Senior Policy Advisor

Job summary

Can you build strong stakeholder relationships while developing and delivering complex transport security policy, legislation and sponsorship priorities in a fast-paced environment?

Do you have the analytical, organisational and communication skills to manage competing priorities, assess complex security issues and risks, and provide clear advice to Ministers and partners?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

This role offers the opportunity to shape and deliver road transport security policy. You will build strong stakeholder relationships, and provide high-quality advice and briefings to Ministers and senior officials. Working collaboratively across government and industry, you will help strengthen national transport security and promote best practice. The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to manage complex issues at pace while maintaining high standards and adapting to evolving priorities.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at DfTc: Department for Transport Central - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Maintain, build, and enhance relationships with the bus, coach, commercial freight, and rental sectors, as well as other key industry stakeholders, identifying new opportunities to promote good practice.
• Work with industry partners to embed the Road Transport Security Standards (RTSS) and the 'Bus & Coach Recommended Security Best Practice Guidance'.
• Review and update Department for Transport (DfT) published industry-specific guidance to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
• Engage across Government in the development of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act (Martyn’s Law) to influence its impact on the bus and coach sector.
• Work collaboratively with the Road Transport Security Team and cyber security colleagues to ensure cyber threats are addressed as part of a holistic security approach.
• Co-ordinate and contribute to policy advice and briefings for Ministers and senior officials, including Parliamentary business and correspondence.
• Organise and lead meetings and workshops between Government and industry to help develop policies that address security risks, such as the threat of vehicles being used as weapons, and serious organised crime.
• Demonstrate flexibility by taking on new responsibilities and adapting to changing business pressures as required.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Demonstrates a proactive and enthusiastic approach to work, showing initiative and commitment to achieving objectives.
• Confident in collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels to develop, understand, and communicate complex policy positions and decisions.
• Possesses excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and deliver multiple objectives simultaneously whilst maintaining high standards.
• Experienced in working effectively with diverse stakeholders on complex issues, fostering positive working relationships.
• Capable of explaining complex policy and technical information in a clear and accessible manner to non-specialists.
• Displays strong drafting and oral communication skills, ensuring information is presented accurately and persuasively.
• Proficient in collecting, analysing, and drawing conclusions from a wide range of evidence and material to inform decision-making.
• Adapts to new responsibilities and demonstrates flexibility in response to evolving business pressures and priorities.
• Prepared to undergo security clearance to CTC level at entry, with a willingness to obtain SC clearance in the future if required.

Additional information

The successful applicant must be eligible for CTC clearance.

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.

Occasional travel to other offices and/ or stakeholder sites will be required, which may involve overnight stays.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

DfTc does not offer Visa Sponsorship for this role.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,900, Department for Transport contributes £13,297 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potentia