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- Tasks: Engage with diverse transport authorities to shape impactful policies and conduct original research.
- Company: Join the Urban Transport Group, a leading network influencing UK transport policy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, free travel, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainable transport while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and strong research and communication skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace promoting diversity and offering excellent career progression opportunities.
£39,274 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 7
Leeds / Hybrid Full time – 37 hours per week
Closing date – 15 January 2026
Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share. We currently have a vacancy for a Policy Officer at the Urban Transport Group.
The Urban Transport Group is the UK’s network of transport authorities (including West Yorkshire Combined Authority, UTG’s host organisation). We are one of the most influential organisations working in transport. We support our members to create transport networks which are sustainably funded and affordable; deliver social value; are green and resilient; and are trusted. We help to shape transport policy at a national level to ensure our members have the powers and funding they need to deliver better transport for their communities.
As Policy Officer, you will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with - and support - our large and diverse membership of 15 organisations working to improve transport in their regions. You should have experience of working in a policy environment, producing impactful research, briefings and reports. You will work across a broad range of policy areas, but an interest in rail would be desirable.
Our Offer
- Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
- Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
- Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
- Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
- Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
- Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
- Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
- Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
The Role
Reporting into the Senior Policy Manager, your key responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking original research projects and analysis to develop new insights, share best practice and influence stakeholders locally and nationally.
- Developing, expanding and leading on your own areas of policy expertise to contribute to the overall credibility and influence of our work.
- Working collaboratively with UTG members and stakeholders to ensure our work is tailored to their needs and priorities.
- Representing UTG at meetings, events and conferences to promote our work and influence outcomes of relevance to the UTG network.
Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant education or experience.
- Willingness and ability to rapidly establish, grow and maintain knowledge of a wide range of transport and related policy areas (such as environment, health, economy, place making, social inclusion).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to confer often complex information clearly and with impact.
- Proven research skills together with curiosity and a desire to learn.
- Ability to think creatively to make the connections between transport and wider public policy.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.
Further Information
The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met. Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis.
Policy Officer in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Urban Transport Group on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the company culture, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent transport policies and trends. We want to impress with our knowledge and show how we can contribute to the Urban Transport Group's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with us. This helps us articulate our thoughts clearly and boosts our confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our supporting statement to highlight why we’re the perfect fit for the Policy Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Policy Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at the Urban Transport Group!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or reports you've worked on. We love seeing examples of impactful work that demonstrate your ability to analyse and communicate complex information.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your supporting statement, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that convey your thoughts effectively. Remember, clarity is key in policy work!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, check out our Advice for Candidates page for extra tips!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current transport policies and issues, especially those related to rail. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the sector will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare examples of your previous research projects or reports. Be ready to explain how your findings influenced policy decisions or stakeholder engagement. This will demonstrate your ability to produce impactful work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex information in a straightforward manner. You might be asked to explain a policy issue during the interview, so being clear and concise is key to making a strong impression.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Highlight your collaborative skills and experiences. The role involves working with various stakeholders, so sharing examples of successful teamwork will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
