At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Suffolk's future by managing meetings and providing governance advice.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, reimagining local government with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Up to 29 days leave, pension scheme, health benefits, and flexible working.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with ongoing training and diverse career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a public-facing role at the heart of local governance.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, clear communication, and ability to handle sensitive situations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. Working as a Democratic Services Officer based within the Governance, Legal and Assurance Service, you'll help to support the shaping of Suffolk's future by providing high-quality support and advice to the Council's Committees in a high-profile and public-facing role at the very heart of the Council. Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities:
- Agenda planning, convening and supporting formal meetings, issuing agendas, recording proceedings and producing accurate minutes, decisions, and recommendations.
- Support the implementation of the Council's Constitution, resolve complex procedural issues, maintain committee work programmes and ensure full compliance with statutory and constitutional requirements.
- Contribute to councillor and officer training, and keep abreast of legislative developments and best practice in democratic governance.
You will need:
- Excellent administrative and IT skills and be comfortable working in a high-profile, public-facing role at the heart of the Council.
- The ability to provide clear, confident and impartial governance and constitutional advice, often in politically sensitive environments.
- Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the service and manage competing deadlines.
- Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, and a high level of attention to detail.
The team:
You'll be part of a highly supportive and friendly team and will receive training and ongoing support. The role is hybrid; you will split time between home and office in accordance with the rota and committee days. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented, and encourage everyone to be the best they can be.
Disability Confident: As a Disability Confident employer, we offer an interview to any applicant with a disability who meets the minimum criteria for the job. DBS or police vetting will be required for this post.
Benefits:
- Up to 29 days annual leave (pro-rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
- Performance-related annual pay progression, plus an annual cost-of-living pay increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
- Varied career development opportunities across the organisation.
- Diverse and active staff networks.
- Flexible working, with the right to request from your first day.
Democratic Services Officer in Suffolk employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Democratic Services Officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips and might even know about unadvertised roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local governance and the Council's Constitution. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During interviews, highlight your administrative and IT skills with specific examples. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex procedural issues in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer in Suffolk
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 a Democratic Services Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping Suffolk's future!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of written communication, be sure to showcase your excellent writing abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to convey information effectively.
Highlight Your Flexibility: The job requires adaptability to meet various demands. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed competing deadlines or adapted to changing circumstances. We love seeing how you handle challenges!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Suffolk County Council's Constitution and recent legislative developments. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the importance of governance.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle complex procedural issues or politically sensitive environments. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your approach to resolving them.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
Highlight your adaptability and willingness to support your team. Share experiences where you've successfully managed competing deadlines or contributed to a collaborative environment, as this is key in a supportive team like theirs.