Specialist, Government Relations in London

Support political engagement and policy insight at Pearson, translating UK policy developments into clear business impact while coordinating government relations activity across the organisation.

This is an opportunity to join Pearson’s UK Government Relations (UKGR) team, supporting how the business engages with policymakers and responds to political and policy developments across the UK. The role combines policy awareness with strong organisational and coordination skills, ensuring the UKGR team delivers against its objectives effectively and remains aligned with wider business priorities.

You’ll be working across a broad range of topics including education, skills, technology, AI and workforce reform, helping translate complex developments into meaningful insights for internal stakeholders. This is a part-time (0.6 FTE) position suited to someone who is proactive, confident managing multiple workstreams, and comfortable driving tasks through to completion in a fast-moving environment.

What you’ll do:

• Monitor UK political and policy developments relevant to Pearson, including education, skills, technology, AI, and workforce reform.
• Translate complex policy developments into clear, business-relevant insights for internal audiences.
• Produce regular communications including weekly parliamentary monitoring updates and a monthly internal newsletter.
• Support engagement with parliamentarians, civil servants, and key sector stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and suggest opportunities for meaningful political engagement.
• Coordinate internal processes to ensure a consistent and strategic approach to government relations activity.
• Maintain visibility of stakeholder interactions through management of the UKGR engagement pipeline.
• Support and attend key external events, including Party Conferences.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams to ensure delivery against team objectives and OKRs.
• Manage timelines, actions, and follow-ups to keep activity on track and ensure delivery.
• Maintain oversight of priorities, flagging risks, blockers or delays where necessary.
• Act as secretariat for the internal Policy Strategy Group, including agenda setting, action tracking, and meeting coordination.
• Lead the organisation of Pearson’s annual Christmas Symposium at Windsor Castle, coordinating stakeholders and logistics.
• Coordinate and draft responses to government consultations and parliamentary inquiries.
• Gather input from internal subject matter experts and ensure alignment across the business.
• Track upcoming consultations and monitor where Pearson is referenced in published outputs.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders and representative bodies to maximise the impact of submissions.
• Manage financial administration for UKGR activity, including budget tracking, suppliers and invoice approvals.
• Support inbox management and shared mailbox coordination.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for events and stakeholder engagement.
• Work with international government relations colleagues where required.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A proactive, completer-finisher mindset with a focus on delivery and follow-through.
• Experience coordinating projects or workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
• A solid understanding of UK politics and policymaking processes.
• Confidence working with and supporting senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into accessible, business-relevant insights.
• A collaborative approach, with experience working across teams and managing relationships without direct authority.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Desirable:

• Experience in government relations, public affairs, or policy-related roles.
• Knowledge of education and skills policy.
• Experience drafting consultation responses or parliamentary briefings.
• Exposure to financial administration or budget tracking.
• Experience working in an agency environment or a parliamentary/MP office.

Location & working pattern:

This is a part-time role (0.6 FTE) with flexible working arrangements. The role requires attendance at Pearson’s London office (80 Strand) at least one day per week, with the option to work remotely for the remainder of the time.