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Are you highly organised, politically aware, and looking to build a career at the heart of local government policy, partnerships, and strategic influence?

We are seeking a motivated and capable Partnership and Policy Support Officer to provide policy, communications, and partnership support across two influential local government organisations: the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) and Yorkshire & Humber Councils (Y&H Councils).

This unique role sits at the centre of regional and national local government activity, supporting collaboration between council leaders, Chief Executives, and senior officers from across Yorkshire and Humber and England's major urban authorities.

Hosted by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council within the Office of the Chief Executive, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with senior decision-makers, gain exposure to major policy issues, and support collaborative programmes that influence regional and national policy.

At a time of significant local government reform, devolution, and debate around the future of council funding, you will help support organisations that are shaping discussions and advocating on behalf of local authorities across the country.

What you'll do

As Partnership and Policy Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the effective operation of both organisations by:

• Delivering policy, research, and partnership activity for SIGOMA and Yorkshire & Humber Councils.

• Coordinating meetings, events, and appointments, including agendas, briefing papers, and reports.

• Contributing day-to-day communications activity across websites, social media, media relations, and press enquiries.

• Producing briefing notes, reports, minutes, and analysis to inform discussions and decision-making.

• Managing relationships with elected members, senior officers, local authorities, and external partners.

• Providing administrative and organisational coordination to help deliver the priorities of both organisations.

About you

We're looking for someone with excellent organisational skills who can work accurately and confidently in a fast-paced environment.

You will:

• Hold a relevant Level 5 qualification or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.

• Have experience in an administrative, business support, policy, or partnership environment.

• Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Be able to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Maintain high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail.

• Have an interest in policy, public affairs, communications, or local government.

Why join us?

This role offers a rare opportunity to gain first-hand experience of local government leadership and policy-making at both regional and national levels.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Work directly with senior elected politicians, Chief Executives, and local government leaders.

• Contribute to SIGOMA's new strategy and manifesto, helping shape the debate on fairer local government funding.

• Support the Yorkshire Leaders Board and Yorkshire & Humber Chief Executives' Group during a period of significant regional change and devolution.

• Develop experience across policy, research, communications, stakeholder engagement, and partnership working.

• Benefit from flexible working, generous leave entitlement, and a competitive local government pension scheme.

• Enjoy varied, high-profile work with opportunities to develop and progress.

About the host authority

SIGOMA and Yorkshire & Humber Councils are hosted by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council within the Office of the Chief Executive. Barnsley is a double award-winning Council of the Year (LGC and MJ Awards 2023), recognised nationally for its innovation, leadership, and commitment to delivering for communities.

Further information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Josh Keeling, Policy and Strategy Manager, SIGOMA
joshuakeeling@barnsley.gov.uk

or

Peter Ollerenshaw, Regional Policy Officer, Yorkshire & Humber Councils
peterollerenshaw@barnsley.gov.uk

Alternatively, please complete the online application form.