scope of this role may be subject to change as the association evolves. The BMA is committed to communicating any such changes transparently and supporting colleagues through any transitions that arise as part of this process.

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring: 

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts everybody with the right skills and experience and 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, as we do not hold a sponsorship licence.