Graduate Opportunity - Research and Information Officer

Graduate Opportunity: – Research and Information Officer

Starting salary £24,790

Salary scale £24,790 - £27,269 (SCP 5-11)

Have you recently graduated and are looking for experience in local government? Do you wish to develop your research skills?

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a growing team in a challenging and important role.

Working for APSE (The Association for Public Service Excellence), a local government network, your role will be to assist in researching topics and sharing information to APSE’s membership. The successful applicant will write briefing papers on a range of topics about local government and frontline services, monitor governments website for policy, consultation and legislative changes, conduct survey with APSE’s membership  and help to coordinate network activity.

You will network with a wide range of local government stakeholders, building relationships with senior local government managers, councillors and industry experts and seminar   speakers within the sector.

You will assist in all aspects of information sharing across APSE’s network, writing briefings, researching seminar content and ensuring that APSE’s membership is kept up to date with developments in the sector. You will assist in the preparation and delivery of events supporting the Principal Advisor (Scotland).

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to join a busy, growing organisation.  You must possess excellent communication skills and be able to work to deadlines, providing information in a clear and concise manner, and be an organised and diligent person that pays attention to detail.

The role holder will also receive a package of benefits including:

• Flexible working hours (Flexitime); Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week
• Occasional Home working
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Living wage employer
• Excellent holiday entitlement, 25 days annually with an extra 5 days after five years of service.
• Able to apply to the Local Government Pension Scheme (Defined Benefit)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Friendly and welcoming working environment
• Team building activities

Please click here for the Job description and person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion or have any questions about the role, please contact Louise Melville (Principal Advisor) on [email protected]

Application Process

To apply please send your CV to [email protected], with a cover letter that details how you meet the requirements of the person specification. Please find below the:

• Job Description 
• Person Specification 

Letters of application need to be submitted by 4pm Monday 3rd February 2025.

Interviews are likely to be held on 10 & 11 February in Hamilton.

About APSE

APSE is owned by its members and working on their behalf, maintains and develops a network of local government officers, managers and councillors from local authorities across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Working on a not-for-profit basis, APSE is dedicated to promoting excellence in the delivery of frontline services to local communities around the UK. Through the extensive APSE network, more than 300 local authorities and organisations are able to share information and expertise on vital frontline services, ask for advice and innovative solutions, and develop new, viable ways forward in an effort to help one another.

APSE provides a united national voice for these authorities, supporting them in the development of strong and sustainable public services.