Political Assistant - Conservative Group - Yate

How you'll make a difference South Gloucestershire Council is a Unitary Authority, governed by a Co-leader and Partnership cabinet system. As the Political Group Assistant to the Conservative Group, you will provide advice on political issues, deal with the media, prepare speeches and briefing notes, research policy issues and attend meetings and conferences within the area and elsewhere. You will act as the focus for information gathering and dissemination with community groups, MPs, local authorities, commercial groups and deal with officers at all levels.

What you will be doing A key part of the role will be liaising with community groups, the media, local and national bodies, MPs, local authorities, professional organisations and other networks for the exchange of information, gathering of ideas and developing group initiatives. It will be your responsibility to provide political and policy advice to the political group, including the facilitation of group budget and other proposals. You will monitor national and local political developments and local issues, including changes to government policy, legislation, council and external reports and initiatives, and advise the group on issues and implications. Developing relationships with all levels of staff within the council, you will acquire information, negotiate with and promote the views and objectives of the group, on any aspect of the council of interest.

What we need from you You must be educated to degree level or hold an equivalent professional qualification. It is essential that you have substantial previous experience of working within a political environment where you have demonstrated political and organisational sensitivity. We require you to have a high degree of self-motivation, with the ability to manage your own workload effectively, organise and plan tasks and work to tight deadlines, under pressure and with minimal supervision. You will have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and be able to produce succinct, jargon-free notes, briefings, presentations, reports, articles, letters and press releases. It is essential that you are a member of the Conservative Party, as this post is subject to political restriction in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

What you need to know This is being offered as a limited term contract until May 2027. Your working pattern is 4 days per week. The salary range is £36,073 to 38,581 for 29.60 hours per week. The appointment is made pursuant to section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and is therefore a limited term contract until the 19th May 2027. Any further appointment to the post will be dependent on the outcome of the local council elections in May 2027. Due to the nature of the role, you may be required to work in the evenings and possibly at weekends. Interviews to be held on the 18th March 2026.

How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities. We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities. We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work. Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of. We're planning for the future; building and improving the roads, railways, schools, green spaces, and houses. We’re providing essential services across our communities to ensure they are safe and well maintained. We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference. We’re making a difference, be part of it!