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- Tasks: Conduct and register Marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies with exceptional customer service.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority serving 1.8 million residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a commitment to innovation in your career.
- Why this job: Be part of significant life moments for others while enhancing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in public speaking are essential.
- Other info: Must have a driving license and be mobile across the operational area.
Ceremony Officer
Permanent, Part Time
£25,451 to £29,942 per annum (full time equivalent)
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Please note this is an annualised hour, part time role working 300 hours per year. The pro rata salary will be £3,958 to £4,656 per annum.
We operate a 4-week rolling working pattern. You will need to provide the following availability over the 4-week rota: 5 x weekdays (Monday-Thursday), 2 x Fridays, 2 x Saturdays.
The Role
Ceremony Officers play a key role in delivering the statutory elements of Marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies, ensuring that customers receive the high-quality service required to ensure legal requirements are met. They must be fully trained in undertaking all legislative and statutory duties relating to the conducting and registering of ceremonies.
Essex Registration Service provides a Ceremony Service for Marriages and Civil Partnerships. Ceremonies are delivered in Essex County Council locations, Community Venues and Approved premises across the County of Essex. Ceremony Officers work with internal and external stakeholders in a highly professional manner, whilst also representing Essex County Council.
Ceremony Officers are responsible for conducting ceremonies of Marriage and Civil Partnership and are expected to deliver excellent customer service to members of the public on an important milestone in their lives. Ceremony Officers officially register the Marriage or Civil Partnership on to the RON (Registration Online) system, completing the necessary legal paperwork and certification. Ceremony Officers are also responsible for conducting non-legal ceremonies, such as renewing of vows and naming ceremonies. They may also be called upon to conduct Citizenship ceremonies.
To read more about our business area, please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services
Accountabilities
- Responsible for ensuring that ceremonies are legislatively compliant, ensuring that all statutory and legal regulations are strictly adhered to as set out by the General Register Office (GRO), and that all ceremonies are conducted and registered in an accurate and timely manner.
- Responsible for ensuring integrity of stock management and data protection in relation to ceremonies and an understanding of the repercussions surrounding any breaches.
- Use specialist skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver effective and professional ceremonial activities with exceptional levels of customer service in order to enhance the customer experience during some of the most important and significant milestones in our customers lives.
- Advocate the work that the Essex Registration Service undertakes and demonstrate positive behaviours, alongside the ability to embrace a flexible and modern approach to working, which will often take place across structural boundaries to support the service in meeting customer demand.
- Work collaboratively and professionally with appropriate internal stakeholders across a variety of teams to define and develop working requirements in support of key outcomes and professional levels of service.
- Build strong, appropriate relationships with external partners to ensure compliance with all regulations and encourage positive engagement, enhancing the reputation of the Essex Registration Service.
- Be an excellent and articulate communicator with competent administration and IT skills with the confidence to use a variety of programmes in order to facilitate daily work.
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Ability to develop knowledge and skills within the workplace and to work independently.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Experience of public speaking and working with the public.
- Experience of being in control of large groups of people and evidence of a commitment to customer care and service improvement.
- Experience of following prescriptive processes in a consistent manner whilst dealing with detailed legal procedures. Preferable to have experience of working in a statutory environment.
- Demonstrable ICT skills with knowledge and practical application of the MS Office suite of programmes.
- Experience of working in a statutory environment, with evidence of embracing change and working collaboratively with partners to improve customer service.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we\’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone\’s Essex . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We\’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We\’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email
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Ceremony Officer, Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ceremony Officer, Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements and statutory duties related to conducting ceremonies. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in public speaking or managing large groups. This is crucial for a Ceremony Officer, as you'll be leading significant events for couples and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've improved customer experiences in previous roles. This will resonate well with the expectations of delivering high-quality service.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. The role requires strong relationships with both internal teams and external partners, so demonstrating this skill will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Ceremony Officer, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Ceremony Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as excellent communication and customer service abilities, as well as experience in public speaking.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role. Emphasize any previous work in statutory environments, public speaking, and customer service roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the Essex Registration Service. Mention your understanding of the importance of ceremonies and how you can contribute to providing high-quality service.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, be sure to detail any experience you have with legal procedures, managing large groups, or working collaboratively with stakeholders. This will show that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of a Ceremony Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Ceremony Officer. Familiarize yourself with the statutory elements of Marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies, as well as the legal requirements involved.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Ceremony Officer, excellent communication is key. Prepare to demonstrate your verbal and written communication skills during the interview. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
✨Highlight Customer Service Experience
Since this role involves delivering high-quality customer service, be ready to discuss your experience in public speaking and working with large groups. Share specific examples that showcase your commitment to customer care and service improvement.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Collaboration
The job requires a flexible approach and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss instances where you've embraced change and worked with partners to enhance service delivery.
