The South East is the largest of the 9 regions in England and local authorities provide services to a population just over 8.3 million people. It is the largest net contributor to the UK economy, has the two main airports at Heathrow and Gatwick, a reputation for research and a thriving economy. However, it is very diverse, with sub regions which have unemployment levels under 1%, and other sub-regions with areas of high deprivation and unemployment over 3.5%

There are 74 local authorities in total, comprising 8 county councils (one of which is also a unitary authority) 11 unitary councils and 55 district councils. Generally, there is good governance in the South East, with, so far, just one authority assessed as weak under Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).

The South East is an area of great beauty, with the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, the North Downs in Surrey and the South Downs in Sussex (both West and East). The latest National Park is now the New Forest, in Hampshire. There is an attractive coastline, with many beaches, and a number of conference towns – Brighton and Eastbourne to name but two and the thriving port of Southampton is also in the region. There are many universities, including Oxford, and with them, a number of research centres.

The region is served by a Regional Development Agency, which promotes the economic development for the South East. Local authorities provide many opportunities for a wide range of local government jobs. Once you have decided where in the South East you would like to work, you will have a choice of local authority to contact and see what opportunities exist.

South East Employers is the regional employers’ organisation for local authorities and more information can be found on our web site: www.seemp.co.uk

Select a Council from the list below.