At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead committees, provide procedural advice, and support democratic functions in local government.
- Company: Dynamic Local Authority in South East England with a focus on governance.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of up to £375 per day and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentoring junior colleagues.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government and strong committee management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 52 - 52 £ per hour.
Location: South East England
Job type: Contract
Salary: Up to £375 per day / approximately £52 per hour
Discipline: Local Government & Public Sector Legal Recruitment Specialist
Reference: J96897
Venn Group's specialist Public Sector Legal & Governance team are currently recruiting for a Locum Senior Democratic Services Officer to join a Local Authority on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Democratic Services professional to take responsibility for a varied committee workload, provide procedural and constitutional advice and support the wider delivery of the authority's democratic functions.
Role Details:
- Position: Locum Senior Democratic Services Officer
- Working Arrangement: Full Time, hybrid working with office attendance approximately twice per week
- Duration: Initial 3 months+, with potential for extension
- Start Date: ASAP
- Rate: Up to £375 per day, approximately £52 per hour
Duties may include:
- Acting as lead officer for allocated committees, panels, scrutiny groups and other formal meetings
- Preparing and coordinating agendas, reports, minutes, work programmes and statutory notices
- Attending committee and other meetings, including some evening meetings, to provide procedural and clerking support
- Providing high-quality constitutional and procedural advice to Members, officers and other stakeholders
- Supporting non-committee decision-making processes
- Drafting briefing papers, reports, policies and recommendations for Member consideration
- Undertaking research on governance and democratic services matters
- Supporting Member training, development and induction programmes
- Building effective working relationships with elected Members, senior officers, partner organisations and members of the public
- Supporting wider Democratic Services responsibilities, including complaints, petitions, information requests and project work where required
- Supervising and mentoring junior colleagues and deputising for senior team members where required
- Maintaining awareness of developments in local government governance and democratic practice
- Supporting elections and wider corporate responsibilities where required
Candidate Requirements:
- Previous Local Government Democratic Services experience
- Strong committee management and clerking experience
- Good knowledge of local authority governance, constitutional arrangements and decision-making processes
- Experience providing procedural advice to elected Members and officers
- Strong report writing, minute taking and research skills
- Ability to manage multiple meetings and competing deadlines independently
- Confident stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff would be advantageous
- Flexibility to attend evening meetings where required
Job Reference: J96897
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates.
Interim Senior Democratic Services Officer employer: VennGroup
Join a forward-thinking Local Authority in South East England as an Interim Senior Democratic Services Officer, where you will play a pivotal role in enhancing democratic processes. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, with opportunities to mentor junior colleagues and engage with elected Members. With a competitive daily rate and a hybrid working model, this position offers the flexibility and meaningful impact you seek in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Democratic Services Officer
✨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 VennGroup, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
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 VennGroup and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Democratic Services Officer
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 VennGroup 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 VennGroup
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with VennGroup, 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 VennGroup.
