REF Delivery Officer

• Job Category Research Programme and Funding Management
• Apply Before 06/29/2026, 10:59 PM
• Job Identification 2385
• Posting Date 06/02/2026, 03:27 PM
• Job Shift Day
• Hours Full Time/ Part Time

REF 2029 DELIVERY OFFICER

Salary: £30,895 per annum
Hours: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed Term until January 2030
Location: Westward House, Stoke Gifford, Bristol (hybrid)
Grade: UKRI Band C
Closing Date: 29 June 2026

About us:

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK. The REF is delivered by Research England on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies. More information can be found at

REF is a fast-moving exercise managing a wide range of policy areas, expert panel members that span all research disciplines and types of research outputs. Key to our success will be close team working and supporting each other through peak periods. Joining our team provides a great deal of opportunity to learn and develop.

Purpose:

Are you looking for a new challenge? An opportunity to work on a major, high-profile, project in a close-knit team and a fast-paced environment? Do you want to use your knowledge and skills in an agile way across a broad range of focus areas, learning new things and innovating along the way? Do you want to learn about the UK's different funding bodies, and work with some of the most highly respected people across the UK's research community? Then this may be the opportunity for you!

The REF Delivery Team is responsible for all administrative tasks throughout this complex, large-scale project. Key to the success of the REF project is team working. While all members of the REF Delivery Team will have individual responsibilities, they will need to work together to support the delivery of key tasks during peak periods.

If you are looking for an opportunity to develop or consolidate skills and experience relating to managing multiple complex administrative tasks, supporting governance processes and building productive senior relationships, this could be for you.

Main outputs and activities:

• Develop and maintain a good general knowledge of the REF process and administrative requirements of the exercise, and report on progress to the senior colleagues as appropriate
• Proactively and effectively manage multiple complex diaries, making appropriate use of time and resources, taking advice as necessary
• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Plan meetings, visits and other events ensuring all details are confirmed and correct and that plans are within budget. Sometimes this will be for very large-scale events
• Organise all travel and accommodation
• Organise and circulate relevant papers, briefing notes and action notes for meetings. This may include agenda setting and minute taking as required
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets and databases as needed
• Support the delivery of the REF panel project, assisting the Panel Project Manager with large mail outs and data management
• Support the development of, and then administer, member recruitment processes for Assessment Panels, including circulating applications for review and producing and circulating appointment letters, tracking acceptances as required and then maintaining up-to-date records of member information
• Act as a first point of contact for Panel and Advisory Group members' administrative queries by telephone, email and occasionally in person and ensure members are well informed about all administrative arrangements (including meetings, accommodation, finance related tasks)
• Process panel member fees and expenses in a timely manner, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail as well as consistent tracking and record management. This may involve managing large volumes whilst balancing opposing priorities
• Liaise with panel members and secretariat staff on administrative issues and ensure effective provision of administrative support
• Share meeting information via the Panel Members' Website or via email within an agreed timescale
• All members of the REF Administration Team will be responsible for responding to REF queries from our community. This requires building accurate knowledge of REF guidelines, criteria and procedures as these develop, and ensuring enquiries are responded to accurately and in a timely manner, and that any issues or complex queries are escalated and responded to as appropriate
• Model exemplary professional behaviours, including flexible, agile and collaborative working, leading by example

Shortlisting Criteria:

• Self-starter - able to prioritise, manage and organise time well, anticipating peaks and troughs in workload, and to keep up to date with routine jobs (S&I)
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft software packages (Word, Outlook, Excel) and a willingness to learn new IT packages as required (S)
• Ability to write emails, letters and draft papers clearly, accurately and following in-house style, appropriately tailored to the audience (S)
• A creative, flexible and positive approach to problem solving and the ability to show initiative and manage ambiguity (I)
• Good team worker - committed to collaborating to achieving results, willing to assist other members of staff during busy periods, able to identify and respond positively to the needs of colleagues (S & I)
• A flexible and positive approach to developing, maintaining and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders (S&I)
• Experience of organising and supporting high volumes of meetings or external events (S &I)
• Experience of working with databases and/or spreadsheets and maintaining accurate records (S)
• Ability to demonstrate accountability and ownership - consistently taking responsibility for tasks and outcomes, exhibiting commitment to see projects through to completion (S & I)
• Interest in developing knowledge of the higher education sector and the REF (S)
• Flexibility to travel to meetings, including sometimes working outside office hours and staying away overnight (S)

Team members are expected to attend the office for monthly team meetings and quarterly planning days. In addition, they should be available to work on-site for extended ad hoc periods-typically 2-3 consecutive days-when required to support business-critical, collaborative projects.

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.