Policy and Research Lead

ARK Consultancy; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in public policy based in Birmingham is seeking a Policy and Research Lead. This role involves leading research efforts, developing evidence-based insights for clients, and providing strategic intelligence to improve outcomes in the housing and regeneration sectors. The ideal candidate has substantial experience in the public or voluntary sector and excellent communication and organizational skills. Applications are encouraged from diverse candidates.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a policy or research role.
• Strong communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and policy insight work for ARK.
• Develop strategic intelligence and horizon scanning.
• Ensure outputs are rigorous and relevant.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research methodologies

Communication skills

Data analysis tools

Job description

Overview

This opportunity is with a thriving multidisciplinary management and technical consultancy offering services to housing associations, local authorities, Government bodies and the charitable sector. The work is underpinned by policy, regulation, and the socio-economic context of the housing sector. We are recruiting a Policy and Research Lead to develop evidence-based insights that support clients to make informed, strategic decisions and strengthen our voice in the wider sector.

Role purpose

Lead ARK’s research and policy insight work, focusing on the development of evidence-based insights that support clients to make informed, strategic decisions and strengthen our voice in the wider sector. Provide strategic intelligence, evaluative research, and horizon scanning that helps clients navigate complexity and improve outcomes for residents, organisations, and places. Combine analytical rigour with a commitment to social impact to ensure our work responds to real-world challenges facing the housing and regeneration sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and policy insight work for ARK, developing evidence-based insights for clients.

• Develop strategic intelligence, evaluative research, and horizon scanning to inform client decision-making and sector engagement.

• Ensure outputs are rigorous, relevant to policy and practice, and connected to social impact in housing and regeneration contexts.

• Communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a policy or research role within housing, local government, or the wider public/voluntary sector.

• Strong communication skills for a range of audiences, with confidence using IT and data tools.

• Excellent organisational skills.

Support and development

We will support you to learn about the business and feel confident in your role. ARK’s strength lies in our people and we are keen to help our team learn, develop and progress wherever possible.

Equality and inclusion

We are an inclusive employer and aim to have a team that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we work. If you read this job description and meet most of the criteria, we would love to hear from you.

To apply

If this opportunity to join and grow with an established consultancy appeals to you, please attach your CV with a one-page covering letter. Alternatively, please send your application to [e-mail].

The full job description can be read here: Recruitment Pack – Policy and Research Lead

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 3rd October 2025.