Graduate Policy Officer in Bradford

The Policy Team in Bradford Council’s Office of the Chief Executive supports senior leaders and councillors by helping to shape and coordinate the council’s key policies and strategic priorities. It works collaboratively across the council and with partners, producing briefings, reports and advice that help decision‑makers understand complex issues and make informed choices, with a focus on improving outcomes for residents and reflecting the needs of Bradford’s communities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a graduate with strong analytical skills, the ability to write clearly and an interest in public policy to start their career at the heart of Bradford Council. As a Graduate Policy Officer, you’ll join the Policy Team in the Office of the Chief Executive and work alongside experienced colleagues on issues that shape the council’s priorities and impact on local communities. This is a developmental role: you do not need to arrive with all the answers. What matters most is your curiosity, judgement, and ability to learn quickly.

With the right support, you will build experience in policy analysis, research, briefing and collaborative working, developing the skills needed to operate confidently in a complex local government environment. This role offers an opportunity to help shape Council policies and strategies that affect the whole of our district. With appropriate supervision and mentoring, you will:

• Analyse issues at an introductory to intermediate level, drawing on data, research and guidance to identify key messages, risks and options, with support to sense‑check conclusions.
• Produce clear written outputs such as briefings, summaries, reports and slides, drafting initial versions that can be refined through feedback.
• Research policy topics and best practice, confidently using external sources and explaining what the evidence shows and why it matters.
• Support decision‑making by turning complex information into clear, structured advice for different audiences.
• Manage defined pieces of work or small projects, planning tasks, tracking progress and meeting agreed deadlines with oversight.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners, contributing positively to shared work and coordinating inputs when needed.
• Build confidence in a local government context, developing an understanding of governance, legislation and organisational priorities over time.
• Respond constructively to feedback, learn quickly, and steadily increase independence as skills and judgement develop.

Progression through the role will be supported through structured performance reviews and training and development within the council’s graduate programme.

A degree (achieved or predicted, in any discipline) that demonstrates analytical thinking and an ability to work with information is required. You should have a clear interest in public policy, public services and how decisions are made, along with the ability to write clearly and logically, with experience of structured written work, for example through academic study. Some experience of research, analysis or project‑based work gained through study, work or placements is also beneficial.

You should possess the ability to develop strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills, and an organised and flexible approach to managing workload. A willingness to learn, respond positively to feedback, and work in line with Bradford Council’s Brilliant, Bold and Balanced values is essential.

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact Helen Johnston at helen.johnston@bradford.gov.uk or on 07582 102650.

Applications to be submitted by 21 June 2026. Following shortlisting: Assessment centre held w/c 29 June 2026. Interviews held from 6 July 2026.

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re‑assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief, nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.