Labour Recruitment Microsite

The Labour Party is looking for a General Secretary who can build on its most successful electoral period in modern history and help the party meet both long term and more immediate challenges.

This is an exciting and challenging executive position central to preparing the Labour Party for a future General Election.

Details of the role and the requirements can be found on this microsite.

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About the Labour Party

Please follow this link to find out more information about the Labour Party

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The Labour Party Staff

The Labour Party employs 200 people, including about 80 at head office in London and 50 in Newcastle. We have 10 other offices throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Labour is proud to have been reaccredited with Investors in People status. The party staff were described as the most committed members of staff [the assessors] had ever come across, across all public and private sector organisations.

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Job Description

Job Title: General Secretary

Responsible to: The National Executive Committee of the Labour Party

Responsible for: All staff employed by the Labour Party

Location: Labour Party Head Office, London

Job Purpose:

The General Secretary will be passionate and have a demonstrable commitment to the Labour Party. S/he has responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the Labour Party and implementation of its aims and objectives at national, regional and local levels as laid down by the annual conference and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The General Secretary is responsible to the National Executive Committee for upholding the constitution of the party and protecting the rights of the NEC and the party throughout the country.

The General Secretary will have specific responsibilities for:

Leadership and Management

• The implementation of the constitution of the Labour Party.
  
  
• The preparation and delivery of effective election campaigns.
  
  
• Protecting and enhancing the reputation of The Labour Party and setting the standards for the operation of the organisation.
  
  
• The party's administration within head office, the Parliamentary Labour Party, Scotland and Wales and the regions.
  
  
• The party's income and expenditure, overseeing a transparent system of prudent and effective controls to minimise risk, ensuring that they meet the desired objectives and the requirements of relevant legislation.
  
  
• The appointment, direction, motivation and effective management of the Labour Party staff and volunteers to fulfil the party's objectives, policies and plans as determined by the membership at conference and the NEC.
  
  
• Ensuring appropriate performance management systems are in place to increase the organisations capacity for policy development and analysis.
  
  
• The organisation of the party's annual conference and the National Policy Forum.
  
  
• The overall management of the National Executive Committee, its committees and sub-committees, including the National Constitutional Committee.
  
  
• Encouraging, supporting and developing volunteers to stand as candidates and officers in the party, particularly from under represented groups.
  
  
• Building up the membership of the party and to engage and mobilise members and supporters throughout the electoral cycle.
  
  
• The development of the communications and ITC structure of the Labour Party.

• Setting up and administering - with the agreement of the Leader of the party and of the National Executive Committee - effective means of continuous consultation and co-ordination between the National Executive Committee and the Party Leadership.
  
  
• The liaison with the Labour Government, Parliamentary Labour Party, the Labour groups in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly, European Parliamentary Labour Party and Local Government.
  
  
• The liaison with all affiliated organisations including sister parties.

• Be the accounting officer and registered treasurer for the Labour Party
  
  
• Be expected to attend and speak at, or appoint a deputy to attend and speak at, meetings of subject groups and regional groups of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
  
  
• Be expected to report to National Conference.
  
  
• Lead on the Labour Party's equal opportunities and diversity strategies.
  
  
• Comply with all aspects of the Labour Party's Health and Safety Policy and associated employment law.

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Person Specification

First and foremost candidates will be expected to have a passion and commitment to the values of the Labour Party. You should also be able to demonstrate your experience and provide evidence of the following criteria listed under part one within your written application. These will be further explored at the preliminary interview stage, along with the criteria listed under part two: The successful General Secretary will be able to give evidence of:

Part one

1. A proven track record of strategic leadership and evidence of setting and articulating a compelling vision.
   
   
2. Proven track record of successfully leading cultural and organisational change.
   
   
3. A sophisticated understanding of modern political campaigning, advocacy, policy development and fundraising.
   
   
4. A proven track record of financial management, instilling financial rigour, assurance and accountability.
   
   
5. Experience of successfully operating in a highly political, public environment.
   
   
6. A proven track record of leading and managing complex and diverse operations demonstrating strong governance, human resources and risk management skills.
   
   
7. Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders including volunteers and activists.
   
   
8. Confident and effective communication skills with a diverse and wide range of audiences, including the media.
   
   
9. A proven track record of building, motivating and inspiring effective management teams and task groups and holding them to account through rigorous performance management.
   
   
10. A proven track record of providing appropriate and effective solution to complex and immediate organisational requirements.

1. A robust and dynamic leader who demonstrates authenticity, honesty and integrity.
   
   
2. A track record of being incisive and intellectually robust.
   
   
3. A sophisticated understanding of the respective roles of the General Secretary, the National Executive Committee, The Government, Politicians, activists and volunteers.
   
   
4. To be a strong team player with the ability to listen to, lead and inspire staff and volunteers.
   
   
5. Significant experience and awareness of the political sensitivities and the workings of Government, the trades unions and the wider labour movement.
   
   
6. An understanding of and commitment to, the values of accountability, probity, openness and diversity.

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How to Apply

If you think you are interested in becoming General Secretary for The Labour Party, please complete the online application form by following the link below and ensure you provide the following:

• a supporting statement, explaining how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly addresses the criteria in Part One of the person specification.
  
  
• a comprehensive CV.
  
  
• We would also be grateful if you could provide us with the details of two referees, and let us know whether you would be happy for us to contact them as part of the process. Referees will not, of course, be contacted without your prior consent.

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Help

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