Policy Specialist

JR United Kingdom; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic Human Resources Division as a Policy Specialist in a world-renowned University in Cambridge. This pivotal role involves developing and interpreting HR policies in light of legal changes, engaging stakeholders, and managing complex policy projects. The position supports hybrid working, providing flexibility in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable policy development experience with strong legislative analysis and policy drafting skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to translate complex legal language.
• Experience in project management and familiarity with tools like Planner and Trello.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review HR policies in line with legislative changes.
• Communicate policy changes and lead stakeholder engagement.
• Support training and capability building for staff on new policies.

Skills

Policy Development

Legislative Analysis

Communication

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Tools

Trello

Microsoft Planner

Drupal

SharePoint

Job description

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Location: Cambridge, Hybrid (Office-based with flexibility)

Employment Type: Full-time, initial 2 year FTC

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Reporting to: Head of Policy

Sector: Higher Education / Public Sector

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a world-renowned University seeking a Policy Specialist to join their dynamic Human Resources Division. This role is strategically important and sits at the intersection of legal, policy, and organisational change, playing a key role in shaping HR policies that impact the entire University community.

This is not a standard policy position. Due to the complexity of the upcoming Employment Rights Bill and the evolving legal landscape, we are looking for someone with robust policy expertise (not necessarily limited to HR), who is highly skilled in interpreting legislation, translating it into operational policy, and managing policy delivery across multiple workstreams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review and embed HR and related institutional policies in line with legislative changes (e.g., the Employment Rights Bill) and organisational needs.
• Interpret complex employment legislation into accessible, operational policy documents.
• Liaise with internal legal advisors and external experts to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Maintain and update policy documents and staff handbooks in line with evolving requirements.

2. Communication, Engagement & Consultation

• Design content for policy rollouts, briefings, and updates, ensuring it is clear, consistent, and aligned with University values.
• Lead stakeholder engagement, including formal consultation with staff and trade unions on policy changes.
• Use tools such as SharePoint and Drupal (training provided) to help present and disseminate policy content online (note: comms distribution handled by another team).
• Communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, adapting your style for technical, legal, or operational audiences.
• Coordinate and contribute to multiple concurrent policy projects and workstreams.
• Apply project management skills and tools (e.g., Microsoft Planner, Project, Trello) to track timelines, deliverables, and approvals.
• Support programme-level planning and ensure smooth execution of change initiatives tied to policy rollouts.

4. Training & Capability Building

• Deliver training and policy briefings to staff, departmental administrators, and HR colleagues.
• Collaborate with internal (PPD) and external training providers to support implementation.
• Maintain awareness campaigns and help create a shared understanding of new policy initiatives.

5. Strategic & Advisory Support

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and HR teams on policy interpretation and application.
• Contribute to business cases, committee papers, reports, and internal publications.
• Support the continuous improvement of the University's approach to HR policy and its alignment with broader institutional strategy.

About You

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Demonstrable policy development experience – HR sector experience welcomed but not essential.
• Strong legislative analysis and policy drafting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication – able to translate legal language into user-friendly content.
• Knowledge of employment legislation and legal frameworks.
• Familiarity with project and programme management tools (e.g., Planner, Trello, MS Project).
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects/workstreams simultaneously.
• Confident in facilitating consultation processes and engaging with trade unions and senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in higher education, public sector, or regulated environments.
• Drupal or SharePoint experience (training provided).
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in policy development.

You’ll join a values-driven team within a globally respected institution, working alongside supportive, forward-thinking colleagues in HR. The work is impactful, varied, and meaningful, affecting thousands of staff and helping shape organisational culture.

Hybrid working is supported, flexible working is supported, and can be discussed at the screening stage.