At a Glance
- Tasks: Support policy development and engage with government on UK water sector reforms.
- Company: National economic regulator focused on impactful policy work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, excellent pension, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Gain real policy exposure and shape the future of the water industry.
- Qualifications: 2:2 degree or relevant apprenticeship in related fields required.
- Other info: Structured early-careers programme with mentoring and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 31000 £ per year.
A national economic regulator is hiring high-calibre students and recent graduates to join its Policy and Government Engagement team during a major period of reform across the UK water sector. This is a rare chance to work inside government-level regulation, supporting policy development, legislation and engagement with Whitehall and regulators while helping shape how one of the UK’s most critical industries is run.
Key Criteria
- On track for or achieved at least a 2:2 degree in: Politics, Public Policy, Law, International Relations, Economics, History, Geography, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a closely related subject.
- Or a Level 3–5 apprenticeship in economics or a related field.
- Must be on a sandwich degree or be a recent graduate/apprentice (within 3 years).
Why this role is different
This is not a standard internship. You’ll be working directly on:
- UK water policy and regulation
- Engagement with government departments
- New legislation shaping the future of the water sector
- Reform of how water companies are regulated
You’ll sit in the team that works with DEFRA, the Welsh Government and national regulators as the UK prepares a new Water Bill and a redesigned regulatory framework. This means real policy exposure, not admin work.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll join the Government Engagement and Policy team, acting as a link between the regulator, government and other national bodies. You’ll:
- Analyse government policy, legislation and consultation papers
- Support engagement with DEFRA and other regulators
- Help prepare briefings, submissions and impact analysis
- Track and interpret new laws affecting the water sector
- Support senior leaders with stakeholder and government engagement
- Work on major national reform projects
What you’ll gain
You’ll be supported through a structured early-careers programme with:
- Core policy and regulatory training
- Monthly development workshops
- Coaching and mentoring
- Access to conferences and site visits
- Exposure to senior decision-makers
You’ll build policy, analytical and stakeholder skills that are highly transferable across government, consultancy, regulation and corporate strategy.
Skills & mindset
- Strong interest in public policy, regulation or government
- Confident working with numbers, data and written analysis
- Able to explain complex ideas clearly in writing and conversation
- Curious, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking
Location & package
Birmingham (B5) or London (E14)
Hybrid working
£28,000–£31,000 salary
12-month fixed-term professional placement
Excellent pension, generous annual leave and full Civil Service-style benefits.
Why apply
If you want to work at the point where government, policy, economics and the environment meet, this is one of the strongest early-career roles in the UK right now. You’ll leave this placement with experience that opens doors into:
- Government and policy
- Regulation
- Strategy and consultancy
- Sustainability and infrastructure
- Economics and public affairs
Policy Officer in London employer: GradBay
Contact Detail:
GradBay Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the policy and government sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to get your name out there. We can’t stress enough how important connections are in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest developments in UK water policy. Show your passion and knowledge during interviews, as it’ll set you apart from other candidates. We believe that being informed is key to making a great impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your analytical skills! Try discussing recent legislation or government policies with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, which is crucial for roles like the Policy Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in public policy and regulation.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Policy Officer role. Highlight your relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description, especially your interest in public policy and regulation.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves analysing government policy and legislation, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully worked with data or conducted research. We want to see your critical thinking in action!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language to explain complex ideas, as this reflects the communication skills we value. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at GradBay
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in current UK water policy and any recent legislation. Familiarise yourself with the key players like DEFRA and understand the implications of the new Water Bill. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you approach analysing complex data and legislation. Bring examples from your studies or previous experiences where you’ve had to interpret information and draw conclusions. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the analytical demands of the role.
✨Engage with Real-World Issues
Be ready to talk about current issues affecting the water sector and how they relate to public policy. This could include topics like sustainability or regulatory challenges. Showing that you’re informed about real-world applications of your knowledge will set you apart.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since the role involves explaining complex ideas, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain a piece of legislation or a policy issue, so being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery.