At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local decision-making by organising meetings and providing procedural advice.
- Company: Brighton & Hove City Council, a diverse and inclusive local authority.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to diversity and community representation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance or administration, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 39152 £ per year.
Location: Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ
Basis: Flexi Hours
Salary: £34,434 - £39,152
Contractual hours: 37
Job description:
Do you have experience of working in a governance, administration or democratic services environment and want to play a key role in supporting local decision‑making? Brighton & Hove City Council is an established unitary authority with 54 councillors. We are looking for a highly organised and motivated Democratic Services Officer to support the effective delivery of the Council’s democratic functions. Working as part of a dedicated and supportive team, you will help to facilitate the council’s decision‑making processes by arranging and servicing a wide range of meetings and providing procedural advice to councillors and officers.
In this role, you will be responsible for preparing agendas, reports and minutes, providing clerking support ensuring that meetings are conducted in line with the Council’s Constitution and legal requirements, and that decisions are accurately recorded and communicated. You will work closely with elected Members (Councillors), senior officers and external stakeholders, building effective working relationships and providing clear, timely and professional advice on governance and procedural matters. The role also includes supporting the delivery of school admission and exclusion appeals where required, contributing to training and guidance activities, and helping to ensure that information is accessible to Members, officers and the public. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is detail‑focused, politically aware and committed to high standards of public service, looking to develop their career within a busy and high‑profile democratic services environment.
Key qualities we are looking for:
- Strong knowledge of local government governance and procedures, with the ability to provide accurate and authoritative advice on constitutional and procedural matters.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple meetings, prioritise competing deadlines, and deliver high‑quality outputs.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise agendas, reports and minutes on complex issues.
- Strong interpersonal skills and political awareness, enabling effective working relationships with councillors, senior officers and external stakeholders.
- Attention to detail and professional judgement, particularly in handling sensitive or confidential information and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and procedures.
- Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office, Committee Management Systems and electronic diaries.
Encouraging a diverse workforce. Our city is known and loved for its diversity. Not only is the mixture of people, culture and skills vital to the economic and social development of the city, it’s what makes Brighton & Hove such a great place to live, work and visit. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve so we welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. In order to achieve our aims of proportionate representation, we particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans.
Why work for us?
- be connected
- be confident
- be innovative and creative
- be diverse and inclusive
- be healthy and psychologically safe
For more information about our values and the benefits of working at the council, visit Why work for us which gives details of our wellbeing support, our benefits including leave and pensions as well as details of our training and development.
Additional information: Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is less than 37 hours or term-time only. We are a workplace that supports flexibility and employee wellbeing in the way we work whilst providing the best service for our customers. Team and service working arrangements are designed to support both employee work life balance and team collaboration. These would be part of your individual working arrangements alongside any personal preference agreed with your manager in advance of joining. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team and travel to and from your contractual location would be at your own expense.
Democratic Services Officer Higher in Hove employer: Brighton & Hove City Council
Brighton & Hove City Council is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing work environment at Tarnerland Nursery School where you can make a meaningful impact on young children's lives. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive team culture, employees enjoy generous benefits and opportunities for growth in their early years careers. Join us in creating a safe and engaging learning space in the vibrant community of Brighton.
Contact Details:
Brighton & Hove City Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer Higher in Hove
✨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 Brighton & Hove City 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 Brighton & Hove City 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 Democratic Services Officer Higher in Hove
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 Brighton & Hove City 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 Brighton & Hove City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Brighton & Hove City 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 Brighton & Hove City Council.
