Thurrock Council
Political Assistant
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Political Assistant
Political Assistant – Reform Group
About the Role
Salary: £39,027 - £44,463 per annum Grade: E Contract: Fixed-term (48 months) Hours: 37 per week Location: Thurrock Council Civic Offices, Grays, Essex (with hybrid opportunities)
Thurrock Council is seeking a political assistant to provide strategic and policy support to the Reform Group. The role involves delivering high-quality political advice, policy research, and strategic support to the group leader and members, ensuring effective decision-making, policy development, and representation—both within the Council and across wider political and stakeholder networks.
As part of the Governance Team, you will act as a key liaison between:
- The Reform Group
- Council officers
- External partners
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring clear communication, priority alignment, and collaboration
- Engagement with national and sector-wide political structures
- Assisting senior Reform councillors in achieving their strategic objectives
This is a support-driven role, requiring strong project management, ICT proficiency, time organisation skills, and excellent written communication.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct policy research and provide evidence-based recommendations
- Compile meeting notes and administer group logistics
- Assist with public engagement, representation tasks, and wider political duties
- Facilitate collaboration between councillors, officers, and stakeholders
- Support the development of strategic policies and decision-making frameworks
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Requirements & Essential Criteria
- Strong project delivery and team support experience
- Proven ability to manage priorities effectively
- Advanced ICT and English proficiency (especially written communication)
- Local government or political environment knowledge (desirable but not essential)
- Ability to work autonomously and flexibly in a politically sensitive environment
- Occasionally required to attend evening events and represent the Council
Person Specification
Skills & Competencies
- Analytical & research skills to underpin policy support
- Excellent written and verbal communication – engaging with diverse audiences
- Highly organised with strong time and workload management
- Ability to navigate confidential/multitasking demands efficiently
Experience (Desirable but not essential)
- Previous political assistant or government support roles
- Experience working in council teams
- Knowledge of local government governance structures
Benefits Package
At Thurrock Council, we believe in supporting our employees fully. Our package includes:
- 35+ hours of annual leave (including statutory allowances)
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Flexible/hybrid working opportunities where applicable
- Career development (training and professional growth)
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing resources
- Staff discounts on leisure, retail, and Council offerings
- Inclusive, supportive workplace culture
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Important Dates & Contacts
- Closing Date (Redeployment-only candidates): 2nd July 2026
- Closing Date (Internal & External Candidates): 19th July 2026
- Interview Date: TBC
Contact
Mattew Boulter Head of Democratic and Scrutiny Services Email: mboulter@thurrock.gov.uk
Visit our Job Profile for further details.
How Thurrock is Changing
Join Thurrock Council in a period of positive transformation, where you can directly impact the lives of residents. Our "community leadership" approach links us with local partners while fostering progressive change.
What We Offer
- A forward-moving organisation with ambitious goals
- A rich cultural scene featuring the Royal Opera House and National Skills Academies
- Prime locations (25-minute train ride to London) and leisure amenities
Equality & Inclusion
We are committed to equal opportunities and as a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer interviews to those meeting all essential criteria regardless of disability. Thurrock is a diverse borough where equality is central to our values.
Find out more here or explore benefits at Employment Benefits – Thurrock Council.
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