The organisation:    

Ellwood Atfield are proud to be partnering with London Borough of Merton to appoint a Labour Group assistant to join the Leader’s office. This is a crucial role to help the Leader of the Council, Cabinet, and wider Labour Group deliver on the administration’s ambitions to nurture civic pride, build a sustainable future, and establish Merton as London’s Borough of Sport.

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The opportunity:

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To provide high level support to the Labour Group enabling its effective contribution to the work of the administration and Council, providing policy, communications and administrative support, and acting as a link between the Leader of the Council, Cabinet and wider Group.

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Main responsibilities:

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• To support Group meetings through working with the Leader and Cabinet members on their reports to Group and preparing for Group discussions, including producing briefings, and liaising with the Group Chair and Secretary on the agenda, distribution of papers and organisation of meetings.
• To support in preparing for Council meetings, including preparing motions, amendments, questions, coordinating speakers, providing briefing, research and information, and liaising with the Chief Whip.
• To develop effective working relationships with the Council’s Corporate Management Team and officers at all levels in order to stay abreast of developing policy, in order to best support the Leader and Cabinet members in undertaking their roles, and to enable Group to make an effective contribution to the work of the administration, working closely with the Cabinet Support Officers.
• To support the Leader, Cabinet and Group members through preparing high-quality policy briefings, research and information, and by carrying out specific projects.
• To support the Leader, Cabinet and Group in developing effective communications, narrative and messaging around the priorities and progress of the administration, including drafting speeches, articles, press notices, social media content and newsletters, liaising closely with the Council’s Communications Team.
• To ensure Group members are kept up to date with local, national and London-wide issues, policy and legislation and how they affect Merton.
• To support the Leader, Cabinet members and Group in liaison with key local external stakeholders, and wider community engagement, including organising community meetings and visits, and disseminating information.

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Experience required:

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• Experience operating in similar roles or public affairs roles which have involved lobbying or promoting aims, profile of the organisation
• Understanding of local government, its structures, governance arrangements and decision-making processes
• Excellent understanding of national current affairs and the political agenda
• Ability to build strong, trusted relationships with the Leader, Cabinet, Group members, Corporate Management Team, officers and external partners and stakeholders
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to analyse and distil and communicate complex information clearly and succinctly

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Benefits:

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• Salary: £40,833-£44,019
• Hybrid working (4 days per week in the office based at Merton Civic Centre) 
• Excellent holiday entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme

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How to apply:

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To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of yourCV. 

Closing date: 14^th January, 2025

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunters for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.