Policy Advisors

What does this job involve / overall purpose of the role?

You will join one of our high-performing teams, delivering excellent policy analysis to drive real improvements for consumers and shape the workings of the financial sector at a time of considerable change.

Your work will touch almost every UK resident's daily life. Our teams cover areas such as Consumer Credit, Banking, Payments, Crypto, General Insurance, Mortgages, Funeral Plans, Claims Management, Retail Investments, Financial Advice and Promotions, Product Governance, Consumer Vulnerability and Redress.

You will play an integral role on high-profile projects and develop your skills in policy development and delivery. You will work with and influence a wide range of professionals, both inside and outside the FCA.

As an Academy business, we place great value on learning and offer world-class development opportunities which will assist you in achieving your career aspirations.

Key accountabilities

In a senior associate role, the successful candidate will be expected to both shape work and contribute to wider projects, including:

• Coordinating and delivering key policy projects using first-rate analysis and project management skills
• Developing excellent working relationships across the FCA and represent the FCA externally with government departments like HM Treasury, industry participants, trade bodies and other regulators
• Writing and presenting policy proposals, supported by data and analysis, to inform and influence decision-makers in the FCA
• Delivering public consultations on changes to FCA rules or guidance
• Providing technical and policy advice on the application of the existing rules and guidance
• Researching and examining industry developments (eg, new products and business models) and advise on their regulatory treatment
• Providing advice and briefing about policy issues to FCA senior management and colleagues

Which core skills and technical know-how are required?

Minimum criteria

*Any disabled applicant meeting the minimum criteria will automatically progress to interview stage, should they enter under the Disability Confident scheme.

For more information on the FCA's commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, including guidance on drafting criteria, please refer to the FCA's Positive Action Framework.

• Proven experience of policymaking and/or solving complex problems - by evaluating information or issues, coherently interpreting data and reaching robust conclusions
• Proven delivery and project management skills

Essential criteria

• An ability to identify and manage key stakeholders, building rapport and constructive relationships, and demonstrating political awareness
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to explain complex issues succinctly and with clarity
• Excellent organisational skills, delivering multiple tasks under pressure
• An ability to make a strong personal impact, to take a collaborative and flexible approach, using well-reasoned arguments and challenge where appropriate

Desirable criteria

• Proven experience of dealing with policy issues relevant to consumer protection in regulated industries
• A knowledge of the financial services sector will help you in the role, but is not essential
• An understanding and experience of dealing with issues impacting consumers in vulnerable circumstances is desirable

Our Values

All FCA colleagues are expected to demonstrate behaviours in line with our five values - Deliver in the public interest, Act with integrity, Be ambitious, Work inclusively and Connect and deliver. Through the selection process we check for alignment to our values. For more detail on our values, please see here.

Additional information

The FCA is currently trialling a new hybrid way of working, requiring colleagues to spend 40% of their time in the office each month until the end of July. This trial period will allow us to identify the most appropriate balance of hybrid working, enabling us to benefit from the best of both working in an office environment and remotely.

Many colleagues work flexibly, and applicants interested in exploring flexible working arrangements are welcome.

Our ambition is to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the society we serve, helping us to be a better regulator. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.

Useful Information

• This role is graded as Senior Associate, Regulatory
• Applications close on 17 July 2022

The FCA has a national role and is committed to a national footprint. This role can be based in London, Edinburgh or Leeds.

The FCA has London and National Pay ranges to reflect regional differences. The salary for this role will be:

• London - from £50,000-£65,000
• National (roles in Edinburgh and Leeds) - from £47,000-£58,500

You are invited to a Question and Answer session attended by hiring managers in the Supervision, Policy and Competition Division, taking place on the 30th June between 6pm and 7pm and 13th July between 6pm and 7pm Click here to join the meeting

Interview process

Once we receive your application, we may invite you to undertake a short online test. If successful, you will be invited to an interview, which will include a short pre-prepared presentation.

For most successful candidates we expect to offer roles after a single interview.

If you are interested learning more about the role, please contact Lucy Matthews on or SPC-RL-.

Please note - Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently set out a new employment offer designed to reward strong, consistent performance, aid career development and close pay gaps.

This follows an extensive, wide-ranging and comprehensive consultation with all FCA colleagues and the FCA's Staff Consultative Committee. The changes, including updates to the proposals consulted on, will mean that the FCA continues to provide one of the best reward packages of any regulator or enforcement agency in the UK.

If you have any questions please speak to your recruiter or visit the FCA website (or intranet for internal colleagues).