Head of UK Policy

Head of UK Policy

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead UK policy initiatives for carbon capture and storage, shaping regulations and engaging with stakeholders.
  • Company: Join the Carbon Capture & Storage Association, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while advancing your career in a dynamic industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Work in a diverse team committed to sustainability and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Working For: The Carbon Capture & Storage Association (CCSA)

Location: Westminster, London

Salary: Competitive

Contract type: Permanent, hybrid (minimum 2 days in the London office)

Deadline: 9am, Monday 13 April 2026

Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and the ability to capture, transport and store or utilise carbon dioxide will be crucial to ensure a sustainable, competitive and equitable transition to a low‑carbon economy. The CCSA is seeking a highly motivated Head of UK Policy to lead the policy and regulation activities of the Association at this very exciting time in the development of the carbon capture and storage and hydrogen industries.

The role includes leadership and development of the UK Policy Team.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage the UK Policy Team, setting the strategic direction and delivering a policy work programme that supports the development of the CCUS and hydrogen sectors.
  • Provide strategic oversight of policy, fiscal and regulatory developments affecting CCUS, advising on implications for the sector and shaping the CCSA’s policy positions and engagement with government and regulators.
  • Lead the CCSA Regulation and Policy Forum, providing an established and trusted platform for dialogue between industry, policymakers and regulators, and building consensus across the membership on key policy priorities.
  • Oversee the delivery of CCSA policy working groups, ensuring effective coordination of member expertise to inform policy development and support the sector’s engagement with government.
  • Develop and maintain CCSA policy positions that reflect the evolving policy, fiscal and regulatory landscape and support the development of bankable CCUS business models and routes to market.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with CCSA members, parliamentarians, government officials, regulators and other stakeholders, including undertaking stakeholder mapping with members, other trade associations and relevant public and private organisations.
  • Represent the CCSA and the UK CCUS sector at national and international conferences, forums and policy discussions, acting as a leading voice on UK CCUS policy and regulatory developments.
  • Hold expert positions on external task forces, advisory groups and industry forums, contributing sector expertise and ensuring the CCSA’s perspectives are reflected in wider policy and regulatory discussions.
  • Support internal alignment across the CCSA, including working closely with the External Affairs team to provide policy input, briefing lines and rebuttals, and ensuring effective coordination with the CCSA EU team on processes and cross‑border policies such as standards, regulation and cross‑border policies.
  • Support the Membership and Events team by providing insight to help shape high‑quality events, as well as assisting with member recruitment and retention.
  • Line‑manage and develop the UK Policy Team, ensuring effective delivery of corporate objectives and contributing to strategic planning, budgeting and reporting across the association.
Essential criteria
  • Proven experience in leading policy development and influencing policymakers, preferably within the CCUS, hydrogen or wider energy sector.
  • Strong knowledge of CCUS and its role across industrial decarbonisation, power, hydrogen, advanced fuels and carbon removals, and the policy and regulatory frameworks required to enable deployment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong track record of producing high‑quality policy outputs including consultation responses, position papers and briefing materials.
  • Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building trusted relationships and influencing policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders at senior levels.
  • An effective and diplomatic communicator, able to explain complex issues clearly and facilitate consensus where stakeholder views differ.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to manage and develop a high‑performing team and deliver strategic policy objectives.
  • Experience convening and working with diverse stakeholders to develop shared policy positions and coordinated approaches to complex policy challenges.
  • Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deliver at pace and balance short‑term demands with longer‑term strategic goals.
  • A proactive and results‑driven approach, with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic policy environment and deliver outcomes with a small team.
  • A strong understanding of climate policy and the technologies supporting the transition to net zero.
  • Proficiency in standard IT applications.
Desirable criteria
  • A relevant undergraduate degree in an area such as geosciences (e.g. geology), climate change or a related field.
  • Extensive relevant experience of working in energy and climate change, particularly carbon capture and storage and hydrogen.
  • Knowledge and experience of the CCUS market in both the UK and EU, plus awareness of global CCUS developments.
  • A strong understanding of UK politics, government and policy making processes.
  • A broad understanding of how the EU policy process works.
  • Experience engaging with, or working within, trade associations, with a clear understanding of their role in supporting businesses and advocating on behalf of industry.
  • Good technical understanding of the CCUS value chain.
  • Experience in applying and assuring compliance with regulations.
  • Experience working in cross‑function and multi‑geography teams.

At CCSA we celebrate diversity as we know it makes our company a great place to work. Encouraging applicants with different backgrounds, ideas and points of view, we create teams who work together to lead a new industry.

Location/hours: This is advertised as a full‑time role. We operate a hybrid policy and the successful candidate will spend a minimum of 2 days a week in our comfortable London office near beautiful St James Park, SE1. This role requires flexibility when it comes to in‑person event support and delivery, so there will need to be occasional travel both in the UK and potentially abroad, with occasional evening/early morning events.

How to apply: To apply, please send a CV and a short tailored covering letter setting out how you meet the above criteria and job description to info@ccsassociation.org by 9am Monday 13 April 2026 with ‘Head of UK Policy’ and your name in the email subject. CV only applications will not be accepted. Interviews are planned to take place during April with appointment shortly thereafter. No agencies, thank you.

Head of UK Policy employer: Carbon Capture and Storage Association

The Carbon Capture & Storage Association (CCSA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Westminster, London. With a strong commitment to diversity and employee development, CCSA provides opportunities for meaningful engagement in the rapidly evolving CCUS sector, while fostering collaboration with industry leaders and policymakers. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and the chance to contribute to vital climate initiatives that shape the future of sustainable energy.
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Contact Detail:

Carbon Capture and Storage Association Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of UK Policy

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the CCUS and hydrogen sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Be prepared for interviews by researching the CCSA and its projects. Understand their goals and challenges in the CCUS space. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it relates to the role of Head of UK Policy. Focus on your leadership skills and how you can influence policy development effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of UK Policy

Policy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Leadership
Project Management
Analytical Skills
Understanding of Climate Policy
Knowledge of CCUS and Hydrogen Sectors
Interpersonal Skills
Strategic Planning
Regulatory Knowledge
Diplomatic Communication
Team Management
Organisational Skills
Technical Understanding of CCUS Value Chain

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of UK Policy. We want to see your passion for CCUS and how you can contribute to our mission!

Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role involves producing high-quality policy outputs, it's crucial to demonstrate your writing prowess. Use clear, concise language in your application and provide examples of your previous work that showcase your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Highlight Your Leadership Experience: We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and manage relationships with various stakeholders. Make sure to include specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've successfully influenced policy development in the past.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Remember, CV only applications won’t be accepted, so include that tailored cover letter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Carbon Capture and Storage Association

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) and its role in the energy sector. Brush up on recent government initiatives and funding commitments, especially the £21.7bn investment for CCUS projects. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and passion for the industry.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As the Head of UK Policy, you'll need to lead a team and influence policymakers. Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, particularly in managing teams or projects related to policy development. Highlight how you've successfully built consensus among diverse stakeholders in previous roles.

✨Engage with Current Issues

Stay updated on current climate policies and regulatory frameworks affecting CCUS. Be ready to discuss how these issues impact the industry and what strategies you would propose to navigate them. This shows that you're proactive and can think critically about the challenges ahead.

✨Practice Your Communication Skills

Excellent communication is key for this role. Prepare to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain your thoughts on specific policy positions or consultation responses, so practice summarising your ideas in a way that's easy to understand for various audiences.

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