At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local democracy by organising meetings and events for Councillors.
- Company: Join Derbyshire Dales District Council, a key player in local governance.
- Benefits: Receive full training, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: No prior local government experience needed; just bring your passion and organisation skills.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of decision-making and engage with your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Derbyshire Dales District Council is offering an exciting opportunity for you to work at the heart of local democracy playing a key role in supporting effective, transparent and lawful decision‑making across the Council.
As a key member of our team, you will have:
- an excellent standard of written English
- strong communication skills
- excellent IT skills
- the ability to be organised and work outside normal office hours (typically 2 or 3 times a month)
You will need to be a confident communicator who can develop a good working relationship with Councillors, senior officers and members of the public. You also need to be well organised with the ability to continually prioritise an ever-changing workload.
The key tasks of this post will be:
- Setting up and supporting meetings and events involving Councillors, including decision making committees, working groups and civic events
- Preparing and publishing agendas in liaison with appropriate members and officers to ensure that they meet all legal and internally agreed standards
- Organising and attending evening and daytime meetings to record decisions and progress agreed actions
- Leading on the development and delivery of learning and development opportunities for Councillors
- Assisting with the planning and delivery of elections and maintaining the electoral register
This is a specialist role, but previous local government experience is not essential as full training and support will be provided to candidates who have experience of working in deadline driven and pressurised situations and possess the right skills, abilities and attitude to work in democratic services.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jason Spencer, Electoral and Democratic Services Manager.
Democratic Services Officer employer: East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs
Contact Detail:
East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in local government or those who have worked as Democratic Services Officers. They can give you insider tips and might even know about unadvertised roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local democracy and current issues facing councils. Show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about making a difference in your community.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We want to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it’s the easiest way to keep track of your application status.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since this role requires an excellent standard of written English, make sure your application is clear and well-structured. Use proper grammar and punctuation, and don’t forget to proofread before hitting send!
Tailor Your Application: We want to see how your skills match the job description. Highlight your communication skills and any relevant experience that shows you can handle a busy workload. Make it personal and relevant to the Democratic Services Officer role.
Be Organised: Demonstrate your organisational skills in your application. You could mention how you manage deadlines or prioritise tasks effectively. This will show us that you’re ready for the fast-paced environment of local democracy.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Derbyshire Dales District Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Democratic Services Officer. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like supporting meetings and preparing agendas. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a confident communicator, it's essential to highlight your ability to build relationships with Councillors and the public. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Being organised is crucial for this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or deadlines. Share these examples to illustrate your ability to prioritise and adapt to changing workloads, which is key for a Democratic Services Officer.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the Council's operations. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the types of events you'll be involved in or how the team collaborates on decision-making processes.