About The Role
Are you ready to shape the political direction of one of London’s most ambitious boroughs? Islington Council is looking for a strategic thinker with political acumen to support the Leader and Executive in delivering transformative change. If you thrive in high-stakes environments and want to make a real impact, this is your opportunity.
What You’ll Be Doing
As Political Strategy Lead, you’ll be at the heart of Islington’s political leadership, driving strategic initiatives and influencing policy at the highest level. Your work will include:
- Leading the development and delivery of borough-wide strategic programmes.
- Providing high-level policy advice and briefings to the Leader and Executive.
- Representing elected officials in meetings with regional and national stakeholders.
- Monitoring political developments and advising on strategic responses.
- Deputising for the Head of Leader & Executive Office when needed.
- Ensuring alignment between political priorities and corporate objectives.
We’re looking for someone with a sharp mind, political awareness, and the ability to navigate complex environments. You’ll need:
- Proven experience in policy development within a political setting.
- Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal.
- A strong understanding of local government structures and governance.
- Political sensitivity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Confidence in producing policy recommendations and strategic briefings.
Desirable qualities include:
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-organisational initiatives.
- Familiarity with Islington’s political and community landscape.
- Ability to represent elected officials externally.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Presentation experience with senior audiences.
Who You’ll Be Working With
You’ll be part of the
Leader & Executive Office, reporting to
Harry Redmond, Head of the Leader & Executive Office. You’ll work closely with elected members, senior officers, and external partners to ensure the Council’s political priorities are delivered effectively and strategically. This is a high-profile role with real influence across the borough.
Why Join Us?
Islington Council is proud to be a London Living Wage Employer, Disability Confident Leader, and Stonewall Diversity Champion. We live by our values—Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, Empowering (CARE)—and we’re committed to building a borough that works for everyone.
For further information or for an informal conversation about the post, please contact:
Harry Redmond, Head of the Leader & Executive Office
[email protected]
Note to Recruitment Agencies:
We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.
About You
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!
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.
Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Safeguarding
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.
Disability Confident Scheme
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.
