Job Introduction
A great opportunity for someone interested in politics to support Councillors in the Milton Keynes Labour Group to undertake their roles effectively.
As a Political Assistant, you’ll work closely with group leadership and decision makers, undertake research, develop policy, draft press releases and speeches, and work with senior Councillors on a range of tasks.
Ideally you’ll have a background in communications, research or policy but most importantly you’ll be energetic, organised and have political views that resonate with the aims and values of the group.
Milton Keynes City Council is a modern and friendly place to work. We offer an excellent benefits package including an enhanced pension, generous holiday allowance starting at 28 days as well as a great range of training and development opportunities to help you in your career.
Main Responsibility
- Support the group’s strategic direction and development within the City Council, including the preparation of reports and briefings.
- Prepare material including press releases for the media or community groups.
- Manage and prepare political research for Councillors in the group.
- Help Councillors prepare for meetings, by drafting guidance notes, motions, questions or similar.
The Ideal Candidate
- An understanding of local government and the political context that elected Councillors operate in.
- Experience of dealing with the press / media and can write fluently and persuasively.
- Excellent communication skills and able to adapt your style to different personalities and stakeholders.
- A highly organised and detail-oriented individual who can support a large group of Councillors.
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.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
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.
