Policy Officer - Secondary Education

About this Role

The National Education Union is a powerful force for change in education, representing 500,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff, and leaders. As we undertake an extensive staffing review, this is an exciting time to join us on our journey to becoming a more agile, strategic, and powerfully coordinated trade union—ready to meet the challenges of the future and drive lasting change in education.

We are seeking an engaged and experienced individual to work on policy issues related to secondary education, including the workplace experiences and professional expertise of secondary and post-16 teachers and support staff, as well as the secondary curriculum and its assessment.

Working under the direction of, and assisting, the Senior Policy Managers in the Department, you will support the team in preparing policy statements, briefings, commentaries, and research papers, as well as conducting surveys, including analysis and report writing. You will provide policy support in other areas as required, for example, examinations and qualifications within this phase, and the needs of different learners, such as students eligible for FSM. You will also develop constructive relationships with external bodies, including Government, relevant NGOs, campaign groups such as Times Commission, Secondary Umbrella Group, and other coalitions.

We are seeking applicants with policy or research experience in 11–18 education and the issues affecting secondary teachers. You will also have recent, relevant experience in a policy or research environment, including contributing to policy development and formulating policy recommendations.

You must have demonstrable knowledge of secondary education and professional practice, as well as the principles of inclusive and equitable education. You should also be able to produce clear and detailed written communications, including policy advice, policy statements, briefings, research summaries, training and campaign materials, and consultation responses.

In addition to salary, we offer good conditions including 33 days’ annual leave plus Christmas closure days and a defined benefit pension scheme. Salary and benefits are pro-rata for part-time applicants.

Further information

Further details can be downloaded from our website at https://neu.org.uk/working-neu where applicants will be able to complete an online application on our recruitment portal. Closing date is mid-day 13 January 2026

We welcome applications from individuals seeking part-time, job-share or other flexible working arrangements.

THE UNION IS FUNDAMENTALLY COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN ITS POLICIES AND PRACTICE