Policy Assistant

 Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent or experiential learning

Desirable

• Project management training/qualification (e.g. PRINCE or similar)

Experience

Essential

Experience of :

·         assisting the development, review and implementation of strategies and plans in the public sector

·         supporting the implementation of performance management frameworks and business planning processes

·         providing advice in relation to policy, strategic planning and performance

·         horizon scanning to keep abreast of emerging agendas and issues

·         managing projects

·         multi-agency and partnership working

·         analysing and interpreting complex data sets

·         using information and intelligence to ensure effective decision making and policy development and continuous improvement

·         carrying out research activities and projects using a range of techniques and methods

Desirable

Experience of  :

·         working in a political environment

·         analysing, interpreting, presenting and utilising organisational insight

     collect and analyse insight to inform decision making and continual improvement

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Experience of:

• assisting the development, review and implementation of strategies and plans in the public sector

• supporting the implementation of performance management frameworks and business planning processes

• providing advice in relation to policy, strategic planning and performance

• horizon scanning to keep abreast of emerging agendas and issues

• managing projects

• multi-agency and partnership working

• analysing and interpreting complex data sets

• using information and intelligence to ensure effective decision making and policy development and continuous improvement

• carrying out research activities and projects using a range of techniques and methods

• Knowledge of current issues facing the public sector and policing in particular, including key policy areas, performance management and business planning

• Knowledge of VCSE

• Support the development, review and implementation of strategies and policies

• Knowledge of performance management frameworks, processes and procedures

• Construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas clearly to a range of audiences, formally and informally using a variety of techniques

• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads and competing priorities and meet deadlines

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Excellent writing skills

• An understanding of research methodologies and their application

• Understanding of data quality and information governance issues

• High levels of analytical and research skills

• Analysis and interpretation of complex data sets

• Proven negotiating, influencing, networking and partnership building skills

• Ability to utilise a full range of standard office IT software/packages

• Motivating and inspiring others to achieve

Desirable

• Knowledge of relevant legislation in particular the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011

• Understand structures and functions of Police and Crime Commissioners and the tripartite structure of policing in the UK

• Understand the Government’s public sector reform programme and police reform in particular

• Knowledge and understanding of the Equality Act 2010

• Knowledge of project and programme management methodologies

Personal Qualities

·      Proactive ‘self-starter’

·      Ability to seek out innovation and creative solutions

·      Ability to work on own initiative

·      Ability to work as part of a team to achieve objectives

·      Political sensitivity and astuteness

·      Promote diversity and racial equality

Commitment to continuous professional development