Senior Policy Officer

Description:

Ofsted is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to join its Schools and Early Education Team, responsible for developing and coordinating policies that enhance the experiences and outcomes of children and young people across England. The postholder will play a central role in ensuring Ofsted’s policy and framework developments are effectively managed, evidence-driven, and informed by inspection data, stakeholder engagement, and best practices in education.

This position provides an opportunity to work within a high-performing and collaborative environment, contributing to national educational improvement. The role involves working closely with internal and external stakeholders, managing complex policy initiatives, and supporting the effective implementation of Ofsted’s strategic objectives as outlined in the Ofsted Strategy 2023–2027.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the development, coordination, and implementation of education policies and frameworks, ensuring alignment with regulatory and inspection evidence.

• Manage programmes of work from conception to delivery, adhering to agreed timescales and quality standards.

• Engage proactively with stakeholders across government departments, educational institutions, and professional bodies to ensure policy initiatives are well-informed and impactful.

• Provide expert advice to senior management on emerging policy issues, risks, and opportunities.

• Analyze evidence, research findings, and performance data to inform and refine policy design and delivery.

• Ensure the team’s work reflects Ofsted’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in all its functions.

Qualifications:

• A degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in policy, education, or public administration.

• Strong understanding of the UK education system, its regulatory environment, and current political and professional issues in education.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and deliver projects effectively within defined timeframes.

• Proven experience in building positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.

• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.

• Excellent communication and analytical skills.

• Familiarity with Civil Service Behaviours such as Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Leadership, and Delivering at Pace.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.

• 32.5 days of annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.

• Flexible and hybrid working model allowing remote work part of the week.

• Opportunities for career progression and professional development within the Civil Service.

• Inclusive work environment with strong equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.