The role
We have an exciting opportunity to join the expanding Leader’s Office and Cabinet’s Office in a central role at the heart of the key decision-making in the council.
The purpose of our team is to advise and support the Leader, Cabinet, senior officers in the council and their departments. We work in a fast-paced and politically sensitive division, connecting politicians to senior officers as they deliver Southwark’s ambitions.
By joining our team, you will be contributing to delivering tangible results in the heart of London. Southwark have the largest council home programme, with over 3,000 homes built or under construction in the last year and directly managing over 55,000 homes in the borough. We are leading the way in access to mental health services, investing over £35m in cost-of-living support for our residents and providing free school meals to primary and secondary school children.
As an Administrative Assistant you will tasked with providing essential support to the Leader’s Office and Cabinet Office team across a range of functions, supporting the delivery of internal and external meetings, events and visits.
You will be a first point of contact for the office; fielding calls from the public, meeting visitors and attending key meetings. You will work closely with the Head of the Leader's Office, Political Officer for the Majority Group, Cabinet Office Manager and Cabinet Advisors in ensuring the effective running of the office, key meetings and communications organised by our team. You will be involved in the team's work by ensuring information is clearly understood by a variety of recipients, responding to challenges as they emerge week-to-week. There will also be opportunities to assist with national work.
By working in a driven and ambitious team within the Leader’s Office and Cabinet Office, you will get a special insight into how different parts of the council work together to make key decisions and deliver for residents.
About you:
The role is suitable for recent graduates with ambitions for a career in a political or government environment, or individuals who can demonstrate excellent administrative skills and capability who are seeking to work in this field.
You will have an understanding the political context in which elected councillors and the council operate, knowledge of local government context including council policy and processes and demonstrable experience of managing and prioritising multiple tasks, meetings and events. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to enable you to work well with senior councillors, officers and external stakeholders. You will be self-motivated and proactive with ability to support a fast-paced team and environment.
About Southwark:
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
Benefits and more information:
In return for all your hard work, skills and experience, you will receive:
• Regular supervision with your line manager, providing opportunities for reflection and learning
• Access to in-house and bespoke training opportunities
• Regular department away days
• A competitive base salary (pro rata for part time staff)
• Strong supportive senior management team
• Regular one to one supervision
• Professional development & training opportunities
• Clear career development pathways
• Agile and flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Season ticket and cycle loans
• Annual Leave starting at 27 days per year, increasing to 33 (pro rata for part time staff)
• Wellbeing programme
• HSF Health plan and eye care scheme
• EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support
• Social clubs and staff networks
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Recruitment timetable
Closing date: 28th July 2024 at 23:59
Interview date: week commencing 12th August 2024
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
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