Policy advisors play a key role in shaping the decisions made by governments and organisations. Their job is to research, analyse, and evaluate policies and provide advice to ensure that decisions are based on solid evidence. Policy advisors often work closely with senior officials and stakeholders to draft policy documents, prepare reports, and brief decision makers on important issues. The work can cover a vast range of subjects, such as health, education, environment, or security, depending on the organisation. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure and handle complex information.
Policy advisors in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £45,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £65,000.
There are approximately 15,000 policy advisor positions across the UK, with the majority based in London and other major cities.
Most policy advisors work for government departments, think tanks, local authorities, and large charities.
Focuses on analysing and developing policies related to public health, the NHS, and healthcare services.
Works on creating and evaluating policies to address environmental issues such as climate change, conservation, and sustainability.
Specialises in researching and advising on policies that affect schools, universities, and education systems.
Focus on subjects such as English, Politics, History, or Economics to build a solid knowledge base and analytical skills.
A good foundation in essay-based and analytical subjects will help you understand complex issues and present ideas clearly. Consider taking A Levels that are relevant to government, social issues, or economics, as these will be useful for your future studies and career.
Study at university in subjects like Politics, International Relations, Economics, Law, or Public Policy.
Most Policy Advisor roles require an undergraduate degree. Some roles may value postgraduate study, especially in public policy or a specialist area. Look for opportunities to take modules in policy analysis, government, or public administration during your studies.
Apply for internships or volunteering roles in government departments, think tanks, charities, or research organisations.
Experience in the public sector, policy research, or advocacy will help you develop practical knowledge of how policy is created and implemented. Look for summer placements, part-time work, or involvement in university societies related to politics or public affairs.
Practice writing policy briefs, reports, and communicating complex ideas clearly.
Policy Advisors need to analyse information, write clearly, and present recommendations. Take opportunities to write articles, participate in debates, or present research findings. Being able to communicate persuasively to different audiences is crucial.
Look for positions such as Policy Assistant, Policy Officer, or Research Assistant in relevant organisations.
Entry-level roles often involve supporting senior advisors, conducting research, and helping draft policy documents. Check job sites, government career pages, and relevant sector organisations for opportunities.
Seek additional qualifications, attend events, and build relationships within the policy sector.
Professional development, such as a postgraduate degree or short courses in public policy, can help you progress. Attend policy forums, seminars, or conferences to meet others in the field and stay updated on current issues.
Civil servants support the government by developing and implementing policy, managing public services, and providing administrative support across various departments.
Political researchers gather and interpret data to inform politicians, parties, or organisations on current issues, policy impacts, and public opinion.
Public affairs consultants advise organisations on their relationships with government, media, and the public, often lobbying for policy change or representing client interests.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Policy Advisor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Policy Advisor and a Local government officer both typically work within public sector environments, providing advice and developing policies to serve public interests. They require a good understanding of governmental procedures, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and responsibilities.
You can get into this job through:
You may need to do a degree or a job-specific qualification, depending on the department you want to work in.
Subjects include:
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course in a subject like business and administration before applying directly for this role.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do an apprenticeship. The exact apprenticeship will depend on your duties.
Examples include:
These usually take between a year and a year and a half to complete.
You'll usually need:
You could start in local government as an administrative assistant, providing support to council departments.
You could then work your way up to more senior positions through training and promotion on the job. Experience in office work would be useful.
You can apply for jobs directly if you've got the right skills and experience. Some local authorities may ask for a minimum of 4 GCSEs, A levels, or equivalent qualifications, depending on the vacancy.
For certain jobs, you may need a degree or specific professional qualification in an area like town planning or public policy.
Experience of working in customer service and using common computer packages like Word and Excel, are also valued by employers, and could help your career prospects.
You may be able to join a local authority's Local Government Graduate Programme if you've got a second class degree or higher. Most subjects are acceptable.
You could also get into this job through an internship.
You'll find details about careers in local government through the Local Government Association.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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