Policy Officer Apprentice (ARTCF140)

Contract: 24-month fixed term apprenticeship, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)

Salary: £28,662 per annum Grade E plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working. 

Location: Manchester, Birmingham or Cambridge (The role will be based in any of the locations listed; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week) 

Introduction

Arts Council England champions, develops and invests in arts and culture. We work with artists, cultural organisations, communities, government and partners across England to help culture and creativity thrive in every place. Our National Partnerships and Place team helps us understand how policy affects places and the people and organisations who make culture happen in them.

We are looking for a Policy Officer Apprentice to join this small national team. Over a 24-month Level 4 apprenticeship, you will learn how policy is developed and applied while supporting work with real national and local relevance. If you are curious about arts, culture and the creative industries, enjoy making sense of new information and want to build a career in policy, we would like to hear from you.

Role details

You will support policy development and coordination across the team's broad and evolving place portfolio. This includes English devolution, local government, planning and development, economic growth, cultural priority places and other issues affecting how Arts Council England works across the country. You will:

•         Monitor policy developments, research issues and bring together evidence from reliable sources.

•         Help turn detailed information into accurate, accessible summaries, briefings, presentations and other written materials.

•         Help coordinate projects, meetings and deadlines, including taking notes or minutes and following up actions.

You will begin with structured support, shadowing and guidance. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you will contribute to policy advice and consultation responses and take ownership of selected tasks or processes. You may also join external meetings or events with colleagues where appropriate.

You do not need a degree, previous policy employment or experience in the cultural sector. We are interested in your motivation and potential: an interest in culture and public policy, willingness to read and learn, attention to detail, clear written communication, good organisation and a collaborative approach. You will be supported to develop these skills through regular one-to-ones, feedback, a tailored work plan and opportunities to learn from colleagues. You will need to meet the eligibility requirements for the Level 4 Policy Officer apprenticeship. Arts Council England and the training provider will confirm these with applicants.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.

If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website here

We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received.  Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/ or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility.  More information is included in the application guidance.

About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme. To find out more, click here.

Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk

We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website here. 

To view the job description please click here

To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here  

Job ref: ARTCF140

Closing date: 09:00am, 29 October 2026

Interview: (virtual) 23 and 24 November 2026

Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk