At a Glance
- Tasks: Support elected Members with information, queries, and administrative tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council's collaborative OneTeam partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including occasional evening or weekend meetings.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of local democracy and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or customer service, strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30332 - 37072 £ per year.
Fixed Term Opportunity (up to the 31 March 2028)
Are you looking for a new challenge, a chance to develop your skills, or an opportunity to see a different part of the organisation? We have an internal secondment opportunity for a Member Services Officer within Democratic Services. This role sits right at the centre of local democracy, supporting elected Members and the Leaders of both Councils with a range of Member support tasks and follow-up work. It is a busy and varied role where no two days are quite the same.
What is the role?
You will be a key contact for Members, helping them find the right information, link in with officers and service areas, and keep track of queries and actions. You will need to be organised, confident working with people, and able to handle sensitive information carefully and impartially. You will also provide general support to the Leaders of the Councils as required, helping to keep things organised, coordinated and moving forward.
What we are looking for?
- Experience of providing senior administrative, executive, PA, customer service or casework support;
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage diaries, meetings, priorities and deadlines;
- Good written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear updates, correspondence, briefings or background information;
- Confidence dealing with enquiries, requests or issues, including keeping accurate records and following things through;
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, Members, partners and residents;
- Sound judgement, discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information appropriately;
- Confidence using Microsoft 365 and other systems to keep information organised and secure;
- A flexible approach to working across both Councils and supporting occasional evening or weekend meetings where needed.
How we work
The role is hybrid and works across both Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council as part of the OneTeam partnership. The postholder will be expected to work flexibly, including attending either council’s premises or other locations as required to meet service needs. There may also be a need to support occasional evening or weekend meetings, depending on service needs.
A few things to note
Because of the nature of the role, this is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. That means the postholder will need to remain politically neutral and handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately. Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Person Specification.
Member Services Officer in Essex employer: Brentwood
Brentwood Borough Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career in public health. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, alongside benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements. Our focus on community engagement and health improvement provides a meaningful and rewarding experience for our staff, making it an ideal place to grow professionally while making a positive impact in the local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Member Services Officer in Essex
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Member Services Officer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brentwood
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Brentwood.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Brentwood that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
