Policy Assistant

Applefields School; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Learning and development opportunities

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking a motivated Policy Assistant for the Mayor's Office. You will support policy development, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based decision-making across transport, housing, skills and economic development.

Reporting to the Head of the Mayor's Office, you will prepare briefing notes, monitor policy developments and assist with horizon scanning. A degree in Politics or Public Policy and strong IT skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• An understanding of local government, public services and public policy.
• Experience researching and analysing information from a variety of sources.
• Experience preparing reports, briefings or recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• Experience building positive relationships with stakeholders and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Prepare briefing notes, background papers and research summaries.
• Monitor government announcements, consultations, legislation and policy developments.
• Undertake research and analyse information from local, regional and national sources.
• Draft correspondence, reports and stakeholder communications.
• Support policy reviews, projects and consultation activities.
• Maintain policy information, research databases and stakeholder records.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities and support partnership working.
• Assist with intelligence gathering, horizon scanning and identifying emerging policy issues.
• Support meetings through agenda preparation and note-taking.

Skills

Policy research

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Project coordination

Education

Degree in Politics/Public Policy/Social Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

The Opportunity

Help Shape the Future of York and North Yorkshire

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is leading an ambitious programme to deliver sustainable growth, stronger communities and greater opportunities for residents and businesses across the region. Working across transport, housing, skills, economic development, health and net zero, the Combined Authority is at the forefront of the devolution agenda and regional decision-making.

We are looking for a highly organised, curious and motivated Policy Assistant to join the Mayor's Office. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a Mayoral Combined Authority, supporting policy development, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based decision-making.

If you have a passion for public service, a keen interest in politics and policy, and enjoy researching complex issues and turning information into practical insights, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of the Mayor's Office, you will support the work of Policy Officers and the wider Mayor's Office by providing research, analysis, briefing and coordination support across a wide range of strategic priorities.

You will help ensure that the Mayor and senior colleagues receive timely, accurate and evidence-based information to inform decision-making and support the delivery of Mayoral priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing briefing notes, background papers and research summaries.
• Monitoring Government announcements, consultations, legislation and policy developments.
• Undertaking research and analysing information from local, regional and national sources.
• Drafting correspondence, reports, presentations and stakeholder communications.
• Supporting policy reviews, projects and consultation activities.
• Maintaining policy information, research databases and stakeholder records.
• Coordinating stakeholder engagement activities and supporting partnership working.
• Assisting with intelligence gathering, horizon scanning and identifying emerging policy issues.
• Supporting meetings through agenda preparation, note taking and action tracking.
• Contributing to projects that support the Mayor's strategic priorities and the wider objectives of the Combined Authority.

About You

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• An understanding of local government, public services and public policy.
• Experience researching and analysing information from a variety of sources.
• Experience preparing reports, briefings or recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• Experience building positive relationships with stakeholders and colleagues.
• Confidence interpreting information and presenting findings clearly.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• A proactive, collaborative and professional approach to work.
• Awareness of Mayoral Combined Authorities and English devolution.
• Experience working in local government, the public sector or a political environment.
• Knowledge of one or more policy areas including transport, housing, skills, economic development, health, policing, net zero or regeneration.
• Experience supporting projects, stakeholder engagement activities or consultations.
• A degree or relevant qualification in Politics, Public Policy, Social Sciences or a related discipline.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a high-profile public service environment, working closely with elected leaders and senior officers on issues that matter to local communities.

In return, we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing support.
• The opportunity to help shape policy and decision-making across one of England's newest Combined Authorities.

Additional Information

This role is based within the Mayor's Office and operates within a high-profile public and political environment. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and discretion, in line with the Nolan Principles of Public Life. This is a politically restricted post under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

If you're looking for an opportunity to develop your career in public policy, government and strategic decision-making while helping deliver positive outcomes for the people of York and North Yorkshire, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape the future of York and North Yorkshire.