At a Glance
- Tasks: Support elected members and manage diverse administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a local government team dedicated to effective governance and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on local governance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational and communication skills; experience in local government is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
This is a varied and engaging role within local government, offering the opportunity to gain a strong understanding of how the Council operates and the importance of effective governance. The work is fast-paced and diverse, with involvement in a range of tasks and projects day to day. The position plays a key role in providing administrative and business support to the Democratic Services team, helping to ensure the smooth delivery of services and effective support to elected members and stakeholders, while also offering guidance to colleagues on governance processes. This role provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the Council, influencing service delivery and support for elected members. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold Council procedures, standards, and values, while delivering flexible, high-quality support across the service as required.
Responsibilities
- Providing support to elected members in their roles.
- Handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Offering governance guidance and support to colleagues across different services.
- Maintaining accurate records of Registers of Interests for members and Towns and Parishes.
- Managing and responding to the Democratic Services inbox promptly and accurately.
- Using a range of systems, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Local Government systems such as Mod.Gov.
- Keeping well-organised and up-to-date records and filing systems for the Democratic Services team.
- Responding to enquiries from local residents via phone and email.
- Delivering general administrative support to the Democratic Services team.
- Supporting the delivery of daytime and evening meetings, including webcasting.
- Processing elected members’ travel and expense claims accurately and efficiently.
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong organisational, administrative and IT skills.
- Communicates clearly and confidently, both in writing and in person.
- Can juggle multiple tasks without dropping the detail.
- Takes pride in delivering a reliable, accurate and friendly service.
- Handles confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Works well under pressure and stays calm when deadlines are tight.
Experience in local government or democratic services is helpful, but not essential. What matters most is your ability to be part of a team, embody our council values and deliver an efficient, high-quality support service.
Benefits
- A competitive salary.
- A pension scheme, where the Council pays a significant contribution on top of your own.
- Opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council.
- Generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where practicable to support a healthy work-life balance.
EEO Statement
We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. We offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, and the Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment.
Support Services Officer (Democratic Services) employer: North Northamptonshire Council
As a Support Services Officer within local government, you will be part of a dynamic team that values effective governance and community engagement. Our inclusive work culture promotes professional growth through diverse responsibilities and opportunities to influence service delivery, all while enjoying generous leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from a competitive salary and a strong pension scheme.
Contact Details:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Services Officer (Democratic Services)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in local government or democratic services. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of governance processes. We want to see that you understand the role and can confidently discuss how you’d support elected members and handle sensitive information.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you’ve managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to juggle responsibilities, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Services Officer (Democratic Services)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Support Services Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and support elected members effectively.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role involves juggling multiple tasks, it’s essential to demonstrate your organisational abilities. Share examples of how you've managed your time and prioritised tasks in previous roles to keep everything running smoothly.
Communicate Clearly:Effective communication is key in this position. Use clear and concise language in your written application, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate a friendly tone that reflects your personality!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Familiarise yourself with local government processes and the role of Democratic Services. Brush up on key governance principles and be ready to discuss how they apply to the Council's operations.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your organisational and administrative abilities. Think about times when you managed multiple tasks or maintained accurate records, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Whether it's in writing or during a conversation, being able to convey your ideas effectively is essential, especially when dealing with elected members and stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Be prepared to discuss how you've handled confidential information in the past. Highlight your understanding of the importance of discretion and professionalism in a role that involves sensitive data.
