About the organisation:

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Ellwood Atfield is delighted to be partnering with the Royal College of Surgeons of England on the appointment of a Head of Policy & Standards.

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The Royal College of Surgeons of England is entering an exciting new phase in its policy, standards and influencing work, with the organisation evolving its Policy and Campaigns function to deliver greater impact across the issues affecting surgeons, dental professionals and patients.

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Representing over 30,000 surgeons and dental surgeons worldwide, the College plays a leading role in setting standards in surgical care, supporting the profession and shaping debate across major healthcare, workforce and regulatory challenges.

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As the College continues to strengthen its position as the leading voice of surgery, this role will play a critical part in ensuring its policy and standards work remains authoritative, evidence-based and influential.

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The opportunity:

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This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced policy leader to shape the future of surgery and dentistry across the UK and internationally.

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Reporting to the Director of Communications and with four direct reports, the Head of Policy & Standards will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the College's policy and standards agenda. The successful candidate will oversee the development of policy positions, professional guidance and standards that influence decision-makers, support the profession and ultimately improve patient care.

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The successful candidate will ensure policy and standards work translates into real-world impact, identifying emerging issues, generating evidence, responding rapidly to developments and working closely with colleagues across campaigns, communications and engagement to influence change.

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The role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior clinicians, healthcare leaders, regulators, policymakers and government stakeholders while helping shape the future direction of one of the UK's most respected professional bodies.

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Main responsibilities:

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• Lead the strategic development of the College's policy and standards agenda across surgery and dentistry.

• Oversee horizon scanning to identify emerging political, clinical, workforce and regulatory developments.

• Translate complex evidence, data and expert insight into clear and influential policy positions and recommendations.

• Ensure policy development is evidence-based, academically rigorous and focused on delivering impact.

• Lead the development and governance of professional standards, guidance and frameworks.

• Build and maintain relationships with government departments, regulators, healthcare organisations, professional bodies and international partners.

• Represent the College in high-level policy discussions, consultations, inquiries and stakeholder forums.

• Work closely with campaigns, communications and engagement colleagues to maximise the impact of policy and standards activity.

• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership, Council and the Faculty of Dental Surgery Board.

• Lead, develop and support a high-performing Policy & Standards team.

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Person specification:

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• Significant experience leading policy development within healthcare, government, regulation, membership organisations, professional bodies or related environments.

• Demonstrable experience translating complex evidence, data and stakeholder insight into clear policy recommendations.

• Strong understanding of healthcare policy, regulation, professional standards and workforce challenges.

• Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, clinicians and healthcare leaders.

• Proven ability to develop strategic policy positions and deliver high-impact policy outputs.

• Experience managing teams and creating high-performing, collaborative working cultures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing senior leaders and external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical skills, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in a complex and fast-moving environment.

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How to apply:

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To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.

Closing date: Wednesday 15 July 2026

We will only be able to consider applications submitted via the online link attached and not sent via email.

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help organisations hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them.

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Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

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