Graduate Policy Officer in Birmingham

Overview

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) invites applications for a Graduate Policy Officer to join the Insights and Intelligence team within the Employment, Skills, Health and Communities (ESHC) Directorate.

This role is part of the WMCA Graduate Development Programme and offers a two‑year fixed‑term contract with mentoring, training and peer networking to develop future public‑sector leaders.

• What You’ll Be Doing
• Support research and analysis to inform employment and skills policy and programme development.
• Help produce high‑quality policy briefings, reports, governance papers and presentations.
• Contribute to horizon scanning and research that supports long‑term planning and innovation.
• Support cross‑directorate insight work, including briefing outputs aligned to key strategies such as the Employment and Skills Strategy, West Midlands Works and the WM Growth Plan.
• Track progress against strategic objectives and support policy monitoring activity.
• Assist with policy projects, contributing ideas, analysis and structured outputs.
• Engage stakeholders to gather insight and support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Develop understanding of how policy is shaped, delivered and evaluated in a combined‑authority setting.
• Gain experience using data, evidence and research to support recommendations and strategic thinking.

About You

• A minimum 2:2 degree (or equivalent Level 6 qualification) in any subject, gained within the last 5 years.
• Experience working in a team environment (e. g. university, volunteering, internships or part‑time work).
• Experience supporting projects, events or structured pieces of work.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and structured documents.
• The ability to interpret information, identify key points and present ideas clearly.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving, learning and development.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• An understanding of, or interest in, the role of combined authorities in shaping regional growth and public services.
• The ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.
• A commitment to completing the WMCA Graduate Development Programme.
• Location

This role is based at our offices – 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD.

The office works on a hybrid model, with work‑days shared between office and home as agreed with your line manager.

Selection Process

Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment centre in August 2026 to demonstrate skills and potential through exercises that reflect the role and the Graduate Development Programme.

Benefits and Salary

• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Shared‑cost additional voluntary contribution scheme.
• 28 days paid annual leave (plus statutory days; option to purchase more).
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will‑writing and mortgage advice.
• Option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through Smart Tech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 retailers; access to a Costco membership through WMCA.
• Boundless – unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and additional discounts.
• Eye‑care scheme, offering a free eye test and financial contribution towards glasses.

Salary starts at the lowest advertised point of the salary band for the role; progression and adjustment opportunities apply.

Legal and Eligibility

Proof of right to work in the UK is required before an offer can be confirmed. Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) must hold a relevant visa.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, including the RACE Code Quality Mark and Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status).

We are a Disability Confident Employer with Leader status and a Ban the Box employer.

We gladly consider part‑time, flexible and job‑share arrangements.

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