Policy and Planning Development Officer

Closing Date for Applications

12th December 2025 

Salary Scale: £32,000 per annum

First stage interview 16th December

Second stage interview 18th December

What is the purpose of this job?

As a Planning & Policy Development Officer, you will support the delivery of long-term planning and policy development to enable effective rail reform and the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR). Your work will ensure that RDG's input shapes the new industry structure and delivers improved outcomes for customers. You will help develop ideas aligned with business priorities, stimulate positive change within the industry, and deliver high-quality services to members and stakeholders.

What can I expect to do in this job? 

This isn't an exhaustive list, but things you can expect to lead and be involved with include:

· Gathering and analysing data to inform rail industry planning and policy positions.

· Liaising with subject matter experts across RDG and member organisations to generate evidence-based content for long-term planning and policy development.

· Drafting policy briefings, thought-pieces, and reports for senior managers.

· Coordinating the collection of views from members and stakeholders to prepare consultation responses.

· Providing a wide range of administrative support, including meeting coordination, paper preparation, and minute-taking (e.g., secretariat support for the Station Strategy Group and other governance groups where required).

· Assisting in the development and delivery of initiatives that enhance the social value of stations, ensuring inclusivity for diverse community groups.

· Keeping up to date with relevant social, political, and economic developments, and briefing the team as needed.

· Working flexibly across several policy areas, maintaining alignment between them.

· Supporting a culture of excellence in the Policy team through ongoing training and professional development.

· Organising and delivering major events, such as the Stations Summit, including logistics, speaker engagement, and thematic development.

Requirements

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

Essential

1. Proven experience of gathering and analysing data to inform policy or planning decisions.

2. Well-organised, with strong administrative and coordination skills.

3. Good research, numeracy, and analytical abilities.

4. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with stakeholders and colleagues.

5. Excellent communication skills—oral, written, and presentational.

6. Ability to adapt, develop, structure, and draft rail planning and policy positions and briefings.

7. Computer literate.

Desirable

· Experience of working in planning, policy-making, or analysis within the rail or transport sector.

· Experience of using data and evidence to support policy development.

· Familiarity with the workings of industry bodies, government departments, or stakeholder groups relevant to the rail sector.

Benefits

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance (Vitality) including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You'll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You'll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG, we'd love to hear from you

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.

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