Policy Officer Apprentice

Job Introduction

Role Purpose

This role gives individuals the opportunity to study and achieve the Level 4 Policy Officer Apprenticeship Standard, which could lead to a wonderful career in Policy and Strategy. The post holder will work closely with policy and research officers to review, interpret and advise on the challenges and opportunities of national policy at a local level and assist in developing, implementing and communicating a local response through corporate policy programmes as well as monitoring the impact and progress of policy implementation.

Main Responsibilities

• To proactively scan the external environment for changing government policy and legislation, translate at a local level and communicate to enable the Council and key partners to:  
• Be responsive to local needs
• Understand and implement legislative requirements
• Pursue external funding opportunities
• Comply with the Localism Act and empower communities.  
• To support the policy team in effectively managing key stakeholders (including Councillors and Senior Leaders), ensuring they are updated on current legislation and national policy.
• To support in developing and communicating new policy and strategy.
• To develop mechanisms to gather and monitor policy and performance information.
• To support in the collection of evidence to assist with policy changes.
• To support the development of an overarching corporate strategy or plan, informed by reliable insight and intelligence that sets out clear priorities and measurable outcomes. 
• Build experience in developing and implementing programmes aimed at improving understanding and awareness of corporate policy among officers, councillors and partners.
• To support the development, planning and delivery of a range of strategic initiatives and events to enhance the Council’s capacity to meet local needs, foster good relations and build resilience in communities  
• To keep informed with developments in the fields of diversity, equalities and sustainability and ensure that the council operates in compliance with appropriate legislative and regulatory requirements

The Ideal Candidate

Qualifications and Experience  

• Educated to GCSE grade C/4 in Maths & English or equivalent  
• Good knowledge of ICT and work practices
• Be able to plan and organise own workload
• Keen interest in how policy and legislation is formed
• Experience of researching and writing to a high standard  
• Ability to develop strong relationships with others
• Good communication skills

Personal Qualities & Attributes  

• Enthusiastic researcher and prolific writer
• Ability to understand and analyse data and information, be accurate, neat and pay close attention to detail
• Ability to interpret and present proportionate & relevant information
• Make evidence-based decisions, assessing risks and outcomes
• Good organisational skills and ability to complete projects accurately to deadlines
• Encourage and listen to everyone’s ideas, sharing feedback constructively
• Team player contributing to and celebrating the success of the whole team
• To be confident liaising with officers at all levels of the organisation
• Have a professional presentation and demeanour
• Demonstrate our values and behaviours of respect, passion, integrity, innovation and pride

Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where they are viable, or by holding a valid UK driving licence with access to own or pool car. 

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Sophie Bradfield by email on sophie.bradfield@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

We offer an excellent benefits package to colleagues. Find out more on Benefits  here.

As a result of the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying our terms and conditions of service and will be creating a single pay structure which is to be applicable for all employees. It is important to us that we offer benefits that our colleagues value as part of their total employment package and we are reviewing these to make sure we have it right. We are in the process of establishing a timescale for implementation and colleagues joining us will be included in these changes. This is expected to be in place in 2024 or early 2025.