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 anexperienced policy professional with a rich understanding of UK small business policy, with experience and working knowledge of one or both of employment and pensions policy.

What will you do?

This is an interesting and varied role. As a key member of FSB’s policy team, the successful candidate will:

Take responsibility for developing FSB’s policy position on high-profile areas such as the National Living Wage, employment legislation and pensions auto-enrolment.

Act as the lead contact for work relating to employment and pensions. This role will not be limited to these policy areas and will require a willingness to pick up new policy issues on an ad hoc basis.

Be a lead point of contact for relevant policy work emanating from DBT, DWP, and other relevant departments and agencies.

Working closely with colleagues in devolved nations and other policy leads particularly those covering tax, skills and immigration policy.

Have the opportunity to undertake primary research and develop policy reports.

Maintain a keen awareness of political and legislative developments in the UK, identifying their impact on small businesses and proactively responding to these developments as appropriate.

Be responsible for the line management and development of at least one Policy Advisor.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal candidate will have:

A good understanding of employment and pensions policy.

Experience of policy development gained in another policy-focused organisation or from a commercial organisation.

Ability to draft high quality written materials as you will draft consultation responses and policy reports.

Strong analytical skills, ability to develop logical approaches to research and analysis, using both quantitative and qualitative data.

Excellent relationship management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other teams.

Ability to manage and empower junior staff.

Ability to work in a fast-paced and frequently changing environment.

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)

How to apply

All applications to be received by 07 January 2024. Any applications received after this date will be held on file for a maximum of 6 months and reviewed if the first round of applicants are unsuccessful.

To apply for this role please email your CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria.

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.