Job Title: Leaders Political Assistant

Band: 6

Location: Hybrid (3 days minimum office attendance per week)

Contract Type and Hours: 36.25 hours per week

Fixed term contract initially until May 2027 with potential to be extended

Closing Date: 20/09/2026

Basildon Borough Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation journey, driven by our Corporate Plan and the belief that every resident deserves to live in a safe, thriving, and high‑quality environment. Our focus remains firmly on strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and delivering high‑quality public services.

Basildon Council is currently preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which will change how councils operate across the area in the coming years. While this transition is underway, the Council continues to deliver essential services and remains committed to recruiting talented people who can help shape the future of local government.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Basildon Borough Council as our Leader's Political Assistant, providing high-quality political, policy, research and communications support to the Leader of the Council and the administration.

This is a unique and influential role at the heart of local government, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to policy development, strategic priorities and communications that impact residents, businesses and communities across the borough.

Working closely with the Council Leader and senior members, you will provide research and policy analysis, prepare briefings and reports, draft speeches and correspondence, and support the development of the administration's priorities and manifesto commitments.

You will monitor national and local political developments, identify opportunities and risks, and help ensure that the Council's political leadership is well informed and effectively supported. The role also involves managing media and digital communications activity, developing stakeholder relationships, and supporting political group meetings and governance processes

About what/ who we are looking for:

We are looking for a politically astute and highly motivated individual with:

Experience working in a political, policy, public affairs, communications or local government environment.
A strong understanding of UK politics, local government governance and democratic decision-making.
Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience preparing high-quality briefings, speeches, reports and communications materials.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage a range of stakeholders.
Experience managing digital communications and social media activity.
The ability to build effective working relationships and networks both internally and externally.

Degree-level qualifications or equivalent relevant experience

You will be resilient, adaptable and able to work confidently in a fast-paced political environment where discretion, professionalism and sound judgement are essential

Please note this role is politically restricted

Please see attached the Job Description and Person Specification.

If you would like to be part of Basildon’s success, please attach and submit your CV and covering letter detailing how you demonstrate the requirements of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note:

Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its’ commitment, while implementing a range of policies to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation across all departments.

A basic DBS clearance is required for this role.

We are proud to be a disability confident employer. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment, encouraging applications from disabled people and we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We value the diversity of our community and aim to have a workforce that reflects this. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures and identities, and are particularly keen to hear from underrepresented groups.

We are proud holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and aligning with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks and clearance.

Please note, if you do not have access to a desktop to apply- computers are available in the Job Centre, Library or our own Customer Service Centre.

Applicants with a hearing or speech impairment can contact us using the Text Relay Service. Dial 18001 followed by the full telephone number as above. Calls are charged at your telecommunications provider's standard rate.

If you have any queries regarding this or any of our roles, please contact Human Resources 01268 208242 or human.resources@basildon.gov.uk.

Good Luck with Your Application.