Cabinet Policy & Research Officer

Cabinet Policy & Research Officer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide strategic advice and support to the Mayor and Cabinet in Hackney.
  • Company: Hackney Council, a diverse and dynamic local government.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and help shape Hackney's future.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in political environments preferred.
  • Other info: Join a team dedicated to serving residents and promoting equality.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

As Cabinet Policy & Research Officer you will provide strategic advice and support to the Mayor and Cabinet in Hackney to support delivery of their priorities. Your responsibilities will include research and briefings, drafting speeches, managing the Mayor’s inbox and correspondence and stakeholder management. You will be highly motivated and proactive with strong organisational and communication skills and a good knowledge of the issues facing local government and our residents.

Experience of working under pressure in a political environment and at a high level is desirable, as is experience of speech writing, problem solving and stakeholder engagement. Hackney is London's most diverse and dynamic borough. Stretching from the edge of the City to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it is an area of rapid economic growth, particularly in the tech, media, fashion and other creative industries. Hackney has more green space than any other inner London borough, some of the capital's best schools, and first class transport connections, which combined with excellent local public services and a thriving arts, cultural and retail sector, are fast making it one of London's most popular areas to live, work and visit.

The challenge for Hackney is to make sure that the borough's economic growth provides benefits for everyone who lives here, and to create opportunities that will transform the lives of local people. We know that staff are key to our success and we are seeking people with ambition, creativity and commitment to our values to help us achieve the best for the people of Hackney. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 15 February 2026 (22:59). Interview date: W/c 02 March 2026.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk

Cabinet Policy & Research Officer employer: London Borough of Hackney

Hackney Council is an exceptional employer that values its staff as its most outstanding asset, fostering a work culture that prioritises ambition, creativity, and commitment to community values. Located in the vibrant and diverse borough of Hackney, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and inclusivity, while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enhance the lives of local residents. With access to excellent public services, green spaces, and a thriving cultural scene, working here offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic urban setting.
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Contact Detail:

London Borough of Hackney Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Cabinet Policy & Research Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know Hackney and its values! Research the borough's priorities and challenges, so you can tailor your responses in the competency-based questions. Show us that you understand what makes Hackney tick!

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your storytelling skills! When answering those competency questions, use real-life examples that highlight your organisational and communication skills. We want to see how you've tackled challenges in a political environment.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your passion for local government! Let us know why you’re excited about the role of Cabinet Policy & Research Officer and how you can contribute to making Hackney a better place for everyone.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just create an account and follow the steps. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

We think you need these skills to ace Cabinet Policy & Research Officer

Strategic Advice
Research Skills
Speech Writing
Stakeholder Management
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Experience in Political Environment
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Proactivity
Knowledge of Local Government Issues
Engagement Skills
Creativity
Commitment to Values

Some tips for your application 🫑

Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start your application, make sure you really understand what the Cabinet Policy & Research Officer role entails. Dive into the job description and highlight the key responsibilities and skills required. This will help you tailor your answers to show how you fit the bill!

Be Authentic: We want to hear your unique voice! Avoid using AI tools for your application as they can lack that personal touch we value. Share your experiences and insights in your own words to showcase your personality and passion for the role.

Answer Competency Questions Thoughtfully: The competency-based questions are your chance to shine! Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and knowledge relevant to the role. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in a political or high-pressure environment.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us. Plus, it allows you to create an account where you can track your application status. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started on this journey together!

How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney

✨Know Your Local Government Issues

Familiarise yourself with the key issues facing local government in Hackney. Research recent developments, challenges, and opportunities in the borough. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the political landscape and how it impacts residents during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Cabinet Policy & Research Officer, strong communication is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience in drafting speeches and managing correspondence. Bring examples of your work that highlight your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.

✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Experience

Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Discuss your approach to building relationships and managing expectations, as this role requires collaboration with various parties to achieve the Mayor's priorities.

✨Prepare for Competency Questions

Since the application process includes competency-based questions, think about your past experiences that align with the job description. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

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