Bjorn Simpole

Experienced Policy, Research and Campaigns professional with over twenty years of experience in Policy, Public Affairs and Parliamentary roles. Have worked in parliament for approaching two years as the Senior Parliamentary Assistant to Lauren Edwards MP, after working on her campaign for election in Rochester and Strood. Excellent at establishing and building relationships with others, with strengths in writing policy and campaign strategies and delivering them.

Senior Parliamentary Assistant at Lauren Edwards MP (Rochester and Strood), Houses of Parliament (2024-09 – Present)

• Speech writing, producing written briefings, drafting correspondence and all activity relating to Lauren's parliamentary activity including Select Committees
• Leading on complex policy casework and campaign priorities in parliament
• Organising events in parliament related to Lauren's interests including All-Party Parliamentary Group activity and constituency engagements
• Attending meetings and events on her behalf when required
• Managing the parliamentary diary, key activity and inbox
• Providing support to junior members of the team in their roles
• Undertaking a range of communications activity to promote the work of the MP

Mobilisation Assistant (Part Time) at The Labour Party (2024-05 – 2024-07)

• Building relationships and recruiting volunteers to campaign in Rochester and Strood
• Supporting the organisation of high-profile campaign visits in Medway during the General Election campaign
• Providing advice and various support to the Kent organiser as required to ensure a successful outcome with the election of Lauren Edwards MP

Senior Policy Officer at London Borough of Newham (2020-03 – 2024-09)

• Lead for Public Affairs and Campaigns in Policy team developing key asks of government and developing and implementing campaign plans to secure changes
• MP and MP office liaison and key point of contact for Council
• Developing and maintaining key strategic partnerships
• Lobbying on Building a Fairer Newham priorities such as extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Beckton and Thamesmead
• Working with Communications and Mayor's Office to ensure joined up response to media opportunities, consultations and opportunities to influence government policy

Policy and Insight Advisor at London Borough of Hackney (2016-10 – 2019-12)

• Lead role in the Office of National Statistics Census rehearsal and preparations for 2021 Census
• Research and policy role in delivering Equalities agenda
• Developing the Council's response to the impacts of Brexit
• Policy lead on Welfare Reform including Universal Credit
• Contributing to the Public Affairs and lobbying priorities of the Council's leadership

Policy and Performance Officer at London Borough of Bexley (2013-04 – 2016-10)

• Produced policy briefings for elected members and officers to Chief Executive level
• Led on ensuring the Authority is compliant with the Public Sector Equality Duty
• Led on demographic analysis and intelligence including Census and use of data for planning for growth and school places
• Managed major projects on public service reform including commissioning

Commissioning and Partnership Officer at Oldham Council

Senior Policy Officer (Education) at Royal Borough of Kingston

Executive Support Officer (Education) at Kent County Council

Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator at Medway Council

Democratic Services Officer at Swale Borough Council

BA (Hons) in Politics and Sociology – University of Lancashire, Preston A Level in Business Studies, History, General Studies and German

GCSE in 9 GCSEs (including Mathematics and English)