Policy Advisor Part Time

FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES-2

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the leading voice of 5.5 million small businesses and the self-employed across the UK. Since 1974, we’ve supported people to start, run and grow their own business. With market-leading benefits, local support, financial expertise, networking events and more, we provide our members with all the tools they need to succeed in business. We’re also the UK’s leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change on issues that matter most. With teams across the UK, we work with governments and decision-makers to make real change happen.

We are currently seeking an analytical policy professional to join our Westminster based team supporting the development and communication of a broad range of small business-related policy issues particularly in relation to education and skills, women in enterprise and childcare.

What will you do?

This is an interesting and varied role. As a key member of FSB’s lobbying team, the successful candidate will:

• Draft clear and concise documents, including briefings, consultation responses and FSB research reports that have a big impact on national policy.
• Be a lead point of contact for relevant policy work emanating from the Department for Education and the Government Equalities Office and other relevant departments and agencies. Working closely with other policy leads particularly those in devolved nations.
• Represent FSB at external policy stakeholder engagements.
• Work with colleagues in Public Affairs and Media & Communications in the delivery of policy strategies related to skills, women in enterprise and childcare.
• Maintain a keen awareness of political and legislative developments in the UK, identifying their impact on small businesses and being proactive in responding to these developments as appropriate.

Who are we looking for?

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong numerical ability and an interest in working with survey evidence to produce findings and policy recommendations.
• Have a clear interest in education and skills policy and/or policy related to inclusive entrepreneurship or childcare.
• Have policy experience gained from working in one of the following: a lobbying or campaigning organisation, a charity, a think tank or consultancy, a UK political party, the UK Civil Service/Parliament, local government, or a membership organisation. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage different work activities or workstreams to keep projects on track FSB is dedicated to helping small businesses survive through these difficult times, and we value our staff enough to provide highly competitive rates of pay, benefits, and internationally recognised qualifications.
• We believe your work life balance is important, so our working hours don’t include weekend or evening work.
• We provide you with all the tools, skills and support to help our members every day, and help you develop your skills through teamwork and relationship building.
• We believe diversity is the key to success, and we encourage people from all walks of life and backgrounds to come and join us.

Our inclusive environment allows all our employees to bring their whole selves to work.

In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you’ll also benefit from:

• 26 days holidays per year plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with your Annual Flex Pot
• Annual Flex Pot to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership Health cash plan
• (Access to claim back numerous benefits, including towards dental treatment, optical, chiropody, physiotherapy, counselling, health and wellbeing)
• Critical illness and income protection insurance
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders Group Personal Pension (GPP)
• Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms

How to apply

All applications to be received by 18 February 2024. Any applications received after this date will be held on file for a maximum of 6 months and reviewed if the first round of applicants are unsuccessful.

Additional information

All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.

As an equal opportunities employer, FSB is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We believe there is a strong case for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda and aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees can bring their whole self to work. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply and join FSB. Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact the HR department.

Applicants are advised to apply early. We resrve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email.