Westminster Forum Projects

The opportunity

Are you interested in UK food, agriculture and nutrition policy? Do you enjoy researching complex issues, following government and regulatory developments, and understanding how policy decisions affect businesses, consumers and wider society?

We are looking for a bright, intellectually curious and highly organised individual to join our editorial research team, helping to develop impartial, senior-level conferences on key issues in UK food, agriculture and nutrition policy.

A genuine interest in these policy areas is essential. We welcome applications from graduates with relevant academic backgrounds or demonstrable policy interests, junior researchers looking to develop their careers, and more experienced candidates with backgrounds in policy, research, public affairs, journalism or related fields.

Previous conference experience is not essential. We are looking for someone with strong research and writing abilities, sound judgement, initiative and a willingness to learn and apply our established editorial processes and working practices.

About the role

The Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum brings together policymakers, regulators, industry representatives, academics, professional bodies, charities and other stakeholders to discuss significant policy developments and their implications.

Our conferences cover a wide range of issues, including:

• UK food strategy, food security and supply chain resilience
• Agricultural policy, farming and land use
• Food regulation, safety, standards and labelling
• Nutrition, obesity, HFSS regulation and public health
• Food affordability, food poverty and inequalities
• Food waste, sustainability and environmental policy
• Novel foods, agriscience and innovation
• Fisheries, trade and the future of UK food production

You will help ensure that our conferences are timely, relevant, balanced and responsive to developments in government policy and the concerns of those affected.

Key responsibilities

Policy and editorial research

• Researching UK government policy, legislation, consultations, parliamentary inquiries, regulatory developments and stakeholder responses.
• Identifying emerging issues, areas of debate, future policy milestones and the practical implications of proposed changes.
• Understanding the priorities and concerns of different stakeholder groups and identifying the questions that need to be discussed.

Conference development

• Researching potential speakers, parliamentary chairs, policymakers, industry representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
• Helping develop balanced conference agendas that address important and emerging policy issues.
• Drafting clear, accurate and engaging conference programmes, speaker invitations and delegate communications.
• Contributing ideas for new conferences and identifying opportunities arising from policy developments.

Research processes and delivery

• Working within established editorial research systems, procedures and quality standards.
• Maintaining accurate research records, conference information and progress trackers.
• Managing assigned tasks and deadlines, taking responsibility for progressing work and following through on agreed actions.
• Responding constructively to feedback and incorporating editorial guidance and changes.
• Liaising professionally with speakers, parliamentary chairs and colleagues.
• Supporting the smooth delivery of conferences online and, occasionally, in person.

About you

We are interested in candidates at different stages of their careers. What matters most is your intellectual curiosity, research ability, interest in public policy and approach to work.

Essential requirements

• A demonstrable interest in UK food, agriculture or nutrition policy and the issues affecting these sectors.
• An interest in how government, Parliament, regulators and other organisations develop and influence public policy.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify reliable information and distinguish important developments from background material.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to summarise complex issues clearly and accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Initiative, resourcefulness and the ability to work independently while keeping colleagues informed of progress.
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn, follow and consistently apply established systems, procedures and editorial standards.
• A positive approach to feedback, checking and quality assurance, recognising their importance in maintaining accuracy and impartiality.
• A professional, diplomatic and collaborative approach, with a strong sense of responsibility for delivering work to a high standard.

Backgrounds of particular interest

We would welcome applications from candidates with academic qualifications, professional experience or demonstrable interests in areas such as:

• Food policy, agriculture, nutrition or public health
• Politics, public policy, government or parliamentary affairs
• Agricultural economics, environmental policy or sustainability
• Food regulation, regulatory affairs or public affairs
• Policy research, journalism, think tanks or trade associations
• Relevant social sciences, economics or law

You do not need to have worked directly in food or agriculture policy, provided you can demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject and an ability to understand policy developments quickly.

Equally, candidates with more extensive experience are welcome, provided they are comfortable working within our established editorial framework and adapting their approach to our processes.

Working with us

Westminster Forum Projects is a market leader in organising impartial, senior-level public policy conferences. With more than 20 years' experience, our conferences bring together legislators, government, regulators, industry, professional bodies, academics and other stakeholders.

We operate in a fast-paced, commercially focused environment while maintaining high standards of editorial impartiality, accuracy and professionalism.

Our editorial work involves structured research processes, collaborative working, regular feedback and careful attention to detail. We value people who combine independent thinking and initiative with a willingness to learn, work methodically and follow agreed procedures.

What we offer

• A competitive salary reflecting experience and suitability.
• Mainly remote working, with monthly editorial meetings in London and occasional other in-person commitments.
• Opportunities to develop knowledge of UK public policy and engage with important developments across the food and agriculture sectors.
• Training and support in our editorial systems, research processes and conference development.
• Regular personal development meetings and salary reviews.
• Opportunities for progression and increased responsibility.
• A varied and intellectually engaging role within an established organisation.

How to apply

Please email your CV and cover letter to recruitment@westminsterforumprojects.co.uk, explaining your interest in the role and your relevant experience or academic background.

As part of your application, please briefly answer one of the following questions:

1. Which current UK food, agriculture or nutrition policy issue particularly interests you, and why? (Maximum 150 words)

or

1. What do you consider to be one of the main policy challenges facing the UK food or agriculture sector over the next 12 months? (Maximum 150 words)

We are interested in your ability to research, understand and communicate policy issues, rather than expecting specialist knowledge of every subject.

Applications should demonstrate a genuine interest in the policy areas covered by the Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum.

We welcome applications from candidates based across the UK who can attend monthly editorial meetings in London, occasional conferences and in-person professional development meetings, generally held every six months.