External Communications Officer

London Assembly and secretariat

The London Assembly scrutinises the Mayor's activities by questioning the Mayor about their decisions. The Assembly also investigates issues of importance to London.

There are 25 Assembly Members, elected every four years at the same time as the Mayor. The Secretariat works for the Assembly to support its activities. The

Communications Team support service to promote the work of the Assembly through press office, social media, publicity and events.

About the role

Are you a media communications specialist with a good understanding of the political landscape in London?

Can you hit the ground running, with a current contacts list of print, broadcast and online journalists?

Is the high pressure, quick turnaround environment of a busy press office your bag?

Can you work with speed and accuracy – without losing your cool?

Do you have excellent news release writing skills and the insight to instantly recognise the story?

If so, the London Assembly Communications team is the place for you.

The Assembly has spent 25 years standing up for Londoners, holding the Mayor of London to account for his £22 billion annual budget by publicly examining his policies and programmes. Its 25 elected Assembly Members are champions for London. They review and investigate issues that affect everyday life, working to improve the running of the city in areas such as policing, transport, housing and planning, the economy, health and the environment.

Measuring and recording the impact of Assembly activities is important, as is a focus on the opportunities offered by digital engagement.

Working closely with the Head of Communications, your experience and understanding of how organisations can maximise their influence, and of how to get important stories noticed, to promote key individuals and to develop a strong political brand, will ensure that you become part of a team that makes a real difference.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

This is a politically restricted post. The Local Government and Housing Act 1989, and “1990 Regulations” set out the specific restrictions (Rules) that apply to holders of politically restricted posts at the GLA.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

Up to date CV

Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined below

Stakeholder focus

Communicating and influencing

Decision making

Planning and organising

Problem solving

Responding to pressure and change

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Alison Bell would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at alison.bell@london.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: To be confirmed

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

Find out which DBS check is right for your employee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.