Policy & public affairs apprentice

Hachette UK; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organization in the UK is offering an apprenticeship in their Policy and Public Affairs team. This role is based in Leeds or Glasgow and involves supporting project management, assisting in organizing events, and drafting briefings. The candidate should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of media and politics. This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience while pursuing qualifications in the media sector.

Benefits

Financial support for relocation

Professional development and training

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Understanding of Channel 4's remit and passion for media.

Responsibilities

• Support project management and take meeting notes.
• Organise events and manage logistics for meetings.
• Draft briefings for meetings and Select Committees.
• Monitor political developments and provide updates.
• Coordinate MP meetings and manage stakeholder communications.
• Process supplier invoices and engage in external communications.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Understanding of Channel 4's remit

Education

GCSE Grade C (4) or above in Maths & English

Job description

Closing date for applications: 2nd January 2026

Salary: £26,742.00

Reports to: Senior external affairs manager/ public affairs manager

Department: Nations & regions

Location: Leeds or Glasgow

Number of roles: 1

Start date: September 2026

From drafting briefings to coordinating MP meetings, become part of the team driving positive change in the media landscape.

If you are looking for an opportunity to gain work experience and a qualification, then an apprenticeship at Channel 4 might be for you.

The Policy and Public Affairs team sits within the Nations and Regions division and is responsible for managing all of Channel 4’s relationships with the UK and devolved Governments and Parliaments, as well as with regulators and other stakeholders in the political and corporate worlds.

The team seeks to ensure that any policy and regulatory decisions made are in the best interests of Channel 4. The team plays a lead role in ensuring that stakeholders are kept informed about key Channel 4 programmes and initiatives and understand Channel 4’s unique remit and model. It also provides briefing and advice to Channel 4’s senior management.

The team has members based in London and Leeds and Glasgow and this role will be based in Leeds or Glasgow.

Key responsibilities

• Support the team’s project management function, including taking notes in meetings, logging actions, and tracking progress.
• Assist with the organisation of events and visits, helping with guest lists, invitations, briefings, and logistics.
• Help draft briefings for meetings, events, and Select Committees, compiling relevant information and research from across the business.
• Monitor and summarise key political and policy developments, producing clear and timely updates for the team.
• Coordinate MP meetings and visits and support wider diary and stakeholder management.
• Support the team’s external communications, including stakeholder engagement and social media activity.
• Help ensure supplier invoices are processed promptly by raising purchase orders and liaising with Accounts Payable.

Knowledge, skills and experience

As part of the application process you’ll be asked to tell us how you meet the essential criteria listed below. When answering this question think about examples from your experience so far, this doesn’t need to be professional experience but could be academic, from volunteering or a part-time job.

We’ve provided some examples beside the first four criteria of experience that could demonstrate you have these skills. Please note you do not need to use these examples, they are just here for guidance and you should draw from your own personal experiences.

• Verbal and written communication skills
  • Verbal - e.g. experience of dealing with customers or working as part of a team.
  • Communication – e.g. writing emails, completing an application form or essay, or if you have a hobby that involves creative writing.
• Attention to detail – e.g. Cashing up on tills or proofreading coursework.
• Organisation skills and ability to prioritise tasks – e.g. Planning events whether personal or for professional purposes, as well as managing work life balance, for example working whilst doing coursework/exams.
• An understanding of and a passion for Channel 4’s remit
• Confirm you have Maths & English GCSE Grade C (4) or above

About our apprenticeships

Our apprenticeships are full-time, with four days per week spent working in a C4 department and one day per week completing the formal learning parts of the apprenticeship. You’ll spend 60% of your working week in your office base and 40% working from home.

The formal training provided will consist of workshops, tutorials, webinars, coaching and in some cases residential boot camps. You can read more about the qualification being offered for this apprenticeship below.

If you’d like some tips on writing your application before you apply, please watch our YouTube video, How to Write an Outstanding Application.

• Qualification offered with this apprenticeship: Business Administrator Level 3 or Diploma Digital Application Support SCQF level 6
• Length of apprenticeship: 15 months if based in Leeds / 12 months if based in Glasgow

Am I eligible to apply?

• You must be 18 years old or over at the time the scheme starts to apply. There is no upper age limit.
• You’ll need to have a Grade C (4) or above in Maths & English GCSE
• You can’t have already completed the qualification being offered or similar at the same or higher level
• Our apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and people who do not have a degree. If you have a degree, please visit the Channel 4 Jobs website.

Channel 4 behaviours

At Channel 4, we have four core behaviours that underpin everything we do. These are outlined below, and we will be assessing candidates on these behaviours throughout the recruitment process.

• Include We’re Altogether Different so let’s give each other a bear hug, team up and trust each other to collaborate arm-in-arm. Don’t just listen: listen to understand.
• Innovate Don’t just rinse and repeat: don’t just go through the motions. Challenge positive and embrace change. Experiment & take smart risks.
• Grow Question everything and school yourself. Be generous with your knowledge with others and seek feedback from them. Be clear with your objectives.
• Get it done Make your time at Channel 4 count. Be a solution-finder, not a finger-pointer. Prioritise, decide and then act – always commercially.

Alternative application formats

We are committed to making the application process accessible. If you would like to discuss suggestions for alternative formats, or have any questions about the recruitment process in general, please contact us at [e-mail]

Take a look at our access page for more information, which you’ll find by clicking here. You can also watch our YouTube video, Demystifying Interview and Workplace adjustments.

Application questions

Please remember to complete the additional application questions by uploading a Word or PDF attachment. These questions really help us get to know you better and we won’t be able to consider your application without them.

1. Referring to the essential criteria listed on the job description (which are all skills and experiences we deem important to thrive as a C4 apprentice), please use examples to demonstrate how you meet these (feel free to draw on academic, personal and professional experiences). (500 words max)
2. Can you share with us what representation and inclusion mean to you personally, and why you think they’re important? (300 words max)
3. Please share a list of your current qualifications, including those you expect to obtain before the September 2026 start of this apprenticeship. We require this information to ensure your eligibility for the apprenticeship you are applying for.
4. What aspects of a role in Channel 4’s Policy & Public Affairs team most appeal to you, and why? (200 words max)
5. How would you manage your time and balance competing priorities in a fast‑paced, busy team environment? (200 words max)

Relocation

If you need to relocate in order to take up this opportunity, we can offer you support towards the financial costs of moving. This includes a contribution towards your deposit and first months’ rent, plus visits to your new city to look for accommodation.

The programme aims to offer opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the TV industry, so we are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio-economic groups.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.