At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape food safety policies and protect public health in the UK.
- Company: Join the Food Standards Agency, a leader in food safety.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful policy work.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and public health.
- Qualifications: Experience in evidence gathering and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Policy Adviser role at the Food Standards Agency.
Are you ready to help shape the future of food safety in the UK? As a Policy Adviser at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), you’ll be at the heart of developing and delivering evidence-based policies that protect consumers and ensure food is safe and accurately described. These are dynamic roles where you’ll work across a range of policy areas, from food hygiene and safety to hypersensitivity, and international trade, or animal feed. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across government and industry, using analysis and insight to inform decisions that have real-world impact.
Whether supporting legislative reform, responding to food safety incidents, or contributing to strategic planning, you’ll be part of a team that values rigour, transparency and public trust. You’ll gain hands-on experience across the full policy lifecycle, building a strong foundation in policy practice and contributing to the FSA’s mission to protect public health.
As a Policy Adviser at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), you’ll support the development and delivery of policies that protect public health and ensure food safety. You’ll gather and assess evidence to inform advice, contribute to policy reform, and help respond to food and feed safety incidents. Working closely with colleagues across government and industry, you’ll produce briefings and discussion papers to support decision-making and may be involved in international trade and engagement. You’ll also contribute to business planning and be flexible in responding to emerging priorities across the policy remit. This role offers a strong foundation in policy practice and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
- Support the development and delivery of evidence-based policies that protect public health and ensure food safety.
- Gather and assess evidence to inform policy advice and reform.
- Respond to food and feed safety incidents and contribute to strategic planning.
- Collaborate with colleagues across government and industry; produce briefings and discussion papers to support decision-making.
- Contribute to business planning and respond to emerging priorities across the policy remit.
Qualifications
- Experience gathering and assessing evidence to inform policy advice.
- Ability to work across policy areas and with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong written and analytical skills for briefing materials and discussion papers.
Information sessions
We will be holding two informal information sessions for prospective applicants to hear more about the specific roles available. During these sessions you will have a chance to ask questions. These sessions will be held virtually, and you only need to attend one of the two sessions. Please use the following details to register:
- 17:00-17:45 on Tuesday 14th October: Book here
- 12:00-12:45 on Wednesday 15th October: Book here
- The deadline for registering for these sessions is 1 hour before the scheduled start times.
Other job listings and company information are provided for context and should not be considered part of this role description.
Policy Adviser employer: Food Standards Agency
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to safeguarding public health through evidence-based policy development. With a collaborative work culture that values transparency and public trust, employees are empowered to make a real-world impact in food safety. The FSA offers robust opportunities for professional growth and hands-on experience across diverse policy areas, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about contributing to the future of food safety in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Food Standards Agency inside out! Research their recent policies and initiatives. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t miss those information sessions! They’re a golden opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for the team culture. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Policy Adviser. We want to see how you can contribute to food safety and public health, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills and experiences!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves gathering and assessing evidence, be sure to include examples of your analytical skills in your written application. We love seeing how you’ve used data to inform decisions or policy advice in the past.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Standards Agency
✨Know Your Policies
Before the interview, dive deep into current food safety policies and recent incidents. Familiarise yourself with the Food Standards Agency's mission and values. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with their goals.
✨Evidence is Key
Be prepared to discuss your experience in gathering and assessing evidence. Think of specific examples where your analytical skills made a difference in policy advice or reform. This will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the role.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your ability to work with diverse stakeholders. Share examples of past collaborations, especially those that involved cross-government or industry partnerships. This will showcase your teamwork skills, which are crucial for a Policy Adviser.
✨Stay Flexible and Adaptable
The role requires responding to emerging priorities, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing situations in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your flexibility and problem-solving skills, as these are vital in a fast-paced environment.
