Policy officer
Policy officers work strategically – they define what should happen, why and how. They work in a wide range of contexts, from national and local government to charities, pressure groups and think tanks.
Their specialism is research, analysis and advice. They support frontline staff and senior managers by giving them the information they require to make decisions, and helping them to interpret it.
Did you know?
The Royal Institute of International Affairs, the think tank known as Chatham House, is famous for the often-quoted ‘Chatham House Rule’, designed to enable people to speak their mind on policy issues without attribution. It reads: ‘When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.’
Facts and Figures
- Starting salary:
Typical salary is £23,000
- Senior level salary:
Up to £60,000
- Education:
No specific degree is needed. However, most policy officers are educated to postgraduate level and have strong research skills; many will have studied for a doctorate. Degrees in social studies, public management, economics or politics are all relevant. Employers will look for strong evidence of statistical analysis and social research skills.
- Skills:
Someone who is academically inclined but wants to apply those skills in a practical context. A lot of a policy officer’s work is done independently, so you’ll need to be a self-starter. Because other people depend on your advice, this is a role for someone who is methodical and thorough, and can communicate clearly and effectively. You’ll also need to be patient: it may be a long time before your suggestions are adopted.
- Likely employer type:
Local authorities, government departments and agencies, regeneration bodies and regional development agencies, large charities, campaigning organisations and pressure groups and think tanks
- Opportunities:
There is a wide range of roles available, but few organisations employ more than a handful of policy staff
Meet a policy officer
Helpful links
- University of BirminghamHosts the largest centre for the study of public policy and management in Europe
- University of London careers groupInformation and case studies on careers in public policy
- Institute for Public Policy ResearchExamples of the kind of internships available in policy research.
