PURPOSE

The purpose of this role is to lead the day to day policy and public affairs work of the ECB to support the delivery of the ECB’s strategic objectives. The Head of Public Policy works closely with the Chief Operating Officer and Leadership team to provide strategic counsel on the impact of Government policy on the ECB and the game’s operations as well as cultivating opportunities to promote the game’s broader aims of making cricket the most inclusive sport.

WHO WE ARE

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from grassroots to professional.

We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social.  It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together.

The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfil our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket.

OUR VALUES

• Stronger As One Team – We are stronger together. We allow for individual strengths and beliefs but head in the same direction. We respect, support and really listen to each other along the way.

• Push New Boundaries – We are bold, brave and curious. We challenge and don’t settle. We forge the future whilst remembering our roots.

• Be The Best In The Game – On & Off The Pitch – We train hard. We strive to be our best to help the team be the best. We celebrate our victories and learn from our let downs.

• Passion For Play – We are here to inspire & be inspired. We are serious about what we do, but don’t take ourselves seriously. We enjoy the journey and have fun.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB IF

• You are passionate about championing the benefits of cricket to influence continued positive change at the heart of Government

• You have a track record of delivering change in a public policy environment

YOU’LL BE DOING

• Lead the delivery of the public policy elements of the ECB’s Strategy and manage the ECB’s engagement with political and policy stakeholders. You will lead on all day-to-day activities relating to local and national engagement.

• Plan and run speaking events and policy briefings, identifying further opportunities for external profile raising.

• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, and senior leaders within cricket to promote the work of the ECB and the wider game to key political stakeholders.

• Establish regular contact with politicians, political advisers, civil servants, non-departmental public bodies to keep them informed about the organisation’s work and policy concerns.

• Respond to consultations and engage proactively with departmental officials to provide intel on policy development.

• Provide written or oral briefings for senior staff members and advise them on contact with decision-makers.

• Organise or attend regular meetings and events with these stakeholders, representing ECB and forging contacts with key decision-makers.

• Monitor proceedings of the UK Parliaments and provide analysis of these for senior staff members

• Provide internal forecasts of the likely effect of public policy changes on cricket’s strategic objectives

• Research to identify legislation / policies for the ECB to proactively influence

• Managing the ECB response to various public policy issues, ensuring strategies and campaigns are developed to influence public policy debates and outcomes.

• Managing political stakeholder invitations and attendance at cricket matches

• Managing day -to-day relations with the All Party Parliamentary Cricket Group, the Lords and Commons Cricket Club and the Women’s Parliamentary team.

YOU’LL HAVE

Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of UK parliamentary, political and policy making systems, both Whitehall and the Senedd

• An ability to grasp and communicate complex policy issues 

• An interest in cricket and knowledge of UK National Governing Bodies of Sport

Experience 

• Experience of working as part of a team on high profile, fast moving projects

• Effective contacts across Westminster and Whitehall

Skills 

• An outstanding communicator with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders

• Ability to facilitate complex discussions that deliver impactful outcomes

• Educated to degree level or equivalent;

YOU’LL RECEIVE

• Holiday - 25 days a year

• Volunteering – 2 days a year

• Pension - Non-contributory 8% pension

• Private medical insurance

• Employee health cash-back plan

• Long-term sickness insurance

• Life assurance - four times your annual basic salary

• Enhanced family friendly leave

• Unmind – free and confidential access to a wellbeing app to help you manage your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing

• OpenBlend - an innovative coaching and performance management tool

• People Academy - a range of programmes and initiatives to help you develop and reach your

• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential access to expert services including counselling, wellbeing, and independent legal and financial advice

• Free online fitness classes

• 30% Castore discount

• Cycle 2 Work Scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Preferential access to tickets to England and The Hundred games