Policy Consultant

Spirehouse Recruitment; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent

Hybrid working

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking a Policy Consultant to support the drafting, implementation and continuous improvement of HR policies and frameworks across a complex, collaborative organisation.

The role involves advising on employment law, policy and employee relations, and working with unions and stakeholders to drive governance and change initiatives while delivering high-quality reports and policy content.

Qualifications

• Experience drafting HR policies within a complex or public sector environment
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, HR policy, and procedures
• Experience working in a unionised environment with consultation and negotiation exposure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Diplomatic and customer-focused approach with the ability to build effective relationships
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Experience within the Higher Education sector
• Familiarity with governance and committee structures
• Experience using project management tools such as MS Project or Planner

Responsibilities

• Draft and review HR policies and procedures relevant to a public sector environment
• Provide guidance on employment law, HR policy, and employee relations matters
• Support consultation and negotiation activity with recognised trade unions and stakeholders
• Assist with organisational and cultural change initiatives
• Prepare reports, presentations, and web content to a high standard
• Analyse and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data to support decision making
• Support governance and committee processes where required
• Handle sensitive, confidential, and complex matters with professionalism and discretion

Skills

UK employment law

HR policy

Stakeholder management

Data analysis with Excel

Project management

Communication skills

Diplomatic approach

Education

CIPD qualified or equivalent

Tools

MS Project or Planner

Job description

Policy Consultant - University of Cambridge

The Role

As Policy Consultant, you will support the drafting, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR policies, procedures, and frameworks that align with organisational objectives and employment legislation.

Working closely with senior colleagues and key stakeholders, you will provide guidance on employee relations matters, support consultation and negotiation processes, and contribute to strategic HR initiatives. You will also prepare reports, presentations, and policy documentation to support effective decision making and governance processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional to contribute to strategic policy development within a complex and evolving organisation.

• Permanent
• Hybrid

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR professional to join the Human Resources Division as a Policy Consultant at the University of Cambridge.

This role will support the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures across a complex and highly collaborative organisation.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering best-practice people policies, supporting organisational change initiatives, and building strong relationships with stakeholders and recognised trade unions.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and review HR policies and procedures relevant to a public sector environment
• Provide guidance on employment law, HR policy, and employee relations matters
• Support consultation and negotiation activity with recognised trade unions and stakeholders
• Assist with organisational and cultural change initiatives
• Prepare reports, presentations, and web content to a high standard
• Analyse and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data to support decision making
• Support governance and committee processes where required
• Handle sensitive, confidential, and complex matters with professionalism and discretion

About You

• Experience drafting HR policies within a complex or public sector environment
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, HR policy, and procedures
• Experience working in a unionised environment with consultation and negotiation exposure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Ability to analyse and present data effectively using Excel and other IT systems
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Diplomatic and customer-focused approach with the ability to build effective relationships
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• CIPD qualified or equivalent experience
• Experience within the Higher Education sector
• Familiarity with governance and committee structures
• Experience using project management tools such as MS Project or Planner
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
• Development and learning opportunities
• Supportive and inclusive working environment
• Commitment to work/life balance

Spirehouse Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and promotes a diverse and inclusive recruitment process.