At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with MPs and officials to influence UK government decisions for small businesses.
- Company: FSB is the UK's leading grassroots business organization advocating for small businesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of holiday, health cash plans, and flexible benefits like gym discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public policy while working in a supportive and diverse team.
- Qualifications: Open to all backgrounds; must provide education certificates and eligibility to work in the UK.
- Other info: Job share applications are welcome; diversity and inclusion are core values at FSB.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
FSB is the UK’s leading business organisation with an unparalleled voice to those in power. We are seeking a Government Affairs Advisor and would welcome applications from anybody looking to use their experience to date to improve the quality of decisions taken by UK Government and Parliament. Our goal is to make sure that these decisions take better account of the needs and perspective of small businesses and the self-employed.
We are a small, friendly, flexible and effective team, with a strong track record of successfully delivering change to UK public policy. We offer a supportive environment for you to maximise your experience, and to progress in role. Central to the role is evaluating and acting upon risks, benefits or opportunities to small businesses within the current political context. We are open to a range of perspectives on the best way to achieve policy change and will support you in developing your own approach and perspective.
You will be responsible for:
- Initiating and developing frequent and high-quality contact with MPs, Advisors, Ministers and relevant officials;
- Leading on delivery of FSB’s party conference activity and political events;
- Briefing FSB’s member leadership;
- Working collaboratively with FSB’s policy, media and communication, and international teams in specialist project teams on specific policy areas to advance FSB objectives.
If you are interested in this role, we would be keen to hear from you. We are open to applications on a job share basis or from job share pairings. FSB is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you’ll also benefit from:
- 26 days holidays per year plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with your Annual Flex Pot*
- Annual Flex Pot* to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
- Health cash plan* (Access to claim back numerous benefits, including towards dental treatment, optical, chiropody, physiotherapy, counselling, health and wellbeing)
- Critical illness and income protection insurance*
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
- Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders
- Group Personal Pension (GPP)
*Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms
About Us
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK’s grassroots business organisation. We are a cross-party non-profit body that represents small business and self-employed members in every nation and region. In 2024, FSB celebrated 50 years of being the authoritative voice on issues affecting the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, microbusinesses and the self-employed.
FSB is the UK’s largest business group and leading business campaigner, focused on achieving change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed. We also provide our members with a wide range of vital business services, helping them to start, run, and grow successful businesses through high quality protection and support. This includes 24/7 legal support, financial expertise, training and events, debt recovery and employment/HR advice – alongside a powerful voice heard by governments at all levels.
Our local, national and international activism helps shape policy decisions that have a direct impact on the day-to-day running of smaller businesses. We work for their interests through research and engagement with our members and by effective campaigning – influencing those in power through policy analysis, public affairs, media and public relations activity. Our advocacy work starts with our expert external affairs team in Westminster, which focuses on UK and England policy issues, the UK Government, Parliament and media and communications engagement. Further to this, our teams in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast work with governments, elected representatives and media in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Additional Information
All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.
FSB is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusion across gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, colour, race, ethnic origin, religious beliefs and disability. We believe that diversity and inclusion in our team is integral to our success in supporting the UK’s vast array of small businesses.
Applicants are advised to apply early; we reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and shortlisted for interview you will be contacted by email.
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Government Affairs Advisor employer: Federation of Small Businesses
Contact Detail:
Federation of Small Businesses Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Government Affairs Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current political landscape and key issues affecting small businesses in the UK. This knowledge will help you engage effectively with MPs and other officials, demonstrating your understanding of their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network actively within political circles and attend relevant events or conferences. Building relationships with policymakers and stakeholders can give you an edge in understanding how to influence decisions that impact small businesses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively by highlighting any past experiences where you've successfully partnered with different teams or departments. This is crucial for the role as it involves working with FSB’s policy, media, and communication teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've evaluated risks and opportunities in previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to contribute to policy change effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Government Affairs Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Government Affairs Advisor position. Understand the key responsibilities and how your experience aligns with the needs of FSB.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in government affairs, public policy, and small business advocacy. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with MPs and other officials.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for supporting small businesses. Mention how you can contribute to FSB's mission and your approach to policy change.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves working with various teams, emphasize any past experiences where you successfully collaborated with different departments or stakeholders to achieve common goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Federation of Small Businesses
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Make sure you have a clear understanding of how the Government Affairs Advisor role contributes to improving decisions made by the UK Government and Parliament. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with FSB's mission to support small businesses.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Since the role involves initiating contact with MPs, Advisors, and Ministers, be ready to share examples of your past networking experiences. Highlight any successful relationships you've built in political or business contexts.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
FSB values teamwork across various departments. Prepare to discuss instances where you've worked collaboratively on projects, especially those that required input from multiple stakeholders to achieve policy change.
✨Prepare for Policy Discussions
Be informed about current political issues affecting small businesses in the UK. You should be able to articulate your perspective on these matters and suggest potential policy solutions that align with FSB's objectives.