Cabinet Policy & Research Officer

As Cabinet Policy & Research Officer you will provide strategic advice and support to the Mayor and Cabinet in Hackney 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.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. 

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 15 February 2026 (22:59)

Interview date: W/c 02 March 2026

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.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk

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