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- Tasks: Support committee chairs, manage meetings, and provide secretariat support.
- Company: Join a Local Council in Devon focused on democratic services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, flexible hours, and a negotiable hourly rate.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in local government while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must have recent experience in Local Government and Democratic Services.
- Other info: Opportunity for contract extension and remote work options available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are proud to be partnering with a Local Council based in Devon, who are looking to appoint a Democratic Services Officer on a six month temporary contract, with opportunities to extend.
This will be a full-time position and remote based candidates are being considered. The hourly rate is negotiable dependent upon experience.
The ideal candidate will have experience in a Local Government setting in a Democratic Services based role
Duties will include (but are not limited to):
- Supporting the Chairs of the Committees through advice and briefings as well as supporting Democratic Services team on Member training and development
- Providing proper support to all elected member decision making meetings including advice on the Council’s Constitution in the order that they are conducted in with the Council’s Standing Orders and legislation
- Liaising with and deputising for the Legal and Democratic Services Manager and Senior Democratic Officer including attendance at meetings of the Council Executives as and when required
- Attending meetings as may be directed, taking comprehensive notes of the meetings and resolutions, production of draft minutes, as well as circulating draft minutes for agreement
- Giving advice on the interpretation of Standing Orders, the Members’ Code of Conduct and other constitutional and procedural matters
- Assisting the Senior Democratic Officer with maintenance and development of the Council’s online services including but not limited to; uploading committee agendas, reports, minutes and audio recordings
Experience required:
- Experience required in Local Government within a Democratic Services setting
Skills, knowledge and expertise required:
- Taking and timely distribution of accurate meetings minutes
- Providing full secretariat support
- Complex diary management
Rewards and Benefits:
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working hours
Working hours:
- 37 hours per week
- Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm but flexibility available
Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.
James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.
At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Don’t forget our recommendation scheme: Recommend a friend or colleague to us and receive up to £250 each once they have completed 20 days in a role via James Andrews! Terms and conditions apply, contact us for details.
Locations
Democratic Services Officer employer: James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local council's structure and key personnel. Understanding who the Chairs of the Committees are and their roles will help you provide better support and advice during your application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in taking minutes and providing secretariat support. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex diary schedules or supported decision-making meetings in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your knowledge of the Council’s Constitution and Standing Orders. Being able to articulate how these documents guide decision-making will show that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience with online services related to Democratic Services, make sure to mention it. Discussing your familiarity with uploading agendas, reports, and minutes can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Democratic Services Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required experience, especially in a Local Government setting.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any previous experience you have in Democratic Services or Local Government roles. Be specific about your contributions, such as taking minutes, providing secretariat support, or managing complex diaries.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'advice on the Council’s Constitution' and 'timely distribution of accurate meeting minutes'.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are a great fit for the role. Mention your understanding of the Council's procedures and your ability to support elected members effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Local Government Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local government structures and processes. Understanding the Council’s Constitution, Standing Orders, and the Members’ Code of Conduct will show that you are well-prepared and serious about the role.
✨Demonstrate Minute-Taking Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with taking accurate meeting minutes. You might even be asked to provide examples of how you've managed this in previous roles, so think of specific instances where your minute-taking made a difference.
✨Showcase Your Support Skills
Highlight your ability to support committee chairs and elected members effectively. Prepare examples of how you've provided advice or briefings in past positions, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a democratic services context. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, especially regarding complex diary management and meeting logistics.
