Director of Public Affairs

Director of Public Affairs - 6-Month FTC (with potential for extension)

Salary - Competitive + Benefits

Based in the Midlands - Hybrid Working

LGPS Central Limited is looking for an experienced and strategic Director of Public Affairs to lead our public policy agenda, with a strong focus on pensions reform and regulatory change.

Position

The Director of Public Affairs will lead the development of LGPS Central's public policy strategies, ensuring alignment with government priorities, particularly around pensions reforms. The role focuses on advocating for the long-term interests of LGPS Central and its partners, with an emphasis on pension sustainability, governance, and transparency, while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape to ensure LGPS Central's strategies remain responsive to policy changes.

The postholder will engage with key government departments, including HM Treasury (HMT) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), to represent LGPS Central's interests. They will also monitor pensions reform to ensure the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) remains adaptable to emerging policy frameworks and promote responsible investment practices for the benefit of members and partners.

The Director of Public Affairs will position LGPS Central as a leading voice in shaping public sector pensions policy. Through strategic relationships and policy consultation, the postholder will ensure LGPS Central's interests are represented in critical discussions, supporting the long-term financial security of pension scheme members.

This role is a certified role under the Senior Manager's Certification Regime and will be subject to assessments in Fitness and Propriety and any other regulatory requirements.

About us

LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA-regulated asset manager for eight local authority pension funds across the Midlands. LGPSC is jointly owned on an equal shares basis by those Partner Fund, and it is responsible for managing £45bn+ of their assets. It is one of eight Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pools in the UK.

LGPS Central's Partner Funds are:

• Cheshire Pension Fund
• Derbyshire Pension Fund
• Leicestershire Pension Fund
• Nottinghamshire Pension Fund
• Shropshire Pension Fund
• Staffordshire Pension Fund
• West Midlands Pension Fund
• Worcestershire Pension Fund

The Company is committed to responsible investment and has made responsible investment a core part of the investment process in every asset class.

LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid-working environment with a range of employee benefits. The Company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links.

Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds. With a focus on value for money and performance we want to aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver the superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner Funds.

What you will be doing

• Work with the CEO and Chair to influence policy within Government and Regulatory bodies.
• Develop and maintain LGPS Central's public policy strategies, ensuring alignment with our strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including HM Treasury (HMT), the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), other LGPS pools, and our partners.
• Engage with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other regulatory and professional bodies to ensure compliance and advocacy for LGPS Central's interests.
• Lead the preparation, response, and consultation management of policy consultations from HMT, MHCLG, FCA, Financial Reporting Council (FRC), and other relevant bodies.
• Collaborate with internal teams, partners, and the LGPS Central Board to agree and implement strategic responses to policy changes.
• Ensure LGPS Central is positioned as a key influencer in policy discussions affecting the LGPS investment landscape.
• Prepare high-quality reports, consultation responses, and briefing papers for senior management and the Board.
• Represent LGPS Central at industry forums, working groups, and governmental meetings.

Requirements

• Significant experience in public policy development, ideally within the financial services or public sector, with a focus on pensions, governance, and regulation.
• Proven track record of influencing policy at a senior level within government departments, regulatory bodies, or similar organisations.
• Strong understanding of the regulatory and policy frameworks affecting pension schemes, particularly the LGPS and broader pensions reforms.
• Experience in leading or contributing to policy consultations, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and competing stakeholder interests.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Qualifications

• A background in public policy, economics, finance, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualifications in policy analysis, public administration, or a related field would be advantageous.
• A solid understanding of the pensions landscape and financial regulations is essential.
• Familiarity with responsible investment and ESG considerations is desirable.
• Has or can meet all the requirements of being FCA certified.

What do we offer?

We are a diverse, dynamic and forward-looking employer and are members of the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion. Below is a selection of benefits we offer our employees:

• Competitive salary
• An enhanced and generous Pension Scheme
• 30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays
• 2 days paid volunteering days.
• An extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidays
• Excellent Learning & Development Opportunities
• Welfare and Family-friendly policies
• Enhanced pay for new parents
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme- 24-7 Health & Wellbeing Support
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hybrid Working
• Company Service Awards
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Company Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Brand New Office Space
• Nominees of the Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2022 - Personnel Today Awards 2022