Political Assistant (Conservative)

BASILDON BOROUGH COUNCIL; Basildon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Basildon Borough Council is hiring a Political Assistant to support the Leader of the Conservative Group with political, policy, research, communications and administrative tasks.

You will monitor political developments, identify opportunities and risks, and help ensure the group’s leadership is well informed and effectively supported. A baseline DBS is required and the role emphasizes safeguarding commitments.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a political, policy, public affairs, communications or local government environment.
• Strong understanding of UK politics, local government governance and democratic decision-making.
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience preparing high-quality briefings, speeches, reports and communications materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage a range of stakeholders.
• Experience managing digital communications and social media activity.
• The ability to build effective working relationships and networks both internally and externally.
• Degree-level qualifications or equivalent relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality political, policy, research, communications and administrative support to the Leader of the Conservative Group and the wider group.
• Monitor national and local political developments, identify opportunities and risks, and help ensure the Council's political leadership is well informed and effectively supported.
• Manage media and digital communications activity, develop stakeholder relationships, and support political group meetings and governance processes.
• Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment.
• All offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks and clearance.

Skills

Political awareness

Research & analysis

Communications

Stakeholder engagement

Digital communications

Governance knowledge

Policy development

Education

Degree-level qualifications

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Basildon Borough Council as a Political Assistant to the Conservative Party Group

You will provide high-quality political, policy, research, communications and administrative support to the Leader of the Conservative Group and the wider group.

This is a unique and influential role at the heart of local government, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to policy development, strategic priorities and communications that impact residents, businesses and communities across the borough.

You will monitor national and local political developments, identify opportunities and risks, and help ensure that the Council's political leadership is well informed and effectively supported. The role also involves managing media and digital communications activity, developing stakeholder relationships, and supporting political group meetings and governance processes, Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its' commitment, while implementing a range of policies to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation across all departments.

A basic DBS clearance is required for this role.

We are proud to be a disability confident employer. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment, encouraging applications from disabled people and we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We value the diversity of our community and aim to have a workforce that reflects this. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures and identities, and are particularly keen to hear from underrepresented groups.

We are proud holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and aligning with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks and clearance.

• Experience working in a political, policy, public affairs, communications or local government environment.
• A strong understanding of UK politics, local government governance and democratic decision-making.
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience preparing high-quality briefings, speeches, reports and communications materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage a range of stakeholders.
• Experience managing digital communications and social media activity.
• The ability to build effective working relationships and networks both internally and externally.

Degree-level qualifications or equivalent relevant experience

You will be resilient, adaptable and able to work confidently in a fast-paced political environment where discretion, professionalism and sound judgement are essential

Basildon Borough Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation journey, driven by our Corporate Plan and the belief that every resident deserves to live in a safe, thriving, and high-quality environment. Our focus remains firmly on strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and delivering high-quality public services.

Basildon Council is currently preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which will change how councils operate across the area in the coming years. While this transition is underway, the Council continues to deliver essential services and remains committed to recruiting talented people who can help shape the future of local government.