At a Glance
- Tasks: Support elected Members by researching policy issues and preparing briefing notes.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a dynamic and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with a healthy work-life balance and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile political environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: A levels or relevant experience in political research or public affairs required.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and offer guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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: chris.ebberley@staffordshire.gov.uk
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.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Human Resources Services
Note: This listing contains generic job board content and is intended for illustrative formatting only.
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Political Assistant employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Political Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your circle who work in politics or local government. They might have insider info on the role or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Reform UK Group and current political issues in Staffordshire. Being well-informed will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After interviews, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Staffordshire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Political Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Politics: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for politics shine through! We want to see how your interests align with the role and the work we do at Staffordshire County Council.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight your relevant experiences. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in political research and communication, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you bring to the table. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps streamline the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Political Landscape
Before the interview, brush up on current political issues and the specific context of Staffordshire County Council. Understanding local policies and recent developments will show your political astuteness and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Prepare Your Briefing Notes
Just like you would for a meeting, prepare concise briefing notes about your experiences and how they relate to the role. Highlight your research skills and any relevant projects you've worked on, as this will demonstrate your ability to advise on political matters effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
During the interview, focus on your written and oral communication abilities. Be clear and articulate when discussing your experiences, and don’t hesitate to provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or Members in the past.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the challenges facing the Reform UK Group or how they measure success in the role. It shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you.