Policy Adviser

Policy Adviser

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday, 27th of October 2025

Location: Manchester, M2 3AW

Salary: £38,856 - £43,174 + benefits

We lead the Government's work on the future governance of football. At present, there is a Shadow Football Regulator made up of circa 60 members of staff, led by an interim Chief Operating Officer. This team will transfer out of DCMS to be the Independent Football Regulator in 2025, no earlier than October.

The team is currently undertaking a range of activities in preparation for the establishment of the IFR, which was created when the Football Governance Act became law in July.

While this role is being advertised through DCMS, it will be based in the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and will not start until the IFR has been fully established as an independent body from 1 November 2025.

Job Description

We are recruiting for two roles in the regulatory policy team at the Independent Football Regulator. The team is working on translating the Football Governance Act into an effective regulatory regime that will improve the financial sustainability and corporate governance of clubs and promote and protect fan interests.

One role will be focussed on developing and implementing the regulatory policy framework for the licensing regime and licensing processes. Responsibilities include leading on certain aspects of policy development/delivery, consulting with stakeholders, and working collaboratively with other policy leads (e.g. on financial regulation, corporate governance, and fan engagement) and other teams in the IFR (inc. supervision).

The other role is a more cross-cutting and strategic policy coordination role, working collaboratively across the policy (and wider) team to ensure a coherent approach to policy development and delivery. Varied responsibilities, but there will be opportunities to lead on certain aspects of policy development for the right candidate.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals, ideally with a background in regulatory policy development / delivery. An understanding of the football industry is also desirable.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements:

• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to solve complex issues and make timely, well-informed recommendations with clear justifications.
• Excellent communication skills - Written and oral with a proven ability to effectively translate complex issues into clear messages. Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with experience of working collaboratively and cooperatively with a range of different internal and external stakeholders, in order to build strong relationships and consensus around issues.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced working environment, often with competing priorities.

Desirable Skills:

• Previous experience developing or delivering policy at a regulator.
• An understanding of the football industry, and of football governance issues.

Benefits

Please note that this role is due to start when the Independent Football Regulator is fully operational, not before October 2025. All pre-employment checks must be carried out in advance of a start date being agreed upon.

If successful, you will join a Non-Departmental Public Body and will be employed as a Public Servant.

If you are an existing Civil Servant or a DCMS employee, you will no longer have access to Civil Service benefits including the Civil Service pension.

The terms and conditions of employment include:

• Pension 12% - An employee contribution of 5%, with an employer contribution of 7%.
• Flexible Benefit 8% - Employees can choose to invest 8% of their base salary into their pension or take as cash (post tax).
• Reward - We will have a performance-based reward programme.
• 31.5 days annual leave.
• Flexible and hybrid working - 40% in office attendance.
• Occupational sick pay
• 9 months paid Maternity Leave + generous paternity and adoption leave.
• A bespoke L&D programme to help you achieve your personal CPD, including paid membership fees.
• Cycle-to-work scheme and much more!

How To Apply

You will be redirected to a careers site to complete your application.