Policy and Research Assistant

About the job

Key information

• Up to £30,024 – pay award pending
• 37 hours per week (part-time applications are welcome)
• Central Taunton, with some hybrid working

Want to work in a unique organisation whilst contributing to the future success of the South West, supporting the 29 local authorities in membership of South West Councils?

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to contribute and support the policy and development work of South West Councils in their responsibilities for the South West Strategic Migration Partnership.

This is the right job for you to develop your career, learn new skills, develop your expertise and policy and research experience.

About South West Councils

South West Councils is a small team of 30 supporting the work of 29 local authorities across the South West and 100+ Associate members (such as police, fire & rescue services, national parks, schools and parish and town councils). We host the South West Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP), which is a Local Government led partnership funded by, but independent of, the Home Office. Its role is to coordinate and support delivery of national programmes in asylum and refugee schemes as well as agreed regional migration priorities. We also support local authorities in information sharing and lobbying on behalf of the South West to try and get a better deal for the region, as well as supporting learning and development activity and providing specialist HR advice. Working at SW Councils is full of variety but also with the opportunity to focus on particular work areas.

A job with us as provides flexibility, fair pay, an excellent pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, job satisfaction, training and supports career development.

What will I be doing?

Key Responsibilities

1. To act as the first point of contact for general enquiries regarding the SW SMP.
2. To assist with analysis of regional policy issues including assembling information, preparing written reports and suggesting policy responses.
3. To assist with research, data collection or survey work and produce first drafts of briefing notes.
4. To assist with the preparation of papers, taking minutes, providing briefings for SW SMP meetings.
5. To support with policy development and research
6. To liaise with policy officers from local authorities, government departments, the national LGA and regional and national agencies to support delivery of the SW SMP.
7. To assist Policy and Research Officers with consultation activities engaging regional stakeholders
8.  Support the delivery of all of the corporately agreed objectives of South West Councils as set out in the Business Plan and undertake any other duties which are required in support of the work of South West Councils.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

• The ability to be flexible and adaptable across multiple fast flowing workstreams in relation to the work of the SW Strategic Migration Partnership.
• Awareness of current thinking on regional policy and local government issues.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills including the ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Ability to undertake basic research and data collection activities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including drafting notes, briefings and correspondence, and dealing with enquiries from a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to gather, collate and present information accurately.
• A high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent team working skills, contributing positively to the team.
• Good customer service and stakeholder engagement skills, showing a professional and positive attitude.
• Ability to demonstrate personal commitment, enthusiasm and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

What is in it for me?

• Access to the Local government pension scheme
• Flexible working, including a flexi-time scheme
• Opportunities for professional development.

Supporting documents and information

Who can Apply?

South West Councils values a diverse workforce and is supportive of the needs of all applicants and employees.

The South West Councils team are currently working a mixture of office working and working from home, with an expectation of being in the office at least 40% of the week. Appropriate equipment will be provided. There will be occasional travel.

For an informal conversation about the role and potential working arrangements, please call Emily Hockey on 01823 425202.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 2 September 2026.

The application pack documents can be accessed by clicking here

Please note that if you are applying for this role you need to submit document 5 (Application Form) and document 6 (Application Monitoring Form).

Please note that all applications must be made using the official application form; CVs will not be accepted.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 26 August 2026.

Apply on the South West Councils website

Apply now