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Max Edgington

Policy Co-ordinator
What employment sector do you work in?

Public Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

1.5 years

Salary Range

£40,001 – £50,000

Please describe the work that you do.

I’m a Policy Coordinator in the Strategy and Engagement team at Islington Council. The role is varied, but a typical week includes analysing national policy developments and their local implications, working on projects like the Green Transitions project with LSE Cities, and running engagement events across the borough in schools, youth clubs, and community groups.

Islington Council has five missions, and my work focuses primarily on two: Greener and Healthier and Fairer Together.

What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?

The resident-facing aspect is something I really enjoy—especially engaging with young people, whose energy, creativity, and enthusiasm are incredibly refreshing.
Islington is a densely populated borough, which makes it easy to get around by bike between meetings and events. The council is also investing in new cycling infrastructure, making cycling safer and more enjoyable. The small nature of the borough also means you can understand the geography of it well fairly quick. When you speak to a resident about where and what the problems are that they are facing, it’s a lot more valuable when you somewhat know the places they are referring to.

As for dislikes, it can be frustrating when work becomes obsolete due to sudden shifts in national policy. That said, it also highlights the resilience of local government—it continues to deliver over 700 services to residents, regardless of the broader political context.

What inspired you into this career? 

I hadn’t considered local government until the final year of my undergraduate degree. I became interested in public health and took a course called The Geographies of Health with Professor Niamh Shortt. It explored the many factors that influence health—from housing and employment to relationships—and was one of the most impactful courses I studied. It ultimately inspired me to apply for a graduate scheme in local government, where many of these health determinants are shaped.

After my initial graduate role, I worked at a think tank with my work focusing on the role of local government in health. While I enjoyed the work, I was eager to return to local government to be closer to residents. Islington has been a great fit, especially with its integrated approach to health and climate, allowing me to contribute to health improvements through a broader lens.

Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far? 

I graduated in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and adjusted my plans by pursuing a master’s degree while the job market was uncertain. I began job-hunting in 2021, which remained challenging. I missed out on some of the in-person learning and placement experiences that would normally come with a taught master’s, but I eventually secured a place on a local government graduate scheme.

Navigating hybrid working was also difficult at first. I had never worked from home prior to the pandemic, preferring to create boundaries between work and personal life. At the start of one’s career, in-person interactions are vital—they allow for organic connections and learning opportunities that are harder to replicate virtually. Employers need to be mindful of this when designing hybrid models, especially for early-career professionals or those relocating to new cities.

In my previous role, I was fortunate to work with some of the most experienced and talented people in local government. A handful of them have helped shape my career path, and I continue to lean on their guidance when facing challenges or planning long-term goals.

What education/training did you have?

I initially enrolled in an Economics (MA) degree at the University of Edinburgh but soon realised it wasn’t the right fit. I was more drawn to the intersection of economics, policy, and people than to its mathematical side. I managed to transfer into the Geography (MA) programme via a second-year entry route and caught up on some key modules. The Scottish university system has a flexible structure—like the American model—which allows some exploration of different disciplines, and in theory makes it easier to change degree. In reality this was much harder. However I did manage to successful change thanks to Professor Tom Slater for advocating for my transfer. Without his support, I wouldn’t have had the fulfilling academic experience I ultimately did.

I went on to complete a Master’s in Public Policy (MSc) at the University of Edinburgh, studying modules in health, education, and labour policy.

Most of my career development has come through on-the-job learning, supplemented by project management training through JGA in my first role, and engagement training from Navigate in my current role.

What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession? 

Local government offers hundreds of potential career paths, so I’d encourage new professionals to speak with colleagues from different directorates to learn about their roles and career journeys. I’ve had managers who supported me in collaborating with other teams, which helped expand my understanding and skillset.

If you’re working in policy or strategy, spending time in a research or think tank environment can help broaden your perspective.

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Tags: England, Public sector, Policy and law roles, Policy adviser, Community and volunteer engagement

Date profile submitted: 30/06/2025

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