Overview
A national economic regulator is hiring high-calibre students and recent graduates to join its Policy and Government Engagement team during a major period of reform across the UK water sector.
This is a rare chance to work inside government-level regulation, supporting policy development, legislation and engagement with Whitehall and regulators while helping shape how one of the UK’s most critical industries is run.
Key Criteria
Education
* On track for or achieved at least a 2:2 degree in:
* Politics, Public Policy, Law, International Relations, Economics, History, Geography, Environmental Studies, Engineering
* Or a closely related subject
* Or a Level 3–5 apprenticeship in economics or a related field
* Must be on a sandwich degree or be a recent graduate/apprentice (within 3 years)
Why this role is different
This is not a standard internship.
You’ll be working directly on:
* UK water policy and regulation
* Engagement with government departments
* New legislation shaping the future of the water sector
* Reform of how water companies are regulated
You’ll sit in the team that works with DEFRA, the Welsh Government and national regulators as the UK prepares a new Water Bill and a redesigned regulatory framework.
This means real policy exposure, not admin work.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll join the Government Engagement and Policy team, acting as a link between the regulator, government and other national bodies.
You’ll:
* Analyse government policy, legislation and consultation papers
* Support engagement with DEFRA and other regulators
* Help prepare briefings, submissions and impact analysis
* Track and interpret new laws affecting the water sector
* Support senior leaders with stakeholder and government engagement
* Work on major national reform projects
What you’ll gain
You’ll be supported through a structured early-careers programme with:
* Core policy and regulatory training
* Monthly development workshops
* Coaching and mentoring
* Access to conferences and site visits
* Exposure to senior decision-makers
You’ll build policy, analytical and stakeholder skills that are highly transferable across government, consultancy, regulation and corporate strategy.
Skills & mindset
* Strong interest in public policy, regulation or government
* Confident working with numbers, data and written analysis
* Able to explain complex ideas clearly in writing and conversation
* Curious, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment
* Strong problem-solving and critical thinking
Location & package
* Birmingham (B5) or London (E14)
* Hybrid working
* £28,000–£31,000 salary
* 12-month fixed-term professional placement
* Excellent pension, generous annual leave and full Civil Service-style benefits
Why apply
If you want to work at the point where government, policy, economics and the environment meet, this is one of the strongest early-career roles in the UK right now.
You’ll leave this placement with experience that opens doors into:
* Government and policy
* Regulation
* Strategy and consultancy
* Sustainability and infrastructure
* Economics and public affairs
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