Debt Policy Manager (Local Government and Enforcement Portfolio

Debt Policy Manager (Local Government and Enforcement Portfolio)

£72,000 per annum

Bedford

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Help shape fairer debt collection practices across England.

We're looking for a strategic and influential relationship manager to lead engagement with local government and enforcement sector partners, helping to improve policy and practice around debts owed to local authorities. This is a unique opportunity to drive change in areas that directly affect millions of people, including council tax arrears, benefit over payments, parking fines and other local authority debt. Working at the intersection of policy, public services and debt advice, you'll collaborate with senior stakeholders to champion fair, effective and sustainable approaches to debt collection and recovery.

Debt owed to local authorities can have a significant impact on people's financial wellbeing, particularly when collection and enforcement practices are not designed with vulnerability and ability to pay in mind. As the largest funder of free debt advice in England, MaPS has a critical role to play in influencing how local debt is managed and how support is made accessible to those who need it most.

This role is central to that mission. By building strong partnerships, monitoring policy developments and assessing the impact of devolution, funding and commissioning decisions, you'll help ensure that local authority practices support positive outcomes for both residents and communities. Your work will directly influence national and regional conversations, strengthen local debt advice provision and contribute to a fairer, more sustainable debt landscape across England.

The Debt Policy Manager will report directly to the Senior Creditor Strategy Manager and will be responsible for:

• Policy Development and Influence: Lead on policy matters related to local government debts such as council tax and parking fines. Develop positions that support fair debt collection and enforcement practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement and System Leadership: Build and maintain relationships with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. Act as a key contact for policy discussions related to local authority debt and enforcement.
• Devolution and Place-based Insight: Monitor the impact of devolution and provide strategic insight on local authority behaviours and outcomes.
• Enforcement Policy and Practice: Lead engagement with stakeholders involved in local authority debt enforcement. Promote balanced approaches to debt recovery.
• Debt Advice Funding and System Sustainability: Assess funding risks and opportunities for local authority debt advice. Inform strategy on funding sustainability.
• Policy and System Leadership: Facilitate cross-sector collaboration to improve access to debt advice and develop initiatives that enhance engagement at a local level.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• Strong understanding of public sector debts, particularly local authority debt management.
• Knowledge of the local government landscape in England, including policy, finance, and governance.
• Experience in policy development, analysis, and influencing within government or related sectors.
• Familiarity with revenue collection and enforcement practices.
• Awareness of debt advice provision and funding models.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.

MaPS is based in bright, modern offices in Bedford, and we’re here to help people across the UK feel more confident and informed about their money.

Our values guide how we work together:

• Caring – for colleagues and the communities we support
• Connecting – building supportive, positive relationships
• Transforming – creating impact that truly matters

We’re proud to foster an inclusive, welcoming culture. Our colleague networks include LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women’s health, men’s health and ethnicity groups — and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Pension contributions matched 2 to 1 (employer contribution…