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- Tasks: Support Councillors and officers in decision-making processes and manage various meetings.
- Company: Join Guildford Borough Council, dedicated to open and accessible governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a range of local government perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of remote meeting tech required.
- Other info: Contact John or Carrie for more info; applications close on 6th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 48000 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 6 – min £41,110 to max £48,519
Contract: Permanent, Full time
Hours: 37 hours per week
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Democratic Services Team at Guildford Borough Council for a Democratic Services Officer working at the heart of the Council’s democratic process. We are a small team who are dedicated in supporting our Councillors and officers with the Council’s decision-making processes and ensuring they are open and accessible to the people of Guildford.
Working closely with elected Members and senior officers, you will provide administrative support and professional advice on democratic, governance and constitutional issues to Committees. The primary role of this post is to provide support to our Planning and Licensing Committee meetings, including licensing hearings, but the role also involves arranging, attending, advising, and minuting a wide range of formal and informal meetings.
We are looking for someone who not only has local government experience, but is an excellent communicator, flexible, hardworking, politically aware, and works well as part of a team. You will be passionate about good governance, with first class organisational skills, and love working in a fast-paced environment with lots of variety. You will have experience of Modern.Gov/Issue Manager, and remote meeting technology (Microsoft Teams).
We’re offering hybrid home/office based working options along with a host of other local government benefits.
If you require further information or would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
- John Armstrong - Telephone Number: 07970 516859 - Email: john.armstrong@guildford.gov.uk
- Carrie Anderson - Telephone Number: 01483 444078 - Email: carrie.anderson@guildford.gov.uk
Deadline for applications: Friday, 6th June 2025
For full details and to apply, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.
Democratic Services Officer, Guildford Borough Council employer: Association Of Democratic Services Officers
Contact Detail:
Association Of Democratic Services Officers Recruiting Team
john.armstrong@guildford.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer, Guildford Borough Council
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local governance structure in Guildford. Understanding how the Council operates and the specific roles of Councillors will help you demonstrate your political awareness during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of Modern.Gov and Issue Manager software. If you can showcase your proficiency with these tools, it will set you apart as a candidate who can hit the ground running in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with remote meeting technology, particularly Microsoft Teams. Being able to articulate how you've successfully facilitated meetings in a virtual environment will be crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Guildford Borough Council if possible. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when tailoring your approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer, Guildford Borough Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Democratic Services Officer position. Highlight key skills such as communication, organisational abilities, and experience with Modern.Gov/Issue Manager.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in local government and any specific skills that align with the role. Emphasise your ability to support committees and manage meetings effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for good governance and your understanding of the democratic process. Mention your flexibility, teamwork skills, and how you can contribute to the Council’s objectives.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Association Of Democratic Services Officers
✨Know Your Local Government
Familiarise yourself with the structure and functions of local government, particularly Guildford Borough Council. Understanding their democratic processes and recent initiatives will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As a Democratic Services Officer, excellent communication is key. Prepare to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles, especially in a team setting or during meetings.
✨Showcase Organisational Abilities
Be ready to share specific instances where your organisational skills made a difference. Discuss how you manage multiple tasks, especially in fast-paced environments, and your experience with tools like Modern.Gov/Issue Manager.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life scenarios related to governance and committee support. Think about how you would handle challenges such as conflicting opinions during meetings or tight deadlines.
