Policy & Strategy Lead

UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading admissions service organization in the UK seeks a Policy & Strategy Lead to monitor policy developments and assess strategic opportunities. Responsibilities include building external relationships, leading engagements, and producing thought leadership. Candidates should have deep knowledge of post-16 policy and strong communication skills. The role offers a competitive salary of £50,000 on a 12-month fixed-term contract, along with comprehensive benefits including hybrid working, generous leave, and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Internal training and mentoring

Hybrid working model

30 days annual leave

Everyday wellbeing support

Onsite facilities including gym and café

Inclusive culture and employee networks

Recognition and reward schemes

Qualifications

• Must possess deep knowledge of post-16 policy.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
• Experience in quality control of policy/research outputs required.
• Capable of providing political insight and strategic thinking.
• Skillful in stakeholder engagement and policy influence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain understanding of UCAS' policy and environment.
• Horizon scan for strategic opportunities or risks.
• Support external impact assessment for UCAS' Next Chapter.
• Advise the Director on anticipated policy changes.
• Build external relationships and produce thought leadership.

Skills

Deep knowledge of post-16 policy

Excellent communication and collaboration

Quality control of policy/research outputs

Political insight

Strategic thinker

Stakeholder engagement

Policy influence

Job description

UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education.

UCAS provides application services for UK universities and colleges and delivers a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.

About the role

The Policy, Strategy & Participation team anticipates and interprets policy developments, ensuring UCAS responds effectively and strategically. The team’s work shapes UCAS’ position and approach by:

• Scanning the external landscape – monitoring policy changes that impact UCAS’ beneficiaries across the progression journey and clearly articulating the ‘so what’.
• Embedding intelligence and shaping strategy – ensuring decisions across UCAS are informed by the wider environment, highlighting risks and opportunities, and guiding responses.
• Engaging sector stakeholders – working with sector bodies and government to share insight, influence policy, and represent UCAS’ perspective through formal and informal channels.
• The Policy & Strategy Lead drives horizon scanning across the higher education portfolio, identifying opportunities for UCAS to deliver greater value to learners and providers. Operating at the intersection of policy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement, this role ensures UCAS remains agile and aligned with its mission as the UK’s shared admissions service.

Contractual Hours

35.00

Key Accountabilities

• Maintain deep understanding of UCAS’ policy and sector environment across four nations.
• Horizon scan and assess developments for strategic opportunities or risks.
• Support UCAS’ Next Chapter by identifying external impacts.
• Anticipate changes and advise the Director of Strategy, Policy & Participation.
• Advance UCAS’ ‘double helix’: Increase participation and success; Deliver value as shared admissions service.
• Assess impact on customers and beneficiaries.
• Add value to UCAS data and advocate its use externally.
• Produce thought leadership and publications.
• Inform decisions and messaging through policy insight.
• Ensure internal flow of intelligence.
• Align corporate messaging with policy.
• Lead engagement and deliver plans.
• Build strong external relationships.
• Provide briefings for leadership.
• Represent UCAS at meetings and forums.
• Support the Director of Strategy, Policy and Participation with projects and activities as required.

Skills, qualifications, and experience

• Deep knowledge of post-16 policy.
• Excellent communication and collaboration.
• Quality control of policy/research outputs.
• Political insight, strategic thinker, stakeholder engagement, policy influence.

Package

Salary – £50,000 – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.

• Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity.
• Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies.
• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts.
• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools.
• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office.
• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders.
• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond.

Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they tick every box. At UCAS we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. So, if you are interested in this vacancy, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please apply.

If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via [e-mail].

Attachments

Policy and Strategy Manager – Higher Education.pdf (381 Kb)