At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape impactful policies for sustainable growth and innovation in the UK economy.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading business organisation in London.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £30-35k, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and work on exciting cross-cutting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing tech and innovation policies that matter.
- Qualifications: Passion for politics, strong research skills, and a knack for communication.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are looked for a talented and enthusiastic Policy Adviser to join our team. If you are looking to build your policy career in a policy environment which will have real impact in promoting sustainable growth in the UK economy, then this could be the role for you.
In this role you will help understand what businesses need from the UK environment in order to innovate, invest and grow, develop evidence based policy recommendations and practical solutions, and seek to effect change through engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
Based at our London office (Cannon Place), the role will be part of the Tech and Innovation team and, in response to evolving priorities of government and members, will provide opportunities to work on other policy areas and cross-cutting projects.
Our focus is built around sustainable growth, and we\'re currently focussed on three key objectives (see below), which we call our missions:
- Kickstarting growth - improving the investment environment, reducing the cost of doing business, and restoring business confidence, looking at energy costs, planning, international relations, and regulation.
- Boosting productivity - via skills, tech adoption, health, migration, and workforce planning.
- Accelerating net zero - and supporting energy security by supporting green technologies, renewable energy sources, and decarbonisation.
For each of these missions, the CBI runs a programme of work: engaging and inspiring members, identifying key enabling actions required by the government and building the policy position to support those.
This role is pay band 6, with a starting salary of £30-35k depending on experience and will report to the Tech and Innovation Policy Manager.
To apply for the role, please send your CV and a short covering letter setting out your suitability for the role to recruit@cbi.org.uk by 9am on Friday 31 October.
Key Responsibilities
Work with members to develop the CBI’s policy positions:
- Develop a strong grasp of the key policy challenges facing UK businesses, particularly in relation to tech and innovation, and the political environment in which they are seeking to influence
- Work with CBI members to develop policy positions with broad support from employers of all sizes and sectors
- Work on multiple discrete projects (e.g. policy briefs, reports, and consultation responses), with a focus on tech and innovation policy, using project management skills to track progress, manage risk and measure success
- Draft and present papers for senior-level boards and committees
- Draft internal briefings for meetings, demonstrating awareness of political context
Building strong internal and external relationships, including:
- Acting as a point of contact within the CBI for members, staff, and other stakeholders on tech and innovation policy, including advising your line manager and director of relevant debates in the wider political and media landscape
- Working alongside colleagues in other policy teams as well as commercial, marketing and press to maximise the impact of the CBI’s tech and innovation policy work
- Meeting with officials in key government departments, including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury
- Meeting with leaders at CBI member companies to ensure that the Tech and Innovation Team’s work reflects business’ priorities.
Supporting the CBI’s commercial strategy and member value, including:
- Acting as a representative for the policy team’s work to support commercial colleagues to recruit and retain CBI members, including strategic accounts
- Contributing to a strong member proposition on policy, including working with commercial colleagues to secure partnerships that grow the CBI’s non-subscription income
- Distilling political and practical insight on policy issues into accessible and engaging content for CBI members
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable interest in politics and public policy
- Enthusiasm for working on tech and innovation issues
- Strong research, communication, organisational and influencing skills
- Awareness of the commercial environment facing businesses
Desirable
- Knowledge of the UK’s policymaking process
- Experience working in policy
- Familiarity with the factors affecting business’ strategic decision-making
Skills
- Research and using information – including quickly picking up new issues and concepts, crafting solutions and advising senior colleagues.
- Written and oral communication – including the ability to communicate to a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
- Interpersonal – including the ability to maintain member satisfaction and manage external stakeholder relationships, and to collaborate with a range of internal teams to deliver the team’s work
- Planning and Organisation - including overseeing multiple projects, working independently and with others in a fast-paced environment.
Policy Adviser employer: CBI (Confederation of British Industry)
Join a dynamic team at our London office, where we prioritise sustainable growth and innovation in the UK economy. As a Policy Adviser, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages professional development and offers opportunities to engage with key stakeholders and policymakers. With a focus on impactful projects and a commitment to employee growth, this role provides a meaningful pathway to influence the future of business in the UK.
Contact Details:
CBI (Confederation of British Industry) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Adviser
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like CBI (Confederation of British Industry), are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like CBI (Confederation of British Industry) and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for CBI (Confederation of British Industry) and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at CBI (Confederation of British Industry)
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with CBI (Confederation of British Industry), dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for CBI (Confederation of British Industry).
