At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Green Party administration with research, briefings, and political meetings.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to community building.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Kickstart your political career and make a real difference in local governance.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, research abilities, and political awareness required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 36363 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are looking to recruit a Political Assistant to join our team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a part-time, fixed-term contract or a secondment opportunity until the next District Election (scheduled for May 2027). The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £31,537 - £36,363 per annum pro rata. This role is open to part time and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Mid Suffolk District Council is seeking to appoint a passionate and politically astute individual to support the Green Party administration as a dedicated Political Assistant. If you share our values and you are passionate about making a difference, this position offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of local politics in Mid Suffolk.
About the role
You will be working in a fast-paced political environment, supporting and contributing to a busy political group. Alongside general administration of the group, you will regularly prepare research and briefing material in response to enquiries raised by councillors. You will be expected to keep abreast of changes to national legislation that might affect policy on a local level and be able to provide briefing documents to councillors that outline the potential impact on Mid Suffolk District Council. You will also help the Green group to navigate the various political meetings held at the council, including drafting motions, conducting research, and helping write speeches for key councillor, such as the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members.
About you
This is a fantastic position for individuals looking to start their career in politics, and an opportunity to help shape and deliver priorities and policies at a complex time for local government. As such, our successful candidate will demonstrate:
- strong written and verbal communication skills
- proven research capabilities
- a thorough understanding of political awareness
- the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and manage their own workload
- knowledge of local and national political landscapes
- a diplomatic and professional approach to sensitive matters and information
This is a hybrid role, you will be able to work from home and from the main Mid Suffolk office in Endeavour House (Ipswich) on a flexible arrangement suited around working patterns. You will be required to attend Council meetings, both in-person and virtually, to support members of the political group. Some meetings will be held in the evening after usual working hours.
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
- 60 conservation areas
- two National Landscapes
- many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care Options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page.
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
Closing date: 5pm, 16 April 2026. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Political Assistant role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with Section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This position is advertised as a part-time fixed term contract until the next district election, currently scheduled for May 2027. There is scope to extend this contract dependent on this election result and the requirements of the Mid Suffolk Green Party.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Political Assistant in Ipswich employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council
Contact Detail:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Political Assistant in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local political events, join relevant groups on social media, and connect with people in the field. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Political Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Green Party's policies and recent developments in local politics. Show us you’re passionate and informed – it’ll make a great impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to go directly to the source.
We think you need these skills to ace Political Assistant in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for politics shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the chance to make a difference in local government.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We’re looking for strong written communication and research abilities, so showcase those!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council
✨Know Your Political Landscape
Before the interview, brush up on local and national political issues, especially those relevant to the Green Party and Mid Suffolk. Being able to discuss current events and their implications will show your political awareness and passion for the role.
✨Prepare Your Research Skills
Since the role involves preparing research and briefing materials, come prepared with examples of your research capabilities. Think about how you can present complex information clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial in supporting councillors effectively.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills are key for this position. Consider practising answers to common interview questions, focusing on how you articulate your thoughts. You might even want to draft a short speech or briefing document to showcase your writing style.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role requires both independent work and teamwork. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others or managed your own workload. Highlighting your ability to navigate a fast-paced environment will demonstrate that you're a great fit for the team.