Political Group Support Officer (Independents for B&NES)

Bath & North East Somerset Council; Bath; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking a Political Support Officer to assist the Independents for B&NES Group. This role involves research, policy development, and administrative support. Ideal candidates will have a degree and strong communication skills. The position is fixed-term until June 2027, with potential for reappointment.

Benefits

Fair pay

Work/life balance

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• Strong self-starter with a good understanding of politics and local government.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Independents for B&NES Group in research, policy development, and administration.
• Provide communications advice to Councillors and draft documentation.

Skills

Communication

Political Sensitivity

Research

Education

Degree level education or equivalent

Job description

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.

This is a Fixed Term Role Until 30/06/2027.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for the role of Political Support Officer to the Independents for B&NES Group on Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The Political Support Officer role is unique within the Council in that it directly supports the Independents for B&NES Group in undertaking research and policy development, providing administration support and communications advice to Councillors, drafting documentation, as well as supporting Group meetings and councillors’ participation in meetings of the Council and committees.

You will be working closely with the Independents for B&NES Group Leader, Karen Walker as well as providing support to the Councillors within the wider Independents for B&NES Group (3 elected members in total). This involves liaising with Council officers, supporting Group policies and achievements, and representing the Group within the Council.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a strong self-starter with good understanding of politics and local government, educated to degree level or equivalent, with excellent communication and writing skills. An understanding of local issues in Bath & North East Somerset and modern communication tools is preferred. You should be able to provide sound, clear advice on complex issues with political sensitivity, and work effectively with elected members, senior officers, and external stakeholders.

This role is politically restricted and fixed-term until 30 June 2027, with potential reappointment for four years post-election. The position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; a DBS check will be undertaken.

Note: The Council will advertise another part-time Political Group Support Officer role for the Independent and Conservative groups, but these roles cannot be combined due to their political nature.

Qualifications: Educated to degree level or equivalent.

For more details or to discuss the role, contact Michael Hewitt, Head of Legal & Democratic Services, at [e-mail] or call 01225395125.

Interview date: 18/06/2025 at the Guildhall, Bath.

About Bath & North East Somerset Council

Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to the community and positively impact residents’ lives. Our values guide our work and communication, focusing on the best outcomes for local people.

Why work with us?

We offer a wide range of benefits, fair pay, work/life balance, and support. Learn more at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits.

Our purpose is to improve lives, guided by our values: more info at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values.

We value diversity and inclusion; find out more at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. Details at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW.

Please note: a Basic DBS check is required for this role. The Council considers redeployees for at-risk roles in accordance with our policies.