At a Glance
- Tasks: Support committee meetings by producing agendas and minutes, and advising councillors on procedures.
- Company: Hampshire County Council, a modern and inclusive local authority.
- Benefits: Flexible working, holiday entitlement, pension scheme, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Gain experience in a political environment and contribute to meaningful local governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in democratic services or transferable skills from event management; Microsoft Office proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 € per year.
In this role you will be expected to support a range of committee meetings. Your responsibilities will include following established processes for the production of agendas and minutes of meetings, along with providing advice to councillors and officers on correct procedure. You will also provide a support role to the rest of the Democratic Services Team with administrative tasks such as publishing notices, responding to email enquiries and processing petitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Training will be provided on the use of Modern.Gov software for producing committee meeting information and related procedures.
- Hybrid working arrangements with minimum office working requirements according to the Open Workplace Policy. The general pattern is one day in the office as a team and four days working from home each week, although attending in person meetings will require additional days in the office or at other meeting venues in Hampshire.
- Ability to work to deadlines and manage a varied workload.
- The role requires taking responsibility for areas of work, while also working as part of a supportive team.
- You will demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with councillors and officers from across the organisation including senior officers.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience of democratic services would be ideal, or transferable skills gained from other types of meeting/event management or governance role.
- You would also need to be able to travel to venues across Hampshire for meetings.
- Experience of Microsoft Office tools is required, including SharePoint and Teams, and ability to learn the use of other software used to support the democratic process.
Benefits
The role provides the opportunity to experience working at the heart of the County Council and gain an understanding of the variety of services the County Council provides, with exposure to a political environment. Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi‑time scheme, family‑friendly policies and interest‑free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
Democratic Services Assistant employer: County Council
Hampshire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises personal development and inclusivity. With hybrid working arrangements and a range of benefits including family-friendly policies and interest-free travel loans, employees can enjoy a flexible and motivating workplace while gaining valuable experience in the heart of local governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the democratic services field, attend local council meetings, or join relevant online forums. Making connections can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local governance and committee processes. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or using mock interview tools to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have experience with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, or Teams, be ready to discuss how you've used these tools effectively in past roles. Real-life examples can make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Assistant
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 Assistant. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working closely with councillors and officers, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong interpersonal and communication skills. Share examples in your application that showcase how you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got experience in democratic services or transferable skills from event management or governance roles, make sure to bring that to the forefront. We want to see how your background can contribute to our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our supportive and collaborative environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at County Council
✨Know Your Democratic Services
Familiarise yourself with the basics of democratic services and the role they play in local government. Brush up on how agendas and minutes are produced, as well as the importance of following procedures. This will show your interviewers that you understand the core responsibilities of the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with councillors and officers, it's crucial to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in situations where you had to provide advice or support to others.
✨Get Comfortable with Technology
As the role involves using Modern.Gov software and Microsoft Office tools, make sure you're familiar with these platforms. If you haven't used Modern.Gov before, do a bit of research or watch tutorial videos to get a head start. Being tech-savvy will give you an edge in the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Experience
This position requires collaboration within a supportive team environment. Be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams, how you contribute to group success, and any specific instances where you took responsibility for a project while also supporting your colleagues.
