Graduate Policy Programme in Darlington

Shape the UK from Darlington. Become a Policy Adviser.
Our work touches every aspect of everyday life. As the Government’s economic and finance ministry, we influence policy across every government department.
You don’t need to be an economist or have studied a particular subject to make a difference here. What matters is your curiosity, your ability to think differently and your motivation to improve the lives of others.
Based in Darlington, you’ll be part of a growing government community while working on issues that matter across the whole of the UK. Whatever your degree subject, skills or life experience, we’ll give you the training and support to help you make a real, positive and lasting impact on millions of people across the country.
It all begins here.
Making an impact for your nation
Our responsibilities include maintaining control over public spending, deciding how money is raised from taxpayers and ensuring that it’s spent responsibly. We ensure value for money, set the direction of the UK’s economic policy and work to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth. We’re also working to create a simpler, fairer tax system and, by making them easier to access and use, make financial services work for more people.
Being based in Darlington doesn’t mean thinking locally; your work will help shape government decisions that affect millions of people across the UK every day. You could contribute to policy across a wide range of areas, including health, education, local government, banking and insurance, the criminal justice system and much more.
To ensure our advice reflects the needs of all our communities, it’s important that our graduates come from the widest possible range of backgrounds. That’s why we’re committed to equality and diversity, creating an open and inclusive department where people bring different perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking, while supporting and developing one another.
Join us if you want to make a real difference for your country. You can build a career with national impact from Darlington, with real responsibility and invaluable learning opportunities from the start. We’ll give you the support and training you need to become a Policy Adviser and make the most of your potential.
Becoming a Policy Adviser in Darlington
Building your career in Darlington means you can make a national impact while staying connected to your local community. You’ll be part of a growing government hub, working on important policy issues that affect millions of people across the UK, while developing your skills and experience close to home.
Our three-year Graduate Policy Programme is designed to help you grow quickly, build confidence and develop the skills you need for a successful career in policy, with no previous policy experience required.
You’ll start with a week of training covering how Parliament works, policy making and the legal framework, and developing skills such as project coordination and workplace communication. You’ll continue your learning on policy skills throughout your time on the programme.
Your work will include discussing ideas and coordinating work with colleagues, writing, researching and analysing information to develop or enhance policy ideas. You’ll gain real expertise in your specific policy area – which could be anything from higher education or international tax avoidance to public health or infrastructure spending.
As part of the programme, you’ll have access to a dedicated progression opportunity that supports your career development. After approximately two years, you’ll be given the opportunity to demonstrate your readiness for promotion to Senior Executive Officer (SEO) through a competitive assessment process.
Whichever policy area you work in, you'll take on meaningful responsibility early in your career. You'll be supported every step of the way to make the most of your potential and progress your career.
In return, we offer a stimulating and encouraging environment, working with forward-thinking people who want to make a real difference throughout the UK. Our competitive benefits package reflects the important contribution you'll make and supports you throughout your career with us.
We’ll be holding two workshops during the application period to provide guidance on the application and selection process, alongside an insight into working in HM Treasury – these will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams and are open to all applicants:
Tuesday 27 October – 11:30 – 12:20
These are optional events which you can attend whether you have applied or not. The purpose of these webinars is to give you more information about the recruitment process and help you be confident in your application. The links can be found on the HM Treasury Careers website.