Policy Systems Change Lead

Office of Government Property (CO OGP)

On behalf of the Cabinet Office, we are looking for a Policy Systems Change Lead (Inside IR35) for a 5 Month (until end of March 2027) contract based in London, Birmingham, York or Glasgow (2-3 days per week on site) .

The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister and ensures the effective running of government. The Cabinet Office is also the corporate headquarters for the government, in partnership with HM Treasury, and takes the lead in certain critical policy areas. More information about the Cabinet Office can be found on its website at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/cabinet-office

As a Policy Systems Change Lead , your main responsibilities will be:

- Systemic Reform Workstream: Lead the development of the systemic reform workstream, focusing on influencing the reform of existing national policies, guidance, standards, and controls that drive siloed decision -making.
- Cross-Government Strategy: Develop and enact a comprehensive policy, engagement, and influence strategy across HM Treasury (HMT), MHCLG, Cabinet Office, NISTA, and other relevant policy departments and Arm's Length Bodies (ALBs) to help drive the above.
- Spending Review (SR) Leadership : Establish a clear route map of engagement over the Spending Review period with HMT and MHCLG. Take the lead on developing and drafting the overarching SR business case, drawing on real-world learning from Pathfinders, Local Asset Management Plans (LAMPs), and "Size of the Prize" data.
- Duty to Collaborate: Scope, build the evidence base for, and establish the business case for a formal "Duty to Collaborate," clearly outlining benefits and progressing its practical implementation across public bodies.
- Ministerial Engagement: Secure Ministerial backing and cross-departmental buy-in for the strategic direction and proposed policy reforms of the programme.
- Strategic Direction: Give clear direction across the programme team and wider external stakeholders to develop robust policy interventions, balancing a range of different socio-economic objectives .

Essential:

- Policy Development & Implementation: Extensive experience leading complex policy development and implementation across the public sector, preferably within a property, estates, land use, or local government environment.
- Political Awareness & Strategic Vision: Strong political acumen and the ability to generate innovative ideas, navigate system complexities, and assess policy impacts within a fast-moving, high-profile environment.
- Breaking Down Silos: A proven track record of breaking down policy barriers, joining up separate programmes across government, and fostering collaboration between central and local government frameworks.
- Senior Stakeholder Persuasion: Exceptional communication and relationship skills, with a demonstrated ability to listen to, persuade, and create strong buy-in among senior partners (such as SCS, Chief Executives, and HMT officials).
- Autonomy & Evidence-Based Decisions : Proven ability to work with a high level of autonomy , taking the initiative to develop robust, evidence-based proposals and make timely decisions in an ever-changing landscape.

Desirable:

- Prior experience working directly on central government Spending Review (SR) bids or major business case developments (such as Green Book models).

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, the Cabinet Office encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Cabinet Office welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".