Senior Researcher

Key information

Organisation: Greater London Authority

Job title: Senior Researcher

Salary: £48,427                                Grade: 7

Contract type: Permanent               Reference: 5355

Team: Labour Group        

Directorate: London Assembly and Secretariat

Interview date: To be confirmed

Location: City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE

Application closing date: 06 September 2026 at 23:59 

London Assembly and secretariat

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

The London Assembly Labour Group supports the work of 11 Labour Assembly Members in representing their constituents, scrutinising the work of the Mayor, and championing the interests of Londoners across the capital.

Our team plays a vital role in helping Assembly Members hold decision-makers to account, influence policy, and ensure the voices of Londoners are heard at City Hall.

We deliver this through three core functions:

Senior Researchers are at the forefront of the Labour Group's policy and scrutiny work. They provide expert advice across a broad range of areas, including planning, the economy, environment, fire, health, housing, policing and transport, helping Assembly Members develop policy positions and challenge decision-makers. Through detailed research, analysis and stakeholder engagement, they produce influential reports, briefings and recommendations that shape debate, support effective scrutiny, and contribute to improving outcomes for Londoners.

Research and Support Officers provide dedicated support to Assembly Members, managing casework and correspondence, coordinating diaries, and organising events and visits. They work closely with Members to address constituency issues, respond to local concerns, and ensure the voices of residents are heard and represented at City Hall.

Press Officers are at the forefront of promoting the Labour Group's work and ensuring Assembly Members have a strong public voice. They develop communications strategies, generate media coverage, prepare Members for television and radio interviews, craft persuasive press and digital content, and help shape the public narrative around some of the most important issues facing London today.

About the role

As part of our Policy Team, you will work closely with the Policy Officer and Labour Group Assembly Members who lead on the Planning portfolio. The portfolio may evolve over time in line with political priorities and emerging issues.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape policy responses to some of the most significant challenges facing Londoners. You will conduct in-depth research, develop policy solutions, and provide high-quality briefings, advice and analytical support to Labour Assembly Members on planning policy and related issues.

A key focus of the role will be supporting Members' scrutiny of the Mayor's draft London Plan, one of the most significant strategic planning frameworks affecting London's future development. You will help monitor policy developments, analyse proposals and evidence, and support Members in assessing the implications of the draft Plan for Londoners and local communities.

Working collaboratively with Assembly Members, you will draft reports to publication standard on issues of importance to Londoners, ensuring Members have access to the latest evidence, policy developments and research. You will also play a key role in supporting Members to scrutinise and hold the Mayor to account, including through preparation for Mayor's Question Time and other formal scrutiny activities.

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

What your day will look like

This is a varied and fast-paced role that combines proactive policy development with political research, scrutiny and advice. No two days are the same. You will work closely with Assembly Members to respond to emerging issues, develop policy solutions, and support the Labour Group's scrutiny of the Mayor and the Greater London Authority.

A typical day might include:

Briefing Assembly Members on the latest developments in planning policy, including the Mayor's draft London Plan and other issues affecting London's growth and development.

Meeting with Assembly Members to discuss committee business, reports, policy priorities, or lines of questioning for Mayor's Question Time and other scrutiny activities.

Conducting in-depth research and analysis, including reviewing policy proposals, analysing data, and producing briefings or consultation responses on issues affecting Londoners.

Engaging with external stakeholders, including local authorities, professional bodies, campaign groups, academics and industry representatives, to gather evidence and inform policy development.

Drafting reports, recommendations and policy papers to publication standard on issues of strategic importance to London.

Providing political, procedural and policy advice to Assembly Members to support effective scrutiny and decision-making.

Monitoring emerging policy developments and identifying opportunities for the Labour Group to influence debate and champion solutions to the challenges facing Londoners.

Skills, knowledge and experience

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

Demonstrable research skills, to enable quick and effective grasp of information from a range of sources on a wide range of policy topics, and proven experience of policy briefing in a political/ public sector organisation

Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills, including experience of writing a range of different styles of document for different audiences, often within very short timescales; experience of producing information specifically for media work and/or briefings for media interviews; the ability to use a range of software and media.

Experience of working directly with influential, high profile people in a pressured environment and in dealing with confidential/sensitive issues and documents; the ability to work in a politically complex organisation and apply political awareness.

Knowledge and understanding of media handling techniques, including strategies, including designing and delivering an effective communications plan for an elected politician.

Ability to utilise the latest information and communication technologies in relation to media issues, including designing or commissioning leaflets, newsletters and other documents.

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

How to apply

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 technical requirements and competencies 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 Yvonne Kay would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at Yvonne.Kay@london.gov.uk.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

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: To be confirmed

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 at a minimum of 3 days a week in our City Hall office in Royal Docks 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. 

Find out which DBS check is right for your employee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.