Head of Labour Group Office and Leader's Political Support Officer

Islington Council; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a dynamic leader to head the Labour Group Office and provide political support to senior officials. This role requires proven experience in public sector environments and a collaborative approach to managing a team. You'll play a vital role in shaping policy and addressing the challenges faced by local government. The position offers a blend of remote and flexible working, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the community in Islington. If you're passionate about public service and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Excellent pension through LGPS

Up to 32 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Local discounts from shops and restaurants

Qualifications

• Experience working with senior politicians in public sector organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of local government issues and political landscape.

Responsibilities

• Support elected members and senior Council officers.
• Manage a small team to deliver political support.

Skills

Political Acumen

Policy Development

Team Management

Public Sector Experience

Education

Degree in Political Science or Public Administration

Job description

About The Role

Head of Labour Group Office and Leader’s Political Support Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new Head of the Labour Group Office and Leader’s Political Support Officer. The successful candidate will have proven experience of working with senior politicians in a public sector organisation, helping to develop policy and deliver strategic objectives. The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of the issues facing local government and the political landscape nationally. They will be able to support elected members and senior Council officers and will have a collaborative and value driven approach to the role and manage a small team of officers to help deliver this support. This is a permanent role, working full time. Remote and flexible working will be possible but the work will largely be based at the Town Hall in Islington. Some attendance at evening meetings will be required.

If you would like to know more about the role please contact Alison Stuart, Director of Law and Governance at [e-mail].

We do not see your name or title when shortlisting your application. This is one of many initiatives to build a more talented and diverse workforce.

Please note it is your responses to the Essential/Desirable criteria, as detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification which is available on the job advert, that will determine if you are shortlisted for an interview, therefore we encourage you to always address the essential and desirable criteria in your application.

We are passionate about our people and how we deliver services to our community in Islington. That’s why we encourage a culture that puts our residents at the heart of our CARE values- to be collaborative, ambitious, resourceful and empowering. If you value these behaviours too, we’d love to hear from you.

Why it's great to work for Islington Council:

1. An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
2. Up to 32 days annual leave depending on grade and length of service. You will also get eight public holidays per year and an extra day off at Christmas.
3. A blend of remote and office based working for most roles.
4. Career development and learning experiences from a range of training courses and learning methods.
5. Employee Assistance Programme to provide advice and counselling services. This is a free and confidential service available to staff and members of their family.
6. Workplace benefits.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Therefore, we advise that you complete fully and submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you have previously applied for this role within the past 6 months, unfortunately, a second application will not be considered.

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 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. 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!

Recruitment information

It is the policy of Islington Council that no user of service, present or future employee or job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of their sex, perceived or actual sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion or belief, age, creed, colour, nationality, national origin, ethnic origin, or disability, or on the grounds of their association with someone in one of these groups; nor is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justified. We welcome applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates and acknowledge our responsibility to mitigate against racial discrimination.

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.

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.

The post is subject to a qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

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.