We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer on an initial one year fixed-term contract. The primary responsibility for this role will be to create content for our forthcoming Sentencing Hub, which will draw together an array of resources on sentencing in England and Wales, including research summaries and data trends. The Sentencing Hub is currently in the early stages of development and will become a key research and statistical resource for those seeking the latest evidence on the effectiveness of the sentencing process. It will be of interest to sentencers, the Judicial College, the Sentencing Council, those involved in the policymaking process, Members of Parliament, journalists, and other stakeholders. We anticipate that the Hub will become the Sentencing Academy’s primary research and dissemination vehicle and this is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in developing it.
Would you like to join our influential team at a critical moment at which sentencing sits at the top of the political agenda?
Job description
• Working with Sentencing Academy staff and a network of academics to develop content for the forthcoming Sentencing Hub, including research syntheses and literature reviews and presentation of data on sentencing trends.
• Assist with the Sentencing Academy’s response to sentencing policy and practice developments, such as legislation and consultations on draft guidelines.
• Support the drafting of funding applications.
• Other ad hoc research, policy and administrative tasks to support the organisation’s activities.
Person specification
Essential
• Advanced research skills as demonstrated by a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, able to interpret data.
• Interest in sentencing and justice policy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and track record as a team player.
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to deliver on time and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision as part of a small team which works remotely.
• Excellent IT skills including Word and Excel.
Desirable
• Demonstrable knowledge of sentencing policy and practice.
• Understanding of the importance of working collaboratively and building and maintaining partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience of identifying and securing funding for research.
If you want to join the organisation at this exciting period of growth and development and have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply by sending a copy of your CV and supporting statement (no more than two A4 pages) showing how you meet the criteria for this post and what you would bring to this role to info@sentencingacademy.org.uk or apply with the same information via the CharityJob website. The closing date is Thursday 17 April 2025 at 5pm.
Should you have any queries or questions about this role, please contact Jon Bild at j.bild@sentencingacademy.org.uk.
Interviews are likely to take place, online, during the week commencing 12 May 2025.
Sentencing Academy Research and Policy Officer – Further Particulars
