At a Glance
- Tasks: Support committee services and assist Councillors in their roles while working on elections.
- Company: Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working with a mix of remote and office attendance; evening meetings required.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and contribute to local governance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, IT skills, and ability to work well in a team.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
The Council is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed person to its well-regarded and friendly Democratic Services team. As part of a team, you will support a wide range of committee services to the Council, Cabinet, scrutiny bodies, regulatory committees and bodies (including school appeals panels). You will assist in supporting Councillors to enable them to carry out their roles effectively and deal with enquiries from councillors and members of the public. You will also have an opportunity to work on elections. There are excellent opportunities for your personal and professional development, including the option of working towards an Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) qualification.
The team is based at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue. This role requires a flexible approach, balancing remote working with the business demands of Democratic Services, including regular evening meetings. You will be expected to work in the office a minimum of two days per week, with greater office attendance as required by the role (as determined by the Democratic Services Manager). The Job Description and Personal Specification set out further details of the requirements and responsibilities of this position.
If you have any queries regarding this role, please contact Stephanie Cox, Democratic Services Manager at stephaniecox@southend.gov.uk. Please note that this is a politically restricted role and any successful candidate will be required to attend regular evening meetings.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this position, you will be a well organised and methodical person with well-developed communication and report writing skills together with a high level of IT competency. You will need excellent team working skills and be able to develop effective working relationships with councillors, senior officers and partners. You should also demonstrate tact, discretion and diplomacy and have sound knowledge of local authority functions. Previous experience of Committee administration processes (including a working knowledge of a committee management system, preferably modern.gov) is desirable but not essential.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
All applicants for this role will require a DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103890 - 105210 - Democratic Services Officer in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an excellent employer, offering a rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment. With flexible working practices, a commitment to personal and professional development, and a diverse range of career opportunities, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. The supportive work culture and investment in exciting regeneration projects make it a great place to work and grow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103890 - 105210 - Democratic Services Officer in Southend-on-Sea
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like South End City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like South End City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace R2R103890 - 105210 - Democratic Services Officer in Southend-on-Sea
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 South End City 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 South End City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with South End City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨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.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
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!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for South End City Council.
