Policy Adviser - Regulatory Authorities

This role is based in Darlington (Feethams House) and cannot be worked from any other HM Treasury office.

About the role

If you’re interested in making a difference to people’s lives, the Treasury offers an exciting opportunity to influence decision-making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across departments to promote responsible public spending and drive strong, sustainable economic growth. Our work ranges from protecting customers through financial-sector regulation, helping reduce carbon emissions, promoting British trade, and supporting jobs and growth across the country.

We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a cross-government hub that brings people together to tackle key national issues while working closer to the communities we serve.

This role will see you work across a varied and politically important set of issues, contributing to HM Treasury’s strategic approach to the regulation of financial services. You don’t need previous experience in financial services—we are looking for someone who is curious, proactive, a strong communicator, and excited about learning new areas of policy.

While hybrid working will be the normal rhythm, the role will require occasional attendance in or travel to the London office for in-person stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with key partners, understanding their perspectives and using this to support the delivery of our objectives.
• Establish networks across the Treasury, other departments, and the private sector.
• Lead elements of the day-to-day sponsorship relationship with the FCA and the PRA, including:
  • Reviewing regulators’ publications.
  • Engaging with Parliamentary processes.
  • Supporting ministers and senior officials in strategic engagement with regulators—via briefings and speeches.
  • Assisting ministers with parliamentary questions and correspondence.
• Develop expertise on the role and operation of the FCA and PRA, including relevant legislation, and use this to advise colleagues, ministers, and senior management.
• Lead aspects of policy development and strategy for the financial services regulatory framework, including supporting the government’s growth mission. This involves advising ministers and senior civil servants on key developments and risks and supporting the Treasury’s response to press and media interest.
• Play an active role in the Financial Services Strategy team by contributing to wider corporate work to help make the Treasury a great place to work.

The team is flexible and responds to the needs of ministers and senior officials, so you should be comfortable in an environment where priorities may change.

Requirements

You don’t need to be a policy professional or have specific qualifications to apply. We are looking for people who demonstrate the right skills, align with our organisational values, and are motivated to work on issues central to public spending and service delivery.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

If you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally before the closing date, contact Alex Douglas: Alex.Douglas@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

Skills

• Making Effective Decisions: Ability to analyse and use evidence from different sources to develop accurate policy decisions and advice.
• Communicating and Influencing: Ability to communicate clearly in writing and in person, adapting your style for different audiences, and building constructive relationships to influence positive outcomes.
• Delivering at Pace: Ability to work independently and proactively, balancing longer-term projects with urgent commissions, managing a full workload, and prioritising effectively to deliver high-quality outputs to tight or competing deadlines.

The lead criterion is Making Effective Decisions. If we receive a large volume of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on this criterion only. Those who meet the minimum score will then be assessed against all remaining criteria.

Benefits

• Salary: £44,600, with HM Treasury contributing £12,920 toward your Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Annual Leave: 25 days (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus public holidays and the King’s birthday.
• Pension: Defined Benefit pension with employer contributions of 28.97%.
• Parental Leave: Including 6 months’ occupational pay for maternity/adoption and shared parental leave options.
• Flexible & Hybrid Working: Options include part-time, job-share, compressed hours, flexitime, and hybrid working (where business needs allow).
• Advance Schemes & Discounts: Rental deposit loans, cycle-to-work scheme, SmartTech, season ticket loans, and access to HM Treasury’s benefits portal for a wide range of discount codes.

Review the full benefits offer for more details.