At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and engage with local authorities to improve debt collection practices.
- Company: Join MaPS, a key player in shaping fair debt management across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's financial wellbeing and influence national debt policies.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of public sector debts and excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
£72,000 per annum
Bedford
Permanent Hybrid Working
Help shape fairer debt collection practices across England. We're looking for a strategic and influential relationship manager to lead engagement with local government and enforcement sector partners, helping to improve policy and practice around debts owed to local authorities. This is a unique opportunity to drive change in areas that directly affect millions of people, including council tax arrears, benefit overpayments, parking fines and other local authority debt. Working at the intersection of policy, public services and debt advice, you'll collaborate with senior stakeholders to champion fair, effective and sustainable approaches to debt collection and recovery.
Why This Role Matters
Debt owed to local authorities can have a significant impact on people's financial wellbeing, particularly when collection and enforcement practices are not designed with vulnerability and ability to pay in mind. As the largest funder of free debt advice in England, MaPS has a critical role to play in influencing how local debt is managed and how support is made accessible to those who need it most. This role is central to that mission. By building strong partnerships, monitoring policy developments and assessing the impact of devolution, funding and commissioning decisions, you'll help ensure that local authority practices support positive outcomes for both residents and communities. Your work will directly influence national and regional conversations, strengthen local debt advice provision and contribute to a fairer, more sustainable debt landscape across England.
What You'll Be Doing
The Debt Policy Manager will report directly to the Senior Creditor Strategy Manager and will be responsible for:
- Policy Development and Influence: Lead on policy matters related to local government debts such as council tax and parking fines. Develop positions that support fair debt collection and enforcement practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement and System Leadership: Build and maintain relationships with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. Act as a key contact for policy discussions related to local authority debt and enforcement.
- Devolution and Place-based Insight: Monitor the impact of devolution and provide strategic insight on local authority behaviours and outcomes.
- Enforcement Policy and Practice: Lead engagement with stakeholders involved in local authority debt enforcement. Promote balanced approaches to debt recovery.
- Debt Advice Funding and System Sustainability: Assess funding risks and opportunities for local authority debt advice. Inform strategy on funding sustainability.
- Policy and System Leadership: Facilitate cross-sector collaboration to improve access to debt advice and develop initiatives that enhance engagement at a local level.
What You'll Bring
To be successful in this role, you'll need:
- Strong understanding of public sector debts, particularly local authority debt management.
- Knowledge of the local government landscape in England, including policy, finance, and governance.
- Experience in policy development, analysis, and influencing within government or related sectors.
- Familiarity with revenue collection and enforcement practices.
- Awareness of debt advice provision and funding models.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
About Us
MaPS is based in bright, modern offices in Bedford, and we're here to help people across the UK feel more confident and informed about their money. Our values guide how we work together:
- Caring - for colleagues and the communities we support
- Connecting - building supportive, positive relationships
- Transforming - creating impact that truly matters
We're proud to foster an inclusive, welcoming culture. Our colleague networks include LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women's health, men's health and ethnicity groups - and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
What We Offer
- 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension contributions matched 2 to 1 (employer contribution up to 10% of your salary)
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme (up to £3,000)
- Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
- Life assurance
- EAP Assist & Life Enhanced family and sick pay
- 2 paid volunteering days
- Recognition scheme
- Retail discounts portal
- Flexible Working
We believe work should fit around life. This Bedford based role offers genuine flexibility so you can balance work, family, and personal commitments. We come together for purposeful team collaboration to stay connected and drive great results.
Career Development
We love supporting internal growth and progression, while continuing to follow fair and open Civil Service recruitment practices.
Important Information About Applying
MaPS is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Reserve List
If you're successful at interview, we may place you on a reserve list for up to 6 months. If a similar role becomes available, you may be offered it without the need for another assessment.
If you believe your application hasn't followed the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles, you can contact . If unresolved, you may then contact the Civil Service Commission.
Our Recruitment Process
We keep things simple, fair, and transparent:
- Step 1: CV Submission Applications open: 18th August 2026 Closing date: 01st September 2026
- Step 2: Telephone Interview Taking place between: 19th August 2026 and 03rd September 2026
- Step 3: Final Stage Interview Scheduled for: 15th - 16th September 2026 (please note dates are subject to change)
Everything we do aligns with the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
Job Reference: MaPS01287 Close Date: 01/09/2026
Debt Policy Manager (Local Government and Enforcement Portfolio) in Husborne Crawley employer: Money & Pensions Service
The Money & Pensions Service is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Bedford where you can thrive as a National Debt Programme Procurement Lead. With a strong emphasis on career development and an inclusive culture, employees are encouraged to grow and innovate while contributing to meaningful projects that make a difference in people's lives. The hybrid working model further enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Money & Pensions Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Debt Policy Manager (Local Government and Enforcement Portfolio) in Husborne Crawley
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Money & Pensions Service, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Money & Pensions Service and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Debt Policy Manager (Local Government and Enforcement Portfolio) in Husborne Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Money & Pensions Service and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Money & Pensions Service
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Money & Pensions Service, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Money & Pensions Service.
