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- Tasks: Support councillors and ensure smooth decision-making processes.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a double award-winning council with a thriving community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Basic Criminal Record Check required; apply by 27th June.
The predicted salary is between 29300 - 32800 £ per year.
Barnsley Council have an exciting opportunity for a Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer to join the team based in Barnsley. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £34,314 – £37,035 per annum.
How do we sum up Barnsley Council? Well, we’re a double award-winning, high-performing council with a growing economy, a thriving town centre and some truly impressive outcomes in our communities. This is why we were awarded Council of the Year for 2023 by the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) and The Municipal Journal (MJ).
About the post: Democratic and Member Services is at the heart of the Council. Providing support for Councillors and for meetings of the Council is an essential part of ensuring the decision-making processes of the Council, ensuring it runs smoothly and effectively.
We are seeking to appoint a highly organised and motivated individual, who has an eye for detail, to the post of Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer. As a Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer, you will be responsible for the provision of effective and high-quality support and advice to elected Members and ensure that all democratic services processes are effective and efficient and comply with statutory and constitutional requirements.
You will work closely with elected councillors, directors and senior officers of the Council to ensure a planned and legally compliant approach. This will involve a wide range of democratic services activities, including agenda planning, all aspects of meeting support and decision recording. Your responsibilities will span everything from undertaking research, preparing reports, briefing notes and presentations, through to proactively intervening and influencing change where necessary.
The role requires political sensitivity, strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to explain complex guidance and the confidence to provide advice to councillors and officers in a range of situations. The ideal candidate will have experience in governance and democratic practice and the ability to work collaboratively, managing changing priorities and tight deadlines.
The successful candidate will be required to speak English to an appropriate standard. This post requires a Basic Criminal Record Check. Prospective employees will be required to give a reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad.
Closing date for applications: 23:59 Friday, 27th June. If you think this Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer role is for you, then we would very much welcome your application.
Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer, Barnsley Council employer: Association Of Democratic Services Officers
Contact Detail:
Association Of Democratic Services Officers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer, Barnsley Council
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Barnsley Council's recent achievements and initiatives. Understanding their current projects and priorities will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Barnsley Council, especially those in democratic services or similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the council's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. Highlighting relevant scenarios will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on local government policies and legislation that impact democratic services. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer, Barnsley Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as agenda planning and providing support to elected Members.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in governance and democratic practice. Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and any previous roles that required strong communication abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying to Barnsley Council. Mention specific examples of how your skills align with the requirements of the role, particularly your ability to manage changing priorities and tight deadlines.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Association Of Democratic Services Officers
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as agenda planning, meeting support, and decision recording. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires strong verbal and written communication skills, prepare to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past. Be ready to explain how you can provide clear advice to councillors and officers.
✨Demonstrate Political Sensitivity
Highlight your understanding of political dynamics and how they influence decision-making processes. Share experiences where you've navigated sensitive situations or provided support in politically charged environments to show that you can handle the nuances of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle specific situations related to democratic services. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them effectively.
