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- Tasks: Support policy initiatives and contribute to workplace objectives in post-16 education.
- Company: Join the University and College Union, representing over 120,000 members across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education policy while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of trade unions, employment law, and research methods required.
University and College Union have a new opportunity for Policy Support Official to join the team.
Location: Carlow Street, London NW1 7LH
Salary: £65,151 inclusive of London Allowance
Hours: 35 per week
Contract: Permanent and full time
Closing Date: Friday 22 May 2026 at 10.00 am
About Us: The University and College Union (UCU) represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK.
Policy Support Official – The role:
- To contribute to the work of the Policy team by applying knowledge in the delivery of the union’s workplace focused and industrial objectives across post-16 education.
- To act as secretary to, and manage the business for, one or more named UCU committees.
- To prepare advice and guidance, policy and other consultation responses, reports, briefing papers, advice, articles for publication and other materials.
- To produce accessible research in support of the union’s policy and collective bargaining objectives to promote the union’s case to a wider audience, including politicians, policy makers and the media.
- To be responsible for the collection and analysis of source material related to policy and provision of authoritative advice, working with other members of the team and liaising with colleagues in other teams as required.
Policy Support Official – You:
- Knowledge and understanding of how trade unions operate, and how the views of their members are incorporated into this work.
- Experience of working with members and their representatives, committees, branches or similar experience in a membership organisation.
- Knowledge and understanding of employment law and equality legislation and employment practices (e.g. pay systems, job evaluation).
- Knowledge and understanding of employment issues in higher and further education.
- Knowledge of research methods and techniques.
Benefits of working for the University and College Union:
- Supportive Family Policies: Embrace family life with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave schemes.
- Health and Well-being Support: Access to confidential counselling 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme; advice and face-to-face intervention from via our Physiotherapy Advice Line; healthcare assessment.
- Flexible Working: Take advantage of our Flexitime scheme, allowing you to tailor your work hours within our Work Life Balance policy.
- Financial Assistance: Benefit from being enrolled in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), childcare support, interest-free season ticket loans, and assistance with the cost of eyesight testing and glasses for DSE use.
- Training and Development: Elevate your skills with tailored training, developmental support, and access to live and on demand courses available through our online training platform.
UCU requires its employees to work from their office/in the field for at least 60% of their working week. They may apply to work from home for the remaining 40% but UCU cannot guarantee that this will be agreed.
Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring: We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities.
Equal Opportunities: UCU is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Closing date for applications: Friday 22 May 2026 at 10 am. Interview date: Monday 15 June 2026.
To submit your application for this exciting Policy Support Official opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now.
Policy Support Official employer: University and College Union
Contact Detail:
University and College Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Support Official
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCU on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UCU's recent initiatives and policies. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the job, but also passionate about their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to policy support and trade unions. We can even do mock interviews with friends to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and remind them of our enthusiasm for the Policy Support Official position.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Support Official
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the union's objectives. This will help you tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with what UCU is looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When you're putting together your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your skills and experience shine through without any fluff!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of UCU come through in your writing. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to support policy work in education – it makes a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at University and College Union
✨Know Your Union
Familiarise yourself with the University and College Union's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding how trade unions operate and their impact on members will help you articulate your fit for the Policy Support Official role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience working with committees or membership organisations. Highlight specific examples where you've contributed to policy development or member engagement, as this will demonstrate your capability in the role.
✨Research Employment Law
Brush up on employment law and equality legislation relevant to higher and further education. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you have the necessary knowledge to support the union’s objectives effectively.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the union's current policy challenges or how they measure the success of their initiatives. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.