Head of Policy

About the organisation

The Aldersgate Group is a politically impartial, multi-stakeholder alliance making the case for effective climate and environmental action. We work to support a growing, environmentally sustainable UK economy, with businesses playing an active role in the transition. Our members are leaders in their fields, and include some of the largest businesses in the UK as well as leading NGOs, professional institutes and academic institutions.

Our mission is to accelerate progress on climate and environment as part of a growing economy. Our work is supported by a highly knowledgeable and multi-sectoral Board of Directors, chaired by the Rt Hon. Baroness May of Maidenhead.

The Aldersgate Group carries out research across climate change and environment policy, publishes policy reports, holds roundtables and high-profile public events, works closely with decision-makers and is active on social and mainstream media.

Why join us

The Aldersgate Group occupies a unique position in the climate and environmental policy ecosystem. We can draw from experts at the leading edge of innovation and from corporates driving growth across the economy to put forward a positive economic and social case for ambitious climate and environmental policy. At a time when the debate around delivering emissions reductions and restoring biodiversity has become increasingly polarised, our perspective allows us to demonstrate the business perspective in favour of advancing these issues.

The role

The Group is looking to hire an outstanding Head of Policy to lead the development of the Group’s policy positions to help accelerate climate and environmental action.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional candidate to drive real impact on environmental thinking at the heart of Whitehall and Westminster. They will work as part of a supportive and engaged team, liaising closely with Aldersgate Group members. The successful candidate will be able to work across the Group’s remit covering climate, energy and nature issues, but there is also flexibility for the right candidate to shape the role to play to their strengths.

The Head of Policy is responsible for overseeing the development of the Aldersgate Group’s policy work. They will also contribute to the management of the Secretariat, support the organisation’s mission and draw on the invaluable insights of members to drive change.

Job description

Purpose of the role

The Secretariat team is 10 strong, with roles covering policy development, external affairs and operations. The Head of Policy will report to the Executive Director.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Head of Policy will:

• Have overall responsibility for developing, overseeing and maintaining a coherent policy work programme and pipeline of high-quality and evidence-based policy projects.
• Identify key research and publication priorities in line with UK political and policy trends, and ensure member insights and priorities are captured across the Group’s policy work.
• Identify opportunities to work in partnership with other organisations, helping drive increased impact from the Aldersgate Group’s work.
• Work closely with the External Affairs team to identify and support opportunities to brief political, government and media stakeholders.
• Build trusted relationships with influential stakeholders, including civil servants.
• Act as a senior spokesperson, representing the Group at high-profile meetings, events and in the media.
• Lead and manage the policy team (two staff), fostering a culture of collaboration, development and impact.
• Work with the Executive Director to oversee the Group’s work programme, and support other colleagues to deliver.

The Head of Policy will also provide support for organisational work, alongside other members of the Secretariat, including organising external workshops and events, managing relationships with members and dealing with internal and external information requests.

Person specification

The successful candidate will have:

• A solid track record in policy development, and a sound understand of the policymaking process in Westminster and Whitehall.
• Excellent knowledge of the UK climate, energy and environmental policy landscape, and an understanding of how this interacts with devolved administrations and the EU.
• A good understanding of the business world and what businesses look for in policy making.
• Ability to think creatively and innovate to ensure maximum impact from policy projects.
• Experience of networking and building relationships with key stakeholders, including civil servants, businesses and NGOs.
• Capability in public speaking and making interventions in senior-level meetings.
• Experience of managing staff and contributing to organisational growth.

The successful candidate will also have:

• Excellent research, analysis, written and oral communication skills.
• Experience of facilitation and/or stakeholder engagement in policy development.
• Experience in setting and delivering strategic objectives for a team or organisation.
• Core values aligned to the Group and a genuine interest in our purpose.
• Strong motivation, proactivity and enthusiasm, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team.
• Good time management, administrative and organisational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strength at multi-tasking and prioritisation.
• Excellent attention to detail.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary £56,650 to £66,950 per annum, dependent upon experience

Contract Permanent

Hours Monday – Friday, full time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working requests such as compressed hours or part-time will be considered)

Location Hybrid, with office located in Waterloo, Central London (Zone 1). We have core team days in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Office attendance on other days is subject to personal preference and business needs.

Leave 27 days per annum plus bank holidays and three extra compulsory days of leave between Christmas and New Year.

Benefits We also offer 5% pension contributions, enhanced parental leave, a health cash plan with 24/7 access to a GP advice line, an employee assistance programme, cycle and tech schemes, income protection insurance and up to four days paid travel time per year for sustainable holidays.

Start date As soon as possible