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London Assembly and Secretariat

The London Assembly scrutinises the Mayor's activities by questioning the Mayor about their decisions. The Assembly also investigates issues of importance to London.

There are 25 Assembly Members, elected every four years at the same time as the Mayor. The Secretariat works for the Assembly to support its activities. The

Communications Team support service to promote the work of the Assembly through press office, social media, publicity and events.

About the team

We are a team of 12 officers who support the seven Conservative London Assembly Members in scrutinising the work of the Greater London Authority and Mayor of London.

About the role

This is a chance to take on a unique role as a Senior Communications Officer for the City Hall Conservative Members of the London Assembly, specialising in managing communications support.

You will be responsible for generating digital and traitional media coverage for the assigned Assembly Member(s) in relation to the range of their GLA roles and functions and to respond to media enquiries effectively, accurately and quickly, ensuring that responses properly reflect the particular Member’s views.

Organised, collaborative and diplomatic, you will bring to the role a talent for communicating and influencing, both in person and in writing.

Experience of working in a similar role or sector is essential.

What your day will look like

• Generating media coverage for the assigned Assembly Member(s) in relation to the range of their GLA roles and functions and to respond to media enquiries effectively, accurately and quickly, ensuring that responses properly reflect the particular Member’s views.
• Developing and implementing media-based tasks, including but not limited to, producing digital, video and newsletter content. For example, clipping Assembly Member contributions in the London Assembly chamber.
• Effectively monitoring relevant media activity, and providing effective and timely advice to relevant Assembly Members, including early warning of potential issues, in relation to media management.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive, proactive and effective communications strategies for assigned Assembly Members, working in close coordination with other staff in the Group at all times.
• Supporting Assembly Members with event coordination, speech and article drafting, website updating, etc.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Evidence of working successfully, in a similar role in a high-profile organisation.
• Understanding and experience of media handling techniques, including strategies, designing and delivering effective communications plans for elected politicians.
• Ability to utilise the latest information and communication technologies in relation to media issues, including designing or commissioning leaflets, newsletters and other documents.
• Experience of working with video editing software is essential.

Behavioural Competencies

Communicating and Influencing

… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible, articulate and engage with us.

Level 2 indicator

Building and Managing relationships

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 2 indicator

Organisational Awareness

… is understanding and being sensitive to organisational dynamics, culture and politics across and beyond the GLA and shaping our approach accordingly.

Level 2 indicator

Responding to Pressure and Change

… is being flexible and adapting positively, to sustain performance when the situation changes, workload increases, tensions rise or priorities shift.

Level 2 indicator

Planning and Organising

… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 2 indicator

Research and Analysis

… is gathering intelligence (information, opinion and data) from varied sources, making sense of it, testing its validity and drawing conclusions that can lead to practical benefits.

Level 2 indicator

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

This role is based at City Hall, Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination. 

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Lewis Preston would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at lewis.preston@london.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

Is this role eligible for sponsorship?

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: to be confirmed

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.