At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Youth Council and engage young people in local politics.
- Company: Mid Suffolk District Council, dedicated to community building and collaboration.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering youth voices in local governance.
- Qualifications: Passion for politics, strong communication skills, and good organisational abilities.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 36363 £ per year.
Mid Suffolk District Council are seeking a Youth Council and Governance Support Officer in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full-time, 37 hours per week, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £31,537 - £36,363 per annum (pro rata for part time). This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
We are seeking a dynamic and politically astute Youth Council and Governance Support Officer to support the establishment and management of the Mid Suffolk Youth Council. If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role: Launched last year by Mid Suffolk District Council, the Youth Council is designed to give young people a chance to have their voice heard and get involved in local politics. The initiative was driven by research showing the disconnect between young people and politics, with almost three quarters of those asked believing that politics should be taught more in schools or colleges. Working in our Democratic Services team, you will report to the Lead Governance Officer for Scrutiny and Projects. In this exciting new role, you will be responsible for:
- liaising with key stakeholders
- carrying out research
- managing and clerking meetings of the youth council
- providing governance advice to councillors and youth councillors
- ensuring the youth council operates appropriately and in line with expectations
In addition, you will be expected to support the broader democratic services team, providing cover and capacity where appropriate.
About you: This is an exciting opportunity for somebody with a passion for local politics to help build something innovative from the ground up, generating enthusiasm and engagement amongst young people towards our democratic processes. To be successful, you will demonstrate:
- a keen interest in politics and local democracy
- excellent networking and communication skills
- good knowledge of research sources and techniques
- broad understanding of the local government system and the local member role
- strong administrative, clerical, IT and organisational skills
- real energy and drive to support the democratic process in the local community
This is a hybrid role, enabling you to work from home and from our office in Endeavour House (Ipswich) on a flexible arrangement suited around working patterns.
About us: At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
- 60 conservation areas
- two National Landscapes
- many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care Options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
Closing date: 5:00 pm, 30 June 2026. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Youth Council and Governance Support Officer role, even if you don't meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Youth Council and Governance Support Officer in Suffolk employer: Mid Suffolk District Council
Mid Suffolk District Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to professional development, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in local governance while enjoying a supportive environment in the picturesque setting of Ipswich, Suffolk.
Contact Details:
Mid Suffolk District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Council and Governance Support Officer in Suffolk
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We think you need these skills to ace Youth Council and Governance Support Officer in Suffolk
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 Mid Suffolk District 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 Mid Suffolk District Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
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✨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.
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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!
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