Job Description
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.
This is a Fixed Term Role Until 30/06/2027.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the role of Political Support Officer to the Independent & Conservative Groups on Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The Political Support Officer role is unique within the Council in that it directly supports the Independent & Conservative Group in undertaking research and policy development, providing administration support and communications advice to Councillors, drafting documentation, as well as supporting Group meetings and councillors’ participation in meetings of the Council and committees.
You will be working closely with the Independent & Conservative Groups Leaders, Shaun Hughes and Tim Warren as well as providing support to the Councillors within the wider Independent & Conservative Groups (4 elected Independent members & 2 Conservative elected members, in total 6 members). This will involve working alongside Councillors to further the aims of the Independent & Conservative Groups within the Council, liaising with Council officers on behalf of the Groups, and supporting Councillors in highlighting each Group’s policies and achievements.
About You
The ideal candidate will be a strong self-starter, able to work alone and under their own initiative, with a good understanding of both politics and local government,and educated to degree level or equivalent with excellent communication and writing skills. Ideally, you will also have an understanding of the main political issues within Bath & North East Somerset, as well as an understanding of modern communication tools. You should be able to give sound, clear advice on complex issues with a high degree of political sensitivity. You should be able to act at pace and work effectively with elected members, senior officers within the Council and external stakeholders.
Due to statutory restrictions on the role, the post is Politically Restricted and is for a fixed term until 30 June 2027. Following the Council elections in May 2027, the post may be re-appointed on a four year contract.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A disclosure check with the DBS will be undertaken.
The Council will be advertising another part time Political Group Support Officer role for the Independents for B&NES Group but it is not possible to combine these roles due to their political nature.
Qualifications: Educated to degree level or equivalent
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Michael Hewitt, Head of Legal & Democratic Services, on Michael_Hewitt@BATHNES.GOV.UK or call 01225395125.
Interview date: 19/06/2025 at the Guildhall, Bath.
About Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Working at Bath & North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?
We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples live. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity
We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW
Please note that this role is subject to a Basic DBS Check.
Please note the Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register. This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered.