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- Tasks: Support local government decision-making and manage various council committees.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council, a stable and supportive workplace focused on community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28-33 days annual leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of local governance while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent experience; understanding of GDPR is a plus.
- Other info: Interviews will be held in person, providing a chance to meet the team.
The predicted salary is between 35500 - 40200 £ per year.
£35,941 - £40,219 FTE (inclusive of London Weighting); For 22.2 hrs: £21,564 - £24,131 pro-rata
Location:
Contract: Temporary
Working Pattern: Part Time
Hours: 22.2 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 29/06/2025 at 23:59
Reference: CM/25/31656036
6-month fixed-term contract or 36-month secondment for internal candidates
We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Democratic Services Officer on a fixed-term contract. At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a good work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices and hybrid working opportunities, allowing you to work in the office and from home.
Any successful internal candidate will be offered the position as a secondment and, in line with Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy, must consult with their manager before applying.
About you...
You will be at the heart of local government, playing a key role in supporting the council's decision-making processes. You will work as part of the Democratic Services team, administering and supporting a variety of council and partnership bodies. Your work will be especially important following the council's recent SEND inspection, as you take responsibility for managing a range of committees, sub-committees and other councillor, officer and partnership bodies, while also contributing to the effective delivery of the council's decision-making processes.
We are looking for someone with a degree-level education, or equivalent, or verifiable experience and training. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of Information Security and GDPR requirements. You will also have experience of presenting information and advice confidently and effectively to a wide range of people.
About the team...
You will be working at the heart of the council in the Democratic and Registration Services division which encompasses three teams working closely with colleagues at all levels across the organisation. The Democratic Services team works closely with councillors, colleagues throughout the council and external partners to ensure that decision making is timely and in accordance with the council's Constitution as well as being clear and transparent to the residents of Bracknell Forest.
Whether you are an experienced Democratic Services Officer or just looking to build on limited experience, you will have plenty of scope to develop your skills and expertise within this role. Advice and guidance will always be on hand from a positive and supportive team.
- To manage a number of the council's committees, sub-committees and other councillor, officer and partnership bodies and support the council's decision-making processes, including executive decision making.
- To arrange and clerk quasi-judicial appeals panels, including licensing, school admission and exclusion (Independent Review) panels.
- To work with the Team Leader: Overview and Scrutiny when required, to support the effective delivery of the overview and scrutiny function.
Training and guidance will be provided.
28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service
The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme).
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
A great office location next to travel links and Bracknell Forest’s thriving town centre.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
Sports and Social Club.
Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
Our values
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.
Interview date...
Interviews will be held on Monday, 7th July 2025. Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment. We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Job title: Team Leader
Phone number: 01344 264519
At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambitious and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details.
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Democratic Services Officer employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Contact Detail:
Bracknell Forest Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local government structure and decision-making processes. Understanding how Bracknell Forest Council operates will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Democratic Services Officers, if possible. They can provide insights into the role and share tips on what the council values in candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Information Security and GDPR requirements. Be ready to give examples of how you've handled sensitive information in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice presenting information clearly and confidently. Since the role involves communicating with various stakeholders, showcasing your communication skills will be crucial during the interview.
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 grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Democratic Services Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in democratic services or local government roles. If you have experience with Information Security and GDPR, make sure to mention it, as it's a key requirement for this role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for local government and your understanding of the council's values. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to support decision-making processes effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Democratic Services Officer does. Familiarise yourself with the council's decision-making processes and the importance of transparency in local government.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves presenting information to various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively conveyed complex information to different audiences.
✨Highlight Your Knowledge of GDPR
Since the role requires an understanding of Information Security and GDPR, be ready to discuss your knowledge in these areas. Prepare to explain how you would ensure compliance in your work.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The Democratic Services team works closely with councillors and other departments. Share experiences that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively and support team objectives.
