Our vision is world-class education for Wales. Our mission is to demonstrate the value of further education to all learners, society and the economy. We pride ourselves on providing high quality services to our stakeholders. But we can only do this with the commitment and hard work of our excellent team of staff.
ColegauCymru comprises of a small team of enthusiastic and skilled individuals and the organisation has extensive experience in the further education sector in Wales.
Senior Adviser - Policy and Partnerships
Reporting To Chief Executive
Contract Full time, fixed term until 31 July 2026 (Job-share considered)
Salary £53,000 (pro rata)
Location A combination of office (Cardiff) and home-based working with a minimum of two days spent in the office or at meetings.
Closing Date Monday 5 May 2025
Main Purpose of Role
The next eighteen months will have a big impact on shaping the future of post-16 education and training in Wales. Elections in May 2026 to an expanded Senedd will see a new dynamic to Welsh politics, while the work of Medr, the new regulator for the tertiary sector, will begin to reshape both further education and work-based learning.
It is crucial that during this period the needs of FE and WBL are clearly articulated. At a time of uncertainty about future public expenditure and changes to the policy and regulatory environment, we need to make sure the voice of the sector is being listened to at the very highest levels.
This new role is a fixed term contract until the 31 July 2026 and will be focused on both supporting our political engagement leading up to and after the elections in May 2026 and on supporting engagement work with Medr as they undertake a series of changes to how the post-16 sector will be regulated.
The postholder will be required to work directly and confidently with senior government officials, Ministers, political parties, partner organisations and senior leaders within the sector itself, as well as to advise the senior team at ColegauCymru on how to deliver an effective engagement strategy. It needs someone with a track record of making an impact with senior decision makers and who has a detailed understanding of Welsh politics and the ability to build relationships across parties.
It is essential that the postholder is passionate about the work that colleges do and who understands the transformative impact we have on individuals and communities.
The role has been deliberately designed to work across both the Policy and Public Affairs Team and the Strategic Development Team. Although it will report directly to the Chief Executive, it will be essential that they work closely with the Director of Policy and Public Affairs and the Director of Partnerships and Strategic Development.
Working for ColegauCymru - Additional Information
To Apply for this position
Please send a cover letter and CV which demonstrates how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Description. Applications should be submitted by email to HR@colegaucymru.ac.uk
Closing Date
The closing date for this vacancy is Monday 5 May 2025 at 5.00pm.
Interviews
Interviews will be held on 13 May 2025 or 19 May 2025 in person at Tongwynlais, Cardiff. If you have any queries, please email HR@coleguacymru.ac.uk
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
