Senior Policy Advisor
Bristol or Exeter
South West Water – SWW - Regulatory /
Hybrid
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with wildlife charities, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Policy Advisor to join our Strategy and Regulation team. Joining us on a full-time basis in Bristol or Exeter, you will receive a competitive salary of around £44,000 per annum plus excellent benefits.
About the role
This is a pivotal time for the water industry in England and Wales. Government have set stretching targets to protect and enhance the environment, and customers are engaging with water companies in new and important ways. The industry is responding with more than £90bn of investment between 2025 – 2030 (PR24), and sustained levels of investment up to 2050. This will see us deliver the largest capital infrastructure programme in the UK, and transform the quality of water in rivers and at beaches.
In the South West we face unique challenges. We are home to some of the UK’s most treasured beaches and national parks, and benefit from 10 million visitors to our region annually. But our resident population also faces significant pressures, amidst a growing cost of living crisis. It is vital that government and regulator policy continues to reflects the views of our communities, and responds to the unique challenges we face in the South West.
To help us rise to this challenge, we are looking for a talented Senior Policy Advisor to support the delivery of our regulatory and government engagement, and to provide technical expertise on government and regulator policy. This is a leadership role, requiring a good mix of technical expertise and strong interpersonal and communication skills. The postholder will work closely with government, and our regulators Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
This role sits within our Strategy and Regulation team. Our Strategy and Regulation team sits at the heart of South West Water, coordinating the delivery of key programmes such as the current business plan for 2025-2030 (PR24), regulatory analysis and reporting, finance and governance. It is the home to economists, engineers, financial experts and regulatory analysts.
Our team are open to applicants seeking flexible working arrangements, including regular home working.
What you’ll be doing:
As Senior Policy Advisor you will support the Economic Regulation team with analysis and briefing on the regulatory framework and government policy, which in turn will support the company in developing and delivering its business planning and strategic objectives. Your role will underpin internal decision making and regulatory reporting on future charges.
- Writing, supporting and project managing consultation responses and regulatory submissions
- Report writing and presentation
- Supporting external and internal stakeholders to understand and respond to government and regulatory policy
- Ownership of South West Water’s work on the future of the regulatory framework for England’s water industry
What we are looking for:
- Educated to degree level in economics, law, public policy or a similar discipline
- Word and powerpoint presentation skills
- Comfortable with project management and delivery
- Experience of regulatory industries, ideally water sector or a similar utilities sector
- Experience of design and running of consumer trials would be an advantage
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Well developed analytical and problem solving skills
- Prioritisation skills, with ability to manage multiple strands of work at the same time
- Diplomatic and convening skills
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate across the business and build key working relationships
- An excellent attention to detail with the ability to consistently deliver accurate and timely information
- A “Can do” attitude with a desire to learn and understand the business and support the wider team objectives
What's in it for you:
- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
Closing Date: 5th May 2024
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
