At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Public Affairs Committee to advise on higher education policy and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: OfS, the independent regulator of higher education in England, committed to diversity and equality.
- Benefits: Receive £300 per meeting, travel expenses covered, and contribute to impactful public policy.
- Other info: Meet five times a year, with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in higher education while collaborating with experts and influencing policy.
- Qualifications: Expertise in public affairs, strategic thinking, and understanding of higher education challenges.
The predicted salary is between 3000 - 6000 £ per month.
The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. Our strategy for 2025-30 seeks to ensure that students from all backgrounds benefit from high quality higher education, delivered by a diverse, sustainable sector that continues to improve.
We launched a new Public Affairs Committee in May 2026 to provide expert advice and assurance to the OfS in relation to the wider higher education public policy environment in which our regulation operates. The committee is currently in an initial phase, with appointments made for seven months. We are now recruiting for up to six members of the committee to be appointed for three years from December 2026.
The committee offers the opportunity for individuals with significant public affairs expertise to:
- inform implementation of our strategy and priorities
- advise on effective engagement with stakeholders
The committee will consist of expert members, OfS board members, and the chair of the OfS board. It will be attended by senior OfS staff.
We expect the committee to meet five times each year. At least three of those meetings will take place in person in London with the others held online. Meetings will usually be scheduled for two hours and will be held within normal working hours. Travel and subsistence expenses, if incurred, will be reimbursed for meetings. An attendance fee of £300 for each meeting will also be paid.
Expert members of the OfS Public Affairs Committee will, collectively, have a broad range of experience including, but not limited to:
- An understanding of how regulators navigate political and wider external operating environments.
- An understanding of public sentiment towards higher education, public policy and regulation.
- Outstanding political awareness and strategic thinking with demonstrable experience of delivering sound judgements and strategic advice on public affairs, communications or stakeholder engagement.
- An exceptional track record in developing and delivering high-quality and impactful public affairs, communications and/or stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Firm grip and understanding of the current direction of public policy across education and wider government strategy.
- An excellent grasp of the current challenges, opportunities and threats facing the higher education sector, and an understanding of how regulatory intervention can protect the interests of students.
We are recruiting up to six expert members to the committee for an initial term of three years. Members will have the expertise and experience to provide insight and contextual analysis to the board and executive of the current political, sector and operating landscape. They should be able to both stimulate and critically challenge the OfS’s approach to stakeholder engagement and communications.
The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity because of the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Closing date for applications: Noon Monday 22 June
Committee Member employer: Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and equality, ensuring a rich tapestry of perspectives within the higher education sector. As a Committee Member, you will engage with influential stakeholders in a collaborative environment, contributing to impactful public policy while enjoying competitive remuneration and reimbursement for expenses. With a commitment to professional growth and a strategic focus on enhancing student experiences, the OfS offers a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of higher education in England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Committee Member
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the higher education sector! Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former committee members. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the OfS or related fields, make sure to highlight your experience in public affairs and stakeholder engagement. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex political environments or developed impactful strategies. We want to see your skills in action!
✨Prepare for Interviews
If you land an interview, do your homework! Familiarise yourself with the OfS’s strategy and current challenges in higher education. Be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their mission. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Committee Member
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and what the Public Affairs Committee is all about. Dive into the job description and our strategy for 2025-30 to get a feel for what we’re looking for in a candidate.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the committee's needs. Show us how your background in public affairs can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your expertise, but we also want to understand your points easily!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applications efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the OfS's strategy for 2025-30 and how it relates to public affairs. Familiarise yourself with current challenges in higher education and be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to navigating these issues.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your political awareness and strategic thinking. Highlight instances where you've successfully engaged stakeholders or developed impactful public affairs strategies, as this will resonate well with the committee's needs.
✨Engage with Current Affairs
Stay updated on the latest developments in higher education policy and regulation. Being able to discuss recent news or changes in the sector will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the committee's goals or how they measure the success of their stakeholder engagement strategies. It shows that you're proactive and invested in the role.
