Senior Policy Advisor (Finance and Economics)

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the leading voice of 5.5 million small businesses and the self-employed across the UK. Since 1974, we've supported people to start, run and grow their own business. With market-leading benefits, local support, financial expertise, networking events and more, we provide our members with all the tools they need to succeed in business. We’re also the UK’s leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change on issues that matter most. With teams across the UK, we work with governments and decision-makers to make real change happen.

We are currently seeking an analytical policy professional to join our Westminster based team supporting the development and communication of a broad range of small business-related policy issues particularly in relation to finance and economics.

What will you do?

• Draft clear and concise documents, including briefings, consultation responses and FSB research reports that have a big impact on national policy.
• Be a lead point of contact for relevant policy work emanating from the Department for Education and the Government Equalities Office and other relevant departments and agencies. Working closely with other policy leads particularly those in devolved nations.
• Represent FSB at external policy stakeholder engagements.
• Work with colleagues in Public Affairs and Media & Communications in the delivery of policy strategies related to skills, women in enterprise and childcare.
• Maintain a keen awareness of political and legislative developments in the UK, identifying their impact on small businesses and being proactive in responding to these developments as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities:

• To provide economic insight and expertise within the FSB’s policy team.
• To provide an authoritative voice to Government, regulators and stakeholders, including HMRC, HM Treasury, DBT, British Business Bank.
• Establish and develop a strong relationship with colleagues in the Policy, Media and Public Affairs teams.
• To work at pace to accurately identify political, policy and legislative developments across a broad range of policy areas which may impact on small businesses.
• Developing practical policy solutions based on high quality analysis.To work collaboratively, establishing strong relationships with colleagues in the policy, media and communications, public affairs teams and international teams.
• Provide policy support, information and guidance to senior FSB staff and volunteers.
• To develop practical policy solutions based on high quality research and analysis, developing policy reports for publication and promotion as part of FSB’s strategic policy research programme.
• Promote FSB’s policy position both to members and to external stakeholders through a variety of channels

Essential Skills:

• Excellent data skills with high level numerical ability in relation to survey work and statistical analysis.
• Excellent writing and briefing skills in relation to the production of in-house reports, briefings and publications.
• Excellent political analytical skills in relation to government consultation work and other related documents.
• Clear and concise presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent communication skills – with a proven ability to give and receive information effectively.
• A proven ability to plan, prioritise and organise work and resources to ensure deadlines are met.
• Digital skills relevant to a standard desk-based role and office environment.

Essential Qualifications:

• Educated to Degree level
• Economics Degree or other relevant qualification

FSB is dedicated to helping small businesses survive through these difficult times, and we value our staff enough to provide highly competitive rates of pay, benefits, and internationally recognised qualifications. We believe your work life balance is important, so our working hours don’t include weekend or evening work. We provide you with all the tools, skills and support to help our members every day, and help you develop your skills through teamwork and relationship building. We believe diversity is the key to success, and we encourage people from all walks of life and backgrounds to come and join us. Our inclusive environment allows all our employees to bring their whole selves to work.

In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you’ll also benefit from:

• 26 days holidays per year plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with your Annual Flex Pot*
• Annual Flex Pot* to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, additional life cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Health cash plan* (Access to claim back numerous benefits, including towards dental treatment, optical, chiropody, physiotherapy, counselling, health and wellbeing)
• Critical illness and income protection insurance*
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay.
• Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders.
• Group Personal Pension (GPP).

*Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms

Additional Information

All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.

As an equal opportunities employer, FSB is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We believe there is a strong case for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda and aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees can bring their whole self to work. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply and join FSB. Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact the HR department.

Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email.