At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local democracy by assisting with elections and referenda processes.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a forward-thinking workplace making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, ongoing training, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with career growth opportunities in a beautiful coastal area.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team delivering essential services that impact lives.
- Qualifications: Strong ICT skills and a willingness to learn; experience in electoral processes is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30518 - 30518 £ per year.
Starting salary for this role is £30,518 (pro rata for part-time colleagues). This role sits within a well-defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception, all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward-thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.
At Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, we are proud to support and deliver vital services for our communities. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Electoral Services team and play a key role in ensuring residents can participate in local and national democracy. As an Electoral Services Assistant, you will support the delivery of statutory electoral functions, including elections and referenda, working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure processes run smoothly, accurately and in line with legislation.
About The Role
This is an annualised hours position, designed to reflect the demands of electoral work and provide flexibility across the year.
- Peak periods (March–May and August–November): Full-time hours (37 per week), supporting election delivery and the annual household canvass.
- Off-peak periods (remaining 5 months): Approximately 20 hours per week, typically worked weekday mornings (e.g. 9:00am–1:00pm), focusing on core business-as-usual activities.
Hybrid working is available; however, applicants should be aware that the role will be largely office-based during election periods, the annual canvass, and other busy times. This structure ensures you are fully involved during critical democratic events while benefiting from reduced hours during quieter periods.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong ICT skills and can quickly learn new systems.
- Is highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Works well both independently and as part of a team.
- Is flexible and able to respond to the demands of a fast-paced service.
- Is willing to work to tight deadlines, including occasional evening and unsociable hours during elections.
Please refer to the attached role profile and role addendum for further details. Experience or knowledge of electoral registration or election processes is desirable but not essential — full training will be provided.
Why Join Us?
At BCP Council, you’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team delivering essential services that make a real difference to people’s lives. We offer:
- The opportunity to contribute directly to local and national democratic processes.
- A flexible annualised hours working pattern that supports work-life balance across the year.
- A welcoming and inclusive workplace culture.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities to build your skills and career.
- Access to a competitive local government pension scheme and employee benefits.
Additional Information
This is a public-facing role requiring excellent written and verbal communication skills. The postholder must be fluent in spoken English to effectively carry out the duties of the role. This requirement is in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016. Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments we need to thrive. From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need. It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career-defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council. At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce—we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP. Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you.
Electoral Services Assistant in Bournemouth employer: BCP Council
BCP Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a clear pay structure and opportunities for professional growth, you can truly make a difference in the lives of children and young people while enjoying benefits like flexible working and wellbeing support. Join us in shaping innovative services and be part of a team that values collaboration and continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electoral Services Assistant in Bournemouth
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like BCP Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like BCP Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Electoral Services Assistant in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for BCP Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with BCP Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for BCP Council.
