At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Cabinet Members in policymaking and communications while managing executive support tasks.
- Company: Brent Council, a dynamic local government in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of local governance and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and interest in local government policy.
The predicted salary is between 42060 - 44685 £ per year.
Salary range: £42,060 - £44,685
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week, with the occasional evening work
Location: 3 days a week at the Civic Centre and other locations from time to time
Are you passionate about people, the places where they live, and policymaking? You will be working in a London borough which embodies the most exciting aspects of our capital city. Brent has many juxtapositions – from the iconic arch of Wembley to the thoroughfare of Kilburn, this is a place where economic, environmental and demographic contrasts collide in just a short walk. We are a borough which is rapidly expanding, with all of the challenges and opportunities that this change creates. It is what makes it such a fantastic place to be a public servant and what makes us like no other place in London.
This is an exciting time to join Brent. A new Cabinet is pursuing a radical and far-reaching agenda for the borough, with a new vision for the next four years now taking shape. We want to be a council that delivers locally while also making the case for wider change, as we have done through our high-profile work on gambling harms and the need for stronger powers to protect our high streets. As a Cabinet Officer, you will be at the heart of that work, helping to shape policy and turn the Cabinet’s ambitions into action for residents.
About the role
We are recruiting for a Cabinet Officer role, which will be at the heart of Brent Council in the Leader’s Office, helping the Cabinet with executive support, policymaking, and communications. In this role, you will:
- Provide a full range of executive support services to at least four Cabinet Members, assisting in the preparation of agendas, reports and action taking as required.
- Build strong internal networks to facilitate the effective relationships between Cabinet and the Corporate Management Team (CMT).
- Support Cabinet Members to communicate their priorities to external stakeholders.
You will have unparalleled exposure to the senior politicians and sector-leading council officers, with the ability to be a part of key decisions at every turn. Alongside your primary responsibilities, there is significant scope for development within the role, with potential to build a portfolio of policy expertise and support projects contributing to the council’s corporate priorities.
About you
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, at ease with senior politicians and officers, and with a strong interest in policy-making. It comes with the territory that you must be highly organised if you are to support multiple Cabinet Members, as well as having an eye for the details that can make or break a political career. By its very nature, you will need to be able to navigate and negotiate through situations which are complex, confidential and sensitive.
Experience is valuable and desirable, but if you can demonstrate that you understand what local government in London does and how it sits within a political, financial, and legislative context, we want to hear from you.
Why join us?
We know people do their best work when they feel valued, supported and able to grow. At Brent, you will benefit from:
- 27 days' annual leave, rising with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family-friendly policies, including carers' leave, paternity leave and compassionate leave for eligible employees
- Health and wellbeing support, including eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial wellbeing support, including education sessions, childcare deposit loans and season ticket loans
- Travel support, including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme and onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to support your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment
To learn more about our staff benefits, visit Our offer to you.
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects the people we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and encourage applicants to complete the diversity survey section of the application.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We expect all employees to demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promote inclusive, non-discriminatory practices in their work. This commitment forms part of our recruitment process, and candidates may be assessed on their understanding of and ability to contribute to an inclusive working environment.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. This includes people with hidden disabilities, long-term health conditions, diagnoses and mental health conditions. We also guarantee an interview to care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria. Information shared for this purpose will be treated fairly and used only to confirm eligibility under these schemes.
If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.
Cabinet Officer in London employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong focus on professional development, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the community by supporting families and children with complex needs. The collaborative culture within the Early Years Inclusion Support Team ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the well-being of the borough's youngest residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cabinet Officer in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Brent Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Brent Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Cabinet Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Brent Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Brent Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Brent Council.
