Director of Policy

The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is the voice of private capital in the UK. We are the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the UK. We have been acting on behalf of this community for almost 40 years, enabling it to uphold its vision and achieve its goals. We actively represent this diverse community of long-term investors enabling them to speak with one clear and consistent voice to wider society, including the Government, media and MPs. The BVCA engages, sustains, and evolves the private capital community. Connecting institutional investors, fund managers, companies, advisers and service providers. Our membership comprises more than 700 influential firms, including over 325 private equity and venture capital firms, 100 institutional investors and 220 professional services firms. Our members help companies grow and achieve their long-term ambitions, creating value for the country, economically and socially. Private capital helps create the jobs of the future in high-growth sectors like biotech, software and clean energy and it helps to attract investment and talent from around the world to the UK. From creating medicines to protect us against Covid-19, to backing innovative companies in their quest to find solutions to our low-carbon future, private capital also plays a critical role in addressing the future challenges we face as a society. Together we are invested in a better future. The Role This full-time permanent position within the BVCA is a key role for someone who has a significant number of years senior Policy experience and will be responsible for leading the BVCA's response to a wide range of policy challenges facing the industry from a legal, tax, accounting, reporting and regulatory perspective. The remit is for this role is primarily focused on the UK, but also includes initiatives and developments driven by the EU and other international bodies and jurisdictions. Your primary responsibility will be to work with the Director General and other senior members of the BVCA team to ensure the BVCA strengthens the case of the venture capital and private equity investment model to government, policy makers and regulators, as a credible interlocuter in public policy matters impacting and related to the private capital sector. Responsibilities Shape the development and implementation of policy designed by government or regulators to ensure that it takes account of the needs of the UK venture capital and private equity industry. Lead the policy advocacy for, and raise the profile of, the industry and on strategically important issues with government departments, regulators and other key stakeholders. These include the Business Department (BEIS), the Treasury, HMRC, FCA, FRC the CMA and relevant parliamentary committees. The role involves leading key stakeholder meetings, speaking at BVCA and external conferences and handling queries from industry media. Develop transparency initiatives for the industry, at the heart of which is leading the liaison with the independent Private Equity Reporting Group, the reports it publishes and promoting compliance with what are known as ‘the Walker Guidelines’. Develop and lead strategic initiatives related to the BVCA as an Association and the broader industry, such as those related to diversity, ESG, creating a more competitive environment for private equity and venture capital firms and increasing access to investor capital. A key role in the Senior Management Team, with wider responsibilities to support the strategic objectives and operational plans of the BVCA, in addition to providing directors, and the board, with technical expertise and industry knowledge. Essential Skills and Experience Expertise in and knowledge of the highest levels of the UK political system and regulatory landscape. An expert understanding of the broad regulatory, legal and tax framework within which the industry operates, an appreciation of issues it faces and an ability to influence key stakeholders and deliver advocacy at the highest level. A background in policy development and advocacy or regulatory background to be able to lead on the key policy areas and draw the best from the other policy experts in the department. An ability to analyse and synthesise technical issues and then communicate effectively with colleagues, members and external stakeholders, of different degrees of technical awareness and interest, in person and in writing. A confident relationship builder, able to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships internally and externally at all levels. The BVCA Executive comprises a diverse range of staff unified in their aim to drive forward the industry and actively demonstrate its impact to the Government, media, and the public at large and to reinforce the crucial role our industry plays in the global economy. We support 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. How to apply: