Political Group Support Officer (Independents for B&NES)

TN United Kingdom; Bath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Political Support Officer with Bath & North East Somerset Council. This fixed-term role involves supporting the Independents for B&NES Group through research, policy development, and administrative duties. The ideal candidate will have a degree, strong communication skills, and a good understanding of local politics.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Strong self-starter with initiative.
• Good understanding of politics and local government.

Responsibilities

• Support Independents for B&NES Group with research and policy development.
• Provide administration support and communications advice to Councillors.

Skills

Communication

Political Awareness

Research

Education

Degree level education

Job description

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Political Group Support Officer (Independents for B&NES), Bath

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Client:

Bath and North East Somerset Council

Location:

Bath, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

c6cba794994d

Job Views:

3

Posted:

17.05.2025

Expiry Date:

01.07.2025

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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 will involve working alongside Councillors to further the aims of the Independents for B&NES Group within the Council, liaising with Council officers on behalf of the Group, and supporting Councillors in highlighting each Group’s policies and achievements.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a strong self-starter, able to work alone and under their own initiative, with a good understanding of both politics and local government, and educated to degree level or equivalent with excellent communication and writing skills. Ideally, you will also have an understanding of the main political issues within Bath & North East Somerset, as well as an understanding of modern communication tools. You should be able to give sound, clear advice on complex issues with a high degree of political sensitivity. You should be able to act at pace and work effectively with elected members, senior officers within the Council, and external stakeholders.

Due to statutory restrictions on the role, the post is Politically Restricted and is for a fixed term until 30 June 2027. Following the Council elections in May 2027, the post may be re-appointed on a four-year contract.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A disclosure check with the DBS will be undertaken.

The Council will be advertising another part-time Political Group Support Officer role for the Independent and Conservative groups, but it is not possible to combine these roles due to their political nature.

Qualifications: Educated to degree level or equivalent.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just want to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Michael Hewitt, Head of Legal & Democratic Services, at [emailprotected] or call 01225395125.

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

About Bath & North East Somerset Council

Working at Bath & North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on residents’ lives. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services and communicate with residents. We care about the best outcomes for local people through our public services.

Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits to ensure you are paid fairly, enjoy a good work/life balance, and receive the support you need. Find out more at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

Our purpose is to improve people's lives. Learn more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. See our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

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

This role is subject to a Basic DBS Check.

The Council considers redeployees on the Council’s at-risk register for suitable roles, provided they meet the essential criteria.