Trainee Associate

Job description

Want to start your career working on major political issues, corporate reputations and high-profile campaigns?

Are you passionate about communications, politics and public affairs - and eager to learn how political engagement, reputation and policy are shaped?

Charlesbye is looking for bright, ambitious and driven individuals to join us as Trainee Associates, supporting client work across strategic communications and public affairs.

Founded by former 10 Downing Street communications leaders Lee Cain and Lucia Hodgson, Charlesbye is a strategic communications and public affairs consultancy advising global businesses, organisations and leaders. 

Our team’s experience has been forged at the heart of government and tested in some of the UK’s most high-profile political and public health campaigns. We bring that “in-the-room” experience to the boardroom, helping organisations navigate political risk, shape public debate and achieve their strategic goals. Our clients include global companies, business leaders and organisations navigating complex political and reputational challenges.

As a Trainee Associate you will work closely with experienced political advisers and communications professionals while supporting the team across client work, research and the day-to-day running of the consultancy. You will:

• Work directly on a range of client projects across communications, public affairs and research.
• Draft briefings, stakeholder maps, press releases and client updates.
• Monitor media coverage and political developments relevant to our clients.
• Research and analyse policy announcements and parliamentary activity from Westminster and Whitehall.
• Support the organisation of client events, roundtables and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Assist with scheduling, coordination and operational logistics across projects.
• Provide administrative support to ensure projects and client work run smoothly.

You will gain exposure to how a fast-moving consultancy operates, while developing core skills in research, writing, stakeholder mapping and political analysis.

We're looking for candidates who:

• Have a strong interest in current affairs, politics, media and business.
• Are highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and write with precision and attention to detail.
• Are proactive, reliable and willing to go the extra mile.
• Enjoy working in a collaborative team environment.
• Are curious, ambitious and eager to learn.

Benefits: 

• Annual discretionary bonus scheme 
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and additional time off over Christmas 
• Company pension scheme 
• Work from abroad policy for up to seven days 
• Remote working on Fridays 
• Staff dental plan

To apply, please send your CV and a one-page covering letter setting out:

• why you would be a great hire for Charlesbye
• why you want to work with us
• one current political or policy issue you believe businesses should be paying attention to, and why

Applications should be sent to recruitment@charlesbyestrategy.com by Tuesday 7 April 2026.

The trainee associate role is a six-month fixed term contract with the potential to progress into a permanent Associate role upon successful completion.

Please note that Charlesbye does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

http://charlesbyestrategy.com

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Full Time Jobs

Published at

21-03-2026

Profession type

Advertising / Marketing / PR

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English