Public Affairs Officer
Islington Council
Vacancy Reference Number: 1398
Salary: £42,861 - £44,439 (PO1)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: 35
Working Pattern: Full time
Closing Date: 6 Apr 2025 at 23:59
About the role
Are you passionate about getting the issues that matter most to our residents heard by decision-makers in Westminster? We're looking for a Public Affairs Officer to join our passionate communications team here at Islington Council. Reporting to the Media and Public Affairs Manager, you'll be a part of the External Communications and Campaigns Team - using a range of communications channels to help tell the story of how the council is working to create a more equal future for all.
You’ll come with experience of delivering public affairs work, perhaps in local government or Westminster, with a clear understanding of the legislative process, and how to turn complex information into compelling stories.
In this role, you'll help establish realistic public affairs goals on the issues that matter most to our residents, and will use a variety of tools to help effect national and regional policy-change. You'll run creative campaigns, lobby key influencers, and help manage high-profile ministerial visits to the borough.
You’ll identify new relationships with key influencers and stakeholders across London and beyond, and help co-ordinate our existing strong networks with elected representatives, London boroughs and policy organisations. You’ll track policymaking, prepare councillors and officers to give oral evidence to Select Committees, and oversee responses to government consultations.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Planning and delivering public affairs campaigns for the council, to help us create a more equal borough.
Working with the Media and Public Affairs Manager to establish realistic policy goals that support the council's key missions.
Working with the wider External Communications and Campaigns Team to ensure that, where appropriate, our public affairs priorities are reflected in communications campaigns.
Managing a public affairs tracking system, to ensure that colleagues are aware of upcoming consultations, inquiries, and issues that are relevant to our objectives.
Building relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, and giving them the tools needed to advocate for public affairs priorities.
Alongside the Media and Public Affairs Manager and wider External Communications and Campaigns team, develop and maintain a list of key stakeholders that can help influence policy.
Helping to ensure that ministerial visits to the borough are well-managed, including maintaining a clear protocol for visits, and having ready-made briefings for internal colleagues on each of our public affairs priorities.
Ensuring that the council's public affairs achievements are effectively communicated to colleagues and externally.
Attending high-profile visits including, where necessary, out-of-hours with time off in lieu.
If you think your ideal for the role please apply online. For further information or for an informal conversation about the post, please contact:
Henry Clare, Media and Public Affairs Manager henry.clare@islington.gov.uk
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our offer to you
We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:
Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
Excellent local government pension scheme
Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
Recruitment information
It is the policy of Islington Council that no user of service, present or future employee or job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of their sex, perceived or actual sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion or belief, age, creed, colour, nationality, national origin, ethnic origin, or disability, or on the grounds of their association with someone in one of these groups; nor is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justified. We welcome applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates and acknowledge our responsibility to mitigate against racial discrimination.
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The post is subject to a qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
