Application for Job Evaluation s2

GLPC Job Description Non-Manager

Job Title Political Assistant to the Labour Group

Chief Executive’s (Performance, Policy and Department Partnerships)

Section Executive and Member Services

Grade PO2 (SCP. 37 – 39)

Reports to Head of Executive and Member Services Staffing None Responsibility Organisation Please attach organisation structure

Job Purpose:

 Assisting the Group with organisation and administration (including attendance at Group Meetings);

 Working closely with the Group to research, evaluate and analyse issues which are of interest, relevance and importance to the Chair, Leader and Members of the Group;

 Acting as first point of contact and ensuring effective communications between Group Members, and between the Group, the Party, the Council, and other stakeholders;

 Preparing press releases and dealing with the media enquiries on behalf of the Leader and the Group; and liaising with Members of Parliament and Officers of the Council.

Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

Administrative Support  To assist in the preparation of agendas, reports and minutes for Group meetings and meetings of related bodies as required by the relevant Group Officer.

 To attend and record decisions of meetings as required.

 To take action on matters arising from meetings, ensure that key actions are progressed and that information is disseminated to all Group members.

 To advise at such meetings as requested.

 To maintain strict confidentiality on all matters arising from the work of the Group at all times.

Version 3: January 2014 Date of Job Evaluation Page 1 of 6 Research and Analysis

 To undertake policy research as required, meeting the needs of the Group so that Group members are able to undertake their council duties efficiently and effectively.

 To analyse, prepare and present reports deriving from such research as required.

 To support the Group in presenting its policies in an effective manner.

 To monitor the Council’s decision making in relation to Group policies.

Liaison/Communication

 To collate, summarise and distribute information on behalf of the Group from a variety of sources and to liaise with external bodies as required.

 To establish and develop appropriate systems to communicate on behalf of the Group.

 To liaise with Group members and office holders and between Group and local political parties.

 To liaise with the national and regional organisations of the Labour Party.

 To liaise with the political structures within local government representative organisations, other local authorities, etc.

 To undertake media liaison on behalf of the Group as required.

 To attend meetings of external organisations as required and to prepare reports/briefing.

Carry out duties with due regard to the Council’s Customer Care, Equal Opportunities, Information Governance, Data Protection and Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of this post.

DBS Status Not Required

Politically Restricted No

Version 3: January 2014 Date of Job Evaluation Page 2 of 6 Person Specification

Job Knowledge, Skills & Experience: Specify the qualifications, experience, skills and abilities required.

Knowledge and Qualifications:

1. Good understanding of the functions of local government.

2. Good understanding of the new governance arrangements and the respective roles of members and of officers.

3. Knowledge of the key issues facing local government including understanding of local government and Labour national party policy.

4. Knowledge and awareness of the issues involved when working within a multi-racial community.

5. Knowledge of a local authority’s management arrangements including budgetary processes.

6. A degree or professional qualification or equivalent experience.

Experience:

1. Experience of working in a party-political environment.

2. Experience of working at a high level within an organisation.

3. Experience of working with the media.

4. Experience of local government.

5. Broad based administrative experience acquired through paid employment, voluntary work or academic study.

6. Membership of the Labour Party and understanding of its aims and objectives.

Version 3: January 2014 Date of Job Evaluation Page 3 of 6 Skills and Abilities:

1. Good analytical and research skills with ability to make sound judgements in providing advice and guidance.

2. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and be self motivated

3. Good presentational and interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.

4. Good organisational and administrative skills and the ability to resolve competing priorities

5. Ability to undertake research and produce reports to the group

6. Ability to manage different priorities and progress change.

Version 3: January 2014 Date of Job Evaluation Page 4 of 6 Contracted until May 2018, with the possibility to extend

This is an exciting, high profile opportunity to work at the cutting edge of local government for an innovative local authority.

The post

The Labour Group is looking for experience in working – paid or unpaid – in a political environment, a professional approach with the organisational skills to deal with shifting priorities. You will need to demonstrate your awareness of new legislation and political developments (local, regional and national) with particular reference to the Labour Party.

This post is politically restricted and will be offered in line with current legislation governing Political Assistant Posts. This is a temporary role to May 2018.

As the Group’s Political Assistant you will be carrying out a range of interesting duties including: - undertaking political research in Council matters; - assisting with the composition and issuing of press releases - attending Labour Group meetings to provide information and advice to Council Members; - liaising with Members of Parliament and Officers of the Council;

The person

Ideally, you will be a member of the Labour Party and have: - research/administrative experience - experience of dealing with public bodies or political organisations - a good knowledge of Council political structure and public affairs; - good interpersonal skills and organisational skills; - good computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, database and desk top publishing; and - the ability to work under pressure as part of a team as well as use your own initiative,

We would like to hear from you.

This post is for a fixed term until May 2018 with the possibility of extension. The job involves attendance at evening meetings.

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