Editorial Research Assistant - National Forums - helping produce conferences in Ireland and the UK devolved administrations in Slough

Apply by: ASAP

Salary: Competitive

Location: Hybrid, mainly remote with occasional face-to-face meetings

The Role:

We are seeking an accomplished and diligent Conference Research Assistant to join our Editorial team. This multifaceted role entails helping produce conferences on some of the most important policy issues for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland that help move forward thinking for legislators, government, regulators and stakeholders affected by the important matters being discussed. You will work closely with different areas of our business, demonstrating diplomacy, sensitivity, and a commitment to delivering quality results in a timely manner.

Recent and upcoming conferences focus on: regulation of AI, the children’s care system, research and innovations, heat networks, housing, mental health services, and climate adaptation policy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Researching issues, emerging trends, possible speakers and contacts across the policy landscape to a brief
• Helping make sure conferences are as up-to-date, relevant and inclusive as possible, with no interested parties left out of discussing important developments
• Drafting agendas, invitations to delegates and speakers, and text for our website
• Liaising with speakers and Parliamentary chairs
• Attending and contributing to the smooth operation of our seminars and receptions - online, in Westminster and elsewhere in the UK

About You:

We are looking for an individual who embodies our company values, including a sense of service, strict impartiality, high ethical standards, and a business-like, fair, diplomatic and commercially focused outlook. You will need to be a self-starter with focus on moving the organisation of your conferences forward.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Solid experience in policy, conference production, journalism, public affairs or similar fields
• Exceptional written communication skills
• Quick learning abilities to absorb our funding model and business practices
• Strong diplomacy and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• A can-do attitude, strong sense of responsibility, and natural willingness to help colleagues
• Bright graduates - with exceptional aptitude and a professional outlook - will also be considered

Company Overview:

Westminster Forum Projects is a market leader in organising impartial, senior-level seminars on public policy. The company has its origins in the Westminster Parliament, and offers conferences on issues in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and England. With sustained success over more than 20 years, our work enjoys considerable support from legislators, government, professional bodies, industry, the third sector, and interest groups. We thrive on a commercially-focused environment while upholding strong ethical standards, always aiming to enhance public policy and provide a balanced forum for discussion.

The Benefits:

• A competitive starting salary range, subject to experience and educational record.
• Regular pay reviews as part of personal development meetings.
• Plenty of opportunities for career progression.
• A fast-paced, multi-tasking working environment with ample support from senior staff and peers.

How to Apply:

Please email your CV and cover letter, indicating your current salary and why you believe you would be suitable for the role. We accept applications from candidates based across the UK working remotely who can commute to the office in London for monthly editorial meetings, as well as attending in-person professional development meetings which are generally held every six months.

Note: We are committed to supporting our employees and developing a conducive work environment. Our ethos is to foster employee growth while ensuring we deliver outstanding service to our colleagues, and to the policymakers, stakeholders and others who rely on our work. Join us for a satisfying, motivational journey that values your time and potential.