Political Advice and Support Officer

Job Overview

About the BMA

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK. We represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students.

Join the BMA at a crucial time for doctors and the NHS and be part of a team working for better pay and conditions for the profession.

About the role

We're seeking a Political Advice and Support Officer to join our Council Secretariat team.

This role plays an important role in supporting the Chief Officer team and ensuring the smooth delivery of their priorities. You will work closely with the Senior Special Advisor and PA to the Chief Officers, managing information flow coordinating actions, and contributing to strategic projects.

You'll be part of a team the heart of our organisation, working on key council issues, priorities and projects that shape the strategic direction of the BMA.

As a Political Advice and Support Officer you will:

• Monitor and manage the Chair of Council and Chief Officers’ communications, prioritising and directing communications appropriately.
• Capture and circulate actions to ensure timely follow-up across the organisation.
• Support the delivery of Chief Officers’ priorities, including tracking progress and outcomes.
• Produce high-quality communications materials for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate on special projects, providing project management support where required.
• Identify opportunities to raise the profile of Chief Officers in support of policy and campaigning objectives.

To be successful as a Political Advice and Support Officer you’ll ideally have:

• Proven experience of supporting elected leaders in a local authority, trade union, parliament or similar setting
• An understanding of the motivations and priorities of elected leaders
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage competing demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build effective relationships.
• Resilient and adaptable, with a proactive approach to problem-solving
• An understanding of the NHS and wider health system including policy developments would be desirable

Why work for us?

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a BMA company day
• Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary
• Additional leave entitlement for volunteering or moving house (after completion of probationary period)
• Onsite gym and subsidised café at BMA House
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with free confidential counselling, a helpline and specialist support available
• Electric vehicle and Cycle to work salary sacrifice schemes (available after completion of probationary period)
• Long service recognition every 5 years
• Professional subscription cover where membership of a professional institution is required for your role
• BMA Law - discounted rates for employees requiring legal services such as will writing/conveyancing
• Multiple flexible benefits and discounts through our employee benefits platform
• Lots of Learning and Development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub
• Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) (after completion of probationary period)

Anonymous recruitment

The BMA endeavours to be an inclusive employer, ensuring fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for roles. To support our aims, we use specific software to remove all personal identifying information from CVs and applications. Personal information such as name, date of birth, age and gender are anonymised and will only become visible to hiring managers if you are selected for interview.

To apply please upload an up to date version of your CV and supporting information setting out your suitability for the role.

Whether the role needs you to work at home, in an office or in a hybrid way, we`ll provide all the support you need.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply through our website. However,  if you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support at any point during the application process, please email recruitment@bma.org.uk.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. 

The role profile outlines the current key responsibilities and expectations for the position. However, the British Medical Association (BMA) is presently engaged in an organisation design process, which aims to ensure that our structure, roles, and ways of working best support our strategic objectives and the needs of our members. As a result, the responsibilities and scope of this role may be subject to change as the association evolves. The BMA is committed to communicating any such changes transparently and supporting colleagues through any transitions that arise as part of this process.

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring: 

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts everybody with the right skills and experience and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

BMA is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.

Please note, we are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system, as we do not hold a sponsorship licence.

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