Scotland Policy Advisor

Mesh-AI Limited; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 35,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic political movement in the United Kingdom is seeking a proactive Policy Advisor to lead policy development for Scotland. This role involves crafting evidence-led proposals for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections and engaging in stakeholder consultations. The ideal candidate will possess strong writing skills, an understanding of UK political structures, and experience in policy development. Join us in shaping Scotland’s future while supporting broader UK-wide policy initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in political research, policy development or manifesto writing.
• Excellent writing skills - clear, concise, persuasive.
• Good understanding of Scottish and UK political structures.

Responsibilities

• Draft and develop policy proposals for devolved manifestos.
• Conduct data-driven research on priority issues.
• Maintain records of activities and expenditure.

Skills

Political research

Policy development

Excellent writing

Understanding of political structures

Organisational skills

Job description

Overview

Play your part in shaping Scotland’s future. Join Britain’s fastest-growing political movement.

Reform UK is seeking a proactive, passionate, and detail-oriented Policy Advisor to lead on policy development for Scotland. You’ll help shape bold, evidence-led proposals that will form the backbone of our manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, and support our wider policy direction across the UK.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a dynamic political movement committed to common-sense reform, national pride, and real change.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy Development
• Draft and develop policy proposals for inclusion in devolved manifestos, ensuring compliance with our guidelines.
• Coordinate and support policy development sessions, stakeholder consultations, forums, and internal workshops.
• Produce high-quality materials: policy papers, briefings, and research summaries.
• Track political, legislative and public opinion trends across devolved nations to inform policy direction.
• Research & Analysis
• Conduct data-driven research on priority issues for Reform UK.
• Provide analytical support including impact assessments, briefing notes and evidence-led evaluations of policy ideas.
• Ensure all research outputs meet the standards required by Electoral Commission reporting.
• Project Management
• Maintain meticulous records of activities and expenditure.
• Support timely delivery of all outputs and reporting milestones.
• Assist in drafting the Policy Development Review and Expenditure Review for final cost reports.
• Retain all evidence (invoices, receipts, records) as per PPERA audit requirements (minimum two years).
• Compliance & Reporting
• Track budgets and activities related to policy work funded by the Electoral Commission.
• Help prepare and submit key reports, ensuring full transparency and audit-readiness.
• Make sure all records are accurate, accessible, and compliant with data regulations.
• Apply best practice procurement and value-for-money principles to everything we do.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in political research, policy development or manifesto writing.
• Excellent writing skills - clear, concise, persuasive.
• Good understanding of Scottish and UK political structures.
• Familiarity with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (PPERA).
• Highly organised and detail-oriented - especially when it comes to compliance and record-keeping.
• Comfortable working to deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
• Ideally a background in politics, public affairs, consultancy, or Parliament.
• A genuine alignment with Reform UK’s mission and values.

Notes

Location: Scotland. This role involves shaping policy direction for Scotland and potentially supporting UK-wide policy work.