Policy Specialist (Safety & Regulation)

Salary:  £60,000 to £65,000

Contract Type:  Permanent – Full time

Location:  Gatwick – Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Role

• Provide expert advice on safety policy and regulatory requirements associated with the full and safe integration new and novel technology within the FS&I remit.
• Provide technical policy support to enable policy change across the FS&I remit.
• Coordination of external responses
• Provide expert interpretation of current UAS policy and regulations.
• Effective liaison with the public, industry and internal colleagues.
• Produce very high quality of written regulatory guidance material for use by SARG and industry.   
• Establish and build suitable working relationships in order to identify and recommend suitable courses of action to the Policy lead, and the FS&I Policy manager.
• Effectively identify and address emerging UAS regulatory issues.
• Manage relationships with other regulators on matters within the remit of FS&I, or organisations which fall outside the remit of the Basic Regulation, such as the Emergency services.

Safety Specific

• Assessment of safety impact of regulatory and policy changes
• Management of the regulatory safety management system for existing FS&I risks

Core Accountabilities

• Policy developed consistent with safety and business needs, including CAA Business and programme and individual action plans, and external drivers.
• Write and maintain Policy and Guidance documents to a high standard.
• Standards, legislation and requirements are developed using SMART principles, and are practicable and effective.
• Adherence to CAA Regulatory and Management systems.
• Achievement of programme objectives and service standards.
• Effective and recognised contributions are made to national and international aviation policy development.  Contribute to the FS&I objectives.
• Meeting expected CAA competences.
• Fully contribute as Chair/member of working or study groups as applicable.
• Meet personal objectives agreed with Line Manager.
• Satisfactory completion of training courses/modules/professional qualification(s).
• High Quality of written and verbal communications within timescales.
• Act in accordance with CAA values: Do the right thing, Respect everyone, Never stop learning, Build collaborative relationships

About You

Minimum essential requirements for the role:

• Demonstrated knowledge of aviation regulation, ideally within the domain of an FS&I community.
• Experience of Performance Based Regulation, Safety Management Systems, Human Factors.
• Risk Management training and practical experience.
• Knowledge of wider aviation matters, including knowledge of relevant international rulesets.
• Ability to write effective technical guidance material for use by a general audience.
• Ability to identify new work proactively and recognizing the subsequent impacts of that work on organizational objectives and other’s work.
• Ability to analyse complex subject matter and to produce simple and effective briefings and written explanations to general audience and decision makers.
• Ability to analyse regulatory work with a high attention to detail and then provide solutions and track work to towards agreed objectives.
• Ability to work effectively within a team of experts. Must be able to cope with periods of higher workload, prioritise work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively via the written word and verbally at all levels.
• IT literacy in MS Office applications.

Desirable skills for the role:

• Proven expert and detailed knowledge of the functioning and application of aviation regulation.
• Proven ability to write effective technical guidance material for use by a general audience.
• Accident and incident investigation training and practical experience.
• Previous regulatory experience.
• Experience within an international regulatory organization, such as ICAO.
• Experience within, or working closely with, a government organisation.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

CTC - To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 3 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusivity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our diversity ensuring all are backgrounds included here at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as:

• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements available
• 28 days annual leave + public holidays (additional 5 days leave purchase scheme)
• Generous pension scheme (Up to 12% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Room at Gatwick
• Mental Health and Suicide First Aiders
• Employee Assistance Programme, talking therapies and neurodiversity support via Occupational Health & access to Headspace for colleagues and 5 dependents
• Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London
• EV charging points
• Employee Development courses internally and via Skillsoft

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: Friday 24th October 2025

Interview Date: w/c 3rd/10th November 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.