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Policy Fellowship Programme for UK Civil Servants by Open Innovation Team (OIT)

The Open Innovation Team (OIT) has officially opened applications for the 2025 Policy Fellowship Programme, an exclusive academic mentoring initiative designed for civil servants at SEO-G6 grades. This programme provides participants with expert guidance to enhance policy development across various sectors. By collaborating with leading academic institutions, the OIT ensures evidence-based analysis, fosters innovation, and helps government departments strengthen their policy frameworks.

About the Open Innovation Team (OIT)

The OIT is a cross-government unit that collaborates with experts to generate analysis and innovative ideas for policy development. The team assists government colleagues in reviewing evidence, engaging with specialists, shaping policy, and evaluating its impact.

Programme Overview

The Policy Fellowship Programme is a customised, part-time initiative tailored to support civil servants in tackling specific policy challenges. Participants will be paired with an academic mentor from one of OIT’s partner universities, receiving expert insights to refine their research and develop actionable policy recommendations. This fellowship serves as a valuable bridge between policy professionals and the academic community, encouraging fresh perspectives on complex issues.

Our Policy Fellowship is a bespoke, flexible, part-time mentoring programme that helps officials by providing expert insights to address a specific policy question. Over a six-month period, civil servants will work under the supervision of an academic mentor in a relevant field to conduct research and produce an output based on their policy area. Mentors are drawn from OIT’s partner institutions: Brunel University London, the University of Essex, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey, and the University of York.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2025 Policy Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Employment Status: Must be a civil servant at SEO-G6 grade or equivalent.

  • Government Departments: Open to officials from all UK government departments.

  • Location: Applicants must be employed within the UK government.

  • Educational Qualification: A minimum of an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience.

  • Relevant Experience: A background in policy development or a related field is essential.

Programme Structure

  • Duration: 6 months (part-time commitment).

  • Mentorship: Fellows will be matched with academic mentors from one of the following institutions:

    • Brunel University London

    • University of Essex

    • Lancaster University

    • University of Surrey

    • University of York

  • Flexibility: The programme is structured to accommodate participants’ existing roles within the government. Fellows will engage in regular mentoring sessions, periodic check-ins, and receive constructive feedback on their research.

  • Key Focus Areas:

    • Education

    • Health & Social Care

    • AI and Digital Technology

    • Environment and Sustainability

    • Government Operations

    • Business, Work, and Employment

  • Fees: Participation in the programme is free of charge.

Application Process

Interested applicants should complete the following steps:

  1. Application Form: Submit the Open Innovation Fellowship Application Form.

  2. Supporting Documents:

    • Updated CV

    • Personal statement detailing policy interests and the expected benefits from the fellowship

    • A reference from the applicant’s current department

  3. Submission: Follow the specified guidelines and submit the application via the designated portal.

  4. Further Guidance: Detailed instructions regarding eligibility and the application process can be found in the OIT Fellowship Q&A PDF.

Key Dates

  • Application Opens: 30 January 2025

  • Application Deadline: 24 February 2025

  • Results Announcement: Early March 2025

The 2025 Policy Fellowship Programme presents a unique opportunity for civil servants to collaborate with academic experts, strengthen their policy research capabilities, and make meaningful contributions to policy development. If you meet the eligibility requirements and seek to expand your policy expertise, this fellowship is an excellent opportunity to explore.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply

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