Debt Policy Manager (Local Government and Enforcement Portfolio)

UK Civil Service; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions matched 2 to 1 (

Season ticket loan

Cycle to work scheme

Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs

Life assurance

EAP Assist & Life

2 paid volunteering days

Job summary

UK Civil Service in Bedford seeks a strategic Relationship Manager to lead engagement with local government and enforcement partners. You will influence policy on council tax arrears, benefit overpayments, and related debt, collaborating with senior stakeholders to promote fair, sustainable debt practices.

The role blends policy, public services and debt advice, with flexible Bedford-based working arrangements and opportunities to shape national discussions across England.

Qualifications

• Policy development and influencing experience within government or related sectors.
• Understanding of local government debt and enforcement practices.
• Experience in policy analysis and stakeholder engagement at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy matters related to local government debts (council tax, parking fines).
• Build relationships with local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Monitor devolution impacts and provide strategic insights on local authority behaviours.
• Engage with debt enforcement stakeholders to promote balanced approaches.
• Assess funding risks and opportunities for local authority debt advice.
• Facilitate cross-sector collaboration to improve access to debt advice.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Verbal communication

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Government/ public sector experience

Debt policy knowledge

Project management

Job description

We're looking for a strategic and influential relationship manager to lead engagement with local government and enforcement sector partners, helping to improve policy and practice around debts owed to local authorities. This is a unique opportunity to drive change in areas that directly affect millions of people, including council tax arrears, benefit overpayments, parking fines and other local authority debt. Working at the intersection of policy, public services and debt advice, you'll collaborate with senior stakeholders to champion fair, effective and sustainable approaches to debt collection and recovery.

Why This Role Matters

Debt owed to local authorities can have a significant impact on people's financial wellbeing, particularly when collection and enforcement practices are not designed with vulnerability and ability to pay in mind. As the largest funder of free debt advice in England, MaPS has a critical role to play in influencing how local debt is managed and how support is made accessible to those who need it most. This role is central to that mission. By building strong partnerships, monitoring policy developments and assessing the impact of devolution, funding and commissioning decisions, you'll help ensure that local authority practices support positive outcomes for both residents and communities. Your work will directly influence national and regional conversations, strengthen local debt advice provision and contribute to a fairer, more sustainable debt landscape across England.

What You'll Be Doing

The Debt Policy Manager will report directly to the Senior Creditor Strategy Manager and will be responsible for:

• Policy Development and Influence: Lead on policy matters related to local government debts such as council tax and parking fines. Develop positions that support fair debt collection and enforcement practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement and System Leadership: Build and maintain relationships with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. Act as a key contact for policy discussions related to local authority debt and enforcement.
• Devolution and Place-based Insight: Monitor the impact of devolution and provide strategic insight on local authority behaviours and outcomes.
• Enforcement Policy and Practice: Lead engagement with stakeholders involved in local authority debt enforcement. Promote balanced approaches to debt recovery.
• Debt Advice Funding and System Sustainability: Assess funding risks and opportunities for local authority debt advice. Inform strategy on funding sustainability.
• Policy and System Leadership: Facilitate cross-sector collaboration to improve access to debt advice and develop initiatives that enhance engagement at a local level.
• Strong understanding of public sector debts, particularly local authority debt management.
• Knowledge of the local government landscape in England, including policy, finance, and governance.
• Experience in policy development, analysis, and influencing within government or related sectors.
• Familiarity with revenue collection and enforcement practices.
• Awareness of debt advice provision and funding models.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.

MaPS is based in bright, modern offices in Bedford, and we're here to help people across the UK feel more confident and informed about their money.

Our values guide how we work together

• Pension contributions matched 2 to 1 (employer contribution up to 10% of your salary)
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme (up to £3,000)
• Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
• Life assurance
• EAP Assist & Life
• Enhanced family and sick pay
• 2 paid volunteering days
• Recognition scheme
• Retail discounts portal

Flexible Working

We believe work should fit around life. This Bedford-based role offers genuine flexibility so you can balance work, family, and personal commitments. We come together for purposeful team collaboration to stay connected and drive great results.