At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Council by organising meetings and providing professional advice.
- Company: Harlow District Council, a vibrant place to work and live.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive pay, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a dynamic council setting.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local governance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role and proficiency in MS Office.
The predicted salary is between 39100 - 39900 £ per year.
Location: Harlow
Full time, Temporary 2 Month Contract, 37.50 Hours per Week
£18.88 PAYE / £24.21 Umbrella
Closing Date: Monday 21st September 2026
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Harlow Council to recruit a temporary Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer on a full-time, temporary basis. This role offers flexibility on remote/hybrid working depending on the services needs.
The Role:
- To provide a professional and comprehensive support service for the Council, Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels and Working Groups of the Council.
- To organise and clerk Committee meetings, boards or panel with external stakeholders as required.
- To provide professional advice on the conduct of Council business.
- To manage assigned committee forward work plans.
- To maintain the Council’s electronic Governance records.
- To log track and monitor the implementation of Committee, Sub-Committees and Working Group decisions.
- To assist with the delivery of the Councillor Training Programme.
- To raise invoices associated with the role’s responsibilities.
The experience you will bring:
- Experience using IssueManager.
- Confidence in attending Cabinet and Full Council Meetings.
- Proven substantial experience in a similar role involving liaising with a wide range of contacts in a professional manner.
- Experience of operating at a high level of concentration over a range of activities with high level workload pressure.
- Knowledge of Modern.gov software package.
- Extensive working knowledge of a wide range of MS Office packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have any queries relating to this post or would like to see the full Job Description, please email Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk
Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer – Harlow District Council employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Social Workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people with disabilities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, innovative practices, and professional development, our team enjoys a nine-day working fortnight and numerous opportunities for growth within a dynamic local authority. Join us in Chelmsford, where your contributions will be valued, and together we can empower the next generation to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer – Harlow District Council
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Essex County Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Essex County Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer – Harlow District Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Essex County Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Essex County Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Essex County Council.
