Governance and Members Officer – Braintree District Council

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit this Governance and Members Officer role.

The Opportunity: We are looking for an enthusiastic Governance and Members Officer to join our busy, committed Governance team. Our team plays a vital role in supporting Elected Members and ensuring the smooth running of the Council’s democratic processes. From organising and delivering evening committee meetings to providing Members with timely access to information and resources, we are central to the Council’s governance and decision‑making functions. As a Governance and Members Officer, you will contribute to the delivery of a high‑quality Governance Service. You will work directly with Elected Members, officers, and customers to ensure effective, efficient and professional committee and Member support. Being part of the Governance Service, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the delivery of other functions of the Service, including supporting the elections.

Job Accountabilities

• To maintain systems of good governance which ensure that the Council’s responsibilities and decision-making processes are effective and decisions are made in a lawful, clear and transparent manner, in accordance with the Council’s constitution.
• To provide high quality support to Members and the democratic process, ensuring that the public and other external parties can engage effectively in the decision-making process.
• To contribute to the overall committee administration and governance function, including servicing of Council, Cabinet, other Committees including Overview and Scrutiny, Licensing and Planning, Sub‑Committees, Working Groups and Panels, in order to meet Member, officer and customer need and assist the smooth-running of such committees.
• The preparation and coordination of agendas and reports which are appropriately formatted and presented to high standards, implementing quality control processes to ensure this.
• To ensure that legal requirements for notification and publication are met.
• To make determinations on whether information should be treated as exempt as appropriate.
• The preparation of minutes which appropriately record decisions.
• The management and archiving of agendas, reports and minutes in accordance with legal and best practice requirements.
• To provide advice to Committee Chairmen, Members, officers and the general public on the Council’s Constitution and governance in relation to meetings, in line with legislative requirements.
• To be politically sensitive and work within the political context to ensure effective delivery of the service.
• To remain politically neutral and provide support to all political groups irrespective of personal views.
• To provide advice and support to Members on the Code of Conduct including declarations of interests.
• As part of the Governance Team deliver an effective and reliable service to Members, including: Support to Members to include signposting members to services of the Council.
• Handling enquiries from Members; either providing a direct response or passing questions on.
• Supporting Member induction and development.
• To take responsibility for maintaining own health and attendance and to take responsibility for managing attendance of staff.
• To support, contribute and comply with quality and governance procedures as directed by management.
• To apply and actively promote the principles of the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in all areas of employment and service delivery.
• Any other duties as required to support the business, including maintaining business continuity and during civil emergencies.
• Any other associated duties detailed by Head of Service or their representative.
• Such variations as may be required from time to time, including undertaking duties to support the wider Governance Service without changing the general character of the duties shown above or the level of responsibility entailed.
• To advise Line manager if, at any time, the above duties and responsibilities cannot be performed.

Experience Required:

• A flexible, professional approach, with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, clients and Elected Members.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong administrative and time-management capabilities.
• Experience in committee administration, including producing accurate minutes.
• A high level of attention to detail.
• An understanding of local government decision-making processes.

Desirable experience includes:

• Committee administration, particularly minute-taking.
• Working with a committee management system.
• Experience using virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (home/office based) subject to business need.
• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Flexible working.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Defined Benefit Scheme.
• Free Car Parking.
• Learning and development for all staff.
• Staff Discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Staff recognition schemes.
• Extensive health and wellbeing programme, including discounted gym membership.

Closing date for receipt of applications: Midnight on Sunday 8 February.

Please Note – Essex County Council is advertising this role on behalf of Braintree District Council and if successful you will be employed by Braintree District Council.