Job Description

About CPIA

The Centre for Public Interest Audit (CPIA) is a policy and research institute formed to improve audit quality across the profession. As an independent voice we want to educate, inform and influence the debate on audit quality and support trust in audit by shaping high-quality, evidence-based policy and thought leadership.

The role

We are seeking an Associate Director (Policy & Research) to lead CPIA's policy pipeline--shaping priorities, steering research, and turning evidence into high-quality drafting (government and regulator consultation responses, guidance, briefs, reports and thought leadership). You'll set editorial standards, quality-assure outputs, and coordinate delivery across a small, high-performing team. You will also act as deputy to the Executive Director when required, representing CPIA externally and providing senior cover internally.

Key responsibilities

Own the policy pipeline: Frame issues, design workplans and drive projects from scoping through publication and follow-up. Lead evidence & research: Commission and conduct literature/regulatory reviews; synthesise findings into clear options and recommendations. Draft & edit to publication standard: Produce and quality-assure consultation responses, guidance notes, impact analyses, briefings and reports. Stakeholder engagement: Represent CPIA with government, regulators, standard-setters and market participants; present positions in meetings and panels; oversee events planning. Horizon scanning: Track developments across audit, governance and regulation; brief leadership and the Board on risks and opportunities. Enable delivery: Take a leading role in delivering our communications strategy, working alongside the Communications Manager to ensure effective execution, and supporting the Executive Director in securing and performing in media coverage, building CPIA's profile.

About you

Proven record developing evidence-based policy positions and carrying them through to publication and advocacy. Exemplary drafting skills with experience producing public-facing documents to deadlines. Confident engaging senior stakeholders across government, regulators, media and the profession. Organised, detail-oriented and comfortable juggling multiple workstreams. (Desirable) Experience of working in audit/assurance, prudential/financial regulation, or policy development roles.

Rewards & benefits

Competitive salary (c85,000) plus pension 28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays Hybrid working in London Inclusive, mission-driven culture with professional development support

How to apply

Please send your CV, a short cover letter (max. 2 pages) setting out your suitability for the role to hr@cpia.org.uk with subject "Associate Director (Policy & Research)". In your letter, tell us what you would deliver in your first 90 days.

Closing date:

23 November 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital or disability status

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 80,000.00-85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Paid volunteer time Sick pay Work from home
Application question(s):

Please note the requirement to share your cover letter and CV to the email address provided, otherwise your application will not be counted.
Experience:

Public Policy: 2 years (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London EC2R