Chief of Policy & Governance

Chief of Policy & Governance

Full-Time 100000 - 140000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead policy and governance initiatives, advocate for members, and shape boardroom discussions.
  • Company: Join the Institute of Directors, the UK's top organisation for business leaders and directors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on UK governance while working with influential leaders in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Senior-level experience in policy or governance, strong communication skills, and a strategic mindset required.
  • Other info: This role offers a chance to influence the future of business governance in the UK.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 £ per year.

Job Description

Salary: £120,000 – £140,000 + benefits

Location: 116 Pall Mall, London / Hybrid

About the Institute of Directors (IoD):

The Institute of Directors is the UK’s leading membership organisation for company directors and business leaders. We champion good governance, advocate on behalf of the director community, and provide development opportunities that support board effectiveness and long-term success.

About the Chief of Policy and Governance role:

We are now seeking a collaborative, intellectually grounded, and strategic leader to join our Executive Team as Chief of Policy and Governance. This is a pivotal role, charged with shaping the IoD’s policy agenda, advancing our voice and the voice of our members in UK and global governance debates, and ensuring our influence reflects the evolving needs of modern business leaders and Directors.

As the Chief of Policy and Governance you’ll be responsible for:

  • Policy leadership: Setting the strategic direction for our policy and governance agenda, rooted in evidence, member priorities, and real-world business impact.
  • High-profile advocacy: Acting as a national and international spokesperson, engaging government ministers, regulators, media and industry forums.
  • Governance thought leadership: Shaping public and member understanding of boardroom issues, ESG responsibilities, and regulatory change.
  • Team empowerment: Leading a multidisciplinary team while fostering a collaborative and agile culture across the organisation.

What we’re looking for:

  • A credible leader with senior-level experience in policy, governance, regulation, or public affairs.
  • Outstanding communicator and relationship-builder with a strong grasp of UK corporate governance and the broader policy landscape.
  • Proven ability to influence public policy through authoritative research, thought leadership, and strategic engagement.
  • Strategic, resilient, and values-led, someone who can drive change, build consensus, and thrive in high-profile environments.
  • Motivating and supportive leader of a team who encourages curiosity, rigour, initiative and collaboration while investing in the growth and development of those around you.

Why join the IoD?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the governance conversation at the heart of the UK’s business community, championing pragmatic policy solutions in service of better boardrooms and a stronger economy.

How to Apply

For more information on the opportunity of Chief of Policy & Governance for the IoD, including access to the full candidate brief, please visit www.berwickpartners.co.uk/94048

Alternatively, click on the “Apply for this Role” button. You will be redirected to the website of our selected search partner, Berwick Partners.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Tom Ewen and/or Lisa Henry from our selected search partner, Berwick Partners. You can contact them on thomas.ewen@berwickpartners.co.uk or lisa.henry@berwickpartners.co.uk  

To apply please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a covering statement which highlights your motivations towards this opportunity and capabilities in a position of this kind.

The close date for your application is Sunday 3rd August 2025

If you have difficulties applying online, please contact the Berwick Partners recruitment team on response.manager@odgersberndtson.com

Chief of Policy & Governance employer: Institute of Directors

The Institute of Directors (IoD) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, the IoD provides unique opportunities for growth and influence within the governance landscape, empowering leaders to shape the future of business. Join us to be part of a prestigious organisation that champions good governance and advocates for the director community, all while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
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Contact Detail:

Institute of Directors Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief of Policy & Governance

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the governance and policy sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or forums where you can meet current leaders and influencers. Building these connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on current trends and changes in UK corporate governance and public policy. Subscribe to relevant publications or follow thought leaders on social media to ensure you can speak knowledgeably about the issues that matter to the IoD.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for potential interviews by developing a clear understanding of the IoD's mission and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their policy agenda.

✨Tip Number 4

Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the IoD for informational interviews. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations for the Chief of Policy & Governance role.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Policy & Governance

Strategic Leadership
Policy Development
Public Affairs Expertise
Stakeholder Engagement
Excellent Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Governance Knowledge
Advocacy Skills
Research and Analysis
Change Management
Team Leadership
Collaboration and Teamwork
Resilience
Influencing Skills
Understanding of ESG Responsibilities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Chief of Policy & Governance role. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their needs.

Craft a Compelling Covering Statement: Your covering statement should clearly articulate your motivations for applying and how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Highlight specific examples of your leadership in policy and governance.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your senior-level experience in policy, governance, or public affairs. Use bullet points to showcase your achievements and the impact you've made in previous roles, particularly in high-profile environments.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your formatting is consistent. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.

How to prepare for a job interview at Institute of Directors

✨Understand the Policy Landscape

Familiarise yourself with current UK corporate governance issues and the broader policy landscape. Being able to discuss recent developments and their implications will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in fostering collaboration and empowering teams. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams and driven change.

✨Prepare for High-Profile Advocacy Scenarios

Think about potential scenarios where you might need to act as a spokesperson. Be ready to articulate how you would engage with government ministers, regulators, and media, showcasing your communication skills and strategic thinking.

✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Vision

Articulate your vision for the IoD's policy agenda. Be prepared to discuss how you would align member priorities with real-world business impacts, showing that you can think strategically and act decisively.

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