Job Description - Consultation Specialist (047548)
Organisation
Borough Partnerships
Job
Communications
Position Type - Full Time
Salary - £50,000 to £55,000 depending on experience
Location – Palestra,
Contract Type – Fixed Term Contract for 18 months (TfL)
Band - 3
Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4-week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.
Overview of project/role
Based within the Local Communities and Partnerships team, our vision is simple: We build relationships with London’s boroughs and local communities to deliver better transport for everyone.
In this role, you will be part of a dynamic team of consultation specialists who build, manage and deliver meaningful consultation between TfL, the public and our stakeholders, to allow them to comment on and help shape our decision-making on our projects, schemes and policies.
The team is responsible for delivering a huge variety of consultations on matters as diverse as bus route changes, Healthy Streets, cycling, taxi & private hire and major transport schemes (e.g. transformation of Oxford Street, DLR to Thamesmead) to help achieve TfL’s and the Mayor’s objectives, priorities and key projects.
The post-holder will be accountable for the implementation of consultation schemes and projects (statutory and non-statutory) and related engagement as necessary to successfully deliver TfL’s major consultations. The post-holder will also be accountable for managing stakeholders through the statutory consent process.
Key Accountabilities
The post-holder will be accountable for:
1. Implementing specific consultations for statutory and non-statutory consultation and related engagement.
2. Working in collaboration with other Engagement and Consultation Managers to ensure that all consultation activity is prioritised and appropriately resourced to achieve the required outcomes for TfL.
3. Running efficient, effective and legally compliant consultations/engagement by ensuring the right people are consulted, their comments are properly interpreted, adequately considered and responded to and that the consultation is concluded within a specified time frame.
4. Working with colleagues throughout the Consultation and Projects team to contribute to the continuous improvement and development of all consultation and consents engagement, and to avoid legal challenge.
5. Ensuring work is carefully sequenced and planned in collaboration with Public Affairs and External Relations colleagues so that reputational risks are identified and managed.
6. On behalf of, and as directed by, the Consultation Compliance and Analysis Manager/Planning and Consents Manager, manage relationships at senior level, both within TfL and externally, with senior political stakeholders (MPs, Assembly Members, local councillors), and business and community representatives. The post-holder will be politically astute and comfortable in representing TfL to external audiences in relation to politically sensitive/complex issues.
7. Managing and supporting Engagement Executives with their work both within own area and across the department as a whole to help the wider team in achieve its objectives and external suppliers delivering specific consultation activity to provide value for money.
8. Clearly documenting, managing and escalating stakeholder issues to the relevant colleague to ensure resolution to avoid reputational damage to TfL carrying out analysis using relevant data and results to assess impact of strategic proposals.
9. Provide advice and expertise to the Local & Community Partnership team and other colleagues on consultation best practice to ensure all consultations are delivered to the required standards.
10. Delivering analysis and information to assist with the development of relevant business cases and prepare governance and authority papers.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Skills:
1. Excellent influencing and negotiating skills, and comfortable with high-level opinion-formers. (Essential)
2. Proven ability to build strong collaborative working relationships with senior colleagues and external stakeholders. (Desirable)
3. Politically astute, with a sound awareness of the key policy issues affecting transport decisions in London. (Essential)
4. Ability to set the agenda on strategic issues, and bring energy and drive to ensure activity is completed. (Essential)
5. Excellent commercial awareness and financial acumen, with an ability to achieve value for money. (Essential)
6. Ability to handle complex stakeholder relationship issues, in particular where there is potential for controversy. (Desirable)
7. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to work and think accurately under pressure. (Essential)
8. Excellent presentation and organisational skills. (Essential)
9. Practical understanding of the complexities of high-profile public sector organisations. (Desirable)
10. Ability to analyse and interrogate complex data. (Essential)
Knowledge:
1. Degree qualified or with equivalent experience, preferably in a communications or business management role. (Desirable)
2. Sound understanding of local government procedures and culture, and the politics of London government. (Desirable)
3. Thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of national transport provision, consents processes and relevant legislation. (Desirable)
4. A good understanding of both the legal and political dimensions to consultation and engagement. (Essential)
5. In-depth understanding of the importance of the relationship between business strategy and stakeholder communications. (Essential)
6. Understanding of the strategic issues and needs of London. (Desirable)
7. Excellent technical knowledge and understanding regarding statutory and non-statutory consultation. (Essential)
8. Knowledge of consultation and engagement processes and techniques. (Essential)
9. Knowledge of developments and emerging best practices in transport in the UK and globally. (Desirable)
Experience:
1. Experience in dealing with local government at a senior level, including political stakeholders. (Desirable)
2. Excellent record of delivering results on time and within budget. (Essential)
3. Proven track record in consultations, government and stakeholder relations, including an excellent understanding of the workings of Parliament and national, regional and local government. (Desirable)
4. Experience of strategic campaigning – preferably with an excellent understanding of transport issues. (Essential)
5. An understanding of the workings of the institutions, policies and legislation of the EU. (Desirable)
6. Good record of conceptual and strategic thinking. (Desirable)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria. We also use anonymising software that removes identifying information from CVs and cover letters to make the process fair.
Application Process
Please apply using your CV and a two page covering letter. We recommend that you consider the motivations, skills, knowledge and experience required for this role and ensure your CV and cover letter outlines where you meet these criteria. PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images.
The closing date for applications is 12/02/25 @ 23:59
In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:
* Final salary pension scheme
* Free travel for you on the TfL network
* Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home to work or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket
* 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
* TfL is committed to work-life balance, operating a hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow
* Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional)
* Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
* Retail, health, leisure and travel offers
* Discounted Eurostar travel
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