Policy Officer

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire); Chesterfield; Hybrid; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional business support organization in Chesterfield seeks a motivated Policy Officer to conduct policy research, engage with stakeholders, and advocate for business interests. The ideal candidate will have a background in public policy and strong analytical skills. This full-time role offers a salary of £27,000 per annum and involves collaboration across the East Midlands community.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in public policy and economic issues.
• Confidence in interpreting and presenting findings.
• Willingness to travel within the UK.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis relevant to business policy.
• Build effective relationships with decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Prepare clear content including reports and briefings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to inform wider Chamber activities.

Skills

Interest in public policy

Research skills

Writing ability

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is a well-respected and award winning membership, representation and business support organisation that aims to enhance businesses and communities in the three cities and three counties. With more than 4,100 members and working with 12,000 businesses each year, we have established a reputation as the voice of the region’s business community.

Job title: Policy Officer
Salary: £27,000 per annum
Based at: Chesterfield, Derby, Nottingham or Leicester with agile working. Additional travel may be required between offices and other businesses/events
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

1. WHY THE POST EXISTS

Are you motivated and curious? Do you have an interest in developing and communicating policy positions? Can you keep yourself informed, and take an evidence-based approach to your work? If so, you could be our next Policy Officer.

At a time of significant political, economic, and structural change (including devolution arrangements, the evolving funding landscape and shifting policy priorities), this newly created role will help strengthen the Chamber’s ability to represent and influence on behalf of our regions business community.

You will directly contribute to policy development, campaigns and lobbying activity utilising collated evidence, robust insights and reflecting real experiences from members. It is vital that the voice of business is heard clearly and constructively by decision-makers.

Play a part in helping the Chamber remain agile, informed and impactful – contributing to our wider mission of enhancing the region’s economic resilience, sustainability and inclusive growth.

This exciting opportunity is open to recent graduates and people who are passionate about public policy, research and helping shape the business environment across our region.

We are committed to developing public affairs and policy talent to build capacity for shaping the business environment not just reactively, but proactively and therefore ensuring the East Midlands remains a great place to live, work, and do business.

2. THE KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Policy research and analysis

• Conduct research and analysis across a range of policy areas relevant to the East Midlands business community
• Produce regular reports on topical issues, drawing on local and national data sources
• Monitor and respond to Government publications, including consultations, White Papers, legislation, and official reports
• Provide evidence-based insight to inform the Chamber’s lobbying, campaigns, and public positioning.

Stakeholder engagement and influence

• Build and maintain effective relationships with decision-makers, members, partners, and stakeholders across sectors
• Support MP engagement through meetings, briefing notes, correspondence, and collaboration with parliamentary offices
• Represent the Chamber at external meetings, task forces, working groups, and events, including delivering presentations where appropriate.

Communication and advocacy

• Prepare clear, concise, and influential content including reports, consultation responses, briefings, articles, letters, and web pages
• Contribute to the development and review of the Chamber’s policy “asks” of Government, ensuring they remain current and impactful
• Raise awareness of key policy issues affecting members and stakeholders through accessible and engaging communications.

Business development and support

• Produce and interpret research to support Chamber projects, including tender responses and business development opportunities
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to ensure policy insight informs wider Chamber activity and member support.

3. IDEALLY APPLICANTS WILL POSSESS

You will need a genuine interest in public policy, business, and economic issues, ideally with some experience gained through studies, internships, or volunteering involving research, writing, or analysis.

You must be confident interpreting and presenting findings, working collaboratively and producing clear written content. Being able to drive in the UK for business purposes with access to your own vehicle and a willingness to travel in the region is important.

Knowledge of the East Midlands business landscape, political structures, and the role of Chambers of Commerce is preferable but not essential.

What matters to us is your curiosity, motivation, evidence-driven approach and willingness/ability to learn how policy decisions shape the world around us.

4. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN RETURN

See Chamber website.

5. HOW TO APPLY

If you have an enthusiastic approach to your work and feel you could make a significant contribution to our organisation, we would like to hear from you.

Please visit East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) job vacancies website. Unfortunately we cannot accept applications from this platform for compliance purposes.

The closing date for applications is ongoing (we close ongoing adverts once sufficient applications are received).

6. COMPANY STATEMENT

See Chamber website.