Political Research Assistant
Gloucestershire County CouncilOverview
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
- Job Title: Political Research Assistant
- Job Location: Shire Hall
- Salary: £39,186 - £44,428 per annum
- Hours per Week: 37.00
- Contract Type: Fixed Term
- Duration: One year
- Closing Date: 31/05/2024
- Job Requisition Number: 8983
- This post is open to job share
Are you interested in local democracy and politics? Are you looking for a challenging opportunity to develop your skills? Do you have a background in Conservative politics?
About the team
Gloucestershire County Council employs two Political Assistants supporting the largest political groups. A vacancy has arisen for the post that supports the Conservative Group.
About the role
You will support the political group in managing and co-ordinating group business, as well as keeping a watching brief on national developments affecting local government. You will also draft press releases, prepare briefings and support group members in their day-to-day activities.
It is likely that you will be able to work remotely for part of each week although you will need to come to Shire Hall for group meetings, formal Council meetings and other informal sessions with councillors and officers.
The post is designated under Section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as politically restricted. The post may be available on a job share basis.
About you
You should possess excellent oral and written communication skills and have experience of working in a political environment but that does not necessarily need to be in Gloucestershire.
You should be self-motivated and have the ability to manage changing priorities. Experience of working with or for the Conservative party, or of supporting Conservative political aims, is desirable, but not essential.
Political awareness and sensitivity are essential requirements and working with the media and other partners, ideally in local government is desirable.
Education to degree standard is preferable but not essential.
About Us
For all your hard work, you will receive the following;
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
- Plus, an option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro-rata for part-time staff)
- Family friendly employer offering benefits to help support you and your family
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
- An in-house Occupational Health service
- Employee discount scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network. Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&C's apply)
How to apply
Interview Date: Monday 24 June 2024

Gloucestershire County Council is a county council which administers the most strategic local government services in the non-metropolitan county of Gloucestershire, in the South West of England.