Group Support Officer (Green Office)

Why Southwark?

Southwark is one of London’s most diverse and innovative boroughs. The council works in a complex political, social and economic environment, with decisions being made every day that affect residents, communities, partners and local services.

Our democratic and political support functions play an important role in making sure elected members are properly supported, well briefed and able to carry out their roles effectively. This includes supporting meetings, external communications, correspondence, policy work, research and engagement with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

We’re looking for a Group Support Officer to join the Green Group Office and provide practical, organised and politically sensitive support to the Leader of the Council, Executive and the whole Green Group of Councillors.

*Please note this is a 4 year fixed term contract*

About the Role

This is a varied support role working in the Green Group Office. Reporting to the Political Officer, you’ll work closely with elected members and council colleagues to make sure the Group Office runs smoothly and provides effective support across a range of priorities.

You’ll help manage external communications, social media, correspondence, briefings, schedules, records and other day-to-day activity that supports the work of the Group. You’ll also help organise meetings, prepare papers, take minutes, coordinate follow-up actions and support the flow of information between members, officers and external contacts.

You’ll be working in a political environment where priorities can change quickly, information can be sensitive, and judgement matters. You’ll need to be organised, discreet and able to manage several pieces of work at the same time.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Leader of the Council, Executive and wider Group members with meetings, briefings, correspondence and follow-up activity
• Creating and directing external communications and social media content
• Organising internal and external meetings, including preparation, minute taking and sharing actions or information afterwards
• Producing clear reports, briefings and presentation materials for different audiences
• Working with council officers, elected members, MPs, voluntary organisations, statutory bodies and community representatives where needed

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for someone who’s organised, thoughtful and confident working in a political or public sector environment.

You’ll need to be flexible, discreet and able to use your initiative. Just as importantly, you’ll need to be comfortable working with confidential information and handling contact with people at different levels. You’ll also be comfortable carrying out research, interpreting information and turning it into clear written material.

To be considered please detail the following experience in your application:

• Communications support and understanding of social media
• Writing reports, briefings or presentation materials for different audiences.
• Supporting meetings, correspondence and follow-up activity.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, elected members or stakeholders.
• Managing deadlines and delivering agreed pieces of work with minimal supervision.

Additional Information

Recruitment Timeline:

• Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 13th September 2026
• Shortlisting date/s: week commencing 14th September 2026
• Interview date/s: week commencing 28th September 2026

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative . We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

Benefits and more information:

#LI-PC1