Political Assistant

Political Assistant

Stoke-on-Trent Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support elected Members with research, policy advice, and attend meetings.
  • Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a dynamic and community-focused organisation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in politics while developing your skills in a high-profile setting.
  • Qualifications: A levels or relevant experience in political research or public affairs.
  • Other info: Guaranteed interview for applicants meeting minimum criteria; we value diverse backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

Job Introduction

Staffordshire County Council is seeking to appoint a dedicated and politically astute individual to serve as Political Assistant to the Reform UK Group. This is a unique opportunity to support elected Members in a dynamic and high-profile political environment.

Main Responsibilities

About the Role

You will work directly with the Reform UK Group on the Council, supporting Members in their duties and particularly the Leader of the Group. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Researching policy issues and preparing briefing notes
  • Advising on political matters and current affairs.
  • Attending meetings and conferences in Staffordshire and beyond.
  • Liaising with Council officers, the media, and external organisations.
  • You will be required to work from the office three days a week

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated individual with exceptional communication skills and political awareness. The ideal candidate will have:

  • Educated to level 3 e.g. A levels or experience in political research or public affairs.
  • Proven experience in a political, public affairs, or communications environment
  • Demonstrable experience working with local authority Members, senior officers, and stakeholders.
  • The ability to operate in a busy, complex, and politically sensitive environment.
  • A strong understanding of the roles and responsibilities of elected Members and the political context in which they work.
  • Effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability in engaging with Members, senior officers, and external stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in IT and digital tools.
  • You must not be an officer of any political party or organisation.

This post is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Interviews will be held during the week starting 3 November 2025. As this is a Special Committee appointment, there will be a second stage interview. This will likely take place towards the end of November.

Don\’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact Chris Ebberley, Head of Member and Democratic Services at:

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you\’ll bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead – that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits – Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers – we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Political Assistant employer: Staffordshire County Council

Staffordshire County Council is an exceptional employer that fosters a strong sense of community and ambition among its staff. With a commitment to employee growth, a supportive work environment, and a focus on work-life balance, the Council provides unique opportunities for meaningful engagement in local governance. Employees benefit from a range of rewards and are encouraged to contribute to the positive impact made in the lives of Staffordshire residents.
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Contact Detail:

Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Political Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the political scene. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Research is key! Stay updated on current affairs and local political issues. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role. Plus, it’s a great way to prepare for any unexpected questions that might come your way.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel when it’s time for the real deal.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about making the application process smooth and straightforward. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. So, get your application in and let’s make things happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Political Assistant

Political Awareness
Research Skills
Briefing Preparation
Advising on Political Matters
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Experience in Public Affairs
Understanding of Local Authority Roles
Proficiency in IT and Digital Tools
Ability to Work in a Politically Sensitive Environment
Meeting Attendance and Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Research the Reform UK Group and their values. Tailoring your application to reflect their priorities will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your communication skills and political awareness in your application. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you've successfully navigated complex political environments or worked with local authority Members.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your supporting statement, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will make it easier for the hiring team to see what you bring to the table.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Staffordshire County Council.

How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council

✨Know Your Political Landscape

Before the interview, brush up on current political issues and the specific challenges facing Staffordshire County Council. Being able to discuss relevant topics will show your political awareness and demonstrate that you’re engaged with the environment you'll be working in.

✨Prepare Your Briefing Notes

Just like you’ll be doing in the role, prepare a few briefing notes for yourself about the council's recent initiatives or policies. This will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to ask insightful questions, showcasing your research skills.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Political Assistant, effective communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as both knowledgeable and personable.

✨Engage with the Interview Panel

Remember, interviews are a two-way street. Be prepared to engage with the panel by asking thoughtful questions about their work and the council’s direction. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.

Political Assistant
Staffordshire County Council
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
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