Policy Officer

Job description

A national economic regulator is hiring high-calibre students and recent graduates to join its Policy and Government Engagement team during a major period of reform across the UK water sector.

This is a rare chance to work inside government-level regulation, supporting policy development, legislation and engagement with Whitehall and regulators while helping shape how one of the UK’s most critical industries is run.

Key Criteria (what we’re screening for)

We’re looking for candidates who match most of the following:

Education

• On track for or achieved at least a 2:2 degree in:
• Politics, Public Policy, Law, International Relations, Economics, History, Geography, Environmental Studies, Engineering
• Or a closely related subject
• Or a Level 3–5 apprenticeship in economics or a related field
• Must be on a sandwich degree or be a recent graduate/apprentice (within 3 years)

Why this role is different

This is not a standard internship.

You’ll be working directly on:

• UK water policy and regulation
• Engagement with government departments
• New legislation shaping the future of the water sector
• Reform of how water companies are regulated

You’ll sit in the team that works with DEFRA, the Welsh Government and national regulators as the UK prepares a new Water Bill and a redesigned regulatory framework.

This means real policy exposure, not admin work.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll join the Government Engagement and Policy team, acting as a link between the regulator, government and other national bodies.

You’ll:

• Analyse government policy, legislation and consultation papers
• Support engagement with DEFRA and other regulators
• Help prepare briefings, submissions and impact analysis
• Track and interpret new laws affecting the water sector
• Support senior leaders with stakeholder and government engagement
• Work on major national reform projects

What you’ll gain

You’ll be supported through a structured early-careers programme with:

• Core policy and regulatory training
• Monthly development workshops
• Coaching and mentoring
• Access to conferences and site visits
• Exposure to senior decision-makers

You’ll build policy, analytical and stakeholder skills that are highly transferable across government, consultancy, regulation and corporate strategy.

Skills & mindset

• Strong interest in public policy, regulation or government
• Confident working with numbers, data and written analysis
• Able to explain complex ideas clearly in writing and conversation
• Curious, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking

Location & package

• Birmingham (B5) or London (E14)
• Hybrid working
• £28,000–£31,000 salary
• 12-month fixed-term professional placement
• Excellent pension, generous annual leave and full Civil Service-style benefits

Why apply

If you want to work at the point where government, policy, economics and the environment meet, this is one of the strongest early-career roles in the UK right now.

You’ll leave this placement with experience that opens doors into:

• Government and policy
• Regulation
• Strategy and consultancy
• Sustainability and infrastructure
• Economics and public affairs

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Full Time Jobs

Published at

01-02-2026

Profession type

Management

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English