Caroline Woodley was elected in November 2023 to serve as the first woman directly elected Mayor of Hackney.

As Cabinet Policy & Research Officer you will provide strategic advice and support to the Mayor and Cabinet Members to support delivery of their priorities. Your responsibilities will include research and briefings, drafting speeches, managing the Mayor’s inbox and correspondence and stakeholder management.

You will be highly motivated and proactive with strong organisational and communication skills and a good knowledge of the issues facing local government and our residents. Experience of working under pressure in a political environment and at a high level is desirable, as is experience of speech writing, problem solving and stakeholder engagement.

Hackney is London’s most diverse and dynamic borough. Stretching from the edge of the City, to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it is an area of rapid economic growth, particularly in the tech, media, fashion and other creative industries. Hackney has more green space than any other inner London borough, some of the capital’s best schools, and first class transport connections, which combined with excellent local public services and a thriving arts, cultural and retail sector, are fast making it one of London’s most popular areas to live, work and visit. The challenge for Hackney is to make sure that the borough’s economic growth provides benefits for everyone who lives here, and to create opportunities that will transform the lives of local people.

We know that staff are key to our success and we are seeking people with ambition, creativity and commitment to our values to help us achieve the best for the people of Hackney.

The recruitment process is anonymous. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

When applying, there will be a number of questions relating to the post on the application form. It is essential that you complete the application questions, responding to each using examples of your skills, knowledge and experience.

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions or any part of the application form.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 07 July 2024 (22.59)

Interview date: Week commencing 15th July, 2024 in person at Hackney Town Hall. 

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.