At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage agendas, draft minutes, and organise committee workloads in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, committed to community and equality.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, 22 days holiday, hybrid working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with training and mentoring for your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration, event management, and a keen interest in local issues.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you enjoy administration and making sure the correct procedures are followed? We’re looking for a proactive, confident and calm individual with a high level of tact and discretion to work in our Democratic Services Team. You’ll be creating agendas, writing minutes and organising the workloads of some of our committees, so you’ll need to be highly organised, adaptable and interested in local community issues. You don’t need experience as a Democratic Services Officer, but we are looking for someone who has experience of working across different departments, stakeholders and organising meetings.
About the Role
- Managing work plans, creating agendas and drafting minutes for a selection of committees and boards.
- Using modern digital meetings infrastructure such as video webcasting to increase participation.
- Events organising, such as booking rooms, organising equipment and refreshments and managing attendance lists.
- Providing meetings procedural guidance to committee members and members of the public.
- Support councillor training events.
- Support councillors with administration requirements (this might include assisting with IT issues and the adoption of new technology such as AI).
- Working during evenings in line with our committee timetable.
About You
- We are looking for someone who has direct experience of supporting boards, panels, committees or working groups.
- Can operate with tact and discretion in a political environment.
- Has excellent administrative and planning skills.
- Has some experience of events management.
- Has an understanding of local government and our purpose.
- Has a high level of computer literacy, including Microsoft 365, virtual meetings infrastructure, and can adapt to new technologies quickly.
- Is calm, confident and solutions-focused when under pressure.
- Is able to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
We will support your growth within the role through training, coaching and mentoring — because we believe in developing our people.
This is a politically restricted post.
What we offer
- An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure.
- 22 days annual leave (increasing to 27 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
- The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
- Free staff parking.
- Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
- The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office (this is additional to in person attendance required at committee meetings).
- Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Democratic Services Officer employer: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees. With a supportive work culture, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements, we ensure our staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, we offer a rewarding environment where you can make a meaningful impact on local community issues while enjoying attractive benefits such as generous holiday entitlement and a strong pension scheme.
Contact Details:
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in local government or have experience with committees. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and community issues. Show us you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in Tunbridge Wells and that you understand the local landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your organisational skills! Create mock agendas and minutes based on hypothetical meetings. This will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your proactive approach during interviews.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:In your application, highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. We want to see how you can juggle various responsibilities, just like you would in the role of a Democratic Services Officer.
Demonstrate Tact and Discretion:Since this role involves working in a political environment, it's crucial to showcase your experience in handling sensitive situations. Share examples where you've had to be discreet and tactful in your previous roles.
Familiarise Yourself with Local Government:We’re looking for someone who understands local government operations. Make sure to mention any relevant experience or knowledge you have about community issues and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
✨Know Your Local Government
Familiarise yourself with the structure and functions of local government, especially in Tunbridge Wells. Understanding how the council operates and its role in the community will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Think about times when you've successfully organised meetings or events, and be ready to discuss how you handled any challenges that arose.
✨Demonstrate Tact and Discretion
Since this role involves working in a political environment, be prepared to discuss how you've navigated sensitive situations in the past. Share specific instances where your tact and discretion made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Get Comfortable with Technology
Brush up on your skills with Microsoft 365 and any virtual meeting tools you’ve used. Be ready to talk about how you’ve adapted to new technologies in the past, as this will be crucial for supporting councillors and managing digital meetings.
