At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Council's decision-making by organising meetings and taking minutes.
- Company: City of Lincoln Council, dedicated to community service and governance.
- Benefits: Generous leave, local government pension, health support, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local governance while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs including Maths and English, plus strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working with a mix of remote and office-based tasks.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen to work within the Democratic Services team at the City of Lincoln Council to provide support to the Council's decision‑making processes. A Democratic Services Officer is required on a full‑time, temporary basis to cover maternity leave.
As a Democratic Services Officer, you will support the Council's decision‑making processes, including organising and attending formal committee meetings and taking minutes. You will provide support and advice to Councillors, the Chief Executive and Town Clerk and the Corporate Management team. The postholder will be expected to act in a politically neutral way.
You will be expected to attend daytime and evening meetings (for which time off in lieu will be given). The postholder will work flexibly, with a combination of remote and office‑based working.
Key Responsibilities- To advise, service and assist in the management of the Council's Committees and other bodies.
- To advise on committee procedure and members' interests.
- To record the decisions made by the City of Lincoln Council and carry out a full range of administrative duties to ensure the effective / smooth operation of the Democratic Services team.
- To work under the general direction of the Democratic Services & Elections Manager to provide an effective and confidential support service to members.
- To undertake scrutiny research functions and lead scrutiny task groups.
- 4 GCSEs including Maths and English Grade C or equivalent.
- Knowledge of how local government works.
- The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to officers, the public and members.
- The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst maintaining high service standards.
- The ability to take and transcribe minutes.
- An awareness of and sensitive to the political environment of Democratic Services.
- An awareness and basic understanding of the Constitution.
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
- Local government pension scheme.
- Employee online discount scheme (including cinema, retail / supermarkets and homeware / tech).
- Health and Wellbeing support.
- Sustainable Travel Options (Tax free bike scheme and discounted City parking).
Democratic Services Officer in Lincoln employer: City of Lincoln Council
Contact Detail:
City of Lincoln Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the local government sector, especially those who work in Democratic Services. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government processes. Familiarise yourself with the City of Lincoln Council's structure and recent decisions they've made. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your minute-taking skills! Find examples of minutes from council meetings and try transcribing them. This will help you feel more confident when it comes to the real deal during your job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status and any upcoming opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Democratic Services Officer. We want to see how you can support our decision-making processes, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, ensure your written application reflects your ability to convey information clearly. Use concise language and structure your application well, as this will demonstrate your capability to communicate effectively with Councillors and the public.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: As a Democratic Services Officer, you'll be juggling various tasks like organising meetings and taking minutes. Make sure to mention any experience you have in managing multiple responsibilities and meeting deadlines, as this will show us you can handle the pressure of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Lincoln Council
✨Know Your Local Government
Familiarise yourself with how local government operates, especially in relation to the City of Lincoln Council. Brush up on key processes, committees, and recent decisions to show you’re genuinely interested and informed.
✨Master Minute-Taking
Since taking minutes is a crucial part of the role, practice your minute-taking skills before the interview. You might be asked about your approach or even given a scenario to demonstrate how you would record decisions accurately.
✨Demonstrate Political Neutrality
Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain political neutrality in your role. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully navigated sensitive situations without bias.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key for this position. Prepare to share examples of how you've communicated complex information clearly, both in writing and verbally, to different audiences, including Councillors and the public.