Political Assistant
Job Description
Job Title: Political Assistant - Reform Group
Salary: £39,027 - £44,463 per annum
Grade: E
Fixed Term Contract - 48 months
37 Hours per Week
Thurrock Council is looking for an engaging and committed individual to provide strategic and policy support to the Reform Group. The role will provide high-quality political advice, policy research, and strategic support to the group Leader and Members of the group, enabling effective decision‑making, policy development, and representation within the Council and across wider political and stakeholder networks.
Sitting within the Governance Teams at the Council, you will also act as a key link between the political group, council officers, and external partners, ensuring clear communication, alignment of priorities, and effective collaboration, including engagement with national and sector‑wide political structures.
The successful candidate will have experience and knowledge of providing high quality support to a team and working with others to complete projects to a high standard and on time. You’ll be an effective communicator across the organisation, from residents and officers to senior managers and politicians.
You will provide a variety of services to the group, ranging from research and policy development to supporting senior Reform councillors in their strategic aims. You will be highly organised with great ICT, English language and time management skills. Experience of working in a political environment is desirable, as is a sound understanding of local government and its governance.
You will be involved in policy research, note taking and organising meetings, as well as assisting with wider duties required of you. Full support in all aspects of the role will be provided to the successful candidate.
Your work time will largely be based at the Civic Offices in Grays, Essex, with some opportunity to work from home. You may be expected to attend some evening events across the year.
DBS Check: At Basic check will be required.
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Important Dates
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 2nd July 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 19th July 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:
Matthew Boulter - Head of Democratic and Scrutiny Services
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
About us
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
Salary range
- £39,027 - £44,463 per year