Political Assistant

Medway Council is looking to recruit to the post of Political Assistant to the Conservative group.

Medway Council, located in Chatham, has 59 Councillors with an administration formed in May 2023 by members of Labour and Cooperative group. The 20 Conservatives councillors form the largest opposition group on the council. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the opposition leader, members of the shadow cabinet and other group members with all aspects of their roles, in addition to working closely with senior officers and other councillors.

The role primarily involves researching and producing policy briefings, advising on council procedures, drafting group responses to consultations, proposed motions and amendments for council debates and questions for the cabinet. This post will provide an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the council's decision making.

The Council provides a substantial rewards package inclusive of a flexible and hybrid working model, subject to the needs of the service. Some aspects of this role will require regular attendance at various council offices including in the evenings when meetings of the council/shadow cabinet and group take place.

In addition to excellent communications skills, both written and verbal, the postholder will be proficient in the use of social media and be politically astute.

Interviews will be held the week commencing the 20th of October 2025.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Wayne Hemingway 01634 332509.

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Member Services are seeking a Political Assistant to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.