Government Policy

Policy professionals play a pivotal role in helping ministers to navigate often complex policy issues and make the commitments of the government a reality.

Throughout your time on the scheme, you will work with Parliament, ministers, legislation and a broad stakeholder network to propose and design courses of action across a variety of policy areas that will improve existing or develop new public services.

You will develop agility of thought, learn how to approach matters strategically, tactically and creatively to develop ideas that will achieve objectives.

You will have opportunities to learn the system of government, support ministers with objective and impartial advice, navigate the complexities of Parliament and may work with other governments both in the UK and overseas.

You will understand how to take a broad view to ensure you've weighed up the implications of your proposals and any potential impacts upon implementation. You will also work closely with Operational Delivery colleagues to monitor and adapt policies over time.

You will learn how to develop strong working relationships with others, as building productive networks with a wide range of stakeholders is key to developing effective policy proposals. You will also develop the skills to feel comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment - all essential skills for a policy professional.

There will be lots to learn on-the-job, but you will be working within a supportive environment to help you develop both the softer and more technical skills required of policy professionals. You will also have access to a carefully structured curriculum as well as the opportunity to build and learn from a constructive network of current and future leaders.

Work at the heart of government is ever-changing, but your three years on the scheme will be shaped to ensure you can hone your skills and gain a breadth of experience that will support you on your journey to becoming a future leader.

The scheme offers the opportunity to work on issues that really make a difference to people's lives as well as more niche policy areas.

Throughout your time on the scheme, you'll get a grounding in the three pillars of our competency framework - Policy Profession Standards; Strategy, Democracy and Delivery, which will equip you with the tools you need to thrive within the profession.

You will work across a range of departments and roles including potential for cross-government working and international postings, giving you exposure to different elements of policy development and delivery, developing your technical policy skills and establishing crucial networks within and outside of the profession, all of which will prepare you to become a successful policy leader.

You will have access to a policy specific curriculum including an accredited learning offer, as well as leadership and management training throughout the three years. This will enhance your on-the-job experience, supporting you with learning suited to your role, but more broadly ensuring you have the tools you need to support your policy career longer-term.

You will have a buddy as you begin the scheme and no matter where you are, there will be lots of opportunities to get together as a cohort, either in person or virtually.

The support won't stop as you leave the scheme either. As well as the networks and skills you've built through your time on the programme, you will have tapered support as you graduate into your mainstream policy role.

The skills you will develop on the scheme are highly transferrable across a broad range of policy areas and government departments, leaving you equipped to shape the policy career that you choose.