Political Assistant to the Green Group

Focused on being part of a team. Are you politically aware, highly organised and a skilled communicator who can help turn ideas into action?

About The Role

Do you want to work at the heart of local democracy, supporting elected representatives to champion residents, influence decision-makers and deliver meaningful change? We're looking for a Political Assistant to the Green Group to provide political, administrative and communications support to Green Group councillors. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with elected members, helping them engage with local communities, develop campaigns and respond to the issues that matter most to people in Islington.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll be at the heart of local politics, helping Green group councillors turn ideas into action and deliver meaningful change for residents. Working across communications, campaigns, policy and coordination. In this role you will:

• Provide political advice and support to the Leader of the Opposition and the Green Group of councillors as and when required.
• Carry out administrative duties to ensure efficient and timely support is provided to the Leader of the Opposition and the Green Group.
• Coordinate responses to media enquiries and help ensure communications are delivered in a timely and effective way.
• Manage internal Group communications and support the development of long-term strategic communications and campaigns.
• Create and maintain content for press releases, newsletters and social media channels.
• Support the Group's public affairs activities, including engagement with elected representatives, government bodies, stakeholders and community organisations.
• Plan, organise and support Group meetings.
• Research policy issues and prepare briefings and background information for councillors.
• Support councillors in their roles as local representatives, community champions and campaigners.
• Maintain an understanding of current affairs, particularly in relation to local government and issues affecting residents.

What we're looking for:

Someone who is politically aware, highly organised and motivated by making things happen. You'll be equally comfortable managing projects, building relationships and navigating a fast-moving political environment. You’ll bring:

• Experience of working in a political environment, ideally supporting elected representatives.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear briefings and communications for different audiences.
• Political awareness and an understanding of local government and democratic decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Good judgement, discretion and an understanding of the need for confidentiality in a political environment.
• The ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to undertake occasional evening and weekend work, when given appropriate notice.

Experience of working in politics, local government, campaigning or public affairs would be beneficial, but we're equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills, political awareness and a passion for public service.

A Note About This Role

This post is designated as politically restricted under local government legislation. This means the successful candidate will not be able to hold certain political positions or undertake certain political activities while employed in the role. The role offers a unique opportunity to support elected members and contribute to the democratic process from within local government.

About The Team

You'll join the Democratic Services team within Law and Governance, working closely with the Green Group of councillors and supporting their activities across the borough. If you're politically aware, passionate about public service and ready to support elected members in making a real impact for residents, we'd love to hear from you.

About You

Working for the team, service and our organisation Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive. To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you

We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
• Excellent local government pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues. We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace. Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address.
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable).
• Satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.