Research and Policy Manager

The London Assembly scrutinises the Mayor's activities by questioning the Mayor about their decisions. The Assembly also investigates issues of importance to London.

There are 25 Assembly Members, elected every four years at the same time as the Mayor. The Secretariat works for the Assembly to support its activities. The

Communications Team support service to promote the work of the Assembly through press office, social media, publicity and events.

About the team

We are a team of 12 officers who support the seven Conservative London Assembly Members in scrutinising the work of the Greater London Authority and Mayor of London.

About the role

This is a chance to take on a unique role as Research and Policy Manager for the City Hall Conservative Members of the London Assembly.

The role specialises in managing the provision of research and policy support to the Members of the Group, including managing the related staffing team.

Working closely with the Head of Office, this position plays an important role in supporting Assembly Members with Assembly business and holding the Mayor of London to account.

You will ensure the provision of research, policy briefings, reports, advice and support to Assembly Members, as well as develop and implement comprehensive, proactive, and effective outreach and communications plans.

Excellent organisational, research, analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for this role, and a background in any related policy areas and management would be an advantage.

What your day will look like

• Working with the Head of Office, to have day-to-day management and leadership responsibility for the Senior Researchers within the team and their work.
• To have lead responsibility for the delivery, publication and related activity of the elected Members’ reports, to reflect Members’ priorities in relation to the major policy areas under the remit of the GLA.
• To develop and implement comprehensive, proactive, and effective outreach and communications plans for assigned Assembly Members, working in close coordination with the communications, research and support officer colleagues at all times.
• To ensure the elected Members receive an excellent research service and policy support, and to liaise with relevant external bodies in the public, private sector and/or voluntary sectors, in order to facilitate an ongoing exchange of ideas and information to support the proposals and work of the elected Assembly Members.
• To act as a point of escalation for GLA officers in respect of London Assembly scrutiny activity related to the Group Members’ roles and interests, ensuring an effective and efficient two-way transmission of views and suggestions, in order to maximise the Members’ positions and impact in the work of the Assembly; and to contribute effectively and proactively to the Members’ functions in respect of Mayor’s Question Time, Plenary meeting, committees and other Assembly meetings.
• To assist the Head of Office in the leadership and work of the wider team as required, providing effective problem-solving capability and delivery capacity for the team.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Significant experience of successful working in a similar role within political or comparable high-profile environment, including resolving complex issues effectively and efficiently, and liaising with relevant external bodies in the public, private sector and/or voluntary sectors, in order to facilitate an exchange of ideas and information.
• Evidence of an ability to lead, manage and motivate a team of staff to ensure that policies, programmes and strategies are implemented.
• Ability to produce authoritative clear and concise oral and written reports and research on complex issues for a range of audiences and present in a way that can be used by Assembly Members to their best advantage.
• Proven experience of policy briefing in a political/ public sector organisation. Evidence of effective research skills and an ability to enable quick and effective grasp of information from a range of sources on a wide range of policy topics.
• A thorough understanding of current policy issues affecting London, together with knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework in which the GLA works.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

This role is based at City Hall, Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE).

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the skills, knowledge and experience  in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination. 

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Lewis Preston would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at [email protected]  

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the [email protected] who support the GLA with recruitment.

Is this role eligible for sponsorship?

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.
 

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: Week commencing 25 May 2026.
 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.
 

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.
 

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. 
 

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact [email protected].