Job Description

The BVCA is looking for a keen and proactive Policy Executive to support our work to progress the need to facilitate more UK domestic investment, particularly pensions, into UK-managed private capital funds. This role sits in the BVCA's policy team, which works on a range of tax, regulatory, legal and accounting issues to influence policy decisions on behalf of our members. The ideal candidate will have some experience in a policy role, ideally within a pensions, investment, or financial services environment.


The successful candidate will be responsible for helping the Policy Manager to drive forward the private capital industry's engagement with the pensions industry and policymakers, including through two Pensions and Private Capital Expert Panels focused respectively on UK Defined Contribution (DC) pension schemes and the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).


This role will also provide opportunities to get involved with and contribute to a wider range of policy work, relating to investors and other themes affecting the industry and its role in the real economy. That will involve supporting the BVCA's policy engagement with institutional investors, helping to develop policy positions and facilitating the sharing of best practice to increase mutual understanding. Areas of focus may include regulation, fundraising, corporate reporting, and other cross-cutting themes (such as growth policy) as they arise.


You will use your strong project management and collaboration skills to work with others in the BVCA (e.g. external affairs, research, events, membership) and with BVCA-member private capital firms. In addition, the role will support the policy team in the governance of our committees, and involve supporting with the organisation of stakeholder focused events.


The role will offer you the opportunity to make an impact on achieving one of the UK's most high profile priorities - increasing investment in high-growth UK businesses and generating strong returns for pension savers.

Key Responsibilities

This role will be divided into three key areas with the responsibilities listed as follows:

Policy:

The postholder will help to drive forward the BVCA's engagement with pensions industry and policy stakeholders by:


Working with the wider industry and team to support the Defined Contribution and Local Government Pension Scheme Expert Panels and working groups and, guided by your manager, identifying and implementing solutions that address key strategic issues with the pensions sector. Owning and preparing high quality consultation responses and briefings as needed, including engagement with internal BVCA member committees, developing a point of view, drafting, monitoring, and briefing the wider BVCA teams. Delivering internal and committee updates, as required. Supporting the development of events and training that connect pensions investors with private capital firms and highlight potential investment opportunities. Supporting the wider governance and management of the Expert Panels and work to engage the pensions industry.


To succeed, this work will need to be underpinned by policy work, including:


Assessing impacts of policy options, both relating to pensions and wider private capital issues. Building a strong understanding of the wider pensions market and initiatives related to the pension investment landscape.

Stakeholder engagement:

Delivering on policy objectives will involve:


Engaging proactively and bilaterally with pensions providers, private capital firms and policy stakeholders and feeding gathered insights into BVCA strategic policy and commercial discussions. Developing relationships with key stakeholders - for example, in Government, other trade bodies, and the pension industry. Attending events and other engagements in order to promote better mutual understanding and more collaboration between the private capital industry and the pensions industry.

Collaboration and teamwork:

Working with other members of the BVCA's Policy, Public Affairs and Research teams to make progress on our policy priorities. Liaising closely with members of the BVCA (e.g. lawyers, advisers, investors from the VC and PE community) to establish a common understanding of the challenges and ambitions. Working closely with the BVCA Events team to ensure the smooth operation of events, including the BVCA pensions summit, and showcase events.

Requirements

1-3 years' experience in a policy role. This could be within a pensions, investment, or financial services environment, and/or in government, at a trade body or in another investment environment. A good understanding of the UK's policy making process. A keen interest in the Private Capital Industry and its role in contributing to economic growth Attention to detail is a must. Strong project management skills, and the ability to work to multiple deadlines, and across multiple projects consecutively. Strong interpersonal and networking skills: the ability to build relationships, understand industry issues, articulate these, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders on them. Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate and liaise with senior executives from our member firms. Collaborative and consultative approach and a strong work ethic. Experience of contributing to the planning, organisation and delivery of events would be an advantage.

Benefits

Why come work for the BVCA?

Be part of the leading trade body for the private capital industry in the UK, supporting the growth of the industry and deepening the understanding of external stakeholders to the benefit of the industry Experience a friendly, engaged, and passionate work environment (with regular social activities) with a supportive culture A competitive salary, reflecting the technical requirements and seniority of the role, and a performance-related discretionary bonus Enjoy important benefits: 25 days holiday in addition to Bank Holidays; a 10% non-contributory pension; non-contractual day off for your birthday Life and medical benefits: life assurance (4 times salary); private medical Insurance for you; health cash plan; critical Illness and income protection insurance; employee Assistance Programme - includes Mental Health support, Virtual GP, Nutrition advice and Financial wellbeing
Other benefits: interest free season ticket loan; corporate discounts; reimbursement of up to 2 relevant professional institutes; generous support for professional and personal development, Cycle to Work Scheme
The BVCA supports an environment that is based on merit and inclusiveness, where all employees can develop their full potential, irrespective of their race, gender, marital status, age, disability, religious belief, political opinion or sexual orientation.