At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Council meetings and manage democratic processes with a friendly team.
- Company: Join a professional team at the heart of local governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, free parking, and a local government pension.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful decision-making and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, IT skills, and a passion for customer service are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; evening meetings required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Democratic Services Officer to join our professional and friendly team. The Democratic Services team sits at the heart of the organisation. It is responsible for managing the various democratic processes of the Council, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of the service. We work closely with all the Council's elected members and provide support to meetings of the Council and its committees. The Team also provides administrative support to a range of important related activities, including the processing of Council decision making records, Freedom of Information requests and Corporate Complaints.
We are looking for someone who will be comfortable working with elected members, has a positive attitude and a passion for excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will also be well organised, calm under pressure and able to work independently on their own initiative, as well as part of a team. Responsible for a varied but interesting workload, you will also need excellent communication and IT skills.
In return, we offer a generous package of benefits including:
- flexible working hours
- generous annual leave
- free car parking
- local government pension scheme
The position also has the opportunity for hybrid working, i.e. the opportunity for both home and office-based working. Committee meetings are office-based, so a flexible approach and the ability to attend evening meetings at the Town Hall is essential.
Full details of the job role and the essential requirements for the job holder are detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact James Abbott, Corporate Services Manager, on 01283 508244. The deadline for applications is 5th January 2025.
Contact Detail:
East Staffordshire Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the democratic processes and structures of local councils. Understanding how decisions are made and the role of elected members will help you engage effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Democratic Services Officers if possible. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the role, which can be invaluable during your discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your customer service experience in detail. Since the role requires a passion for excellent customer service, think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond to assist others.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure. Consider scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or tight deadlines, as this will resonate well with our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Democratic Services Officer. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in democratic services, administrative support, or working with elected officials. Use specific examples to demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Consider including examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships or facilitated meetings.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial for the role of a Democratic Services Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Staffordshire Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Democratic Services Officer. Familiarise yourself with the democratic processes of the Council and be prepared to discuss how your skills align with these duties.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves working closely with elected members and supporting meetings, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
The job requires strong organisational abilities. Be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, showcasing your ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges faced by the Democratic Services team, and the expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position.