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- Tasks: Support policy development and advocacy for education reform and inspection.
- Company: Join the National Education Union, a powerful advocate for teachers and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education policy and support teachers across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in education research or policy and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
POLICY OFFICER (INSPECTION AND PRIVATISATION)Â
Based in the NEU Hamilton House Office (London, WC1H 9BD)Â
Permanent, full-timeÂ
Commencing salary £54,748 per annumÂ
The National Education Union is a powerful force for change in education, representing over 450,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff, and leaders. This is an exciting time to join us on our journey to becoming a more agile, strategic, and powerfully coordinated trade union—ready to meet the challenges of the future and drive lasting change in education.Â
We are seeking a Policy Officer to work in our policy and research Department. You will support the Union’s campaigning, advocacy and policy development and your work will contribute to our mission which is to shape the future of education. This role focuses on policy and campaigns around the privatisation and academisation of the education service and also our policy and advocacy around school inspection and Ofsted. This will include analysing privatisation in areas such as early years and SEND provision and understanding the impact of the Ofsted framework and accountability systems on leaders, teachers and students.Â
You will support Senior Policy Managers and prepare policy statements, briefings, analysis, and research papers. You will understand what is happening for teachers and communities and demonstrate excellent communication skills. You will participate in cross-team projects and collaborate successfully with colleagues so that the NEU can support members, understand their experiences and represent them with credibility. Our goal is to impact and shape national policy, as well as effect change through our negotiations with employers.Â
You will be expected to understand statistical reports from external bodies, including Ofsted, the Education Policy Institute, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and DFE national statistics.Â
The successful applicant will possess education research or policy experience which enable you to develop Union policy on school inspection in England and understand the detail of inspection and school accountability systems. An advantage would be understanding other systems in other countries. We develop policy to advance inclusive and equitable teaching and learning and you will need to share these values.Â
Prospective applicants are also advised that your normal place of work will be the NEU office specified in this advert and that the NEU operates ‘Blended Working Arrangements’ for office-based staff, which means you will need to be based in the designated NEU office for 3 to 4 days a week (based on a full-time contract), with the remaining days based at home, and subject to business needs.Â
In addition to salary, we offer good conditions including 33 days’ annual leave plus Christmas closure days and a defined benefit pension scheme. Salary and benefits are pro-rata for part-time applicants.Â
Further details can be downloaded from our website via the button below where applicants will be able to complete an online application on our recruitment portal. Closing date is mid-day Wednesday 5th November 2025.Â
HE UNION IS FUNDAMENTALLY COMMITTED TO EQUALÂ OPPORTUNITIESÂ IN ITS POLICIES AND PRACTICE
Policy Officer (Inspection and Privatisation) employer: National Education Union
Contact Detail:
National Education Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer (Inspection and Privatisation)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the NEU on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the culture and expectations, plus it might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into current education policies and issues related to privatisation and inspection. We want to see that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges facing the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! Whether it’s through a presentation or during the interview, make sure you articulate your thoughts clearly. We need someone who can convey complex ideas simply and effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NEU team.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer (Inspection and Privatisation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Policy Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide examples of your previous work in policy development or education research that relate to inspection and privatisation. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your application is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a role focused on advocacy and policy.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our recruitment portal on the NEU website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Education Union
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current policies surrounding education, particularly regarding privatisation and inspection. Familiarise yourself with recent reports from Ofsted and other relevant bodies, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Policy Officer, excellent communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated complex policy issues in the past. Think about examples where you’ve collaborated with teams or presented findings clearly to different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach analysing data and reports. Bring examples of how you’ve used statistical information to inform policy decisions or advocacy work. This will highlight your ability to contribute meaningfully to the Union’s mission.
✨Align with NEU Values
Understand and express how your values align with those of the National Education Union, especially around inclusivity and equitable teaching. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to shaping policies that reflect these values in practice.