Head of Policy in Bristol

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint a Head of Policy to join the Strategy Directorate. Working in the centre of the Combined Authority, you will drive implementation of the West of England Growth Strategy and ensure a strong focus on delivering the priorities of the Mayor of the West of England. You will be responsible for developing the strategies, plans and policy options that will focus delivery across the Combined Authority and with key partners. This is your opportunity to shape and influence policy at a regional and national level, ensuring the MCA is well positioned to respond to emerging opportunities, influence government thinking, and translate ambitious strategies into deliverable outcomes.

Why this role matters

• Supporting the delivery of the West of England Growth Strategy by translating strategic ambitions into clear, viable plans and policy proposals.
• Developing high-quality policy positions that strengthen the region’s economy and public services and maximise the opportunities from the devolution agenda.
• Ensuring the Mayor and Corporate Leadership Team are well briefed on external policy developments, opportunities and risks.
• Horizon scanning to keep the organisation informed of national policy debates and best practice.
• Providing strategic advice and options to senior leaders to strengthen the MCA’s influence and strategic position.

We will consider job share / secondment applications for this role. If you have any questions about the role, please contact resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. The interviews are planned to be held in Bristol in early March. The closing date for this role is Wednesday 25th February. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications, so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

About The Company

Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%.
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week.
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England.

The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

The salary for this role is £81,798 - £89,415. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

Good Employment Charter

As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency? We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.