Graduate Policy Officer in Birmingham

Job Introduction

Are you a curious, motivated graduate who wants to turn evidence and insight into policy that makes a real difference?

We’re looking for a Graduate Policy Officer to join our Insights and Intelligence team within the Employment, Skills, Health and Communities (ESHC) Directorate at WMCA.

This is an exciting opportunity to build your career in public policy while contributing to work that informs strategy, shapes decision‑making and supports major regional priorities such as employment, skills development and inclusive growth.

You’ll help turn evidence into clear, practical policy insight that supports better outcomes for people and places across the West Midlands.

As part of the WMCA Graduate Development Programme, you’ll join a structured early‑careers pathway designed to develop the next generation of public sector leaders.

You’ll benefit from mentoring, training, peer networking and hands‑on experience that will support your development throughout the programme.

Please note that this Graduate Programme will be for a two‑year FTC.

Responsibilities

• Support research and analysis to inform employment and skills policy and programme development.
• Help produce high-quality policy briefings, reports, governance papers and presentations.
• Contribute to horizon scanning and research that supports long‑term planning and innovation.
• Support cross‑directorate insight work, including regular briefing outputs aligned to key strategies such as the Employment and Skills Strategy, West Midlands Works and the WM Growth Plan.
• Track progress against strategic objectives and support policy monitoring activity.
• Assist with policy projects, contributing ideas, analysis and structured outputs.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather insight and support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Develop your understanding of how policy is shaped, delivered and evaluated in a combined authority setting.
• Gain experience using data, evidence and research to support recommendations and strategic thinking.

Qualifications

• A minimum 2:2 degree (or equivalent Level 6 qualification) in any subject, gained within the last 5 years.
• Experience working in a team environment (e. g. university, volunteering, internships or part‑time work).
• Experience supporting projects, events or structured pieces of work.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and structured documents.
• The ability to interpret information, identify key points and present ideas clearly.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving, learning and development.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• An understanding of, or interest in, the role of combined authorities in shaping regional growth and public services.
• The ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.
• A commitment to completing the WMCA Graduate Development Programme.
• Location

This role is based at our offices – 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD.

We currently operate a hybrid working model, which means splitting your days across the office and home, subject to work demands and agreement with your line manager.

Selection Process

Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre in August 2026.

The assessment centre will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, strengths and potential through a range of exercises designed to reflect the role and the WMCA Graduate Development Programme.

Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates following the closing date.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through Smart Tech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.
• Equal Opportunity Statement

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, including the RACE Code Quality Mark and Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status).

It has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer with 'Leader' status and a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage.

We also encourage applicants who are passionate about the role to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don’t fit the traditional ‘perfect candidate’ mould.

We gladly consider part‑time, flexible, and job‑share arrangements.

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