Governance Officer – Democratic Services in Stoke-on-Trent
Governance Officer – Democratic Services

Governance Officer – Democratic Services in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent Full-Time 39152 - 41771 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the City Council's democratic process and manage committee administration.
  • Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a proud and inclusive employer.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: BTEC National/Higher in Public Administration or relevant degree required.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 39152 - 41771 £ per year.

Directorate: Resources

Section: Legal, Governance and Customer Services

Location: Civic Centre

Grade: Level 10

Salary: £39,152 – £41,771 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.

About us

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it’s about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision. Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Governance Team and support the City Council’s democratic process. You will be directly responsible for the administration of a number of committees and related bodies as well as actively supporting the overview and scrutiny function and contributing to the administration and clerking of education admission appeals. You will also be expected to contribute to the development and review of policies, procedures and working practices and to support key projects. The role requires a high level of proficiency in the use of IT which includes operating as an administrator of the Modern.gov Committee Management System. An ability to research, understand and analyse complex information will be essential and you should have experience of drafting reports and concise and accurate minutes. You must also have the confidence and personality to establish good working relationships both internal and external to the organisation and be able to demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. A readiness to work under pressure and operate with tact, discretion and diplomacy as part of a supportive and flexible team will be essential.

Key Responsibilities

  • Providing administrative support to a number of committees and members
  • Reporting writing as and when required
  • Preparing reports and statistical information
  • Taking accurate and detailed notes/minutes

About You

  • Hold a BTEC National/Higher in Public Administration or relevant degree
  • Have local authority experience
  • Excellent communications skills both oral and written
  • Computer literate including E-mail and Microsoft Packages such as Word, Excel
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to maintain workload

What we offer

  • A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
  • Hybrid and flexible working options
  • An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
  • Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes

If you are interested in applying and wish to arrange an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Craig Sands or Julie Harvey – Democratic Services & Governance Managers (job-share) on 01782 233540/232617 or email craig.sands@stoke.gov.uk/julie.harvey@stoke.gov.uk.

Pre-Employment Checks

  • Right to Work in the UK
  • Proof of address
  • Satisfactory references
  • Occupational Health Clearance
  • Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
  • DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)

Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.

Governance Officer – Democratic Services in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on the local community. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in our mission to enhance the lives of residents while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and a rewarding career in public service.
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Contact Detail:

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Governance Officer – Democratic Services in Stoke-on-Trent

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the community!

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires strong verbal and written abilities, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.

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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Governance Officer – Democratic Services in Stoke-on-Trent

Committee Administration
Report Writing
Minute Taking
Research Skills
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
IT Proficiency
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Organisational Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Tact and Diplomacy
Policy Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Governance Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our democratic processes and support our committees!

Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to draft reports and take accurate minutes.

Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got local authority experience or have worked in similar roles, make it stand out! We’re looking for candidates who understand the ins and outs of governance and can hit the ground running.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Know Your Governance Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of a Governance Officer. Familiarise yourself with the democratic processes and the specific committees you'll be supporting. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.

Show Off Your Communication Skills

Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past. Think about times when you’ve drafted reports or taken minutes, and be ready to discuss these experiences during the interview.

Demonstrate IT Proficiency

As the role requires proficiency in IT, especially with systems like Modern.gov, be prepared to discuss your experience with similar software. If you have any relevant certifications or training, mention those too. It’s all about showing you can hit the ground running!

Be Ready for Pressure

The job mentions working under pressure, so think of examples where you’ve successfully managed tight deadlines or challenging situations. Highlight your organisational skills and how you maintain a calm and professional demeanour, even when things get hectic.

Governance Officer – Democratic Services in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Location: Stoke-on-Trent

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