Head of Political Engagement

The Head of Political Engagement leads the British Council’s public affairs strategy, including its relationship with the UK Parliament and Parliamentarians, political stakeholders from the UK’s four nations, and across the wider political space. The postholder also plays a leading internal advice and consultancy role on the UK political landscape within the organisation.

Accountabilities

• The role is responsible for leading the British Council’s engagement with the UK Parliament and political stakeholders by developing and delivering with a small team its Parliamentary and Public Affairs Strategy.
• Establishing and building relationships with senior Parliamentarians.
• Supporting British Council senior leaders with their political engagements.
• Ensuring accurate and timely handling of all Parliamentary Questions and MP correspondence, as well as effective budget oversight.
• Overseeing the organisation’s work with Select Committees and All‑Party Parliamentary Groups, ensuring strong cross‑party relationships, full compliance with accountability requirements, high‑quality briefings for staff appearing before Committees, effective management of the British Council APPG secretariat, and proactive sharing of insight and evidence.
• Providing specialist internal advice on parliamentary and political engagement, supporting both UK and overseas teams in planning and delivering stakeholder engagement across the four UK nations and relevant soft power sectors.
• Deputising for the Head of External Relations when required, line managing and supporting a team of two, and contributing to the wider Policy and External Relations team priorities.

Requirements of the role

• Excellent understanding of UK politics and knowledge or direct experience of the UK Parliament and its work.
• Experience in designing and delivering public/parliamentary affairs strategies.
• Experience of building, managing and maintaining effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Experience in leading a team and line management.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce high quality briefings and submissions.
• Experience of working collaboratively and successfully with multiple teams across multiple locations.

Closing Date: Applications will close at 23:59 on 10th February 2025 UK Time.

You must have the legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.

Contract type: Indefinite

Pay band: SMP

Location: London, UK (only). The job requires attending occasional early morning meetings and evening engagements. As per the UK policy, PER team members are expected to work in the office (or from Westminster) for at least three days a week.

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.