Salary: £44,075 - £48,227 per annum
Grade: L
Contract: Fixed Term until May 2028
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: York, North Yorkshire
The Organisation
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.
The Opportunity
Be part of the driving force behind regional transformation in York and North Yorkshire.
We’re looking for an insightful and ambitious Policy Officer to join the Mayor’s Office at the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. This is your chance to work at the political and strategic heart of a region on the rise - where decisions are being made that shape the future of our communities, economy, and environment.
You’ll be part of a small, high-performing team supporting the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime. From tackling community safety and boosting local growth to delivering net zero and rethinking public services - this is policy work with purpose.
And no two days will be the same. One day you’ll be writing a punchy briefing for a ministerial roundtable; the next, diving into data, testing new policy ideas, or preparing the Mayor for a major speech. It’s fast-paced, outward-facing, and always meaningful.
What you’ll be doing:
- Shaping policy in high-profile areas like policing, fire and rescue, transport, housing, health and climate.
- Drafting clear, compelling briefings and policy notes that influence real decisions.
- Tracking the big issues - nationally and locally - and turning insight into action.
- Supporting the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to build strong relationships across Whitehall, local government, and the wider policy world.
- Making sure the voice of York and North Yorkshire is heard - and acted on - where it matters most.
We’re looking for people with an analytical mind, strong values, and the confidence to operate at pace. If you’ve got political understanding, outstanding communication skills and the drive to make a difference, we want to hear from you.
This is a politically restricted role at the heart of public life - so professionalism, integrity and discretion are essential.
If that sounds up your street and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, tackle big challenges, and be part of something meaningful - this is your opportunity.
What you will bring
- Experience working in a political, policy, research, or public affairs environment, with the ability to handle complex and fast-moving issues.
- A proven track record of supporting senior stakeholders or elected representatives with high-quality briefings, advice, and insight.
- Strong political awareness and sound judgement, with an understanding of the structures of UK local, regional and national government.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise and engaging policy content under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse complex data, translate it into actionable recommendations, and horizon-scan for future opportunities.
- A proactive, collaborative mindset, and the ability to build strong relationships across internal teams and external partners, including local authorities, government departments and community stakeholders.
- Willingness to work flexibly and support occasional out-of-hours activities, including political and civic events.
You will be joining a new and developing organisation at an exciting time. The benefits of working for us include:
- Generous leave entitlement, starting at 28 days plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rota for part time staff)
- Flexible working practices including working from other locations and from home
- Local government pension scheme
- Commitment to staff development and continuous learning
To find out more about our organisation please visit; https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk
Contact and Apply
If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Sam Howarth via [email protected] for an informal conversation.
Applying is easy, simply register your details, tell us how you meet our criteria in the supporting evidence section, remove your personal details from your CV and upload.
Key Dates:
Closing date: 9th August 2026
Interview date: 18th August 2026
Key Documents:
Job Description
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party
