At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Youth Council and engage young people in local politics.
- Company: Mid Suffolk District Council, dedicated to empowering youth voices.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, private healthcare, and flexible working.
- Other info: Hybrid role with great opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting youth with democracy and local governance.
- Qualifications: Passion for politics, strong communication skills, and good organisational abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Mid Suffolk District Council
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join our team. 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. 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
- supporting 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 among 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 to working patterns.
Benefits. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care Options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
Equality, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
Safeguarding. 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 Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
Mid Suffolk District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in local governance and youth engagement. The opportunity to shape the future of local democracy through the Youth Council initiative makes this role particularly rewarding for those passionate about empowering young voices in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Council and Governance Support Officer in Ipswich
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We think you need these skills to ace Youth Council and Governance Support Officer in Ipswich
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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County Council.
