Job Description

Do you have exceptional writing skills and experience navigating complex regulatory environments? Do you have a collaborative mindset and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders? If so, we want you to join our HR Policy Team!


The University of Cambridge is a world-renowned institution celebrated for our excellence in research, education, and scholarship. With over 14,000 staff, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and contemporary workplace that supports our employees and strengthens our position as a leading employer.


Following the launch of our ambitious People Strategy, we have an opportunity for a Policy Consultant to join our HR Division. This role will offer you an exciting opportunity to drive the evolution of our HR capabilities, processes, and ways of working, contributing to meaningful change within a globally recognised institution.


Why Join Us?


This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the HR landscape at one of the world's leading universities. Whether you're looking for a change in direction in your career or seeking to broaden your professional experience, this role offers an exciting chance to expand your expertise in policy design and implementation.


You will engage with diverse stakeholders, enhancing your communication skills and broadening your network. Additionally, you will develop advanced project management abilities and deepen your understanding of UK employment law, including the far-reaching changes brought about by the new Employment Rights Bill. All while playing a key role in supporting the University's mission of excellence in research and education.


The Role:


You will lead the review, development, and implementation of HR policies in response to the new Employment Rights Bill, ensuring our policies are compliant and effective. Strong project management skills will be essential as you coordinate efforts across the HR Division and liaise with colleagues across the University to ensure regulatory excellence, aligned to the University's strategic objectives.


Key Responsibilities:


Conduct comprehensive impact assessments of the Employment Rights Bill on the University's HR policies and processes; Identify and evaluate implications for specialist and operational teams and broader stakeholders, working with them to support the necessary changes; Draft responses to government consultations and liaise with HR colleagues, Legal Services and other key stakeholders; Prepare clear communications for stakeholders across the University; Manage the programme of changes required across HR policies and procedures, working closely with other policy consultants in the team; Consult key stakeholders and seek approval through the University governance and committee structures.

What You Will Need:


Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Proven experience in interpreting and advising on policy and procedures within a complex organisation. Strong understanding of UK employment law or transferable knowledge from another area of law or regulatory compliance. Excellent project management skills, skilled in managing multiple tasks and deadlines using project management tools.

Desirable:


Experience of policy development and implementation (or a similar field of work) would be highly advantageous. Experience in the higher education sector. Familiarity with the University of Cambridge's governance and committee structures.

Benefits of working at Cambridge include:


Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases. Generous annual leave allowance of up to 41 days paid leave (including bank holidays). Flexible and hybrid working opportunities, combining office-based and remote working. Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlements and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare). An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution. Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores. Schemes to support with relocation / the provision of accommodation.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.


Please upload your CV and a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification with specific examples. Shortlisting for interviews will be based on these criteria.


Contract: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. We welcome applications from individuals with varied professional experiences, including those currently within the University seeking an internal secondment.


Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.


Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to: Suzanne Fowler at: Suzanne.Fowler@admin.cam.ac.uk. If you have any queries regarding the application process, please email: hrdivisionaladmin@admin.cam.ac.uk


Closing date for applications: Monday 5th May 2025 Interview Dates: 13th & 19th May 2025


Please quote reference AH45658 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.


The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.


The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.