Policy Officer

Pertemps; Southend-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Policy Officer / Advisor to support significant reforms in England’s town planning system. This role involves delivering policy projects, analysing developments, and engaging with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with professional standards. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, strong policy analysis skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of the English planning system and housing policy.
• Awareness of data protection responsibilities.
• Well-organised, proactive, and self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Deliver planning policy projects and promote best practice.
• Draft consultation responses and policy briefings.
• Monitor legislative and policy developments across England.

Skills

Analysing public policy

Working in a team

Supporting policy or project admin

Clear, confident written communication

Clear, confident verbal communication

Attention to detail

Digital skills

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Qualification in town planning or related subject

Job description

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Policy Officer / Advisor
Salary: £37,500 + benefits
Contract: 18-month fixed-term (project-based)
Hours: 35 hours per week (Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00)
Location: Hybrid (2 days in the office per week)

England’s town planning system is going through major reform — and this role puts you at the heart of it. As Policy Officer / Advisor, you’ll help shape how planning policy is developed and delivered. You’ll track key changes, analyse their impact, and support strong, evidence-based responses to government proposals.
Working across policy, research, and communications, you’ll provide clear insights, build relationships with stakeholders, and ensure planning professionals are represented in the national conversation.

• Deliver planning policy projects and promote best practice
• Draft consultation responses and policy briefings
• Monitor legislative and policy developments across England
• Represent the organisation at meetings, conferences, and events
• Contribute to blogs, briefings, and digital content
• Collaborate with internal teams and engage with government, agencies, and planning professionals
• Ensure compliance with data protection guidelines
• Take on other duties as needed to support the team’s work
• Communications, Research, Regions & Nations, Events
• External Contacts: Government departments, Parliamentarians, Planning bodies, Sector partners, Contractors

Your skills and experience

• Analysing public policy
• Working in a team
• Supporting policy or project admin
• Degree or equivalent experience
• Solid understanding of the English planning system and housing policy (essential)
• Qualification in town planning or related subject
• Awareness of data protection responsibilities
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and tight deadlines
• Attention to detail and strong digital skills
• Well-organised, proactive, and self-motivated

This is a fast-moving role in a critical period for English planning reform. You’ll need to be proactive, adaptable, and ready to respond to shifting priorities. If you’ve got the skills and experience to hit the ground running, send us your CV for immediate review.