Government Affairs Advisor

FSB is the UK’s leading business organisation with an unparalleled voice to those in power. We are seeking a Government Affairs Advisor and would welcome applications from anybody looking to use their experience to date to improve the quality of decisions taken by UK Government and Parliament. Our goal is to make sure that these decisions take better account of the needs and perspective of small businesses and the self-employed. 

We are a small, friendly, flexible and effective team, with a strong track record of successfully delivering change to UK public policy.  We offer a supportive environment for you to maximise your experience, and to progress in role. Central to the role is evaluating and acting upon risks, benefits or opportunities to small businesses within the current political context. We are open to a range of perspectives on the best way to achieve policy change and will support you in developing your own approach and perspective.

You will be responsible for initiating and developing frequent and high-quality contact with MPs, Advisors, Ministers and relevant officials; leading on delivery of FSB’s party conference activity and political events; briefing FSB’s member leadership, and; working collaboratively with FSB’s policy, media and communication, and international teams in specialist project teams on specific policy areas to advance FSB objectives.     

If you are interested in this role, we would be keen to hear from you. We are open to applications on a job share basis or from job share pairings. FSB is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact [email protected].

In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you’ll also benefit from:

• 26 days holidays per year plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with your Annual Flex Pot*
• Annual Flex Pot* to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Health cash plan* (Access to claim back numerous benefits, including towards dental treatment, optical, chiropody, physiotherapy, counselling, health and wellbeing)
• Critical illness and income protection insurance*
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders
• Group Personal Pension (GPP)

*Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms

About Us

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK’s grassroots business organisation. We are a cross-party non-profit body that represents small business and self-employed members in every nation and region. In 2024, FSB celebrated 50 years of being the authoritative voice on issues affecting the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, microbusinesses and the self-employed.

FSB is the UK’s largest business group and leading business campaigner, focused on achieving change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed. We also provide our members with a wide range of vital business services, helping them to start, run, and grow successful businesses through high quality protection and support. This includes 24/7 legal support, financial expertise, training and events, debt recovery and employment/HR advice – alongside a powerful voice heard by governments at all levels.

Our local, national and international activism helps shape policy decisions that have a direct impact on the day-to-day running of smaller businesses. We work for their interests through research and engagement with our members and by effective campaigning - influencing those in power through policy analysis, public affairs, media and public relations activity. Our advocacy work starts with our expert external affairs team in Westminster, which focuses on UK and England policy issues, the UK Government, Parliament and media and communications engagement. Further to this, our teams in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast work with governments, elected representatives and media in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How to apply

All applications to be received by Wednesday 08 January 2025. Any applications received after this date will be held on file for a maximum of 6 months and reviewed if the first round of applicants are unsuccessful.

To apply for this role please email your CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria to [email protected].

Additional Information

All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.

FSB is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusion across gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, colour, race, ethnic origin, religious beliefs and disability. We believe that diversity and inclusion in our team is integral to our success in supporting the UK’s vast array of small businesses.

Applicants are advised to apply early, we reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email.