Band 2 – Policy Business Partner

ONR is not a Civil Service department, however, we are an arms length body of Department of Work and Pensions.

Job purpose

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is looking for a senior policy advisor to provide strategic policy advice, insight and guidance to ensure we have a fit for purpose regulatory policy framework as an effective and efficient regulator, holding the industry to account on behalf of the public.  This is a strategically important, complex policy area and this role requires a proactive individual with the knowledge and skills to lead provision of policy advice within ONR and externally with government and other regulators. The person engaged will work as an integral member of the ONR Policy and Communications Directorate reporting to ONR’s Head of Policy.

As part of its 2025 strategy ONR is committed to being a modern and transparent regulator, delivering trusted outcomes and value. We are making substantial investments in new digital technologies and skills to enhance our regulatory processes and management of information.

About the role

Principal responsibilities

The successful candidate will need to combine a high level of regulatory or similar technical policy expertise with excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills. Specifically, the individual will:

• Providing robust policy advice and guidance across ONR’s Regulatory Directorate to deliver government policy, including stakeholder and parliamentary engagement where necessary.
• Providing interpretation on internal and external policy matters of strategic importance, including horizon scanning, to inform ONR’s planning assumptions, prioritisation and engagement activities.
• Identify and advise on changes to legislation or government policy and regulatory reform, leading on ONRs responses to relevant consultations
• Regular engagement with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on nuclear and with the Better Regulation Executive and other regulators on regulatory cooperation and reform
• Oversee voluntary and statutory reporting in line with government regulatory policy
• Produce briefing and papers for ONRs Board and senior team as required, including horizon scanning of our operating environment to inform planning assumptions
• Work closely with the other ONR Policy Business Partners and undertake any other reasonable task to support the policy team as requested.
• Role model ONR’s values of Supportive, Fair, Open Minded, and Accountable and in a manner which promotes diversity and inclusion.

Line Management Responsibilities

• None currently, however, at this level there could be an expectation to manage staff in the future.

Location / Travel

This post may be undertaken from a base at any one of ONR’s office locations (Bootle, Cheltenham or London) and will require some UK travel between these (and other) sites.

ONR operates hybrid working (working in the office and or at home) as part of our flexible working policy.  There is an expectation that everyone will spend time in the office on a regular basis, recognising that some work is better done face to face. Managers will work with their teams on what works best to meet individual, team, business and organisational needs to enable collaboration, as well as balancing personal choice and wellbeing.

Security Clearance

• The successful candidate must hold or can achieve and retain National Security Vetting clearance at SC level.

Person Specification

ONR is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome and encourage applications from all applicants. We will make reasonable adjustments and adaptations to ensure the recruitment process is inclusive and barrier-free. For example, providing job descriptions in alternative formats, and providing communication support and accessible venues. If you would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact (ONR.Human-Resources@onr.gov.uk / or  0203 028 0133 / 0203 028 0120) who will be able to provide further information and discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process. We will offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Applicants also have the choice to opt into our Guaranteed Interview Scheme when completing their application where we will offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

ONR recognises it has a role to play in helping those leaving the Armed Forces (veterans) and have introduced a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for veterans. This is part of a Government initiative known as the ‘Great Place to Work for veterans. Veterans are officially defined as anyone who has served for at least one day in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve). All veterans who meet the minimum critera for a role will be invited to interview and they have the choice to opt into this scheme when completing their application. To be eligible to apply for roles under the initiative, veterans must meet certain eligibility criteria below;

• have served for at least one year in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (as a Regular or Reserve)
• be in transition from, or ceased to be a member of, His Majesty’s Armed Forces; and
• not already be employed by ONR

The ideal candidate will demonstrate skills and have experience in: 

Essential job-related expertise

• Substantive, exceptional policy competency with the ability to provide strategic analysis of complex policy issues and implement pragmatic solutions.
• Proven excellent team working and coordination skills and proven ability in building strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.  
• A willingness to work within diverse and multidisciplinary teams using your exceptional experience to lead policy development and delivery.
• Excellent drafting skills, with a proven track record of briefing senior leaders and managers in written and oral communications. Presenting complex issues clearly.
• Sound political judgment and be a flexible and agile thinker who is able to gain the confidence of senior staff up to and including Board members. Highly organised and able to manage a broad portfolio of activities whilst delivering high quality work at pace.

Desirable attributes

• Familiarity with or understanding of the key issues within the nuclear industry and of regulatory bodies.
• Excellent knowledge of UK parliamentary and government processes
• Experience of developing and implementing regulatory policy

Other Information

• This will be a high-pressure role which will require significant flexibility and resilience.

An annual leave allowance of 25 plus 8 days public holiday. There is also an entitlement to 1 privilege day. Your annual leave allowance will increase by 1 day each year up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity 
• A civil service pension 

Job contact :

• Name : Nicola Fellows
• Email : Nicola.fellows@onr.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : ONR.Human-Resources@onr.gov.uk