Policy Manager (Education)
| Posting date: | 29 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £59,474 - £62,604 per annum, based on experience |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 August 2025 |
| Location: | London, UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
At AAT it’s our mission to make it possible for more people to experience the opportunities a career in finance brings, through our accessible qualifications and supportive community.
We are the UK’s leading qualification and professional membership body for vocational accountants. We pride ourselves on providing practical qualifications that meet the needs of both employers and employees, as well as products and services to support our members and customers throughout their careers.
Term: Permanent
Location: We have hybrid working in place, with 2 days per week, in our office in Canary Wharf.
What exactly will you be doing?
As a Policy Manager (Education), you will lead the development and advocacy of education and skills policy that directly impacts AAT, its members and future learners. You will shape evidence-based policy positions, influence government thinking and ensure AAT’s voice is represented in key debates around access to accountancy qualifications and the wider UK skills system. Working closely with internal colleagues and external stakeholders including government departments, regulators and education bodies, you will drive forward policy initiatives that support inclusive, high-quality education and training pathways.
This is a strategic and externally facing role, suitable for someone with deep policy expertise, strong analytical skills and a commitment to shaping the future of education and skills.
Major objectives
Your major objectives will include:
Lead the development of AAT’s education and skills policy strategy, ensuring alignment with national priorities and organisational goals
Analyse government legislation and policy developments across further education, apprenticeships and skills, providing clear insights and recommendations
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including the Department for Education, Skills England, Ofqual, Ofsted, training providers, employers and policymakers
Represent AAT in policy forums, consultations and advocacy campaigns, ensuring its views are reflected in public discourse
Collaborate with internal teams to develop clear messaging and thought leadership around education and skills issues
Produce high-quality policy papers, briefings and reports for internal and external audiences
Manage cross-functional policy projects and contribute to broader strategic initiatives across AAT
What are we looking for?
In-depth knowledge of UK government processes, public policy development and regulatory environments
Strong understanding of education and skills policy, including current challenges and opportunities
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
Proven experience in drafting policy papers, briefings and delivering advocacy campaigns
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, working both independently and collaboratively
A degree in public policy, political science, law or a related field, or equivalent experience
Experience working within a professional body, regulator or education organisation is desirable
Join AAT’s Reputation, Brand and Influence team and help shape the future of education and skills policy. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and bring your expertise to a purpose-driven organisation, we welcome your application.
What are the benefits?
At AAT we believe in treating our staff well and this is reflected in our wide-ranging benefits, which include:
Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in our London office) and opportunities for further flexible working.
25 days’ annual leave, increasing one day per year up to a maximum of 30 days plus bank holidays.
Great pension scheme, life assurance, and critical illness cover.
Health cash plan.
Enhanced maternity and shared parental leave contributions of up to 6 months’ full pay depending on the length of service.
Regular wellbeing initiatives.
Cycle2Work scheme and much more.
Closing Date: The planned closing date for this role is 19 August 2025 at 17.00, however, we reserve the right to close the role earlier than planned.
It’s an exciting time to join AAT and we would love you to join us on our journey. In 2023 we achieved one-star company status in the Best Companies survey, and we have recently launched our strategy to 2030.
We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work. We encourage applications from diverse candidates and make recruitment decisions based on skill and experience. We have a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Champions group, which leads on our D&I strategy and organise events to celebrate and raise awareness. We are a disability-confident committed employer and have signed up to the Race at Work Charter. We have also signed up for the Women in Finance Charter, and in 2022 we exceeded our target for appointing females into senior positions.
Come and help us to make AAT an even better place to work!
Interested?
To apply please upload a copy of your CV and fill your application online.
We are the UK’s leading qualification and professional membership body for vocational accountants. We pride ourselves on providing practical qualifications that meet the needs of both employers and employees, as well as products and services to support our members and customers throughout their careers.
Term: Permanent
Location: We have hybrid working in place, with 2 days per week, in our office in Canary Wharf.
What exactly will you be doing?
As a Policy Manager (Education), you will lead the development and advocacy of education and skills policy that directly impacts AAT, its members and future learners. You will shape evidence-based policy positions, influence government thinking and ensure AAT’s voice is represented in key debates around access to accountancy qualifications and the wider UK skills system. Working closely with internal colleagues and external stakeholders including government departments, regulators and education bodies, you will drive forward policy initiatives that support inclusive, high-quality education and training pathways.
This is a strategic and externally facing role, suitable for someone with deep policy expertise, strong analytical skills and a commitment to shaping the future of education and skills.
Major objectives
Your major objectives will include:
Lead the development of AAT’s education and skills policy strategy, ensuring alignment with national priorities and organisational goals
Analyse government legislation and policy developments across further education, apprenticeships and skills, providing clear insights and recommendations
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including the Department for Education, Skills England, Ofqual, Ofsted, training providers, employers and policymakers
Represent AAT in policy forums, consultations and advocacy campaigns, ensuring its views are reflected in public discourse
Collaborate with internal teams to develop clear messaging and thought leadership around education and skills issues
Produce high-quality policy papers, briefings and reports for internal and external audiences
Manage cross-functional policy projects and contribute to broader strategic initiatives across AAT
What are we looking for?
In-depth knowledge of UK government processes, public policy development and regulatory environments
Strong understanding of education and skills policy, including current challenges and opportunities
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
Proven experience in drafting policy papers, briefings and delivering advocacy campaigns
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, working both independently and collaboratively
A degree in public policy, political science, law or a related field, or equivalent experience
Experience working within a professional body, regulator or education organisation is desirable
Join AAT’s Reputation, Brand and Influence team and help shape the future of education and skills policy. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and bring your expertise to a purpose-driven organisation, we welcome your application.
What are the benefits?
At AAT we believe in treating our staff well and this is reflected in our wide-ranging benefits, which include:
Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in our London office) and opportunities for further flexible working.
25 days’ annual leave, increasing one day per year up to a maximum of 30 days plus bank holidays.
Great pension scheme, life assurance, and critical illness cover.
Health cash plan.
Enhanced maternity and shared parental leave contributions of up to 6 months’ full pay depending on the length of service.
Regular wellbeing initiatives.
Cycle2Work scheme and much more.
Closing Date: The planned closing date for this role is 19 August 2025 at 17.00, however, we reserve the right to close the role earlier than planned.
It’s an exciting time to join AAT and we would love you to join us on our journey. In 2023 we achieved one-star company status in the Best Companies survey, and we have recently launched our strategy to 2030.
We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work. We encourage applications from diverse candidates and make recruitment decisions based on skill and experience. We have a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Champions group, which leads on our D&I strategy and organise events to celebrate and raise awareness. We are a disability-confident committed employer and have signed up to the Race at Work Charter. We have also signed up for the Women in Finance Charter, and in 2022 we exceeded our target for appointing females into senior positions.
Come and help us to make AAT an even better place to work!
Interested?
To apply please upload a copy of your CV and fill your application online.