At a Glance
- Tasks: Support political engagement and translate UK policy developments into business insights.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning and education.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time role with remote work options and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and skills policy while engaging with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and understanding of UK politics required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Support political engagement and policy insight at Pearson, translating UK policy developments into clear business impact while coordinating government relations activity across the organisation.
About the role
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.
Who we are
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world’s lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.
Specialist, Government Relations employer: Pearson
Pearson is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee growth and continuous improvement, team members have the opportunity to engage with key policymakers on impactful issues while developing their skills in a dynamic environment. Located in the heart of London, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere and the chance to contribute to meaningful educational initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist, Government Relations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the government relations field, especially those connected to education and policy. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on UK political developments. Follow key news sources and engage with content related to education, skills, and technology. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising how to translate complex policy issues into clear insights. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. We want to see how you can make an impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Pearson and contributing to our mission of helping people realise their potential through learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist, Government Relations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and what it entails. Dive into the job description and pick out key responsibilities and skills that resonate with your experience. This will help you tailor your application to show us you're the right fit!
Be Clear and Concise:When you're drafting your application, keep it straightforward. We love clarity! Use simple language to explain your experiences and how they relate to the role. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and remember, less is often more.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm shine through! We want to see why you're excited about this position and how it aligns with your career goals. Share a bit about your interest in government relations and how you can contribute to our mission at Pearson.
Proofread Like a Pro:Before hitting send, give your application a thorough once-over. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message. Take your time to ensure everything is polished and professional. We appreciate attention to detail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Know Your Policies
Make sure you brush up on current UK political and policy developments, especially those related to education, skills, technology, and AI. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're proactive and well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple workstreams in the past. Use specific instances where your organisational skills led to successful outcomes, as this role requires juggling various tasks effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice translating complex information into simple, business-relevant insights. During the interview, aim to present your thoughts clearly and concisely, demonstrating your strong written communication skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss your experience working with senior stakeholders and how you've built relationships without direct authority. Highlight any collaborative projects you've been involved in, as this role will require a team-oriented approach.
