Head of Policy

Head of Policy (part-time) at British Screen Forum

About us

British Screen Forum is where many of the best informed and most influential people in the UK screen sectors convene to interrogate issues of importance and influence policy and the thinking around policy. 

We operate as an invitation-only membership organisation for around 100 senior figures in the screen sectors. Our membership is drawn from organisations involved in all types of audiovisual content (including film, TV, streaming, video games and social video) and from organisations from all parts of the value chain.

The Forum provides a unique and trusted space for key players from the screen sectors to come together to debate the implications of the evolving landscape and the policy and regulatory environment, and to gain unrivalled insight into emerging themes and innovative technologies. British Screen Forum has authority and impact – not only as a result of the influence, status and credibility of its members, the unrivalled quality of its insight and the high-level access it provides to decision-makers, but also because it values and includes individuals, organisations and bodies who seek to frame the debate for the future of the UK screen sectors.

Where consensus is possible, we work with members to develop a well evidenced policy position and articulate it to policymakers; where consensus is not possible, we provide a trusted space in which members can engage with policymakers directly. We have excellent relationships with senior parliamentarians, civil servants and regulators who feature in our regular Policy Roundtables, and with leading industry thinkers and analysts who present at our Insight Events. 

For more information about us visit www.britishscreenforum.co.uk  

About the job

We are recruiting for a new post: Head of Policy (part-time) in order to further strengthen our ability to:

• Identify policy areas in which consensus is possible and formulate policy positions which can command support from our diverse membership; and
• Identify policy areas and policymakers in relation to which we can support our members through acting as a forum through which diverse interests can be explored.    

What you'll do

The postholder will report directly to the CEO and be responsible for:

• Developing and strengthening relationships with key policymakers
• Keeping abreast of the key policy concerns of members
• Identifying and prioritising areas for policy work to be undertaken
• Proposing relevant policy-related session items and speakers
• Drafting (and/or overseeing drafting by external consultants) of relevant policy papers, including submissions to consultations and calls for evidence
• Managing a budget for policy related expenditure
• Drafting briefings on policy topics for those chairing British Screen Forum events 
• Drafting and executing appropriate and timely communications to stakeholders about policy workstreams and policy roundtables 
• Attending relevant British Screen Forum events 
• Being an active member of our small friendly team
• Any other duties commensurate with the role

What you'll bring:

• Very high standard of written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work to tight deadlines
• Ability to draft complex policy papers with speed and accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team as well as independently
• Demonstrable and recurring success in a policy role
• Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with key policymakers
• Understanding of the range of business models and business types operating in the screen sectors
• Understanding of the main policy issues affecting the UK screen sectors
• Analytical capacity to identify the impact any such issue may have on relevant stakeholders in the screen sectors
• Proficiency in use of Office 365 software

How you'll work

This is a part-time post (17.5 hours per week) and the normal working pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate before appointment. 

We operate a flexible, blended approach to working from home/working in the office. The postholder will be required to work from our office in Soho and attend events/meetings in other London locations as and when required, but could usually expect to be able to work from home at least 40% of the time. We are also currently conducting a trial of a 'work from abroad' policy which allows staff to work from a non-UK location for up to 5 days in any 12-month period, subject to certain criteria being met. 

Our modern office is situated in the heart of Soho, close to Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road stations.