Democratic Services Officer

Democratic Services Officer Salary and grade: £42,576 – £48,530 per year, Grade 6 Duration of role: Fixed term for 12 months Hours per week: 37 hours but flexible working arrangements offered which candidates can discuss with the Recruiting Manager at interview stage. Location: The designated office base is Abbey House, Abingdon. The councils operate in a truly flexible, and hybrid way where the focus is on outcomes not where you work. Closing date: 29 January 2025 (midnight) Interviews to take place week commencing 3 February 2025 About the role and what we’re looking for Are you interested in working in a busy and challenging role supporting the decision making processes at two local authorities? If you are an ambitious and enthusiastic person with relevant experience, this position in the shared democratic services team at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils could be for you. The successful candidate will provide a high quality and comprehensive service, advising and servicing a range of meetings which will include formal decision-making bodies and quasi-judicial hearings and carrying out all appropriate related and ancillary work. Main duties and responsibilities You will primarily be responsible for arranging, attending and minuting public meetings of the two authorities. You will ensure the decisions and meetings are conducted in compliance with the constitution and relevant legislation. You will also administer committee workplans, administer the council’s petition scheme and be willing to get involved in all areas of the democratic services function including the delivery of elections. Full details of the role are set out in the job description. The duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post or the level of responsibility and the post holder may also be required to carry out any other duties appropriate to the grading of the post. This is a Politically Restricted Post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended) which restricts political activity including standing as a candidate for election, acting as an election agent and canvassing on behalf of a political party. About you Your essential skills, knowledge and experience: Candidates will have good organisational and communication skills both written and verbal, well developed inter-personal skills and existing knowledge of local government decision-making processes and how local government operates. Your essential qualifications: • five GCSEs or equivalent • full driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use • working knowledge of ModGov or another committee management system If you have the following experience or qualifications – it’s a bonus: • A relevant qualification (ADSO Certificate/Diploma) • Experience of running virtual meetings The benefits we offer: As well as a competitive salary, we offer an excellent package of: • A basic 25 days annual leave per annum. You also have all the bank holidays to look forward to and time off between Christmas and New Year. • Flexible working and annualised hours We look forward to hearing from you. You may also have experience in the following: Democratic Services Assistant, Governance Officer, Committee Officer, Local Government Officer, Policy and Governance Advisor, Legal and Democratic Services Officer, Council Secretary, Civic Officer, Parliamentary Services Officer, Policy and Procedure Advisor, Committee Administrator, Elections and Governance Coordinator, Constitutional Services Officer, Democratic Process Specialist, Governance and Compliance Officer, Governance Analyst, Local Government Administrator, etc. REF-(Apply online only)