Job Introduction
We’re recruiting a full time Political Assistant to support the Conservative Group at Milton Keynes City Council.
You’ll work alongside Conservative Councillors and colleagues in Democratic Services, supporting group councillors to carry out their democratic roles effectively and responsibly.
This is a rewarding role where your work will directly support elected councillors in shaping policy, preparing for decisions and representing residents. You’ll provide trusted political, research and communications support while working with tact, discretion and professionalism in a politically sensitive environment.
Please note that the role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Site-Based role
This is a Site-Based role, and you’ll be expected to work from the designated workplace.
Interviews for this role will be held on 9 June
At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.
Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk
Main Responsibility
- Supporting the Group Leader with the development of the Group’s strategic direction and monitoring progress against priorities.
- Providing high quality political research, analysis and briefings to support councillors in their work.
- Preparing guidance notes, questions, motions and briefing material to support decision making processes.
- Supporting councillors with casework activity, in line with agreed direction and appropriate boundaries.
- Drafting written material, including press releases, or speeches for senior Councillors.
- Building effective working relationships with councillors, colleagues and external stakeholders, including other elected representatives, on a regional basis.
The Ideal Candidate
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
- A strong understanding of local government and the political environment.
- Experience of working with elected councillors or senior stakeholders in a confidential setting.
- The ability to work with tact, diplomacy and sound judgement at all times.
- Membership of the Conservative Party, or views consistent with the aims and values of the Conservative Group.
- Confident information technology skills, including Microsoft Office.
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can access low‑cost leasing of electric and low‑emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
