At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment policy and engage with stakeholders to drive visitor economy growth.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at VisitBritain, promoting the UK's vibrant culture and heritage.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence policy, competitive salary, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Attend an info session to learn more about the role and ask questions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's tourism sector and help shape its future.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Visitor Economy drives growth and creates jobs, significantly boosting local economies. VisitBritain's latest estimates indicate that 41.2 million inbound visitors contributed £31.5 billion to the economy in 2024, with many tourists citing our vibrant culture and heritage offer as one of their main motivators for visiting the UK. Global tourism is projected to grow by 5% year-on-year but the UK is operating in a highly competitive field to capture that demand. In the medium term, HMG has committed to increasing visitor numbers to 50 million per year by 2030.
We are a friendly and dynamic team based between London and Manchester, within the Visitor Economy, Heritage, Loans and Art Collection (VEHLAC) Directorate. The team sponsors VisitEngland and VisitBritain (the British Tourist Authority): VisitBritain works with the GREAT campaign to generate demand to visit the UK. VisitEngland works with businesses and local authorities in all areas of the country to support the regional development of the visitor economy, through destination partnerships that help communities to tell their stories to visitors. The recent regional restructuring of destination management in England has set up the sector to deliver jobs and growth across all regions. We are also working at pace on introducing a registration scheme for short-term lets, crucial for high-quality stays across the country but also to flexibly meet increased demand for accommodation during events like the Commonwealth Games.
You will lead on investment policy within the wider team and will be joining at a crucial time as we look to publish our Visitor Economy Growth Strategy. Experience working with analysts, other government departments and external stakeholders will be vital to continue to push policy in this priority area forward, as well as the ability to work autonomously. You will lead the team’s engagement with the Visitor Economy Advisory Council (VEAC); providing the secretariat function for the VEAC and commissioning input from the VEAC that supports delivery of the Visitor Economy team’s objectives. You will act as the lead for ministerial engagement briefings, coordinating inputs across the team and ensuring ministers are fully supported and well-informed for meetings, visits, and events. You will also be involved in coordinating and drafting high-quality ministerial and treat official correspondence related to the visitor economy, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with departmental priorities.
The ideal candidates would have the following key skills and experience:
- Essential requirements:
- Experience developing policy, using clear evidence to make informed recommendations.
- Ability to think strategically, identifying common goals or barriers to progress.
- Excellent communication, briefing and drafting, for audiences both internal and external.
- A proven ability to work with a range of stakeholders (ideally both inside and outside Government).
- Experience of secretariat provision.
- Desirable skills:
- Previous experience and/or knowledge of visitor economy sectors.
We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted by Harriet Somers, and will take place on: 12:30 - 13:30 on Monday 8 June. The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions. Please register your interest by filling out this Registration form and you will be sent an invitation. Invites will only be sent after this deadline has passed.
Behaviours we'll assess you against during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Policy, Briefings and Governance Lead in Manchester employer: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
As a leading force in the Visitor Economy sector, our company offers a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while contributing to the significant impact of tourism on local economies. Located between London and Manchester, we provide a dynamic environment where you can engage with diverse stakeholders and play a pivotal role in shaping policies that enhance the UK's appeal as a top tourist destination.
Contact Details:
Department for Culture, Media and Sport Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy, Briefings and Governance Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its mission! Before any interview, do your homework on VisitBritain and the Visitor Economy. Understanding their goals and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the team culture and expectations. This could give you an edge in understanding what they value most in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy, Briefings and Governance Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the visitor economy. Dive into the job description and highlight key points that resonate with your experience. This will help us see how you fit into our team!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Show us how your background aligns with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your communication skills shine through, so keep it professional yet engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Culture, Media and Sport
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in visitor economy policy. Brush up on the Visitor Economy Growth Strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested, but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it’s government departments or external partners, demonstrating your ability to build relationships will be key. Think about specific instances where your communication made a difference.
✨Master the Art of Briefing
Since you'll be involved in ministerial briefings, practice drafting concise and clear briefs. Bring samples of your previous work if possible, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them. Clarity and precision are crucial in this role!
✨Think Strategically
During the interview, highlight your strategic thinking skills. Be prepared to discuss how you identify common goals and overcome barriers in policy development. Use real-life examples to illustrate your approach and show that you can think beyond the immediate tasks.
