Policy Officer

Location: Hybrid working from Newcastle, York, Manchester, Birmingham, Swindon, Bristol, Portsmouth or Cambridge

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Interview date: 10 August 2026

Our client is a national public organisation working to improve places, support communities and protect the historic environment.

They are seeking a Policy Officer to support public policy activity focused on community wellbeing, health, inclusion, young people and civil society.

Working within a specialist policy team, you will help develop evidence-based advice for government and contribute to organisational strategy. You will support work demonstrating how heritage and place-based initiatives can improve people’s lives, strengthen communities and deliver positive social and economic outcomes.

This role would suit someone with experience in policy, research, analysis or stakeholder engagement who is confident managing their own workload and communicating with a wide range of audiences.

• Support the development of policy relating to community wellbeing, health, inclusion, young people and civil society.
• Gather, review and analyse evidence to inform policy advice and strategic recommendations.
• Contribute to advice provided to government departments and internal decision-makers.
• Help demonstrate the social and economic value of heritage and its contribution to successful communities and places.
• Support engagement with government departments, public bodies and external partners.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with stakeholders inside and outside the heritage sector.
• Coordinate policy activity that supports strategic priorities and organisational objectives.
• Assist external partners with their involvement in policy development and consultation activity.
• Prepare clear briefings, reports, presentations and other policy materials.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of community-focused programmes.
• Monitor relevant policy developments and identify potential implications for the organisation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across policy, evidence, regional and operational teams.
• Support the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based advice.
• Ensure policy engagement remains focused on agreed outcomes and organisational priorities.
• Take ownership of assigned work and see tasks through to completion.
• Represent the organisation professionally at meetings, working groups and stakeholder events.

• An academic or professional qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience gathering evidence and undertaking research and analysis.
• Experience of policy work in a relevant field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A confident and adaptable communication style.
• Experience managing stakeholder relationships.
• The ability to engage professionally with a range of internal and external audiences.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• The ability to take personal responsibility for work and complete tasks effectively.
• A collaborative and outcome-focused approach.
• An interest in community wellbeing, inclusion and place-based policy.
• Experience relating to health and wellbeing, young people, civil society, community development or heritage would be beneficial.

• Defined benefit pension scheme with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Consideration of job sharing, part-time working and compressed hours.
• Professional learning and development opportunities.
• Free entry to participating heritage attractions across England.
• Support for employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
• An inclusive and collaborative working environment.
• Reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

Applications will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the Requirements section.

The recruitment process uses structured application questions designed to reduce bias and assess candidates against their skills and suitability. A CV may not be required during the initial application stage.

Candidates should provide accurate and original responses that reflect their own experience. Any use of artificial intelligence or other support tools should assist rather than replace the candidate’s personal account of their skills and knowledge.

Interviews are provisionally scheduled for 10 August 2026
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Our client is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates who are currently underrepresented within the organisation.

Flexible working requests and reasonable adjustments can be discussed during the recruitment process.