Policy & Public Affairs Apprentice

Vacancy No

VN2610

Location City

Multiple (Non-London)

Location Country

United Kingdom

Job Description

Job Title: Policy & Public Affairs Apprentice

Reports to: Senior External Affairs Manager/ Public Affairs Manager

Department: Nations & Regions

Location: Leeds or Glasgow

Number of roles: 1

Start date: September 2026

THE C4 APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

If you are looking for an opportunity to gain work experience and a qualification, then an apprenticeship at Channel 4 might be for you.

Our Apprenticeships are full-time, with four days per week spent working in a C4 department and one day per week completing the formal learning parts of the apprenticeship. You'll spend 60% of your working week in your office base and 40% working from home.

The formal training provided will consist of workshops, tutorials, webinars, coaching and in some cases residential boot camps. You can read more about the qualification being offered for this apprenticeship below.

If you'd like some tips on writing your application before you apply, please watch our YouTube video, How to Write an Outstanding Application.

The programme aims to offer opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the TV industry, so we are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio-economic groups.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

• You must be 18 years old or over at the time the scheme starts to apply. There is no upper age limit.
• You'll need to have a Grade C (4) or above in Maths & English GCSE
• You can't have already completed the qualification being offered or similar at the same or higher level
• Our apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and people who do not have a degree. If you have a degree, please visit the Channel 4 Jobs website

CHANNEL 4 BEHAVIOURS

At Channel 4, we have four core behaviours that underpin everything we do. These are outlined below, and we will be assessing candidates on these behaviours throughout the recruitment process.

Include We're Altogether Different so let's give each other a bear hug, team up and trust each other to collaborate arm-in-arm. Don't just listen: listen to understand.

Innovate Don't just rinse and repeat: don't just go through the motions. Challenge positive and embrace change. Experiment & take smart risks.

Grow Question everything and school yourself. Be generous with your knowledge with others and seek feedback from them. Be clear with your objectives.

Get it done Make your time at Channel 4 count. Be a solution-finder, not a finger-pointer. Prioritise, decide and then act – always commercially.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Policy and Public Affairs team sits within the Nations and Regions division and is responsible for managing all of Channel 4's relationships with the UK and devolved Governments and Parliaments, as well as with regulators and other stakeholders in the political and corporate worlds.

The team seeks to ensure that any policy and regulatory decisions made are in the best interests of Channel 4. The team plays a lead role in ensuring that stakeholders are kept informed about key Channel 4 programmes and initiatives and understand Channel 4's unique remit and model. It also provides briefing and advice to Channel 4's senior management.

The team has members based in London and Leeds and Glasgow and this role will be based in Leeds or Glasgow.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

• Support the team's project management function, including taking notes in meetings, logging actions, and tracking progress.
• Assist with the organisation of events and visits, helping with guest lists, invitations, briefings, and logistics.
• Help draft briefings for meetings, events, and Select Committees, compiling relevant information and research from across the business.
• Monitor and summarise key political and policy developments, producing clear and timely updates for the team.
• Coordinate MP meetings and visits and support wider diary and stakeholder management.
• Support the team's external communications, including stakeholder engagement and social media activity.
• Help ensure supplier invoices are processed promptly by raising purchase orders and liaising with Accounts Payable.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

As part of the application process, you'll be asked to tell us how you meet the essential criteria listed below. When answering this question, think about examples from your experience so far; this doesn't need to be professional experience, but could be academic, from volunteering, or a part-time job.

We've provided some examples besides the first four criteria of experience that could demonstrate you have these skills. Please note you do not need to use these examples, they are just here for guidance, and you should draw from your own personal experiences.

