Senior Policy Officer

We are looking for a Senior Policy Officer to join our team and play a key role in a major national programme to improve health and reduce inequalities across Mayoral Regions.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to work that will make a real difference to people’s lives by supporting collaboration, innovation and evidence-led action across England’s Combined Authorities.

This role is being offered as a fixed term contract until 30th September 2026.

 We are also happy to consider applications from candidates that would like to undertake this role as an external secondment.

About the Programme

The Improving Health and Reducing Inequalities: Mayoral Regions Programme commenced delivery in October 2023 is a three-year initiative funded by The Health Foundation and led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) on behalf of a consortium of nine Combined Authorities and the Greater London Authority.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen and evidence the role of Mayoral Regional Authorities in tackling health inequalities
• Deepen understanding of region levers available to improve health outcomes
• Build collaboration, capacity and shared learning across regions

It builds on The Health Foundation’s previous Cities Health Inequalities Project, which highlighted the significant role that devolved regions can play in creating fairer, healthier places.

About the Role

As Senior Policy Officer, you’ll be part of the central programme team within WMCA. Working closely with the team and participating Mayoral Regional Authorities, you’ll provide senior policy input, research, analysis and delivery support to help drive progress towards reducing health inequalities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading policy development and delivery across complex issues such as Health in All Policies (HiAP), housing and planning, public sector reform and systems thinking approaches
• Coordinating learning across regional partners through workshops, webinars and shared resources
• Developing and sharing evidence and insights to influence policy and practice
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners, including The Health Foundation, The King’s Fund, Centre for Local Economic Strategies, NHS Confederation, Local Government Association and the Faculty of Public Health
• Demonstrating of programme impact and supporting related monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape regional and national thinking on health inequalities policy and delivery, as well as to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team during a significant period for English devolution.

What’s Essential.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience in improving health and reducing inequalities, or related policy areas
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to translate evidence into policy recommendations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to explain complex issues clearly and concisely
• Experience of working effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• A genuine commitment to tackling health inequalities and improving population health

Location. 

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more)
• EV car benefit scheme
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.  

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).