Local Government Policy Officer
Also advertised as: Corporate Policy Officer, Local Government Policy Officer, Policy Adviser, Policy and Research Officer, Strategy Officer
Researches and drafts policy for a council on issues such as housing, transport or health.
What the job involves
Policy officers research issues affecting local residents, draft policy papers and briefings for councillors, and evaluate the impact of existing services. You gather evidence from data, consultations and other local authorities to recommend a course of action. The role suits people who enjoy research and clear written communication.
Typical responsibilities
- Research policy issues and best practice
- Draft policy papers and briefings
- Support consultations with residents
- Evaluate the impact of council services
- Brief councillors and senior officers
Common employers
- Local authorities
- Combined authorities
- Central government departments
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£26,000 – £32,000 a year
With experience
£36,000 – £48,000 a year
Typical hours
37 hours
Working environment
Office based, hybrid working common
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Policy research
- Report writing
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Political awareness
Transferable skills you may already have
- Research and analysis
- Report drafting
- Project coordination
Requirements employers ask for
- Policy research
- Report writing
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Political awareness
Useful but not essential
- Research and analysis
- Report drafting
- Project coordination
- Degree in a social science or public policy
- Local government experience
Helpful qualifications
- Degree in a social science or public policy
- Local government experience
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Local Government Officer apprenticeship (Level 4)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Politics
- Related subject: Public policy
- Related subject: Social policy
- Related subject: Economics
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Policy Officer
next
Head of Policy and Strategy
next
Central Government Policy Adviser
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Work has direct influence on local services
- Broad exposure to different policy areas
- Good work-life balance in most authorities
What people find hard
- Recommendations depend on political priorities and budgets
- Restructures are common in local government
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a local government policy officer?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. preferred
- How much does a local government policy officer earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £26,000 to £32,000 a year, rising towards £48,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Research and analysis, Report drafting, Project coordination.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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