Job Description

Policy Officer

Report to: National Director for Northern Ireland

Department: BDA Northern Ireland

Salary: £34,534 - £40,376 per annum (dependent on experience)

Hours of work: Full-time - (32-hour, four-day week) - Permanent Direct

About the BDA

The BDA is the voice of dentists and dental students in the UK. We bring dentists together and support our members through our four core pillars: Representation, Advice, Learning and Indemnity.

As a professional body and trade union, our duty is to serve the needs of our members. From pay to prevention, we campaign and provide support on the issues that matter to dentists and to improve the oral health of the population.

We work to ensure that the voice of dentists is heard right across the UK -at devolved and UK government levels -by providing data, briefings and information, lobbying for change to improve conditions for dentists and their teams.

BDA Northern Ireland provides a local point of contact for BDA members working in Northern Ireland. We provide strategic and policy support to underpin the work of our committees.

Members are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are stronger.

About the role

• A key role within the BDA Northern Ireland team, this post will provide professional policy support to advise and assist the work of BDA Northern Ireland and its committees.
• The post requires proficiency in producing concise briefing papers and consultation responses, analysing and summarising data and developing expertise in dental policy in Northern Ireland.
• As secretariat to NI Dental Practice Committee, the postholder will provide wrap-around support to BDA representatives attending external meetings with senior officials, including preparing briefings, organising meetings and pre-meetings, and taking forward action points. Also, to liaise with Committee Chairs in producing Agendas and papers and effectively manage the committee process.
• To draft evidence-based policy papers on issues of relevance to dentistry in Northern Ireland for a variety of purposes, including member communications, media and political briefings.
• This is a full-time permanent position. With a home working base, the post will necessitate regular travel to attend a variety of meetings within Northern Ireland, with occasional travel to London.

About you

• The post holder should ideally have the following skills and attributes:
• l Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline
• l Excellent written communication skills with the ability to write clear, concise and accessible reports and briefings
• l Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• l Proven research credentials with experience of initiating research, drafting reports and providing analysis, including statistical analysis
• l Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
• l Excellent organisational skills, the ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, and to demonstrate initiative
• l A team player, demonstrable ability to establish rapport and communicate with colleagues and professionals
• l Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working in a Secretariat/Policy role in a membership organisation
• Up-to-date knowledge of the health policy environment in Northern Ireland
• Previous experience working in a Public Affairs/Advocacy role

About the team

Staff based in Northern Ireland include the BDA Northern Ireland National Director, Policy Officer and Committee & Administration Support Officer. Staff based outside of Northern Ireland with a remit for Northern Ireland include an Employment Relations Officer, and a Practice Management Consultant.

In addition, the work of BDA Northern Ireland is also supported by colleagues from across the full range of BDA teams, such as Policy, Compliance, Communications, Advice, Membership and beyond.

BDA Northern Ireland and its elected committee members seek to improve conditions for the delivery of dental services across Northern Ireland, recognised to negotiate directly with Department of Health. We also seek to influence other key stakeholders, including political parties and statutory and non-statutory organisations.

Our committees meet regularly to consider the issues affecting the dental profession and patient care, and to shape priorities. BDA representatives take these issues forward into discussion and negotiation with DoH officials and government, and the full range of bodies responsible for delivery of dental services.

We offer

• Four-day working week arrangement
• Generous pension scheme
• 22 days annual leave, 4 additional 'employer' days and 8 bank holidays
• Recognition of Length of Service
• Healthy lifestyle subsidy
• Health cash plan
• Eye test vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Family-friendly policies
• Collaborative, inclusive, and welcoming team environment.

At the BDA, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Investor in People. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our team and help us better serve our members.

How to apply and what to expect

Please complete the online application form accessible via clicking the apply icon, include a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria described in the job description and person specification. Once submitted, please await contact from our team.

Please note we will not accept CVs without a full application to support them.

BDA cannot offer visa sponsorship as we are not a licensed sponsor.

Application close: Midday, Wednesday 14 October 2026

Job Interviews: Week commencing Monday 2 November 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early as we may close the window if we receive high levels of interest.

Don't miss this chance to be a key player in shaping the future of dentistry and oral health. Join us in making a real impact. Apply now and become a valuable member of our collaborative and motivated team.