With our recent acquisition of the Co-operative Bank, it’s a really exciting time for colleagues and customers of the Society and the Bank. As we continue to build on being all together, even better, we have a rare and new opportunity to join us as Head of Public Affairs and Policy.
Reporting directly to the General Counsel and working closely with our Head of Communications and External Affairs and Regulatory Affairs, the Head of Public Affairs and Policy will play a critical role in promoting and enhancing the Society’s external reputation among key political and industry stakeholders. Leading, driving and delivering impactful public affairs campaigns to bring about positive and meaningful change, the role holder will engage and influence policymakers in Westminster, Whitehall, industry bodies and other external bodies to demonstrate how we’re able to input in making this happen.
As a key member of the General Counsel senior leadership team, this is a great opportunity to join the Society and shape and influence the impact we make, with innovation and insight aligned to our values.
Leading, shaping and implementing the Society’s public affairs and policy plan, the Head of Public Affairs and Policy will drive the position of the new Group as a leading financial services provider by leading the political engagement and regulatory advocacy efforts on behalf of the new Group. As a trusted advisor to executives of the Group both when positively developing the profile of the organisation and through providing key input in determining what the new Group wants to influence externally, the person in post will also prepare and support colleagues to represent the Group externally in different contexts.
This role comes with the opportunity to be a key influence on our external communications, working closely with our Brand and Communications teams to ensure seamless alignment and consistency across public affairs, media relations, regulatory affairs and corporate messaging.
This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of being present at our Coventry site at least one day a week, and with travel to Manchester when required.
Our benefits include:
* 28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays and a holiday buy/sell scheme
* Annual discretionary bonus scheme
* Personal pension with matched contributions
* Life assurance (6 times annual salary)
* Private medical cover
About you
With significant demonstrable experience in government, public or regulatory affairs, you’ll be passionate about finding opportunities to demonstrate the Society’s capability to make a difference.
It’s essential that you’re able to:
* Demonstrate a strong understanding of the UK political landscape, legislative process and regulatory environment – in particular where related to financial services.
* Quickly build strong, effective relationships to allow you to engage both internal and external stakeholders in influencing and bringing about effective change.
* Show strong senior stakeholder management skills, being able to support in preparing key senior leaders for political and industry body engagements with your insight.
* Effectively provide key overview of relevant government affairs to appropriate senior leaders.
* Excellent communication and policy writing.
* Preparing Executive members for key political engagements.
* Understand, consider and prepare the Society’s response to key changes affecting the financial services industry, working closely with our General Counsel and Regulatory teams for technical input.
Although not essential, it would be desirable if you’re also able to:
* Bring experience of having previously worked with parliament to influence change through previous organisations.
* Show that you’ve carried out work like this in the financial services industry.
About us
We’re one of the largest building societies in the UK and we share a mutual goal across our branches and our offices to improve the lives of others.
We’re officially recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’ and our benefits go beyond basic pay, with a discretionary bonus scheme, a culture of reward and recognition and comprehensive support for wellbeing.
At the beginning of the year, The Co-operative Bank officially became part of our Group. Together, we have shared values and an ethical approach towards our members, customers and colleagues.
We’re serious about equality, of race, age, faith, disability, and sexual orientation and we celebrate diversity. By working together, we know you’ll build more than just a career with us.
All together, better.
Flexibility and why it matters
We understand the need for flexibility, so wherever possible, we’ll consider alternative working patterns. Have a chat with us before you apply to see what the possibilities are for this role.
Proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer
We’re proud to offer an interview or assessment to every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for our vacancies. As part of the application process, disabled applicants can opt in for the Disability Confident Interview Scheme. If there are ever occasions where it is not practicable to interview all candidates that meet the essential criteria, such as when we receive a high number of applications, we commit to interviewing disabled candidates who best meet the minimum essential and desirable criteria.
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