A policy advisor is a professional who researches, analyses, and develops policy recommendations for organisations, often within the public sector or non-governmental organisations. Their work involves gathering evidence, consulting stakeholders, and drafting reports that help decision-makers formulate strategies on issues such as health, education, environment, or social care. Policy advisors must be skilled at analysing complex information, communicating clearly, and understanding how government processes work. They frequently work in teams, attend meetings with senior officials, and may represent their organisation in consultations or public forums. The role is ideal for those interested in making a positive impact on society and influencing how decisions are made at a high level.
Policy advisors in the UK can expect to earn between £28,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on experience and sector.
There are over 8,000 policy advisor positions across the UK within government departments, local authorities, charities, and think tanks.
Most policy advisors work standard office hours, around 37 to 40 hours per week, though deadlines may require additional hours.
Focuses on developing and evaluating policies that impact schools, colleges, and the wider education system.
Works on creating and advising on policies related to environmental protection, climate change, and sustainability.
Specialises in analysing and advising on policies that affect public health, NHS services, and health inequalities.
Achieve good GCSE and A-level results, focusing on subjects such as Politics, History, Economics, or English.
Strong academic results in relevant subjects will help you gain a place at a good university, which is often required for policy roles. These subjects develop your analytical, research, and communication skills, all vital for a Policy Advisor.
Apply to university for a degree in Politics, Public Policy, Law, Economics, or a related field.
Most Policy Advisors hold a degree. Choose a course that is closely related to policy, government, or social sciences. Look for programmes that offer modules in research methods, statistics, and policy analysis.
Seek internships or voluntary positions in government departments, think tanks, or charitable organisations.
Hands-on experience is crucial. Many organisations offer summer internships or placement years, which provide insight into how policies are developed. Volunteering for local government or advocacy groups is also valuable.
Enhance your ability to research, analyse data, and clearly present your findings, both in writing and in discussions.
Policy Advisors must be able to digest complex information and communicate it simply to decision makers. Take part in debating societies, write for student publications, or complete online courses in research methods and data analysis.
Look for entry-level roles such as Policy Assistant or Researcher within government, non-profits, or consultancies.
These positions allow you to learn from experienced policy professionals. Focus on building your network and taking on increasing responsibility with tasks like writing briefings, organising consultations, and conducting research.
Attend training courses and join professional bodies, such as the Institute for Government or the Civil Service.
Stay up to date with policy trends and expand your knowledge by attending seminars, workshops, and networking events. Professional memberships can offer resources and support your progression to more senior policy roles.
Civil servants work in various government departments implementing policies and delivering public services.
Political researchers gather and analyse information to support politicians, parties, or advocacy groups in making informed decisions.
Public affairs consultants advise clients on governmental policy, helping them to understand and influence public policy decisions.
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 require understanding and implementing policies, often within governmental or organisational frameworks. Both roles involve advising on policy development, ensuring compliance, and aligning activities with organisational or public interests.
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.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
