Apprentice Public Relations and Communications Assistant

Islington Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Learning and development

Local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Islington Council is hiring a Public Relations and Communications Assistant apprenticeship in London. The role offers 18 months of on‑the‑job training with dedicated study time to complete a Level 4 apprenticeship within the External Communications and Campaigns team.

The programme focuses on planning and delivering campaigns, building stakeholder relationships, and producing accessible content for diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Be aged 16 or above.
• Islington resident or Islington care leaver or Islington school leaver in the last 12 months.
• Pass Maths and English entry tests (e.g., GCSEs).
• Provide evidence of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ A-C.

Responsibilities

• Build stakeholder relationships including media, central Government, public, and internal audiences.
• Support planning and delivery of campaigns through tasks like desk research, events, and database management.
• Produce written content: press releases, articles, social media content, bulletins, blogs accessible to different audiences.

Skills

Campaign planning

Stakeholder relations

Content creation

Education

Level 4 Public Relations and Communications apprenticeship

Job description

About The Role

Public Relations and Communications Assistant

Salary: London Living Wage

Location: Islington Council, Town Hall

Hours: 35 hours per week

About the role

Does the idea of creating and delivering campaigns excite you?

If you’re interested in lobbying central Government and building campaigns – there’s a future in public affairs and external comms for you. That’s where the Public Relations and Communications Assistant apprenticeship comes in!

Our apprenticeships combine working in a great job with training, development, and a competitive salary. You will be given dedicated time in your working week to focus on your studies. You will also have access to a network of amazing, friendly colleagues from within the organisation and tutors to support your learning.

The Public Relations and Communications Assistant apprenticeship consists of an 18-month opportunity to learn and to provide support to the External Communications and Campaigns team. We are responsible for delivering effective campaigns related to specific objectives and organisational goals. Your duties will include supporting the planning and delivering of campaigns, building stakeholder relationships and producing and researching content. You will gain an understanding of the work of the team and will work in a supported learning environment whilst working towards a nationally recognised Level 4 Public Relations and Communications apprenticeship.

• Be aged 16 or above and
• Be an Islington resident or
• Islington care leaver or
• Islington school leaver in the last 12 months

• Not already have a qualification at the similar level or above in this apprenticeship subject
• Not have extensive skills or experience in this apprenticeship subject.
• Pass the course entry test(s) for example in Maths and English
• Provide evidence of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ A-C in any subject

Closing Date: Sunday 1 November

Interview Day: Interviews week commencing Monday 16 November Apprenticeship Start Date: January 2027

The Job

• Build stakeholder relationships including developing contacts within the media, central Government, the public, internal colleagues, and various audiences.
• Support the planning and delivery of campaigns by undertaking tasks such as desk research, event co-ordination, and database management.
• Produce written content such as press releases, articles, social media content, bulletins, and blogs, that is accessible to meet the needs of different audiences and channels.
• Able to adapt communication styles as appropriate to the audience.
• Use qualitative and quantitative research to analyse and evaluate public affairs and communications activities and present findings to project stakeholders.
• Analyse and interpret complex subjects through different communication channels and identify areas for improvement.
• Input to and review communications programmes and plans.
• Undertake risk assessment and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy.
• Plan and deliver engagement activities for stakeholders, such as curating the content, supporting events, and collating feedback.
• Proofread and edit communications materials such as press releases, briefings, and social media content.
• Meet the council's writing style, brand guidelines and accessibility requirements in all communications.

Training and Development

• Complete a level 4 public affairs and communications assistant apprenticeship qualification.
• Study Maths and English if you have not already achieved a GCSE or Level 2 equivalent.
• Participate in the Councils apprenticeship network and various development activities.
• Have access to a buddy/mentor.

After you have successfully completed your apprenticeship, you will have gained valuable workplace experience and attained your level 4 qualification. This will improve your chances of finding work within the council, with other employers, or help you move on to a higher-level apprenticeship.

Working for the team, service and our organisation

The award-nominated External Communications and Campaigns team is all about running engaging campaigns around the issues that matter most to Islington’s residents. The biggest team in the directorate, the External Communications and Campaigns team helps support a more equal future for Islington.

We also offer a range of other external communications disciplines: marketing of council services and their own events; ensuring strong corporate grip on reputational issues; operating a 24-hour reactive press office and generating positive media coverage; providing crisis communications and 24-hour emergency planning support; publishing the council’s quarterly resident magazine, Islington Life; running public affairs campaigns, and securing physical, online and outdoor advertising where appropriate.

After you have successfully completed your apprenticeship, you will have gained valuable workplace experience and attained your level 4 qualification. This will improve your chances of finding work within the council, with other employers or help you move on to a higher-level apprenticeship.

Contact

Nikita Johal, Publications, Communications, and Campaigns Officer; [e-mail]

For an informal discussion about apprenticeships at Islington council please contact the Early Careers and Talent Team by emailing [e-mail]

If you are an Islington resident who would like support with your application, please contact the iWork Team on 020 7527 3559 or email [e-mail]

Working for the team, service and our organisation

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the boroughand as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, wehave to look after our people. wehave to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you

We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues. We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace. Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre-Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.