Policy, Strategy and Innovation (PSI) Trainee

Investment2020; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company in the UK seeks an Assistant Policy Adviser responsible for supporting retail fund policy initiatives. Candidates should have strong skills in policy interpretation, project management, and communication. The role involves drafting policy papers, managing projects, and collaborating with stakeholders to advance the company's objectives in the retail investment sector. Excellent knowledge of UK regulations and proficiency in Microsoft tools are essential. This position is ideal for proactive individuals aiming to enhance policy delivery and member support.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach to policy goals.
• Attention to detail and follow-through under time pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support the drafting of policy papers and responses to consultations.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Coordinate support for the Head of Retail Market Delivery.

Skills

Strong policy interpretation

Problem-solving skills

Good working knowledge of UK retail investment regulation

Strong coordination and organisational skills

Strong MS Office skills

Collaboration tools knowledge

Tools

Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 Copilot

Job description

Overview of the Role

Job purpose: The Assistant Policy Adviser will be responsible for providing essential support to the preparation and delivery of retail fund (an investment fund designed and regulated for distribution to everyday individual (retail) investors) market policy initiatives and projects, within the PSI Division, but also other Divisions as appropriate.

The role aims to ensure effective support and assistance to the delivery of IA retail policy initiatives, enhancing member support and helping the team to drive the strategic goals of the IA in the retail investment sector.

The position requires strong organisational, communication, and relationship-building skills, as well as a collaborative and proactive approach to supporting the IA’s policy goals and member firms.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Support and delivery

• Support the drafting of policy papers, positions, and responses to consultations and discussion papers.
• Provide general and research support on relevant policy areas, contributing to the development of industry standards and best practices.
• Translate regulatory and industry developments into clear IA outputs: circulars, member briefings, presentations, talking points and timely preparation of committee materials.
• Keep abreast of research and policy development in relevant areas and flag issues that affect the IA/industry.
• Coordinate and support the Head of Retail Market Delivery and PSI colleagues, ensuring the timely and high-quality completion of deliverables.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, members, policymakers, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
• Act as a point of contact to answer ad hoc and regular queries from members and coordinate team responses to requests for information or action points from meetings, working groups or committees.

Project management and digital skills

• Support the Head of Retail Market Delivery and the Senior Adviser (Retail Markets) with the planning, execution, and monitoring of retail projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and in line with expectations.
• Support the delivery of IA retail strategy initiatives tied to ongoing regulatory developments.
• Contribute to internal delivery routines, helping the team meet organisational deadlines and standards.
• Create, edit and format high‑quality documents and presentations using Microsoft 365 in line with IA brand guidelines.
• Use digital tools (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot) to accelerate preparation of minutes/briefs/presentations and to improve team workflows; share good practice prompts and templates.

Skills, knowledge and expertise

• Strong policy interpretation and problem-solving skills with a proven capacity to understand regulatory and policy matters and deliver precise, actionable insights.
• Good working knowledge of UK retail investment regulation and current themes, with a willingness to deepen expertise.
• Proactive and results oriented.
• Strong coordination and organisational skills; attention to detail and follow‑through under time pressure.
• Strong MS Office skills (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams); comfortable using collaboration tools (SharePoint/OneDrive) and AI assistants (Copilot).

Collaboration and teamwork

• Collaborative team player, committed to providing high-quality service to members and supporting colleagues.
• Willingness to engage in constructive debate and remain open to feedback and new perspectives.
• Committee/secretariat experience (agendas, papers, minutes) and confident meeting facilitation support.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across internal/external audiences.

Behaviours and values

• Member‑first mindset: anticipates needs, responds promptly and professionally.
• Inclusive, considerate and of high integrity; builds trust and models IA values.
• Embraces new ideas and digital tools; shares know‑how to improve team efficiency.
• Collaborative, dependable and solutions‑oriented; takes ownership of outcomes.

Please note applications may close earlier than advertised due to high demand.

Please note this job description describes (but does not limit) the main duties and responsibilities of the job. These are subject to variation by the IA as is necessary to respond to changes, both internal and external, which the Association experiences.

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