• Verbal and written communication skills - Verbal - e.g. experience of dealing with customers or working as part of a team. Communication – e.g. writing emails, completing an application form or essay, or if you have a hobby that involves creative writing.
• Attention to detail - e.g. Cashing up on tills or proofreading coursework.
• Organisation skills and ability to prioritise tasks - e.g. Planning events whether personal or for professional purposes, as well as managing work life balance, for example working whilst doing coursework/exams.
• Initiative and curiosity – proactive in finding information, asking questions, and showing interest in current affairs and the creative industries
• An understanding of and a passion for Channel 4's remit
• Confirm you have Maths & English GCSE Grade C (4) or above

QUALIFICATION OFFERED WITH THIS APPRENTICESHIP

Business Administrator Level 3 or Diploma Digital Application Support SCQF level 6

LENGTH OF APPRENTICESHIP

15 months if based in Leeds

12 months if based in Glasgow

ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION FORMATS

We are committed to making the application process accessible. If you would like to discuss suggestions for alternative formats, or have any questions about the recruitment process in general, please contact us at

Take a look at our access page for more information, which you'll find by clicking here. You can also watch our YouTube video, Demystifying Interview and Workplace adjustments.

RELOCATION

If you need to relocate in order to take up this opportunity, we can offer you support towards the financial costs of moving. This includes a contribution towards your deposit and first months' rent, plus visits to your new city to look for accommodation.

Basic salary per annum starting from

£24,328.00

Application questions to complete

Application questions

• Referring to the essential criteria listed on the job description (which are all skills and experiences we deem important to thrive as a C4 apprentice), please use examples to demonstrate how you meet these (feel free to draw on academic, personal and professional experiences words max)
• Can you share with us what representation and inclusion mean to you personally, and why you think they're important? (300 words max)
• Please share a list of your current qualifications, including those you expect to obtain before the January 2025 start of this apprenticeship. We require this information to ensure your eligibility for the apprenticeship you are applying for.
• What aspects of a role in Channel 4's Policy & Public Affairs team most appeal to you, and why? (200 words max)
• How would you manage your time and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, busy team environment? (200 words max)

Benefits

There are a million reasons why it's great to work at Channel 4, here are just a few of the perks for you;

• Private medical insurance

• Free Virtual GP access for employees

• Free Female Health hormone test each year

• Free Tastecard membership

• Financial guidance 1-2-1's available each quarter

• Discounted Gym memberships

• Pension

• Life Assurance

• Income Protection

• Holiday Purchase

Hybrid working

From September 2023, C4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week.

Having everyone in the office three days a week gives us more opportunity to build our high performing, inclusive culture; to collaborate and to learn and share with each other, as well as helping to coordinate a regular pattern of home and office working days. Employees then have the flexibility to decide where they spend the rest of the working week. All our offices are open five days a week.

Applications Close Date

02 Jan 2026

Equal Opportunities

Channel 4's purpose is to create change through entertainment; by representing unheard voices, challenging with purpose and delivering content which reflects the diversity of different communities across the UK.

We are only able to deliver on this remit by having a workforce rich in diversity of thought, background and lived experience. As an employer we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender reassignment, gender expression, criminal history, length of time spent unemployed, marriage or civil partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Disability Confident Scheme:

Channel 4 is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has also maintained the highest level of the Department of Work and Pension's Disability Confident scheme - Level 3: Leader. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to offer an interview to all candidates who have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and who meet the essential criteria for an advertised job. If you wish your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please select yes when completing the application questions. For more information, please visit the Disability Confident Campaign website.

For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.

Care Leaver Friendly Employer:

Channel 4 is a Care Leaver Friendly Employer. By signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter and adopting its principles, we are supporting an immensely talented yet often under-served and under-represented community of young people/ adults. We commit to offering an interview (and constructive feedback) to applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. Applicants should indicate if they wish to apply under our Care Leaver Scheme by selecting the option on the application form.

For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.

Workplace Adjustments:

We are committed to providing disabled applicants a level playing field when applying for a job and support whilst employed to perform to the best of their ability and develop their careers. If you have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and require any adjustments, additional support or alternative arrangements during the recruitment and wish to discuss this confidentially, please let us know via the following e-mail