Group Policy and Public Affairs Manager

About the role:

Department: Group Strategy, Impact and Research

Responsible to: Group Head of Strategy, Impact and Research

Hours: 29.6 hours per week

Grade: SP41–45

Salary: Pro rata £43,721–£48,696 (FTE £54,651 - £60,870)

Location: Main office in Bromley and work across the Group’s sites

Working closely with the Group Principal & CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Group Head of Strategy, Impact and Research, you will play a central role in shaping Elevare Civic Education Group’s policy positions, public affairs strategy and thought leadership. You will help strengthen our influence across education, skills and civic policy at local, regional and national levels. You will translate research, evidence and organisational experience into compelling policy arguments, authoritative publications and persuasive advocacy, positioning Elevare as a respected voice in public debate.

A key part of the role will be working directly with the Group Principal & CEO to develop and communicate strategic thinking, producing high-quality speeches, articles, opinion pieces, presentations and policy briefings that reflect the CEO’s distinctive leadership voice and the Group’s civic mission. You will build influential relationships with politicians, policymakers, government departments, journalists, sector leaders, think tanks and other stakeholders, identifying opportunities to shape policy debates, influence decision-makers and advance Elevare’s strategic priorities.

This is an opportunity for an intellectually curious and politically aware professional with exceptional writing and analytical skills to act as a trusted adviser, challenge established thinking and help shape the Group’s public voice and influence.

About You

You will bring experience in policy, public affairs, external affairs, research or a related field, with the ability to turn complex evidence and strategic ideas into clear, persuasive arguments. You will be confident working with senior leaders, building relationships with external stakeholders and navigating a fast-moving political and policy environment.

Essential experience and skills:

• Experience of analysing complex policy issues and producing high-quality briefings, reports, consultation responses or policy papers.
• Demonstrable experience of developing substantive policy positions and persuasive, evidence-based arguments.
• Exceptional writing skills, including speeches, opinion articles, presentations and senior executive thought leadership.
• Experience of working with senior executives to develop and communicate complex strategic ideas.
• Knowledge of political and governmental decision-making processes, alongside a strong understanding of education and skills policy, or the ability to develop equivalent specialist expertise quickly.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement, influencing decision-makers and building effective senior-level relationships.
• Excellent analytical, critical-thinking, verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Sound political judgement, diplomacy and the ability to handle sensitive information.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines independently.
• Effective use of digital research, collaboration and office productivity tools.
• A collaborative, proactive and accountable approach, with a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding and Elevare’s civic mission.

Qualifications:

Essential: A degree or equivalent professional qualification, or substantial relevant professional experience.

Desirable: A postgraduate or professional qualification in public policy, public affairs, research, communications or a related discipline.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy, Research and Evidence:

• Monitor and analyse government policy, legislation, regulation and developments affecting education, skills and civic outcomes.
• Develop credible, evidence-based policy positions, recommendations, consultation responses and advocacy materials.
• Translate research and data into clear messages, practical recommendations and persuasive narratives.
• Maintain policy intelligence and forward plans covering significant announcements and consultations.

Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build politically impartial relationships with MPs, parliamentarians, ministers, civil servants, local and regional leaders, regulators and sector organisations.
• Identify opportunities to influence consultations, enquiries, legislative developments and policy debates.
• Prepare briefings, speaking notes and meeting packs for senior leaders.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, roundtables, visits and policy events, evaluating their impact.
• Represent Elevare at external meetings and events when delegated.

Thought Leadership and Executive Advice:

• Work directly with the Group Principal & CEO to develop and communicate strategic ideas, policy perspectives and thought leadership.
• Produce high-quality speeches, articles, opinion pieces, presentations, correspondence and policy briefings that reflect the CEO’s leadership voice and the Group’s values.
• Work with Communications colleagues to develop media relationships and secure opportunities for authoritative commentary, interviews and sector engagement.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the Group Principal & CEO and senior leaders, providing timely policy intelligence, independent analysis, constructive challenge and strategic recommendations.

Planning, Governance and Team Contribution:

• Maintain delivery plans, risk logs and performance measures for policy and external affairs activity.
• Monitor the reach and impact of influencing and thought leadership, providing progress reports to the Group Head of Strategy, Impact and Research.
• Manage projects, commissions and suppliers within agreed resources and delegated authority.
• Handle sensitive information appropriately and contribute to the wider Strategy, Impact and Research function.
• Maintain professional knowledge and promote the Group’s values, equality, inclusion and safeguarding responsibilities.

The postholder must be willing to travel between Group sites and attend external meetings and events as required, including occasional evening or out-of-hours commitments with appropriate notice. Duties may vary within the overall level of responsibility.

About Elevare Civic Education Group:

Elevare Civic Education Group is a civic organisation committed to transforming lives through the power of learning and making a positive impact on students, staff, stakeholders and communities. The Group comprises London South East Colleges, London South East Academies Trust and the Elevare Education Foundation. Our civic mission is rooted in our commitment to understanding and improving the lived experiences of our communities.

Benefits:

We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including excellent annual leave and a generous pension through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme depending on role. Additional benefits include:

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Annual season ticket loan
• Access to the Discounts for Teachers portal
• Free Wi‑Fi access in over 10,000 locations worldwide through Eduroam
• Access to our on‑site gym at Bromley campus and discount at other local gyms
• Discounts in our in‑house restaurants and on hair and beauty treatments

Equal Opportunities:

London South East Colleges is fully committed to equality of opportunity and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we guarantee an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact People Services at peopleservices@lsec.ac.uk.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we carry out social media checks on shortlisted candidates to assess suitability for working with children and young people. Our full Safeguarding policy can be found here.

Because we work with children and vulnerable adults, all roles are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where relevant, a Children’s and/or Adult’s Barred List check. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory. Self-disclosure is required as part of the recruitment process, and failure to disclose relevant information or provide a DBS certificate is likely to result in withdrawal of an offer. Our DBS policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders is available on request. All appointments are also subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment.