Job Advert
JOB TITLE:
Devolved Policy Apprentice
DEPARTMENT:
Policy & Governance
FRAMEWORK:
Individual Contributor
REPORTING TO:
Senior Policy Advisor for Devolved Nations
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Policy team, Nations teams
CONTRACT TYPE:
Fixed Term Contract (18 months from course start date)
HOURS:
35 hours per week (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm)
LOCATION:
116 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ED / Hybrid / Remote
About Us
The Institute of Directors (IoD) is a thriving membership community for Directors in the UK and beyond, where you can connect with other leaders, develop our skills, and be heard. At a time when great Directors have never been more important, the IoD offers professional development, valuable connections, and influence.
CONNECT – Connect with other Directors and leaders to exchange ideas, learn together, and support each other.
DEVELOP – Advance your skills and knowledge with professional development created by Directors for Directors.
INFLUENCE – Make yourself heard where it matters. The IoD is its member’s voice to Government.
About The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to begin a career in policy and public affairs within the Institute of Directors, a renowned organisation with a strong reputation for supporting business leaders and shaping national debate. As a Devolved Policy Apprentice, the postholder will gain valuable hands-on experience, structured learning, and a clear development pathway, making this an excellent foundation for future progression within policy, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
The Devolved Policy Apprentice will provide structured administrative, research, and engagement support to the IoD devolved policy function. The role contributes to the effective monitoring, coordination, and communication of policy activity across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Key Responsibilities
The core focus of the role is on Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions, ensuring their distinct political, economic, and legislative contexts are fully understood and reflected in policy work. It means engaging directly with the Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru, and the Northern Ireland Assembly, tracking their priorities, legislation, and government programmes.
- Policy Monitoring: Track developments in devolved legislatures, including consultations, committee activity, and government announcements.
- Research Support: Assist in gathering evidence, preparing background notes, and contributing to policy briefings.
- Administrative Support: Maintain policy trackers, schedule meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes for policy committee meetings.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Support the organisation of meetings, roundtables, and events involving policymakers, business representatives, and IoD members.
- Communications Assistance: Contribute to internal and external communications.
- Project Administration: Provide administrative support to ongoing policy projects and consultation responses.
- Contribute to the review of all administrative processes for efficiencies and improvements.
- Undertake any other duties which may be reasonably allocated.
- Support with adhoc projects.
Person Specification
Skills
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Works collaboratively with others.
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Works flexibly and adapts to different circumstances.
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Has accountability and ownership of their tasks and workload.
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Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
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Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail
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Willingness to learn and work collaboratively
Attributes/ Personal
Characteristics
Proactive, self-motivated, flexible – doing what needs to be done and prioritising IoD needs.
- Ability to prioritise deadlines.
- Familiarity with devolved institutions (Holyrood, Senedd, Stormont)
- Interest in business, economic policy, or governance
Benefits at IoD
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Generous contributory pension scheme.
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Life Assurance of 4 x salary, or 8x salary if you have dependants.
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1 x Wellbeing Day, and 2 x Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days.
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Christmas closure.
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Bonus Scheme
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Employee Assistance Programme
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Monthly Employee of the Month Award, and quarterly colleague nominated Employee Above & Beyond Award.
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Access to Perkbox platform.
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Impressive work environment and discount in Member café, bar & restaurant.
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25 days annual leave. Colleagues who have completed 3 years’ continuous service, will be eligible for additional days leave, up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave.
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Any travel and expenses incurred during travel to the Devolved Nations is covered by the IoD.
