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- Tasks: Support policy development and operational delivery in local government finance.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, shaping vital community services.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, mentorship, and the chance to influence key government decisions.
- Why this job: Engage in a fast-paced role that combines policy and finance with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; strong communication and analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and develop expertise in local government finance.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Job summary
Do you enjoy building solid working relationships with internal and external stakeholders?
Are you a natural communicator with the ability to tailor your communication approach to suit your audience?
If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a Policy Advisor to join our team at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and we\’d love to hear from you!
The Local Government Finance (LGF) Directorate plays a central role in supporting the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s key priorities. Working collaboratively with other departments, HM Treasury, and No. 10, LGF is responsible for ensuring councils have both the funding and accountability to deliver the vital front-line services that communities rely on.
This role is based in the team responsible for the policy and stewardship of the local government capital finance system—the framework that governs how councils borrow and invest to support local services and advance national priorities. The team identifies and addresses risk, ensures the system remains effective and sustainable, and acts as a centre of expertise across a wide range of local government initiatives. While this is a policy-focused role, it offers a strong fit for those who enjoy working with finance, developing specialist knowledge, and using it to influence and support positive outcomes. The team works closely with other policy areas and key partners, including HM Treasury.
We are keen to hear from individuals who are motivated, collaborative, and willing to learn. You do not need to have prior experience in local government finance; we will provide support to help you develop the relevant knowledge. The role is fast-paced and intellectually engaging, offering the chance to contribute to key decisions at the highest levels of government, while supporting the Department’s core responsibility of stewardship of the local government finance system.
Job description
This role sits within the team responsible for the local government capital finance system, which governs how councils borrow and invest to support services and meet national priorities. As an HEO, you will provide vital support across both policy development and operational delivery, helping ensure the system is robust, effective, and responsive to emerging risks.
You will work closely with colleagues to deliver core functions, including:
- assessing council loan applications
- monitoring financial risks and pressures across the sector
- helping to shape guidance and policy on council borrowing and capital investment
- supporting governance processes, ministerial briefings, and stakeholder engagement
Person specification
This role would suit someone who enjoys working with both policy and numbers, and who is comfortable handling complexity. You will support the team in developing and communicating policy options, contribute to and lead on specific projects where appropriate, and carry out analytical tasks and research with accuracy and attention to detail.
You will also play an active role in the operational process of approving loans to councils — including managing queries, resolving errors, and liaising directly with local authorities. Strong communication skills are essential, as you’ll engage with a wide range of internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
Essential Criteria:
- Confident working with information to develop evidence-based advice, taking into account wider policy and strategic considerations.
- Organised and able to manage your own workload, contributing to team priorities and progressing tasks with appropriate support.
- A clear communicator, able to summarise complex issues concisely for different audiences, including ministers and senior officials.
- Comfortable working with others to influence and collaborate across teams, departments, and external stakeholders.
- Able to manage operational processes where timeliness and accuracy are essential.
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Policy Advisor employer: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local government finance system and its key components. Understanding how councils borrow and invest will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of local government finance. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with current policy advisors or stakeholders, as this can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your communication skills in detail. Think of examples where you've tailored your communication style for different audiences, as this is crucial for the role and will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current issues affecting local government finance. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and show that you're proactive about the sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Policy Advisor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these aspects.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong communication is essential for this role, ensure your CV and cover letter showcase your ability to convey complex information clearly. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse stakeholders in the past.
Demonstrate Analytical Abilities: The role involves handling policy development and operational delivery. Include specific instances where you've used analytical skills to assess situations or develop evidence-based advice, particularly in finance or policy contexts.
Showcase Collaboration Experience: Emphasise your experience working collaboratively across teams and departments. Mention any projects where you influenced outcomes through teamwork, as this is a key aspect of the Policy Advisor role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Policy Advisor, strong communication is key. Prepare to demonstrate how you can tailor your communication style to different audiences. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or simplified complex information.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Abilities
This role involves working with data and policy development. Be ready to discuss your experience with analytical tasks and how you've used evidence-based advice in previous roles. Highlight any relevant projects where you assessed risks or developed policy options.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Nature
The job requires working closely with various teams and external partners. Share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. Show that you're a team player who values input from others.
✨Prepare for Operational Scenarios
Since you'll be involved in managing operational processes, think about times when you've had to ensure accuracy and timeliness in your work. Be prepared to discuss how you handle queries and resolve issues, particularly in high-pressure situations.
