Consultation and Engagement Officer in Bristol

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job reference: VAC008217

Date posted: 06/05/2026

Application closing date: 03/06/2026

Location: City Hall, College Green, City Centre, Bristol BS1 5TR

Salary: BG10: £35,412 - £39,152

Package: Flexible working hours, Pension scheme, Paid expenses

Contractual hours: 37

Basis: Full time

Job category/type: Communications, PR and Media

Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week. Your working days will be Monday to Friday, with potential for some evening and weekend working. The role is based at City Hall, College Green, Bristol with an option for hybrid working.

At Bristol City Council we’re dedicated to making Bristol a city of hope and aspiration where everyone can share in its success. Consultation and engagement are at the heart of understanding our communities, building meaningful relationships, and enabling citizens and stakeholders to shape what we do. This is where you come in.

You will join a dynamic team dedicated to facilitating conversations which shape collaborative decision making. You’ll have skills and experience in consultation, engagement or research, and be passionate about reaching people to gain insights or formal responses on council plans. You’ll apply high standards in the planning and delivery of consultation and engagement activity across a broad range of subjects, to enable citizens, businesses and other stakeholders to share their views and knowledge.

You will support the timely and effective design, promotion, analysis, interpretation and reporting of surveys and other engagement approaches. You’ll help analyse responses using quantitative and qualitative methods, generate or test new ideas to improve our work, and ensure all consultation and engagement activity is inclusive and encourages active participation by Bristol’s diverse communities, including seldom-heard groups.

What do I need to have?

You’ll be resilient and self-motivated, creative, flexible; capable of handling a fast-moving brief across a range of projects simultaneously. You will have experience of consultation, engagement and/or research using quantitative and qualitative techniques. You will be able to learn quickly how to design surveys, use survey software and analyse results. You will have excellent writing skills and be able to communicate complex messages in a creative and engaging way. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and manage relationships with stakeholders, both inside and outside the council - even when dealing with contentious issues.

A vital part of your role will be helping to ensure the council meets its legal duties for consultation as part of robust and lawful decision-making. You will be willing to develop a sound knowledge of the legislative and financial context of local government and how to work with elected members and senior officers on sensitive or high-profile issues.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles, hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

Political Restrictions

This role is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This means that you are prevented from having any active political role either in or outside the workplace. Politically restricted employees are disqualified from standing for or holding elected office, and these restrictions are incorporated as terms in an employee's contract of employment under s.3 Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990.

Disability Employer

We’re a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

Diversity and Inclusion

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black and racially minoritised and Disabled candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.

The personal information section (including your name) you’ll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.