Policy Officer
| Posting date: | 16 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,434 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 January 2026 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 21811 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council, we’re a modern, forward-thinking organisation committed to improving lives and delivering exceptional services. Join us as a Policy Officer and bring your ideas, energy, and expertise to help shape the future of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
This is your opportunity to influence policy, drive improvement, and ensure our service continues to protect and support communities across Suffolk.
What you will do
In this pivotal role, you will:
- develop, implement, and review policies and strategic documents that keep Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service operating effectively
- research and analyse national frameworks, legislation, and local risk profiles to inform policy decisions
- advise on risk assessments and equality impact assessments to ensure inclusive and compliant policies
- maintain a robust policy tracking system and monitor implementation through performance indicators and feedback
- draft and review internal guidance, National Operational Guidance, and Fire Standards
- lead consultation exercises with staff, unions, partners, and the public
- prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for senior leaders and stakeholders
- support inspections, audits, and peer reviews by maintaining compliance evidence
- promote equality, diversity, and inclusion through policy design.
You will need
- level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience) in public policy, administration, business management, social sciences, or fire service studies
- NEBOSH HSE award in managing risks (or equivalent)
- training or certification in policy development, project management, or data analysis (e.g., PRINCE2 Foundation)
- strong research, analytical, and communication skills
- ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
About the team
Our Policy Team plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Working closely with senior leaders, operational teams, and external partners, we ensure compliance, consistency, and continuous improvement - all with the goal of protecting Suffolk’s communities.
You’ll report directly to the Policy Manager - Risk and Resilience.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Russel Punchard for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07979159154 or emailing russell.punchard@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Complete the Supporting Statement template answering the following questions (no more than 250 words per question)
1. Tell us how you have either developed or contributed to the development of an organisational policy based on legislative requirements?
2. Explain your understanding of consultation processes and engagement with trade unions and key stakeholders?
3. Describe your understanding of equality impact assessments and suitable and sufficient risk assessments as part of developing a policy document?
4. Tell us how you have promoted equality, diversity and inclusion, and how this has led to a fully inclusive policy design?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 25 January 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council, we’re a modern, forward-thinking organisation committed to improving lives and delivering exceptional services. Join us as a Policy Officer and bring your ideas, energy, and expertise to help shape the future of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
This is your opportunity to influence policy, drive improvement, and ensure our service continues to protect and support communities across Suffolk.
What you will do
In this pivotal role, you will:
- develop, implement, and review policies and strategic documents that keep Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service operating effectively
- research and analyse national frameworks, legislation, and local risk profiles to inform policy decisions
- advise on risk assessments and equality impact assessments to ensure inclusive and compliant policies
- maintain a robust policy tracking system and monitor implementation through performance indicators and feedback
- draft and review internal guidance, National Operational Guidance, and Fire Standards
- lead consultation exercises with staff, unions, partners, and the public
- prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for senior leaders and stakeholders
- support inspections, audits, and peer reviews by maintaining compliance evidence
- promote equality, diversity, and inclusion through policy design.
You will need
- level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience) in public policy, administration, business management, social sciences, or fire service studies
- NEBOSH HSE award in managing risks (or equivalent)
- training or certification in policy development, project management, or data analysis (e.g., PRINCE2 Foundation)
- strong research, analytical, and communication skills
- ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
About the team
Our Policy Team plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Working closely with senior leaders, operational teams, and external partners, we ensure compliance, consistency, and continuous improvement - all with the goal of protecting Suffolk’s communities.
You’ll report directly to the Policy Manager - Risk and Resilience.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Russel Punchard for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07979159154 or emailing russell.punchard@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Complete the Supporting Statement template answering the following questions (no more than 250 words per question)
1. Tell us how you have either developed or contributed to the development of an organisational policy based on legislative requirements?
2. Explain your understanding of consultation processes and engagement with trade unions and key stakeholders?
3. Describe your understanding of equality impact assessments and suitable and sufficient risk assessments as part of developing a policy document?
4. Tell us how you have promoted equality, diversity and inclusion, and how this has led to a fully inclusive policy design?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 25 January 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.