An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Political Assistant to the Leader of our public sector organisation based in West London.
This is a temporary contract initially for 3-6 months with view for further extension thereafter. The role is paying £26.89 per hour PAYE. The role offers hybrid working, with a minimum of two days in the office based in Ealing.
The successful applicant will have previous local government governance processes and policy experience and an understanding of Labour party procedures.
The role will support the work of the Ealing Council Majority Group and in particular to assist the Leader of the Majority Group and Group members in discharging their functions as members of the Council.
Role Overview
- Provide comprehensive and confidential political support service to the Leader of the Group
- Undertake agenda planning arrangements, prepare agenda, attend and produce minutes and decision sheets for meetings of the Group and related bodies
- Prepare and write reports, assist with any national or local lobbying campaigns, research and assist in the writing of presentations and speeches, prepare and present briefings as required and directed by the Leader of the Group
- To act as the first point of contact for press and media enquiries of a part-political nature, and then liaise with appropriate members and officers
- Assist the Group Whip with matters relating to committee and outside body membership and attendance and liaise with the Head of Democratic Services or appointed officer
- Liaise with external agencies, including other authorities, central government, MPs, and local authority associations, in relation to Group council work
- In partnership with the Head of Democratic Services identify and facilitate where requested the training and development needs of the Group in accordance with resources allocated for that purpose
- Ensure that key actions arising from Group meetings are recorded, and progressed, and that information is disseminated to Group members and provide a report back system as required
- Facilitate the Leader of the Group and Group members to work effectively with officers, and to support their scrutiny and decision-making roles
- Liaise with senior officers in the council of key decisions made by the Group and provide appropriate political guidance on proposals
- Maintain appropriate records in line with requirements of Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information and GDPR
Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Experience of providing political or policy research
- Experience of arranging meetings, drafting minutes taking follow up action
- Good understanding of local government and the policy factors impacting upon it, preferably in a London context
- Good understanding and knowledge of local government politics, the role of party group, and the role of councillors
- Understanding of the implications of working in a political environment and of dealing with confidential issues
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships and work in partnership with politicians (at a range of levels), officers of the council and outside agencies, sometimes at very senior levels
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports on complex issues, and an ability to prepare written material in a range of styles or formats (e.g., reports, briefing notes, speeches, policy documents, press releases etc.) for a wide range of audiences
- Ability to carry out complex policy and other research independently and to a high standard
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