Director of Policy and Public Affairs

Company: ICAEW
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Hybrid working meaning two days in the office and three from home.

Permanent

Full time – 35 hours

Join the ICAEW as Director of Policy and Public Affairs

At ICAEW, you’ll be part of an organisation that’s shaping the future of business, finance and the accountancy profession on a global scale. Our bold 2030 Strategy puts members, innovation, sustainability and trust at the heart of everything we do-creating an exciting, forward-looking environment where your work has real impact. We invest in our people through our benefits package, continuous development and a supportive, inclusive culture that empowers you to grow and thrive. If you’re looking for a role with purpose, influence and opportunity, ICAEW is a place where your future can truly take shape.

Director of Policy and Public Affairs Role Profile

The Director of Policy and Public Affairs is responsible for directing and delivering the policy agenda of the ICAEW, ensuring the voice of ICAEW and the accountancy profession is influential in public debate and policymaking. This strategic leadership role oversees all aspects of policy development, public affairs, and parliamentary engagement, supporting ICAEW’s ambition within its new strategy Direction 2030 to lead conversations on issues that matter for the profession and business. The Director will be instrumental in helping bridge the gap from traditional technical expertise towards impactful policy influence. The postholder will be proactive in ensuring ICAEW achieves its strategic initiative in engaging with policymakers, parliamentarians, thought leaders and the wider business community, and doing so with a bolder voice.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the development of robust, evidence-based policy positions through consultation with members, firms, technical committees, internal technical subject matter experts and external experts.
  • Develop and execute a high-impact public affairs strategy to build the organisation’s reputation with political stakeholders, government departments, regulators, and think tanks.
  • Proactively lead ICAEW’s engagement with Parliament, including select committees, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and relevant legislative processes.
  • Act as a senior spokesperson on policy issues, representing the organisation in public forums, media engagements, cross-sector coalitions, and advisory bodies.
  • Work closely with the Chief Policy and Communications Officer to lead, develop, and manage a high-performing team across policy, public affairs, and parliamentary functions.

Candidate Profile

  • Senior-level experience in policy, public affairs, or parliamentary engagement, preferably within a membership organisation, political, regulator, or financial/professional services environment.
  • In-depth understanding of the UK political and policy landscape, including legislative and regulatory processes relevant to accountancy and financial services.
  • Proven ability to influence policy and legislation through high-level advocacy, evidence-led policy development, and strong external networks.
  • Excellent communication skills, with experience representing organisations at senior levels, including to ministers, regulators, and parliamentary committees.
  • Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering outcomes in complex stakeholder environments.

Why work for us as Director of Policy and Public Affairs?

We want you to enjoy your work and flourish in your role. Our working environment is friendly and supportive, and we encourage everyone to understand personal differences and treat each other with respect. We are a diverse organisation, employing skilled and motivated people from all backgrounds and helping them to reach their full potential, through training and development. Sustainability is important to us, and we work hard to reduce our carbon footprint, whether that’s in our buildings through lighting and heating, or encouraging staff to recycle and reduce paper consumption.

Employee Benefits

  • A substantial suite of training and development
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • A generous benefits package which includes gym discounts, pension plan, season ticket travel loans and health and dental plans

We are a disability confident employer.

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Posted: March 27th, 2026