Policy Officer

You’ll help shape and influence government policy on a policy officer apprenticeship course. The policy officer develops and influences government policy by working with a range of stakeholders and experts to gather data, understand information, and make recommendations to senior colleagues.

As an apprentice policy officer, you might work in central and local government and in private and third-sector organisations that interact with and influence government policy.

You will often work as part of a bigger team and report to a senior policy officer. Your responsibilities will most likely include researching and comprehending the political environment in order to support the continuous, uninterrupted development of a policy; gathering evidence and remaining objective in order to support the influencing and negotiating of new policies; handling sensitive information and maintaining accurate records of policy history; and providing administrative support.

What you’ll learn

On a policy officer apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Use analytical methodologies; use analytical help and critical data related to policy; work with professionals outside of policy, and use economic assessment basics. 
• Define the policy problem; demonstrate hypothesis-based thinking; seek expert advice; draw conclusions based on sound reasoning and previously gathered facts, and recognise when to escalate issues.
• Use research and trials to improve policy; analyse previous policy assessments; read graphs and tables; and understand basic descriptive statistics consider the advantages and disadvantages of various evaluation procedures, including validity and reliability
• Choose and present material clearly and effectively; transmit information depending on the audience; use appropriate language and punctuation; and organise work in a logical order. Correctly, concisely, and clearly write; converse with certainty and clarity; Prepare to answer questions and be prepared to do so.
• Be able to speak effectively, be personable, ask insightful questions, recognise degrees of power, influence others, and successfully and respectfully negotiate. Proudly represent your organisation; recognise the need for objectivity and impartiality in policymaking.
• Identify dangers and issues; evaluate action progress; demonstrate practical resource usage; deal with conflicting goals and needs; adhere to agreed-upon deadlines and timeframes; make time for specific tasks.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Five GCSEs, including English language and maths, and level 3 qualifications, such as two A-levels.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of four distinct assessment methods: 

• Multiple–choice test  
• Written policy exercise  
• Presentation with Q&A  
• Professional discussion (informed and driven by the contents of the portfolio of evidence) 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 4 Policy Officer Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.