Senior Policy Advisor - System Architecture (Maternity Cover)

Job summary

This is a senior role in our policy and analysis team, which works to influence and analyse policy on issues that are relevant to the whole NHS and all sectors of our membership. The Senior Policy Adviser plays a leadership role in developing and advocating The NHS Alliance's policy objectives. This post specifically leads our policy work on system architecture and the NHS operating model, though will be expected to flex to other policy areas when required.

They will deliver high-quality policy analysis and lead projects, and will also manage commercial partnerships with external organisations which invest in and support our policy offer to members. As part of a policy function spanning NHS Alliances central policy and network teams, this post-holder is expected to contribute their expertise to work being carried out across the organisation, and to actively seek out input from others to ensure all policy work supports common objectives.

Main duties of the job

As Senior Policy Adviser for system architecture and the NHS operating model you will:

• Lead policy influencing strategy develop and drive proactive, member-informed influencing plans, producing credible recommendations for national policymakers and responding quickly to emerging issues.
• Act as a recognised subject matter expert on system architecture and the NHS operating model gather insight from members and the wider system, and provide insight, briefings and clear policy positions to stakeholders.
• Ensure policy alignment and coherence contribute to policy work across The NHS Alliance which relate to system architecture and the NHS operating model, ensuring outputs are consistent with wider organisational priorities and positions.
• Represent and promote our policy work internally and externally support senior leadership to influence national debates through media, events and stakeholder engagement, raising the profile of members work.

About us

The NHS Alliance is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for our The NHS Alliance is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for our staff. A place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of inclusive employment policies including family friendly policies and flexible working and we have range of channels to support staff from different backgrounds including our staff networks and a staff forum.

The NHS Alliance is committed to being a flexible employer. We understand the value and benefit to our employees being able to work flexibly and our agile working principles are designed to empower our people to work with optimal flexibility and minimal constraints to support a work life balance and take care of employee health and wellbeing.

Details

• Date posted: 19 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £63,175 a year
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: NHS1241344
• Job locations: 2nd Floor, 18 Smith Square, Westminister, London, Greater London, SW1P 3HZ, United Kingdom, 2, The Calls, Leeds, Leeds, LS2 7JU, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Lead policy influencing strategy develop and drive proactive, member-informed influencing plans, producing credible recommendations for national policymakers and responding quickly to emerging issues.
• Act as a recognised subject matter expert on system architecture and the NHS operating model gather insight from members and the wider system, and provide insight, briefings and clear policy positions to stakeholders.
• Ensure policy alignment and coherence contribute to policy work across The NHS Alliance which relate to system architecture and the NHS operating model, ensuring outputs are consistent with wider organisational priorities and positions.
• Represent and promote our policy work internally and externally support senior leadership to influence national debates through media, events and stakeholder engagement, raising the profile of members work.
• Lead delivery of projects and programmes scope, plan and manage key projects, ensuring the are delivered effectively, on time, and to a high standard.
• Build and manage strategic relationships develop strong relationships with members, partners and stakeholders, facilitating collaboration and joint policy or delivery initiatives.
• Support organisational sustainability and growth contribute to membership recruitment and retention, business planning and the development of commercial and contract opportunities and income streams.
• Provide leadership and team management line manage staff, support their professional development, and contribute to a high-performing, collaborative team culture.