Group Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Group Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Department: Group Strategy, Impact and Research

Responsible to: Group Head of Strategy, Impact and Research, Working closely with the Group Principal & CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Group Head of Strategy, Impact and Research, you will play a central role in shaping Elevare Civic Education Group's policy positions, public affairs strategy and thought leadership. You will help strengthen our influence across education, skills and civic policy at local, regional and national levels.

You will translate research, evidence and organisational experience into compelling policy arguments, authoritative publications and persuasive advocacy, positioning Elevare as a respected voice in public debate. Drawing on the expertise of London South East Colleges, London South East Academies Trust and the Elevare Education Foundation, you will ensure our research, practice and civic impact inform wider policy and decision-making.

A key part of the role will be working directly with the Group Principal & CEO to develop and communicate strategic thinking, producing high-quality speeches, articles, opinion pieces, presentations and policy briefings that reflect the CEO's distinctive leadership voice and the Group's civic mission.

You will build influential relationships with politicians, policymakers, government departments, journalists, sector leaders, think tanks and other stakeholders, identifying opportunities to shape policy debates, influence decision-makers and advance Elevare's strategic priorities.

This is an opportunity for an intellectually curious and politically aware professional with exceptional writing and analytical skills to act as a trusted adviser, challenge established thinking and help shape the Group's public voice and influence., Policy, Research and Evidence

- Monitor and analyse government policy, legislation, regulation and developments affecting education, skills and civic outcomes.

- Develop credible, evidence-based policy positions, recommendations, consultation responses and advocacy materials.

- Translate research and data into clear messages, practical recommendations and persuasive narratives.

- Maintain policy intelligence and forward plans covering significant announcements and consultations.

Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement

- Build politically impartial relationships with MPs, parliamentarians, ministers, civil servants, local and regional leaders, regulators and sector organisations.

- Identify opportunities to influence consultations, enquiries, legislative developments and policy debates.

- Prepare briefings, speaking notes and meeting packs for senior leaders.

- Coordinate stakeholder meetings, roundtables, visits and policy events, evaluating their impact.

- Represent Elevare at external meetings and events when delegated.

Thought Leadership and Executive Advice

- Work directly with the Group Principal & CEO to develop and communicate strategic ideas, policy perspectives and thought leadership.

- Produce high-quality speeches, articles, opinion pieces, presentations, correspondence and policy briefings that reflect the CEO's leadership voice and the Group's values.

- Work with Communications colleagues to develop media relationships and secure opportunities for authoritative commentary, interviews and sector engagement.

- Act as a trusted adviser to the Group Principal & CEO and senior leaders, providing timely policy intelligence, independent analysis, constructive challenge and strategic recommendations.

Planning, Governance and Team Contribution

- Maintain delivery plans, risk logs and performance measures for policy and external affairs activity.

- Monitor the reach and impact of influencing and thought leadership, providing progress reports to the Group Head of Strategy, Impact and Research.

- Manage projects, commissions and suppliers within agreed resources and delegated authority.

- Handle sensitive information appropriately and contribute to the wider Strategy, Impact and Research function.

- Maintain professional knowledge and promote the Group's values, equality, inclusion and safeguarding responsibilities.

The postholder must be willing to travel between Group sites and attend external meetings and events as required, including occasional evening or out-of-hours commitments with appropriate notice. Duties may vary within the overall level of responsibility.

About Elevare Civic Education Group

Elevare Civic Education Group is a civic organisation committed to transforming lives through the power of learning and making a positive impact on students, staff, stakeholders and communities. The Group comprises London South East Colleges, London South East Academies Trust and the Elevare Education Foundation.

Our civic mission is rooted in our commitment to understanding and improving the lived experiences of our communities.

You will bring experience in policy, public affairs, external affairs, research or a related field, with the ability to turn complex evidence and strategic ideas into clear, persuasive arguments. You will be confident working with senior leaders, building relationships with external stakeholders and navigating a fast-moving political and policy environment.

Essential experience and skills:

- Experience of analysing complex policy issues and producing high-quality briefings, reports, consultation responses or policy papers.

- Demonstrable experience of developing substantive policy positions and persuasive, evidence-based arguments.

- Exceptional writing skills, including speeches, opinion articles, presentations and senior executive thought leadership.

- Experience of working with senior executives to develop and communicate complex strategic ideas.

- Knowledge of political and governmental decision-making processes, alongside a strong understanding of education and skills policy, or the ability to develop equivalent specialist expertise quickly.

- Experience of stakeholder engagement, influencing decision-makers and building effective senior-level relationships.

- Excellent analytical, critical-thinking, verbal communication and presentation skills.

- Sound political judgement, diplomacy and the ability to handle sensitive information.

- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines independently.

- Effective use of digital research, collaboration and office productivity tools.

- A collaborative, proactive and accountable approach, with a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding and Elevare's civic mission.

Qualifications

Essential: A degree or equivalent professional qualification, or substantial relevant professional experience.

Desirable: A postgraduate or professional qualification in public policy, public affairs, research, communications or a related discipline.

The College

London South East Colleges (LSEC) is one of London's largest and most successful further education providers, with seven campuses across Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lambeth and around 1,000 staff. Each year, we support more than 13,000 students through a wide portfolio of vocational courses, apprenticeships and other programmes that are closely aligned to employer and industry need.

What brings people to work here, and keeps them here, is the sense of purpose. We exist to change lives through learning, and that ambition runs through everything we do. Our staff work with learners from all backgrounds, many of whom face significant barriers, and play a direct role in improving social mobility and life chances across south east London and beyond.

We are committed to developing our people. This includes high-quality professional development, leadership and management training, and clear opportunities for progression across the College and the wider Group. We encourage colleagues to develop their skills, share expertise and build long-term careers with us, supported by a culture that values collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.

We invest heavily in our learning environments, with modern facilities and strong partnerships with employers, universities and local communities. This enables our staff to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality education and training that equips learners with the skills, confidence and resilience to succeed in work and in life.

LSEC is part of the Elevare Civic Education Group, which also sponsors London South East Academies Trust. The Trust is a growing and successful Multi-Academy Trust, currently comprising mainstream, special and alternative provision schools across Bromley, Bexley, Surrey, Sussex and Lambeth. This gives colleagues the opportunity to work within a genuinely joined-up education system, spanning schools, colleges and higher education.

The Group has also recently established the Elevare Education Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and families across the region through targeted programmes and practical support. This reflects our wider civic mission and commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond our campuses.

With a combined turnover of around £130m and clear ambitions for growth and improvement, this is an organisation that is forward-looking, values expertise and encourages people to contribute ideas and shape the future. There has rarely been a more interesting time to join us.

We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including excellent annual leave and a generous pension through the Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme depending on role.

Additional benefits include:

- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

- Cycle to work scheme

- Annual season ticket loan

- Access to the Discounts for Teachers portal

- Free Wi-Fi access in over 10,000 locations worldwide through Eduroam

- Access to our on-site gym at Bromley campus and discount at other local gyms

- Discounts in our in-house restaurants and on hair and beauty treatments

Equal Opportunities