Policy Specialist - Airspace Integration in London

Salary: Up to £65,000 subject to experience

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

Security Level: 4

Location: Gatwick/Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The principal focus of the role will be to enable the Airspace Integration Team to operate within an effective regulatory and policy framework. You will directly contribute towards the development, establishment and implementation of cross-Safety and Airspace Regulations Group (SARG) strategies and policies for the safe and effective integration of novel and new technologies into UK airspace in accordance with Ministerial Directions to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and UK legislation.

You will ensure that such policies are in accordance with national and international regulations, conventions and safety management principles and to provide Future Safety & Innovation (FS&I) stakeholders and any other interested parties with regulatory and policy advice, guidance and direction on airspace issues related to their operations conducted inside and outside controlled airspace.

Core Accountabilities

• Policy development consistent with safety and business needs, including CAA Business and programme and individual action plans, and external drivers.
• Write and maintain Policy and Guidance documents to a high standard employing accuracy, brevity, clarity and attention to detail principles.
• Standards, legislation and requirements are developed.
• Adherence to CAA Regulatory and Management systems.
• Achievement of programme objectives and service standards.
• Effective and recognised contributions are made to national and international aviation policy development.
• Contribute to the FS&I objectives.
• Meeting expected CAA competences.
• Establish and maintain effective professional cross SARG relationships, particularly with the Airspace, Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Aerodromes (AAA) department.
• Fully contribute as chair/member of working or study groups.
• Provide expert advice on safety policy and regulatory requirements associated with the full and safe integration of new and novel technology within the FS&I remit.
• Provide technical policy support to enable policy change across the FS&I remit.
• Contribution towards and coordination of external responses.
• Provide expert interpretation of current Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) policy and regulations.
• Effective liaison with the public, industry and internal colleagues and stakeholders.
• Produce regulatory guidance material for use by SARG and industry.
• Establish and build effective and efficient working relationships to identify and recommend suitable courses of action to the Policy lead, and the FS&I Policy manager.
• Identify and address emerging UAS regulatory issues.
• Manage relationships with other regulators on matters within the remit of FS&I, or organisations which fall outside the remit of the Basic Regulation, such as the Emergency services.

About You

The Policy Specialist must be able to use specialist knowledge across various technical subject areas and be comfortable having unique knowledge within a small team. The role requires a strong capability in developing written policy and guidance material, alongside expertise in evaluating safety management systems and performing risk analyses.

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrated knowledge of aviation regulation, ideally within the domain of a FS&I community.
• Demonstrable experience of airspace, ATM and ATC operations in the UK.
• Experience of Safety Management Systems, Human Factors.
• Risk Management training and practical experience.
• Knowledge of wider aviation matters, including knowledge of relevant international rulesets.
• Able to rapidly establish personal credibility with technical specialists and develop constructive relationships, with effective communication skills both written and oral in engaging with contacts at all levels throughout the CAA and externally.
• Ability to write effective technical guidance material for use by a general audience.
• Ability to identify new work proactively and recognising the subsequent impacts of that work on organisational objectives and other’s work.
• Ability to analyse complex subject matter and to produce simple and effective briefings, supported by concise written explanations suitable for broad audience.
• Ability to analyse regulatory work with a high attention to detail and to identify solutions.
• Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively within a team of professionals, while managing periods of increased workload by prioritising tasks efficiently and consistently meeting deadlines.
• IT literacy in MS Office applications.

Desirable

• Proven expert and detailed knowledge of the functioning and application of aviation regulation.
• Accident and incident investigation training and practical experience.
• Previous regulatory experience.
• Experience within an international regulatory organization, such as ICAO.
• Experience within, or working closely with, government organisations.

Additional Security Information:

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application. To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 3 years.

Inclusive Recruitment:

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Working With Us:

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance. We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

Our Values: Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone.

Closing Date: 31 May 2026

Interview Date: 22 and 23 June - In person London

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. No recruitment agencies please.