Principal Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer
Principal Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer

Principal Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Council and its Committees with administration, research, and project work.
  • Company: Join Hartlepool Borough Council, a dedicated team making a difference in the community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, hybrid working, and access to discounts and family-friendly policies.
  • Why this job: Make an impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in committee administration and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and professional development.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are looking for someone to join our small, dedicated Team who provide support, guidance and advice to the Council, its various Committees and other decision‑making bodies. You will be directly responsible for the administration of a number of Committees and related bodies; undertake support, research and project work; and provide assistance for the clerking of school admission and exclusion appeals. You will also give information, support and advice to Councillors, officers and the public.

Responsibilities

  • You will need to have experience of committees/meetings administration, including the production of agendas; attendance at meetings; the preparation and publication of Minutes; and giving procedural advice to ensure compliance with good governance/democratic process.

Requirements

  • Good written, oral, interpersonal and IT skills.
  • The ability to supervise completion of activities commensurate with the grade of the post and work effectively on your own initiative, under pressure and to tight deadlines.
  • Good organisation and presentation skills.
  • The ability to provide advice and display tact and discretion while working with Councillors, officers at all levels, external partners/stakeholders, and the public.
  • A flexible, proactive, customer‑focused approach and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Confidence in your ability to work effectively on your own initiative, under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Benefits

As an employer, Hartlepool Borough Council offers a range of benefits including 27 days leave (increasing to 32 after 5 years) plus bank holidays (pro rata), company sick pay, a range of family friendly policies (including hybrid working) and access to a number of discounts via a company portal.

If you have any queries regarding the role, please contact Joan Stevens, Democratic Services & Statutory Scrutiny Manager at joan.stevens@hartlepool.gov.uk. If you need help to complete the application form, then support is available from the Council's Jobs & Skills Service. You can contact the team by phoning 01429 868616 or by sending an e‑mail to careers.service@hartlepool.gov.uk. Further information on training to upskill and boost your CV is also available online at www.hartlepooljobsandskills.com.

PLEASE NOTE - All communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the e‑mail address that you have registered. Please ensure that you also check your junk mail.

Principal Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer employer: Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation

Hartlepool Borough Council is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work environment and a range of benefits, including generous leave entitlements and family-friendly policies such as hybrid working. The Council fosters a culture of professional growth, providing opportunities for training and development to enhance your skills and career prospects while making a meaningful impact in the community.
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Contact Detail:

Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in democratic services or local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their goals. It’s all about making that connection!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be advising Councillors and the public, being articulate and confident is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to polish your delivery.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have tips and resources available to help you ace the process.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer

Committees/Meetings Administration
Agenda Production
Minute Preparation and Publication
Procedural Advice
Good Governance Knowledge
Written Communication Skills
Oral Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
IT Skills
Organisational Skills
Presentation Skills
Tact and Discretion
Customer-Focused Approach
Teamwork
Ability to Work Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with committee administration and governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!

Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since good written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We’re looking for someone who can produce professional documents, so let your writing shine!

Be Personable: Remember, you’ll be working with Councillors, officers, and the public. Use your application to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to provide support and advice tactfully. We love a friendly approach!

Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We’re here to help, and showing initiative can set you apart from other candidates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation

✨Know Your Committees

Familiarise yourself with the specific committees and decision-making bodies you'll be supporting. Research their recent agendas, minutes, and any ongoing projects. This will not only show your interest but also help you answer questions more effectively.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in meeting administration, agenda production, and minute-taking. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance with governance processes in past roles, as this will demonstrate your capability for the position.

✨Practice Your Communication

Since good written and oral skills are crucial, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to rehearse common interview questions with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as articulate and professional.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

Be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and support others. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues or provided assistance to Councillors and stakeholders, showcasing your proactive and customer-focused approach.

Principal Democratic Services and Legal Support Officer
Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation
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