West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Lead Policy Officer (Sport) Culture, Heritage and Sport
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Lead Policy Officer (Sport and Physical Activity) – Fixed Term Role
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Lead Policy Officer with a strong background in Sport and Physical Activity policy and delivery to join our Culture, Heritage and Sport team.
The ideal candidate will bring significant expertise and a strong network to support the delivery of programmes that boost participation across West Yorkshire. You will drive key initiatives that embed sport and physical activity—alongside broader team work—into strategies that enhance health, wealth, and community well-being in the region.
This role will involve:
- Contributing to regional strategies such as:
- The West Yorkshire Plan
- Mayoral Pledges
- The Local Growth Plan
- The Culture, Heritage and Sport Action Plan and Framework
- Influencing policy, investment, collaboration, and convening efforts as devolved powers grow
- Supporting strategic interventions to strengthen sport and physical activity sectors, while aligning with the wider Combined Authority’s priorities
You will work closely with:
- Inclusive Economy Directorate (Education and Skills, Business)
- Combined Authority teams (Research & Intelligence, Place, Marketing & Communications, Mayoral Office)
- External partnerships, including:
- The five West Yorkshire local authorities (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield)
- Arms Length Bodies (e.g., Sport England, with whom the CA has a Memorandum of Understanding)
- Government departments, sector organisations, and local communities
- Key organisations such as:
- Yorkshire Sport Foundation
- The Active Partnership for the area
- The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)
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Responsibilities
- Define and drive policy and strategy to enhance sport and physical activity participation, while supporting broader health/well-being goals
- Collaborate with team leads, local authorities, and stakeholders to align regional priorities with delivery
- Influence, advocate, and convene sector leaders to shape UK-wide and regional policies affecting physical activity and sport
- Support the Mayoral Office in briefings, events, and positioning sport and culture as key economic and social drivers
- Ensure targeted resource deployment to maximise impact across the West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
- Lead on joint regional strategies, including monitoring progress and reporting effectiveness
- Engage with advisory bodies (e.g., government, research partners) to inform evidence-based decision-making
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Requirements
- Proven expertise in sport/physical activity policy, strategy, or programme delivery
- Experience working in cross-sector collaboration (e.g., health, education, local government)
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, third-sector bodies, and agencies
- Familiarity with Combined Authority operations and devolved governance structures
- Strong analytical skills to interpret data, survey feedback, and agency reports
- Exceptional network within West Yorkshire sport/physical activity sector with relevant partnerships
- Competence in communication and engagement (briefings, stakeholder presentations, meetings)
- Fixed-term contract (duration specified separately)
Benefits (Assuming Standard CA Offer – to be confirmed)
(Note: Payslips currently hidden—visit career site for detailed benefits. Typical Combined Authority roles offer:)
- Competitive salary ( paragraphs from raw text)
- Flexible working options
- Comprehensive health and pension provision
- Career development opportunities aligned with team priorities
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