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- Tasks: Manage student loans and contribute to higher education policy reforms.
- Company: Join a supportive team at HM Treasury focused on education and skills.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of higher education in the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate complex information.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 39000 £ per year.
Salary: National: £43,090 - £46,500. (If the successful candidate is a current Civil Servant joining on level transfer, HM Treasury will honour their current substantive salary if higher.)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: This post is available on a full time, part time or job share basis, and flexible working hours can be accommodated.
Location: Darlington (Feethams House)
We are recruiting a Higher Education Policy Advisor to join the Education and Skills team. This is a pivotal role covering a range of high‑profile and fast‑moving policy areas. You will contribute to the management of the student loan book (valued at around £266.7bn), support the implementation of the new international student levy, and help design and deliver reforms to strengthen the long‑term sustainability of the sector.
About the Team
Education and Skills are a high performing spending team, responsible for spending control of one of the largest and most high‑profile budgets in government. We lead HMT’s relationship with DfE at a time when the department is delivering several radical reform programmes. We are also at the forefront of the Treasury’s work to boost productivity, by ensuring that we have an education system which meets the needs of the future economy. We are a friendly and supportive team with a strong emphasis on an inclusive and open culture, making use of everyone’s talents! We are especially proud of our track record in helping our team members to develop and make the most of the opportunities available whilst being in the team. Our core role is to help the Department for Education (DfE) to live within their budget and deliver reforms to boost productivity in order to grow the economy.
About the Job
This is an exciting time to join Higher Education policy - the scale of the loan book and the breadth of live policy issues mean you will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the university sector, the Department for Education, and HM Treasury to deliver reform to strengthen and improve the sector. We strongly encourage candidates from a diverse set of backgrounds to apply. We are looking for people who have the right set of skills, who demonstrate the values of our organisation, and who are motivated to come and work with us on a range of issues that are at the heart of how we spend money and deliver public services. This role requires a grasp of budgetary frameworks and as such spending experience would be helpful (but not essential).
The key responsibilities of the post-holder will be:
- Leading on managing the student loan book. Given the scale of the loan book, it is vital that HM Treasury maintains effective control over spending across England and the Devolved Administrations. Through the bi‑annual Estimates process, you will work closely with DfE and other HM Treasury teams to use analysis to set targets - such as the level of student loan debt that can be written off - to support effective monitoring of this spending. You will also lead on providing advice to senior officials and ministers on novel, contentious, repercussive, or otherwise complex spending issues that require HM Treasury approval.
- Helping to implement DfE’s Spending Review settlement and the Post‑16 Skills White Paper. The role involves working with DfE to determine the level and distribution of Strategic Priorities Grant funding, balancing competing objectives and managing complex trade‑offs. You will help develop policy interventions to address financial sustainability risks, providing clear advice that reflects ministerial priorities. The Post‑16 Skills White Paper introduced a wide range of ambitious measures, including changes to tuition fees and action to address poor‑quality provision, aimed at placing the sector on a more sustainable footing. This role will oversee the effective and fiscally responsible implementation of these reforms, working closely with DfE, legislative teams and colleagues across HMT to ensure coherent delivery aligned with departmental priorities.
- Devising a Higher Education Strategy for the next spending review. Working with colleagues across HMT and DfE to develop a strategy for the next Spending Review on Higher Education. This will include addressing key questions such as how to encourage a subject mix that best supports economic growth, and how to strengthen the long‑term financial sustainability of universities.
About You
We are looking for people who have the ability to use relevant, credible information from both quantitative and qualitative sources to support decisions. You will also have the ability to communicate complex information clearly and with purpose to influence others. While at the same time be able to build professional relationships with a range of stakeholders to deliver shared objectives, even when you have differing points of view.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant).
- Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month.
- Flexible working patterns (part‑time, job‑share, condensed hours).
- Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28%.
- Access to a cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances.
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link.
Policy Adviser - Higher Education employer: HM TREASURY
Contact Detail:
HM TREASURY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Adviser - Higher Education
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the higher education sector, especially those connected to HM Treasury or DfE. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might not be in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on current issues in higher education policy. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex ideas clearly, so try explaining some key policies to a friend. If they get it, you’re on the right track!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Adviser - Higher Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Policy Adviser in Higher Education. We want to see how you can contribute to managing the student loan book and implementing reforms, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves influencing stakeholders and communicating complex information, be sure to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly in your written application. Use examples that showcase your knack for making complicated topics easy to understand.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have direct spending experience, share any relevant background that shows your understanding of budgetary frameworks or policy development. We’re keen on seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this exciting opportunity.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current higher education policies and reforms. Understand the implications of the student loan book and the Post-16 Skills White Paper. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since this role involves using both quantitative and qualitative data, prepare examples of how you've used data analysis in past roles. Be ready to explain your thought process and how it influenced decision-making.
✨Build Relationships
This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully built professional relationships, even with differing opinions. Highlight your communication skills and ability to influence others.
✨Be Ready for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about managing complex trade-offs and contentious issues. Prepare to discuss how you would approach these scenarios, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and understanding of budgetary frameworks.
