Senior Democratic Services Officer

Expiring today

Recruiter
Essex County Council
Location
England, Essex, Chelmsford
Salary
Up to £37087.20 per annum
Posted
17 Mar 2021
Closes
14 Apr 2021
Ref
req980
Sector
Corporate Services, Legal
Job role
Officer
Contract Type
Full time

Senior Democratic Services Officer

Permanent, Full Time

Up to £37,087.20 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: 26th March 2021

Please note interviews for this position will be held week commencing 12th April 2021.

We are seeking a driven and enthusiastic Senior Democratic Services Officer to join the Democracy and Transparency Service.

If you have the skills and drive to support the democratic process and are looking for a new and challenging role then this might be the job for you. Although the position is varied and you will support school appeals, member support and committee work we would be particularly interested in candidates with a strong scrutiny background who are able to drive development and innovation.

As a senior member of the Democracy team you will work across the whole service to deliver support to our Members and the democratic process by providing excellent services and high-quality advice.

For further information and to discuss your suitability for the role please contact Joanna Boaler, Head of Democracy and Transparency,

Job Purpose:

The role of Democratic Services is to deliver effective and high quality Appeals and Committee Administration, Member Support, election and induction processes and to promote community engagement and understanding of the democratic processes of the Council.

This role operates in the political environment of the authority and requires tact and accuracy. The Senior Democratic Services Officer is important to the effective management of the democratic process across the Council.

The role is responsible for delivery of the Council's formal decision making committees and will be required to provide constitutional guidance and advice to panel members, senior officers and other stakeholders to make sure that the decisions made by the council are taken appropriately within the statutory and constitutional framework. The ability to be tactful and diplomatic is crucial to the success of this role.

Accountabilities:

  • Delivers a comprehensive professional and effective administrative support to elected members, various committees and groups. Takes the role of Clerk at high profile meetings such as full Council, Cabinet and Policy and Scrutiny Committees.
  • Responsible for the provision of expert advice and guidance to elected members, senior officers and other stakeholders on procedural and constitutional matters generally, maintaining an up-to-date understanding of relevant legislation and regulations.
  • Contributes to the work programme encouraging key stakeholder engagement within the council and maximises democratic engagement across the communities in Essex in regard to scrutiny.
  • Responsible for the management and co-ordination of the four year business plan work programmes for the committees. Undertakes research, summarises and analyses material for these.
  • Undertakes a broad range of project work and is responsible for delivering against personal objectives. This will include election work, petitions policy, committee management, Member expenses and allowances, Corporate Governance including the Annual Governance Statement, system development and other areas of work.
  • Provide comprehensive support to the Chairman of the Council and Lord Lieutenant including arranging receptions and functions and the arrangement of Royal Visits and Awards Ceremonies.
  • Supports the maintenance standards of Essex County Council's Member Development Charter Plus status through the member induction process and ongoing member development including with the Member Development Steering Group.
  • Advocate the use of digital opportunities to streamline systems and processes which enhance the role of Digital Councillor and enables self-serving.
  • Supports manager by providing direction for the team with the ability to focus on results, and assist in developing a strong performing and motivated team from diverse backgrounds to achieve local objectives.

    • Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

    • Educated to Degree level or similar
    • Evidence of continuing professional development and good knowledge in a political or policy environment and Local Government experience is highly desirable.
    • Significant experience of providing an administrative service to high level meetings, including writing formal minutes.
    • Excellent ICT skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft applications is essential. Knowledge of a Committee Management system is highly desirable.
    • Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure, prioritising own workload. Oral and written communication skills at a very high standard.
    • Experience of working within a highly sensitive political environment with the ability to be tactful and diplomatic.
    • Proven ability of managing projects with evidence of researching, analysing and managing information.
    • Proven experience of working effectively with internal and external partners, the community, senior officers and elected members. Evidence of understanding and responding to differing viewpoints taking a cross organisational perspective.

    Apply and next steps

    Please apply via the Working for Essex website, ensuring you upload an up to date CV and supporting statement when prompted.

    This position will initially, in line with current government guidance, be based from home with an expectation of being home based for the foreseeable future. However, if / when government guidelines change the role may then revert to being office based, whilst retaining some flexible working options.

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