Senior Policy Officer

The Supreme Court is the United Kingdom’s (UKSC) highest court of appeal. It hears appeals on arguable points of law of general public importance, concentrating on cases of the greatest significance. The UKSC is the final court of appeal for all United Kingdom civil cases, and criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and (in certain cases) Scotland. The Court plays an important role in the development of UK law. The impact of UKSC decisions extends far beyond the parties involved in any given case, helping to shape our society. Its judgments directly affect everyday lives.

The role of the Senior Policy Officer is to provide policy advice and support, to inform key decision-making across the UK Supreme Court. Working directly to the Chief Executive, the post-holder will have responsibility for undertaking research, briefings, analysis, horizon scanning and policy work on a range of issues as required by the Chief Executive and President of the Supreme Court. This work includes responding to government reviews and consultations, implementing the judicial diversity and inclusion strategy, and the stakeholder engagement plan. You will have the opportunity to play a significant leadership role in the development of policy.

This post leads on the considerable international work undertaken by the Court. Working directly to the Chief Executive and Deputy President, the post-holder will have responsibility for implementing the international strategy, planning, and arranging bilaterals with national courts, preparing for meetings and events with incoming international visitors, providing briefings and taking minutes. This will take approximately half their working week and they will be working alongside the Events and Communications Manager to deliver this.

The post-holder will need a sound understanding of the work of the Supreme Court, the position it holds within the UK constitution and a strong interest in the rule of law in a democratic society. The successful candidate will have excellent policy skills with sound awareness of the environment, be an excellent communicator who can work effectively and persuasively with senior figures.

There are currently no line management responsibilities with this post though this may change in the future. The post currently carries some budgetary responsibility. The post holder should be prepared to offer a flexible approach with regards to both.

Educated to degree level or equivalent experience, demonstrating the ability to analyse complex information, exercise sound judgement and communicate effectively.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Applications are via CV and Supporting Statement to be no longer than 1250 words. The supporting statement should explain why you have the relevant skills and experience for the role linked to the essential criteria. To be submitted via email to recruitment@supremecourt.uk

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the points 2 and 3 of the essential criteria:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate to both internal and external stakeholders, using appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact, providing advice on matters with authority and clarity.
• Strong research skills with an ability to analyse a range of information and to use balanced judgement to provide evidenced options to inform own decision making and that of others.

If you need to speak to a member of the recruitment team regarding the process, please e-mail recruitment@supremecourt.uk

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 25th November 2026.

Interviews are likely to take place, in person at the Court, mid-December.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.