Government Engagement Principal

About Us

We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. Our work has genuine significance - no other organisation does the work we do. It's unique and meaningful: keeping our water flowing; ensuring water bills don't cost a penny more than needed; holding water companies to account. Come and work at the source of everyday life.

The Role

We have an excellent opportunity to join our recently expanded Wales and Government Engagement team (WGE) on 12-month fixed-term basis.

The strategic priorities of the WGE team are to ensure a consistent, connected, and strategic interaction with UK and Welsh governments, and support Ofwat's Senior Leadership Team and Directors to hold constructive relationships with key partners. They lead on engagement with government in cross-cutting policy areas (e.g. regulatory reform), helping to shape and inform policy to deliver the best outcomes for the consumer. Additionally, they analyse legislation and policy to provide impact and risk analysis and support the development of government consultation responses.

Working as a Principal within the team, you will play a crucial role in facilitating interactions between Ofwat and various stakeholders within different UK government departments. This position is designed to ensure effective communication and collaboration with these stakeholders to support Ofwat's objectives and initiatives.

Working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment you will participate in open policy debates, sharing views, challenging assumptions and representing the team and Ofwat. Extensive external engagement will include building consensus with stakeholders as well as defending and explaining our policies when necessary.

Developing and maintaining excellent relationships will be key to this role, where networks of influence will need to be built. You'll be responsible for key interactions with UK Government and will support our CEO and Chair's interactions with these organisations as well as with Ministers.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in various UK government departments.
• Act as the primary point of contact for government-related inquiries and communications.
• Coordinate and manage meetings, briefings, and other interactions between Ofwat and government stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice and support to Ofwat's leadership on government engagement matters.
• Monitor and analyse policy developments and legislative changes that may impact Ofwat's work.
• Prepare and deliver clear and concise reports, presentations, and other communication materials for government stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment and consistency in government engagement efforts.

Person Specification

To be successful in this role you will need the below essential experience, skills and knowledge:

1. Proven experience in UK government engagement, public affairs, or a related field (Lead criterion).
2. Demonstratable understanding of the UK government structure and processes.
3. Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships with a diverse range of (political) stakeholders.
4. Experience of analysing complex information to construct advice and inform recommendations.
5. Experience of working collaboratively and flexibly within a fast-paced evolving environment.
6. Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to tailor your communication style and messaging for different audiences.
7. Experience of meeting challenging deadlines, managing multiple priorities while demonstrating the ability to take initiative and work independently.

Why Join Ofwat

• Meaningful Impact: You will be joining a team with a sense of mission at its core aiming to build a lasting legacy for future generations by securing our long-term water resilience.
• Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture build on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in person collaboration in our London or Birmingham offices.
• Fantastic employer pension contribution of nearly 30%.
• 27.5 days leave (25 days annual leave + 2.5 days privilege leave) increasing to max 32.5 days with each year of service, plus bank holidays
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
• Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
• Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.