Description

The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is now inviting applications for the 2025 Policy Fellowship programme, a part-time academic mentoring scheme designed specifically for civil servants in the UK at grades SEO-G6. This prestigious Policy Fellowship offers civil servants the opportunity to work closely with leading academics to develop innovative policy solutions, gain in-depth insights, and enhance their subject knowledge. The application window is open from 30 January to 24 February 2025, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

What is the OIT Policy Fellowship?

The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is a cross-government unit that collaborates with experts to generate innovative ideas and evidence-based solutions for policy-making. The OIT Policy Fellowship is a bespoke, flexible, part-time mentoring programme that pairs civil servants with leading academics from OIT partner institutions, including:

• Brunel University London
• University of Essex
• Lancaster University
• University of Surrey
• University of York

The programme runs for six months, during which participants work under the guidance of an academic mentor to research and produce a policy output relevant to their department's needs.

Degree Level

UK Government OIT Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at York University, Brunel University London, University of Essex, University of Lancaster, University of Surrey.

Available Subjects

Research Topics for 2025

The 2025 Policy Fellowship offers an expanded range of research topics, including but not limited to:

• Education
• Health & Social Care
• AI and Digital
• Environment and Sustainability
• Government and Policy
• Business, Work, and Employment

This flexibility allows participants to choose a topic that is directly relevant to their current policy work or future career aspirations.

Benefits

Key Benefits of the Policy Fellowship

By participating in the 2025 Policy Fellowship, civil servants will:

• Gain in-depth support and insight from leading academics.
• Build valuable connections across academia and the civil service.
• Develop practical skills in data analysis and interpretation.
• Enhance their subject knowledge in their chosen policy area.

The Fellowship also provides a unique platform to test policy ideas, fill evidence gaps, and collaborate beyond government, leading to more robust and impactful policy-making.

Why Apply for the OIT Policy Fellowship?

The OIT Policy Fellowship is a unique opportunity for UK civil servants to:

• Gain academic mentorship from leading experts in their field.
• Develop innovative policy solutions backed by research and evidence.
• Expand their professional network across academia and government.
• Enhance their career prospects by gaining new skills and insights.

Participants have consistently reported that the Fellowship provides invaluable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth.

Eligible Nationalities

This fellowship is open to students of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the OIT 2025 Policy Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be a civil servant working in the UK.
• Hold a grade between SEO and G6.
• Be working in a policy-related role and have a specific policy question or challenge they want to explore.
• Have the support of their line manager and department to participate in the part-time programme.

Application Procedure

The application process is straightforward:

• Download the OIT Fellowship Q&A Pack: This document contains all the information about the Fellowship, including eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and FAQs. It can be accessed from the OIT Fellowship page.
• Complete the Application Form: Download and fill out the Open Innovation Fellowship Application Form.
• Submit Your Application: Applications must be submitted via email to fellowship@openinnovation.gov.uk before the 24 February 2025 deadline.

For any questions or additional support, applicants can reach out to the OIT team via the provided email.

Conclusion: Apply Now for the 2025 OIT Policy Fellowship

The Open Innovation Team’s 2025 Policy Fellowship is a career-transforming opportunity for UK civil servants eager to enhance their policy-making skills and knowledge. By collaborating with leading academics from top UK universities, participants can develop innovative policy solutions, expand their professional networks, and make a meaningful impact on public policy.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative programme – Apply before 24 February 2025!