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- Tasks: Support council meetings and assist with governance processes in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Malvern Hills District Council, dedicated to effective local governance and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, health support, and discounts on gym memberships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local democracy while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A Levels or equivalent experience in committee administration; strong communication and IT skills required.
- Other info: Part-time role with evening commitments; great for balancing studies and work.
The predicted salary is between 20970 - 23902 £ per year.
This is a part time role based in Malvern and is part of a small team who assist the Corporate Governance Manager with the efficient and effective administration of Malvern Hills District Council Governance department.
This role will be helping to cover and support all necessary council committee meetings, sub committees, working groups and panel meetings in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s constitution and all relevant statutory legislation/regulations and guidance. Our main meetings take place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings so you will need to be able to work outside normal office hours. On average this would be two or three evenings per month with less during the summer.
Once settled into the role you will be expected to be able to provide advice and support to all councillors in relation to governance, decision making and democratic processes as well as help members with their personal development as a councillor. Organising training and keeping up to date the members online information area is something that you would regularly be involved with.
You will also provide administrative support for both District Councillors and Parish Council Clerks to ensure that the register of member interests is kept up to date on the Council’s website. In addition to the main areas of work above you will also be expected to assist our elections team at peak times and be involved with assisting with matters such as Ombudsman complaints, assets of community value nominations and highway consultations.
As with all our members of staff you will demonstrate commitment to delivering the Council's values of great customer service, openness and accountability, innovation and improvement and fairness and respect.
About you
The successful candidate will have:
- At least 2 A Levels at grades A-C (or equivalent qualification) although applications from candidates with a minimum two years relevant committee administration experience may also be considered.
- A good pass at GCSE English is essential.
- A minimum one year’s relevant administration experience in supporting committees, working groups, panels or similar.
- Experience of drafting agendas and minutes.
- Political awareness and sensitivity.
- An ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
- Good organisation, communication and written skills.
- Ability to produce accurate work to tight deadlines.
- Good IT skills.
- An ability to work flexibly.
In addition, you will also need to act in an efficient and professional manner at all times, demonstrate good people skills, be self-motivated and be able to manage your own work with little supervision. All our staff are expected to treat individuals with fairness and respect at all times.
What we can offer
Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result we are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:
- Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave.
- Committed training programme and development opportunities.
- Discounted Gym and swim membership.
- Health and Wellbeing support and a Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.
We are an employer that values face to face communication, collaboration and connection, therefore all our roles have an office-based requirement with some agile working as part of the role.
To discuss the post or for further information, please call Heather Peachey, Head of Legal Services on 01684 862348.
Closing date: Monday 5 May 2025
Interview date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.
Democratic Services Officer employer: Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
Contact Detail:
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the governance structure of Malvern Hills District Council. Understanding how the council operates and the roles of various committees will give you an edge during interviews and help you demonstrate your political awareness.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Democratic Services Officers or similar roles. Engaging with professionals in the field can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which can be invaluable when discussing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with drafting agendas and minutes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these tasks in previous roles, as this is a key responsibility of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a mock agenda or minute-taking example relevant to a council meeting. This practical demonstration can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your ability to produce accurate work under tight deadlines.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in committee administration and governance. Emphasise your skills in drafting agendas and minutes, as well as any political awareness you possess.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the council's values. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle confidential matters and your organisational skills.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, including A Levels and GCSEs. If you have relevant experience instead of formal qualifications, make sure to highlight this in your application.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in detail. Prepare examples of how you've supported committees or dealt with sensitive issues, and be familiar with the council's governance processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Democratic Services Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific tasks mentioned, such as supporting committee meetings and drafting agendas.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent communication abilities, be ready to demonstrate your written and verbal skills. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Political Awareness
Given the nature of the position, it's crucial to show that you have an understanding of local governance and political sensitivity. Brush up on current local issues and be prepared to discuss how they might impact the council's work.
✨Prepare for Flexibility Questions
Since the role involves working outside normal office hours, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt your schedule. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully managed flexible working hours.
