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- Tasks: Lead skills and talent policy activities, engaging with stakeholders to drive impactful initiatives.
- Company: Join NCUB, the voice of UK universities and businesses, fostering collaboration for a stronger economy.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 30 days holiday, enhanced parental leave, and a supportive training plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team shaping the future of skills and talent in the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, policy development experience, and ability to build influential networks required.
- Other info: Mid-senior level role based in London, offering a salary between ÂŁ45,000 - ÂŁ50,000.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Policy Lead, Skills and Talent role at The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)
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Join to apply for the Policy Lead, Skills and Talent role at The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)
Ellwood Atfield is thrilled to partner with the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) who serve as the collective voice of its members, comprising the UK’s universities and leading businesses.
NCUB is committed to bringing organisations together to leverage the skills and talent fostered by UK universities and to further strengthen the nation’s world-class research and development. Its strategic, cross-sector network links universities, businesses, and governments together to provide a platform for members to engage on areas of shared opportunity. NCUB is a trusted expert, driven by data.
Through strong relationships with UKRI and government, NCUB acts as a voice of influence, ensuring its members’ views are heard. Now, more than ever, the UK needs the shared learning and skills that arise from collaboration. This approach will help build a stronger nation, with a flourishing economy, a united society, and lasting positive impact.
The opportunity:
NCUB are seeking an experienced, articulate policy professional to lead the delivery of skills and talent policy activity. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping, positioning and driving the organisations policy and engagement activities with stakeholders across the skills and talent ecosystem.
This is an exciting opportunity to be a key member of NCUB’s high-performing policy team, drawing upon your knowledge of national skills challenges and recent policy interventions, alongside an ability to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, to achieve policy impact in line with NCUB’s priorities which will help evolve priorities over time.
Current NCUB focal areas include understanding future skills needs; identifying new ways in which universities and businesses can work together to improve mobility between academia and industry; and understanding how the UK government can support universities and businesses ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce. With the recent establishment and development of Skills England and ongoing debates around international talent, regional skills provision, and the Growth and Skills Levy, the role presents a timely opportunity for policy professionals seeking to develop their profile in this space.
The post holder will actively engage and build relationships with senior stakeholders across the NCUB network and beyond to ensure our work in skills and talent is relevant to our members’ interests and influences key policy developments. This will require a proactive and forward-thinking mindset with the ability to make connections across different sectors and levels of seniority.
Experience required:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to produce high-quality outputs for a range of audiences and communicate complex issues in an accessible way.
- Demonstrable ability to identify priorities, lead new policy thinking and develop effective policy recommendations using both qualitative and quantitative sources of evidence.
- Experience of policy development and implementation in areas related to skills and talent.
- Ability to develop strong and influential networks and to develop effective partnerships with external stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills and project management experience, including the ability to draw upon a wide range of internal and external expertise and capability.
- Salary banding: £45,000 – £50,000, dependent on experience
- Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)
- Office based in London (SE1 6FE)
- 30 days including 3-day Christmas closedown plus Bank Holidays
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
- Employer pension contribution of 5% (on top of the 5% employee contribution).
- Rolling annual training and development plan
How to apply:
To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.
Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.
Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.
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Policy Lead, Skills and Talent employer: The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)
Contact Detail:
The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Lead, Skills and Talent
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current skills and talent landscape in the UK. Understanding recent policy changes and challenges will help you engage in meaningful conversations during networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Build connections with professionals in the education and business sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential stakeholders and demonstrate your interest in collaborative efforts between universities and businesses.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on NCUB's initiatives and publications. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully influenced policy or built partnerships in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Lead, Skills and Talent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in policy development, particularly in skills and talent. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to analyse data and communicate complex issues clearly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of NCUB's mission and how your background aligns with their goals. Discuss your experience in building relationships with stakeholders and your approach to policy recommendations.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, include examples of your written and verbal communication skills. Mention any reports, presentations, or publications you've produced that demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.
Highlight Project Management Experience: Detail your organisational skills and project management experience. Provide examples of projects you've led or contributed to, especially those that required collaboration across different sectors or levels of seniority.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Policy Lead, Skills and Talent role. Familiarise yourself with how this position influences the skills and talent ecosystem, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these objectives.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Given the emphasis on excellent communication in the job description, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Practice articulating your thoughts on policy development and stakeholder engagement in a concise manner.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
As the role requires analysing both qualitative and quantitative data, be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've used data to inform policy decisions. Bring examples of how you've identified priorities and developed recommendations based on evidence.
✨Network and Relationship Building
Highlight your experience in building influential networks and partnerships. Be ready to discuss how you've engaged with stakeholders in the past and how you plan to foster relationships within the NCUB network to drive policy impact.