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- Tasks: Support the Democratic Services team and manage governance processes for Basildon Council.
- Company: Join Basildon Borough Council, a key local authority in the East of England.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, meaningful work, and the chance to make a difference in your community.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes local governance and impacts 172,000 residents.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal support and knowledge of local government legislation required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Role
Legal Support Officer
Basildon, Essex
£30-£35 per hour dependant on experience
Temporary Contract – 6 months
Full-Time, 36.25 hours per week
Closing Date: Monday 13th October 2025
The Role
We are looking for an experienced officer to join our Democratic Services and Governance team for an initial 6 month period.
Duties will include supporting the new Manager of Democracy and to review staffing structures, constitution, working practices and processes ensuring a joined up and professional service to the Councillors/ Leader and CLT.
Accountabilities
- To provide the overall and strategic direction and management of the Chief Executive’s, Committee, Member and Specialist Support (including member support, legal support, election support, executive and Civic Office support) and elections functions, providing personal support to the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council, navigating through a complex and demanding political environment.
- To support the Assistant Director Legal and Democracy in ensuring that the Council’s governance arrangements are legally compliant and fit for purpose, applying detailed and relevant knowledge of local government legislation and local procedures and policies where appropriate.
- To ensure the provision of proactive, collaborative, consistent and effective support to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, Leader of the Council and the constituted governance and decision making arrangements, to facilitate achievement of the Corporate Plan and other significant corporate priorities.
- Leading by example, and proactively supporting teams to demonstrate commitment to Basildon’s values through their behaviours, driving collaboration with key stakeholders and managing performance and development.
- Developing short, medium and long terms strategies for the function and working across the Council overseeing delivery of strategic initiatives in relation to this key function of the Council.
- Lead the continuous improvement of existing processes to streamline and optimise service delivery and directly influence the performance of the service, working with key stakeholders to define outcomes, set targets and monitor performance, within a culture of continuous improvement.
- The postholder is expected to recognise the high profile nature of the work of the CLT and to ensure that all work emanating from this source is of the highest standard. This includes being aware of the main issues facing the Council and recognising the need to be aware of any particularly sensitive issues and bringing these to the attention of the respective officer.
Why choose Basildon Council?
Basildon Borough Council is one of the largest local authorities in the East of England region and serves a population of approximately 172,000 people. The town of Basildon is regarded as a key economic hub with the main areas of employment being engineering, research and development, distribution and financial services. Basildon is also the second biggest economy in the Thames Gateway, outside of Canary Wharf.
Working for Basildon Borough Council means making a practical and positive difference to the lives of people living and working in the Borough and provides a fulfilling career.
Each of our employees – whatever job role they are undertaking – can feel motivated by having a unique opportunity to use their skills to make Basildon a better place to live. Whether it is conserving our countryside, by regenerating our Borough, by housing our residents or by collecting the refuse on time.
Note: ECC are advertising this role on behalf of Basildon Council.
Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation.
The Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. If you are successful you will need to undergo a Pre-employment Vetting Procedure.
What you should do next
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 queries on this role or require anything further, please email Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk
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Legal Support Officer - Basildon Borough Council employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Support Officer - Basildon Borough Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or legal circles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Basildon Borough Council's recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the job, but also in making a positive impact on the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to governance and legal support. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your past experience that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Basildon Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Support Officer - Basildon Borough Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Legal Support Officer. We want to see how you can support our Democratic Services and Governance team, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of local government legislation and procedures in your application. We’re looking for someone who can navigate the complexities of a political environment, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via the Working for Essex website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Local Government Legislation
Brush up on local government legislation and policies relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework within which Basildon Borough Council operates.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to work effectively in a team will resonate well, especially since the role involves supporting senior leadership and managing performance.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can contribute to the development of short, medium, and long-term strategies for the council. Be ready to discuss any past experiences where you've led or contributed to strategic initiatives, as this will align with the expectations of the role.
✨Be Aware of Current Issues
Stay informed about the current issues facing Basildon Borough Council and the wider community. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the council's priorities and challenges.