Policy and Research Officer
Closing in 13 days (28 July 2026 12:00 pm)
Job details
Salary: Up to £34,434
Employer: South West Councils
Location: Taunton, Somerset,
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full time
Closing date: 28 July 2026 12:00 pm
About the job
Key information
- Up to £34,434 (pay award pending)
- 37 hours per week
- 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 SW 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
SW Councils is a small team of 29 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 support local authorities in information sharing and lobbying on behalf of the South West to try and get a better deal for the region. We also support learning and development activity and provide 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 kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
- Flexibility, including the ability to switch between different tasks and balance competing agendas.
- Willingness to quickly learn new skills and pick up fast moving and challenging policy issues, e.g. local government; migration and adult social care.
- Good self-organisation and work planning skills including the ability to prioritise to ensure work delivered on time and to agreed standards.
- Ability to undertake research, analysis and provide policy briefings.
- Good standard of oral and written skills and ability to prepare reports.
- Ability to synthesise complicated information and to find creative and innovative solutions to complex problems.
- A high level of attention to detail.
- Excellent team working skills contributing positively to the work of the SW Councils team.
- Excellent customer service skills showing awareness of the level of service expected towards customers maintaining a helpful, positive and polite manner.
- Ability to demonstrate personal commitment, enthusiasm, and achievement of high-quality standards.
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 SW 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 Thursday 6 August 2026.
Further details and application forms are available on South West Jobs. Alternatively e-mail jobs@swcouncils.gov.uk.
Please note: All applications must be made using the official application form; CVs will not be accepted.
The closing date for applications is noon on Tuesday 28 July 2026.