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- Tasks: Lead the Policy and Strategy function for the Independent Football Regulator, shaping regulatory frameworks.
- Company: Join the DCMS team working on the future governance of football in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, a strong pension plan, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football governance while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in regulatory design and leadership experience in policy and strategy are essential.
- Other info: This role is a 2-year fixed term contract, transitioning to the Independent Football Regulator.
Head of Policy and Strategy
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 17th March 2025
Location – Manchester / London
Salary – £59,003 – £79,556 + benefits (including a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%)
Contract type – 2-year fixed term contract
We lead the Government’s work on the future governance of football. At present, the Shadow Football Regulator comprises over thirty members of staff, led by an interim Chief Operating Officer, undertaking a range of activities in preparation for passage of the Football Governance Bill, which is currently in Parliament.
The Shadow Football Regulator is a dedicated team within DCMS which is responsible for setting up the Independent Football Regulator. It is ensuring the regulator has the right skills, governance and corporate functions so it can start work as soon as possible after the Bill receives Royal Assent.
This post, and its recruitment, is dependent on progress of the Bill, and the intention is for this role to transfer to the Regulator once it’s legally established. Please note that the Independent Football Regulator will be based in Greater Manchester, but an exact location has yet to be determined.
Job description
We are looking for an exceptional candidate to lead the Policy and Strategy function in the IFR, delivering smooth implementation of the regulatory framework as the organisation takes shape and develops its core regulatory functions.
The Policy and Strategy team s role is to develop the regulatory tools, policies and frameworks needed to make the new regulatory regime a success, including policy consultations, licence conditions, rules and guidance.
Operating across a wide range of policy topics including financial regulation, licensing, fan engagement and corporate governance you will be expected to set direction and lead your team towards strong policy outcomes, working collaboratively with football stakeholders to deliver the intent of the Football Governance Bill.
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in setting the regulatory strategy for the IFR, helping the board and other decision makers set clear goals and deliver robust and evidence-based decisions.
Person specification
Essential Requirements:
- Expertise in regulatory design with significant experience of implementing new regulatory regimes and / or setting regulatory strategies.
- Visible and effective leadership of a policy and strategy function, with the ability to build and develop capability.
- Demonstrating sound judgement and ability to reach evidence-based decisions, balancing a range of considerations and complex sources of information to ensure legally defensible outcomes.
- Strong delivery capability, successfully delivering at pace in a complex, uncertain and high-risk project / programme environment.
- Ability to lead your team s engagement with a wide range of stakeholders to influence good policy outcomes on multiple issues.
Desirable Skills:
- Expertise in financial regulation in other regulated sectors.
- Knowledge of the football pyramid.
Alongside your salary of £59,003, Department for Culture, Media and Sport contributes £17,093 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
DCMS values its staff and offers a wide range of benefits to everyone who works here. We re committed to developing talent and supporting colleagues to have great careers in our department. To support with that, some of the benefits we offer include:
- Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working – DCMS staff work on a flexible basis with time spent in offices, and time spent working from home
- 26.5 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 31.5 days after 5 years service
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Access to the Edenred employee benefits system which offers discounts to popular retailers and access to various useful resources such as financial and savings advice
- 3 days of paid volunteering leave
- Up to 9 months maternity leave on full pay + generous paternity and adoption leave
- Staff reward and recognition bonuses that operate throughout the year
- Occupational sick pay
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme which offers staff 24/7 confidential support and resources such as counselling, debt guidance and management advice
- Active and engaged staff networks to join including the LGBT+, Ethnic Diversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality Networks
- Exceptional learning and development opportunities that you can explore alongside your day-to-day work
- Season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and much more!
How to apply
You will be redirected to a careers site to complete your application.
Head of Policy and Strategy employer: Department for Culture, Media & Sport
Contact Detail:
Department for Culture, Media & Sport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy and Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Football Governance Bill and its implications for the Independent Football Regulator. Understanding the nuances of this legislation will help you articulate how your expertise aligns with the regulatory framework.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the football governance sector. Engaging with stakeholders and industry experts can provide insights into current challenges and opportunities, which will be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading policy and strategy functions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented regulatory regimes and influenced policy outcomes in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Emphasize your communication skills and how you've previously engaged with various groups to achieve strong policy results.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy and Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Policy and Strategy position. Understand the key responsibilities and essential requirements, especially focusing on regulatory design and stakeholder engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in regulatory frameworks, policy development, and leadership roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver results in complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your vision for the role and how your expertise aligns with the goals of the Independent Football Regulator. Emphasize your experience in implementing regulatory strategies and engaging with stakeholders.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professionally presented to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Culture, Media & Sport
✨Showcase Your Regulatory Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in regulatory design and implementation. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led the development of new regulatory frameworks, especially in complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Illustrate your leadership style and how you've effectively built and developed teams in previous roles. Share instances where your leadership has directly influenced positive policy outcomes.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders in the football sector. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used to influence policy decisions and foster collaboration among diverse groups.
✨Evidence-Based Decision Making
Emphasize your ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions. Prepare to discuss how you've balanced complex information and considerations to achieve legally defensible outcomes in past projects.
