Research and Policy Officer

The Sentencing Academy is a charitable incorporated organisation created in 2019 to promote more effective sentencing practices and to further professional and public understanding of sentencing across England and Wales. Our mission is to inform decision making and improve awareness and understanding of sentencing through evidence led research, working in collaboration with experts in the field.

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.

This role is a mostly remote working one but with regular meetings in London (approximately four times a month). Attendance at other locations may sometimes be required. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) but with flexibility to work reduced hours of no less than 0.8 FTE (30 hours per week). Occasional work outside of normal working hours may be required.

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.