In weekly conversations with boards and CEOs across the membership sector, one topic comes up again and again: policy and public affairs talent.
It usually starts like this.
A chair says:
"We need someone strong on policy and public affairs."
Another board member adds:
"Yes.... but they also need to understand our members."
Then someone else says:
"And they need to be able to communicate complex issues clearly. Not just to government but to our members and stakeholders too."
By this point, the brief is becoming clear.
But it’s also becoming much bigger than a traditional policy role.
Because the truth is…
Policy and public affairs talent in the membership sector is changing.
Ten years ago, many policy roles focused on:
Those things still matter.
But the future policy professional in membership organisations now also needs to be:
Policy roles are no longer simply about responding to policy.
They’re increasingly about shaping strategy and delivering member value.
Through our work recruiting across the membership sector, we’re already seeing policy roles evolve.
The most effective policy professionals now combine traditional policy skills with broader capabilities such as:
Strategic thinking
Helping leadership teams anticipate regulatory risks and opportunities.
Sector knowledge
Understanding the real-world pressures members face.
Evidence-based advocacy
Using data and insight to support policy arguments.
Digital communication
Explaining policy issues clearly through multiple channels.
Technology awareness
Particularly around AI, regulation and emerging technologies.
As policy functions evolve, job titles are starting to change too.
Some of the future policy and public affairs roles we’re beginning to see include:
Strategic Leadership Roles
Hybrid Policy Roles
Technology & Data Policy Roles
Member-Focused Policy Roles
The common theme?
Policy teams are becoming more strategic, more data-driven and more connected to member value.
When organisations come to us to recruit a senior policy role, the conversation is increasingly less about:
"Who understands government?"
And more about:
"Who can help us guide our members through the future of our sector?"
Because policy professionals today are not just influencing government.
They’re helping organisations navigate change, shape industries and support their members through uncertainty.
Dennis Howes, Co-founder of Membership Bespoke, speaks daily with CEOs, boards and policy leaders across the membership sector.
In this short video, Dennis shares his perspective on:
Watch Dennis’s video using the button below
Dennis Howes is the Co-Founder of Membership Bespoke, the UK’s leading and most experienced specialist recruitment consultancy dedicated to the membership sector.
For over 20 years Dennis has worked closely with trade associations, professional bodies and membership organisations, helping them appoint senior leaders across policy, public affairs, membership, marketing and commercial functions.
Policy and public affairs recruitment is a particular passion for Dennis. Having studied Political History at university, he has always been drawn to the role policy professionals play in shaping sectors, influencing government and representing members’ interests.
Through thousands of conversations with CEOs, boards and sector leaders, Dennis has developed a unique perspective on how the talent landscape across the membership sector is evolving, particularly when it comes to the next generation of policy and public affairs leaders.