Job Description
* Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
* Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
* Salary: £31,537 - £36,363 per annum pro rata
* Hours: Part Time, 21 hours per week
* Contract: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment opportunity until next District Election (scheduled for May 2027)
This role is open to part time and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join our team
Mid Suffolk District Council is seeking to appoint a passionate and politically astute individual to support the Green Party administration as a dedicated Political Assistant.
If you share our values and you are passionate about making a difference, this position offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of local politics in Mid Suffolk.
About The Role
You will be working in a fast-paced political environment, supporting and contributing to a busy political group.
Alongside general administration of the group, you will regularly prepare research and briefing material in response to enquiries raised by councillors.
You will be expected to keep abreast of changes to national legislation that might affect policy on a local level and be able to provide briefing documents to councillors that outline the potential impact on Mid Suffolk District Council.
You will also help the Green group to navigate the various political meetings held at the council, including drafting motions, conducting research, and helping write speeches for key councillor, such as the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members.
About You
This is a fantastic position for individuals looking to start their career in politics, and an opportunity to help shape and deliver priorities and policies at a complex time for local government.
Required Skills and Qualifications
* strong written and verbal communication skills
* proven research capabilities
* a thorough understanding of political awareness
* the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and manage their own workload
* knowledge of local and national political landscapes
* a diplomatic and professional approach to sensitive matters and information
This is a hybrid role, you will be able to work from home and from the main Mid Suffolk office in Endeavour House (Ipswich) on a flexible arrangement suited around working patterns.
You will be required to attend Council meetings, both in-person and virtually, to support members of the political group. Some meetings will be held in the evening after usual working hours.
About Us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in.
We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors.
We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
* 60 conservation areas
* two National Landscapes
* many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits
* Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
* Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
* Private Health Care Options.
* Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
* Paid volunteering days.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
* Great learning and development opportunities.
For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page.
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go.
We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
For more information
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Councillor Andrew Mellen, Leader of the Mid Suffolk Green Party, by email, Andrew.Mellen@midsuffolk.gov.uk or by telephone, 07790 992619.
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing date
5pm, 16 April 2026.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with Section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
This position is advertised as a part-time fixed term contract until the next district election, currently scheduled for May 2027. There is scope to extend this contract dependent on this election result and the requirements of the Mid Suffolk Green Party.
How To Apply
Please ensure your:
* application form is fully completed, including employment and education history
* supporting statement clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About The Team
How to apply
Application Procedure
1. Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (JD and PS).
2. Complete the Supporting Statement template.
3. Complete the online application and upload your statement.
Your statement needs to indicate how you meet the criteria in the ‘Person specification ’ section of the (JD and PS).
Your statement should:
* Be no more than 2 sides of A4
* use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted)
* be uploaded on your online application, as without this, your interest will not be progressed.
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