Policy Consultant (Fixed Term)

Are you passionate about shaping policy, influencing change, and supporting a complex organisation to deliver fair and effective people practices?

We are looking for a proactive and experienced Policy Consultant to join the University's Human Resources Division and play a key role in developing and delivering modern HR policy across the University.

We encourage early applications as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

About the role

You will support the review, development and implementation of HR policies and related projects, providing expert advice to HR colleagues, institutions, staff and trade unions.

You will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the University, leading consultation and negotiation processes and ensuring that policies are clear, compliant and effectively embedded into day-to-day operations.

The role sits within a specialist team led by the Head of Policy and Strategic Projects and works closely with HR specialist teams across the Division.

What you'll be doing

• Designing, developing and reviewing HR policies to ensure compliance with employment legislation, best practice and University priorities.
• Leading formal consultation and negotiation processes with staff, institutions and trade union representatives.
• Managing policy projects using clear plans and timelines, ensuring delivery to agreed objectives, timescales and budgets.
• Developing and delivering communication plans, training and briefing sessions to support policy implementation.
• Providing expert advice and guidance on policy matters to HR, staff, institutions and trade unions.

We're looking for someone who has

• Strong experience drafting HR policies, ideally within a public sector or complex organisation.
• Excellent knowledge of HR policies, procedures and UK employment law.
• Experience working in a unionised environment, including consultation and negotiation with trade unions.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Please review the 'Further Information' document for more details of the role and the skills we are seeking.

Why join us?

Alongside working in a collaborative and supportive environment, the University of Cambridge offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Access to development opportunities such as LinkedIn Learning, job shadowing and career pathways.
• 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) and a highly competitive pension scheme.
• Hybrid working with flexibility in how you arrange your office days.
• A wide range of discounts at local retailers and thousands of national brands.
• Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym access and the Staff Counselling Service.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements.

How to apply

For this role, all applications will be managed by Spirehouse Recruitment. To apply, please send your CV to cambridge@spirehouse.co.uk

For further information about the role, please contact Abbie Carr (Executive Consultant) at abbie@spirehouse.co.uk

Closing date: Thursday 18 June 2026

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