Policy Officer

Places for People; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension with matched contributions up

35 days annual leave

Healthcare cashback up to £500

Bonus scheme 2%

Training and development

Discounts and offers

Job summary

Places for People is seeking a Policy Officer on a 12-month FTC to help us understand the policy, political, economic and regulatory environment and shape practical responses. You will lead horizon scanning, research sector developments, and coordinate consultation responses with senior stakeholders.

The role focuses on turning complex developments into clear insights, owning projects from start to finish, and leveraging digital tools to improve quality and productivity.

Qualifications

• Undergrad or postgrad degree in politics, economics, public policy or related fields
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to turn complex policy, economic and regulatory developments into practical insights
• Comfort with large amounts of information and data; problem solving and critical thinking
• Adept with Microsoft tools and comfortable using AI to enhance quality and productivity

Responsibilities

• Lead horizon scanning and provide regular updates on the operating environment
• Research key sector developments and assess implications for the business
• Lead or co-lead policy projects from research to implementation
• Coordinate consultation responses and influence policy positions

Skills

Policy insight

Written & verbal comms

Ownership

Data interpretation

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in politics/economics/public policy

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Copilot / AI tools

Job description

As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we move lives forward every day by building, managing and supporting thriving Communities. From new homes, social housing and student accommodation to leisure, education and Community initiatives, our work makes a positive difference to millions of People across the UK. And that takes People who care about doing the right thing. People who are ambitious, ready to grow and motivated to make a difference through the work they do.

We're looking for Colleagues who bring energy, curiosity and ownership. People who enjoy being challenged, support those around them and want to keep raising the bar. Because when we perform at our best, we create more opportunities to invest in our Customers, our Communities and each other.

Experience matters, but it's only part of the story. If you share our values and want to build a career where your work has real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

More about the role

The role is FTC for 12 months

As a Policy Officer, you will help the business understand changes in the policy, political, economic and regulatory environment, assessing respective impacts.

This entails leading horizon scanning and providing regular, accessible updates on the operating environment. Drawing on evidence and data from a range of sources, you will research key sector developments, assess their implications and help shape practical responses where applicable.

You are expected to lead consultation responses and influencing activity, supporting the development of public policy positions. Other responsibilities include leading or co-leading policy projects from initial research through to implementation.

More about you

You can turn complex policy, economic, political and regulatory developments into clear, practical insight. Ownership is key to your working ethos, alongside confidence and adaptability when working with senior stakeholders.

With an open mind, you approach problems thoughtfully, identify effective solutions and use evidence to make well-reasoned recommendations. You are also comfortable working with substantial amounts of written information and data, and using digital tools to improve quality and productivity. As a self-starter, ambiguity and uncertainty are seen as an opportunities to influence and be proactive.

Knowledge of public/housing policy and an understanding of the UK political and economic environment would be particularly valuable.

Essential qualities

• An undergraduate or post-graduate degree in one or more of the following fields: politics, economics, public policy or any related fields.
• An understanding of the policy development process, i.e. the ability to problem solve and think critically.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with large amounts of written information and data.
• Adept with software such Microsoft tools (word, excel, power point, co-pilot) and comfortable with using AI to enhance quality and productivity.

Preferred qualities

• Strong knowledge of housing-related policy and/or economics.
• Experience of working in a policy, public affairs or regulatory environment.

Whatyou'llget

We know rewarding work deserves rewarding benefits.That'swhy, alongside a competitive salary,you'llhave access to a package designed to support you at work and beyond.

You'llreceive:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly

• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%

• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave

• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year

• Bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%

• Training and development

• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more