Director of Policy, Research and Voter Engagement

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. It promotes public confidence in the democratic process and ensures its integrity. A small yet high-impact organisation, our work is wide-reaching and of significant public interest. Over the coming years, the Commission will oversee the delivery of an ambitious Corporate Plan through a critical period of UK-wide elections. It will regulate the rules on political finance, in the context of increasingly complex campaigning techniques and growing public concerns. It will also continue to play a crucial role in coordinating, leading and informing debate to ensure the resilience of our democratic process.

We are an ambitious and forward-looking organisation currently at the outset of significant transformation that will enable us to continue delivering for citizens. In this context, we are now seeking the appointment of a Director of Policy, Research and Voter Engagement. Reporting to the CEO, you will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for managing policy, research and education teams.

You will lead our work in ensuring that the Electoral Commission is at the forefront of thinking and national debate about elections in the UK, connecting with legislators and the wider public in doing so. In the midst of significant upcoming legislative change, you will also co-create the resources and programmes the Commission leads to give voters greater understanding and confidence to engage in the democratic process.

We operate in a changing environment and our ability to remain central to the research, policy and education work that shapes thinking and creates informed engagement around the democratic process is of critical importance. You will inspire and lead our expert workforce, harnessing their commitment and capability to deliver on our strategic plans. You will promote and deliver critical change and improvement as we reimagine how the Commission functions and ensure that its voice is heard, respected and trusted wherever it operates.

You will be an experienced leader able to build credibility with stakeholders across the electoral system and to the highest levels in the Commission itself. You will have experience of managing expert policy and public engagement functions with a track record of shaping thinking across a variety of stakeholders including governments across the UK. You will understand the role and value of a regulator, be familiar with the devolution agenda and show an understanding of how effective regulation works in practice. You will be people-focused, committed to our mission and able to deliver positive results through the teams that you lead.

We would like to continuously increase the diversity of our employees. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcomed. This is a critical and exciting role at the heart of safeguarding the UK electoral process.