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About the Role

This is a varied and fast-moving role at the heart of the Conservative Group, supporting a wide range of councillors and working closely with the Strategic Adviser and Member Support Manager, Conservative Group Officers and Members across the Group. This role offers significant exposure to senior elected Members, Council decision-making and the wider political, financial and legislative context facing local government. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to develop their experience in politics, policy, communications and local government.

Responsibilities

Acting as first point of contact for the opposition, supporting them with Conservative Group business.
Leading on the work programme for the opposition, providing support to the Conservative Group.
Interfacing between the political leadership and the Council’s corporate management structure.
Researching, evaluating and analysing issues of interest, relevance and importance to members of the Group.
Establishing and developing appropriate systems to communicate on behalf of the opposition.

Requirements

Outstanding adviser with excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills.
Confidence to manage competing demands of a number of elected Members.
Professional approach, strong interest in public policy and local government.
Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
Ability to produce high-quality written material quickly and accurately (briefing notes, speeches, press statements, social media posts, motions, questions, amendments, lines to take).
Comfortable turning complex policy, governance and political issues into clear advice and practical support for councillors.
Understanding of what local government in London does.
Understanding of the aims of the Barnet Conservative Group.
Understanding of the political, financial and legislative context.
Digital and communications skills are important.
Experience using social media, video editing, graphic design or other creative communications tools is an advantage.
This post is politically restricted and will be offered in line with current legislation governing Political Assistant posts.
Must comply with Local authority political assistants guidance.

Skills

Organisation
Communication
Interpersonal skills
Written communication
Verbal communication
Research
Analysis
Digital skills
Creative communications

Location

Barnet

Work Type

Temporary
Flexible Working
Part-time
Compressed hours
Hybrid working

Experience Level

Experience in a political environment is valuable and desirable.

Benefits

31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
Comprehensive Flexible Working Policy
Lifestyle discounts
Payroll benefits (cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership)
Excellent training and development opportunities
Employee well-being training programs including confidential employee assistance

About the Company

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of, including excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities.
The council wants to build on these strengths and is growing and developing to meet challenges.
Committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better.
Staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative.

Equal Opportunity

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.
To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers.
Value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Embraces all forms of flexible working and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance.
Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer.
Welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities.
Will make reasonable adjustments to make sure disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Support the access to work scheme.