Most readers of this blog will likely be aware that 2024 is set to be a year of transition in the UK, politically at least. With the recent Spring Budget just passed and a general election looming, public policy professionals need to brace themselves for change. But what could a new government mean for these specialists and what skills will they need to thrive in this evolving environment?

Spring Budget

The Spring Budget earlier this month was seen by many as the incumbent government’s last opportunity to drive change that could shift political momentum. However, it passed with relatively few major, game-changing announcements. National insurance, growth, inflation, public borrowing and spending were the key areas of scrutiny and shifts in all of these fields will have knock-on effects on the roles of public policy professionals and create new focuses for the coming months.

The Budget was largely a precursor for the major political event of this year; the general election. While the date of this is still unclear, most commentators believe it will likely take place in November, which leaves a maximum of seven months for policy professionals to adapt to what will be a rapidly shifting market. However, there are also rumours that it could take place as early as May, which would create a significant amount of upheaval in a very short period for policy teams.

Labour topping polls

If the polls are to be believed, we will likely have a change of government following the election. The Labour Party is currently 27 points ahead of the Conservatives, a seven-point increase on their lead from January. If this remains the same, the incumbent government will hold the lowest share of voting recorded since the Political Monitor was launched in 1978, with the previous low of 23% held in July 1997, just before Labour’s landslide victory.

But what would a Labour party win mean for the UK and for public policy professionals?

A change of the guard?

While Sir Kier Starmer’s party has been relatively evasive when asked to detail some of its plans, there would likely be major changes almost immediately after they take power. According to some reports, the Labour Party is planning for victory and is preparing a wave of policies that will be passed shortly after they take power. They are focusing on making instant changes and in some cases, new legislation could be determined by which policies are ‘ready to go’, rather than by government priorities.

There are believed to be immediate changes lined up for transport policies, specifically moving railway networks back to public ownership, and tackling areas where new legislation would not be needed, as with reforms to the NHS. However, where required, the Labour Party is also keen to create new regulations that follow full processes and receive proper scrutiny and debate. Sue Gray, Starmer’s Chief of Staff, has supposedly been instrumental in insisting on clarity in policy and on the need to provide officials and civil servants with clear guidance, rather than vague concepts, as has often been the case in recent years.

What skills will public policy professionals need?

For public policy professionals, this shifting environment can create added pressure, however regardless of voting intentions and the results of the election, there are some ‘futureproof’ attributes that all specialists should possess. Firstly, analysis skills are an absolute must, and if you want to be able to progress your career, being able to utilise data to anticipate potential outcomes in policy decisions is fundamental for effective policy formulation and decision-making.

In light of the evolving landscape, public policy professionals must also be flexible in the face of change. And, with these skills, comes adaptability and resilience, which are invaluable traits in navigating the uncertainties of the political climate, enabling professionals to pivot strategies, overcome setbacks, and drive positive change amidst adversity. In addition, the ability to collaborate and network with your peers has, and always will be, crucial to the role of any public policy professional, and will enable you to leverage your networks, which can enhance the effectiveness of policy interventions that you are involved with.

However, perhaps the most critical of all the evergreen competencies required by public policy professionals is the ability to communicate and advocate clearly and effectively. Strong communication skills are essential for articulating policy concepts, building consensus among stakeholders, and arguing for policy priorities effectively.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, public policy professionals are in for an interesting year ahead, and those who can adapt to this ever-changing environment are the ones who will be able to stand out from the crowd and secure career progression opportunities. If you would like to understand how to navigate the policy market and find your next role then speak to our expert team.

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