Democratic Services Officer

Job Description

Democratic Services OfficerPermanent, Full TimeUp to £28,846 per annumLocation: Chelmsford / Remote WorkingWorking Style: Anywhere worker (see full advert on the Working for Essex website for more info)Closing Date: 20th February 2022Job 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 an understanding of the need for tact and diplomacy alongside a requirement to be accurate in work delivered. The Democratic Services Officer is important to the effective deliveryof the democratic process across the Council.The role is part of a team responsible for providing comprehensive administrative support to the Councils formal decision-making committees and support to one of the Councils political groups. The postholder will be required to provide advice and guidanceto elected members, senior officers and other stakeholders to make sure that the decisions meet the statutory framework. There will also be a requirement to provide support to other parts of the service such as clerking school admission appeals.Whilst training would be provided to the right applicant, we would be particularly interested to hear from candidates with existing experience in supporting committees.Accountabilities

• Undertakes a broad range of project work, with responsibility for delivering against set objectives. This includes election work and committee management. Clerks meetings of the Council and any other committees as directed including preparing the agenda,minutes and reports.
• Delivers effective administrative support to elected members, various committees and groups. Provides support through a variety of administrative tasks to ensure Essex County Council standards are met and maintained.
• Delivers a clerking service to Statutory School Appeals and provides advice and support for the appeals process.
• Supports member information and development activities as directed by managers within Democratic Services.
• Provides guidance, advice, training and support to Members on corporate policies and procedures such as dealing with expense claims or declaring interests or gifts.
• Responsible for providing advice to Members in the preparation of responses to residents to ensure stakeholder engagement within the council and to maximise engagement across the local community in Essex.
• Supports project implementation across a broad and diverse range of media to maximise the opportunity to achieve local community objectives.
• Supports the Democratic Services Team to ensure the successful delivery of an annual programme of events including Civic functions, member away days and training working with external organisations and partners to ensure standards are maintained.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Educated to an A-level standard including English and Maths at Grade C and above or equivalent by experience.
• ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge, or willingness to work towards it, is desirable.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and good knowledge in a political or policy environment and Local Government.
• Good experience of providing administration service for high level meetings including writing minutes.
• Excellent ICT skills including Microsoft applications and specialist systems. Experience of a Committee Management system is desirable.
• Good organisational skills and an ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritise own work, use own initiative and be self motivating.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise own workload.
• Experience of working in a sensitive political environment with the ability to be tactful and diplomatic.
• Experience of conducting research and working on projects.

Why Essex Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. Englands oldest town, Colchester,and two of its newest - Basildon and Harlow - are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career.BenefitsEssex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees.Apply and next stepsPlease apply via the Working for Essex website, ensuring you upload an up to date CV and supporting statement when prompted.Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.