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* Suffolk County Council – Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - on-site
* £33,366 per annum
* 37 hours per week
* Fixed term or secondment under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The appointment will terminate at the first meeting of the next four-year term of the county council (21 May 2026).
Job Description
At Suffolk County Council, we're redefining the future of local government. As leaders in local government reorganisation and devolution, we are part of the Devolution Priority Programme, working to secure greater local control over funding, decision-making, and services - ensuring that policies are shaped by those who understand Suffolk best. Our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community impact drives everything we do.
Joining us as a Political Research Assistant (Conservative Group) means being part of a team at the heart of this transformation. You’ll support decision-makers as they navigate the opportunities of devolution, helping to shape policies that deliver real change for Suffolk’s residents. Ready to take the next step in your career and play a role in shaping the future of local government?
Your Role And Responsibilities
* Provide support to the Group Leader, Cabinet members, and the wider Conservative Group.
* Organise meetings, take minutes, and ensure follow-ups are actioned.
* Serve as the first point of contact for all Conservative County Councillors, assisting with constituency casework, queries, and information requests.
* Optimise the Conservative Group’s social media presence and maintain the group’s website with up-to-date content.
* Manage media enquiries and liaise with journalists on behalf of the Suffolk County Council Conservative Group.
* Draft and distribute press releases and other media communications.
* Prepare briefings on a wide range of topics.
* Act as a liaison between councillors and Council officers, facilitating effective communication.
This is a great opportunity to work with elected politicians at the political centre of the council where policies and priorities are set, and to be part of an organisation that is at the forefront of innovation in local government.
You will need
* Political awareness and sensitivity are essential requirements, as is experience of the Conservative Party, the media and other partners, ideally in local government.
* Education to degree standard or have equivalent experience with excellent research skills.
* To be able to work independently to tight deadlines and manage your own workload.
* Good communication and IT skills.
This post is designated under S.9 Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and politically restricted.
If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
While the post is principally centred around supporting the Conservative Group you will work with the Democratic Services Team. The Democratic Services Team is responsible for ensuring good governance in the council’s decision-making process and supporting councillors in their role as leaders in the county. The team is very supportive of each other and team members are always happy to listen and help each other. We pride ourselves on the positive environment this team creates.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.
For more information
Please contact Nigel Inniss for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 01473 264236 or emailing nigel.inniss@suffolk.gov.uk.
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How To Apply
1. Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
2. Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
3. Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.
* You should use the Supporting Statement template.
* Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 6 April 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
* Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
* Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
* Performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase.
* Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
* A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
* Diverse and active staff networks.
* Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
* Government Administration
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