At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Liberal Democrat group with research, media releases, and meeting participation.
- Company: Haringey Council is a vibrant community-focused organisation celebrating diversity and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 31 days leave, hybrid working options, and health support.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in local politics and community.
- Qualifications: Must be a Liberal Democrat member with strong IT skills and political awareness.
- Other info: Position based in Wood Green, with evening meetings and potential overtime.
The predicted salary is between 45750 - 45750 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Job Title: Political Assistant (Liberal Democrat Group)
Contract Type: 7 Month Fixed-Term Contract
Grade: PO3
Starting Salary: ÂŁ45,750 per annum (Pro Rata)
Closing Date: Sunday 7th September 2025
Interview Date: Wednesday 17th September 2025
About Haringey
Haringey is a fantastic place to live and work – the world in one borough. A place brimming with creativity, personality, radicalism, and community. It is a place where we stand up for each other. A place that is proudly distinctive. We’ll be celebrating all this and more as the “rebel borough” when we are the 2027 London Borough of Culture.
Our history champions change-makers and everyday rebels; revelling in our differences, battling discrimination, championing equality, and doing things our own way. Haringey’s people are a huge asset, with knowledge, expertise, and passion. Our staff members embody our organisational values: Caring, Creative, Courageous, Collaborative and Community-focused. These values keep us looking forward, ambitious for the future, and continuously striving to do our very best for all of our residents.
About the Role
An opportunity has arisen to cover sabbatical leave and to support the Council’s Principal Opposition Group as it holds the Council’s executive to account. The Group Assistant is a unique role in the Council, in that it directly supports the Liberal Democrat group by undertaking research and suggesting questions, drafting media releases and supporting the Group’s meetings and Councillors’ participation in meetings of the Council and Committees.
About You
You will be a strong self-starter, able to work alone, with a good understanding of local government and current issues in Haringey. You should be able to give sound, clear advice on complex issues with a high degree of political sensitivity. You should be able to act at pace and work effectively with elected members, senior officers within the Council and external stakeholders.
You will also need to have good IT skills and have proficiency in Microsoft Office applications as well as a good understanding of online meeting applications.
You should be a member of the Liberal Democrat party and must not be a member of any other party.
Working for Haringey
At Haringey Council we are committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included, and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce so welcome applications from all ethnicities and communities so that we continue to make a difference to our residents and community.
Our benefits package includes a leave entitlement up to 31 days + bank holidays, potential hybrid working opportunities, health and well-being support, a generous local government pension scheme and a range of discount schemes across leisure and culture that provide both financial and money-saving discounts.
Other Requirements / How To Apply
This post is mainly based in Wood Green, and will entail regular attendance at evening meetings, for which time off is given or overtime payable.
Assistants must work within the procedures contained in the Council’s Constitution and Officer Code of Conduct.
The posts are subject to the limitations set by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Local authority Guidance Political assistance Guidance dated 11th October 2021.
Equality and Diversity
We recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all ethnicities and communities.
Eligibility and Application Notes
Please note: we reserve the right to end this advert before the noted deadline if we receive sufficient applications. If you wish to apply for this role, please ensure that you do so as soon as possible.
Additionally, automated emails may be diverted to junk email folders. Please continue to check these through the application process. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please contact ResourcingHub@haringey.gov.uk
How to Apply Details
This post is mainly based in Wood Green, and will entail regular attendance at evening meetings, for which time off is given or overtime payable. Assistants must work within the procedures contained in the Council’s Constitution and Officer Code of Conduct. The posts are subject to the limitations set by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Local authority Guidance Political assistance Guidance dated 11th October 2021.
Other job postings and listings are included for context here on the page but are not part of this role description.
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Political Assistant (Liberal Democrat Group) employer: Haringey Council
Contact Detail:
Haringey Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Political Assistant (Liberal Democrat Group)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current political landscape in Haringey and the key issues facing the Liberal Democrat group. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former political assistants or members of the Liberal Democrat party. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on local government procedures and the Council's Constitution. Understanding these frameworks will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to navigate the political environment effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about how you would handle specific scenarios related to political sensitivity and advising elected members. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Political Assistant (Liberal Democrat Group)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Political Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as research, political sensitivity, and IT proficiency that are essential for the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience and skills relevant to the role. Emphasise any previous work in local government, political environments, or community engagement that aligns with the values of Haringey Council.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the Liberal Democrat party and your understanding of current issues in Haringey. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background makes you a suitable candidate for this position.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is complete and adheres to any specified guidelines before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haringey Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what the Political Assistant role entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties, such as supporting the Liberal Democrat group, conducting research, and drafting media releases. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the job during the interview.
✨Show Your Knowledge of Local Issues
Demonstrate your awareness of current issues in Haringey and local government dynamics. Be prepared to discuss how these issues impact the community and how you can contribute to addressing them. This shows your commitment and understanding of the political landscape.
✨Highlight Your IT Skills
Since proficiency in Microsoft Office and online meeting applications is essential, be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. You might even want to mention specific projects where you've successfully used technology to enhance communication or productivity.
✨Emphasise Your Political Sensitivity
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your ability to handle complex issues with political sensitivity. Share examples from your past experiences where you've navigated sensitive topics or provided sound advice in politically charged environments.