Democratic Services Officer in Yeovil

Democratic Services Officer in Yeovil

Yeovil Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Council's democratic processes and ensure compliance with legislation.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team focused on effective governance and community engagement.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to local democracy.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building your career.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and an interest in governance and public service.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Main Purposes of the Role

To work closely with the Leadership Team to support the effective operation of the Council’s democratic and governance arrangements, ensuring they are efficiently administered, accurately recorded and fully compliant with relevant legislation and statutory requirements.

Summary of Key Responsibilities and Duties of the Job

  • To attend meetings of the Council and its Committees in accordance with the approved Programme of Meetings, subject to amendment.
  • To prepare, produce and publish agendas in consultation with the relevant Leadership Officer(s), ensuring compliance with legislative and procedural requirements, and to collate reports and background information within statutory timescales.
  • To take accurate minutes at meetings attended and to produce clear and accurate draft minutes in a timely manner (target: within three working days), for sign off by the relevant Leadership Officer(s).
  • To arrange for the distribution and publication of agendas and minutes on the Council’s website, in accordance with statutory and procedural requirements, following sign off.
  • To prepare and publish the annual Programme of Meetings, subject to Town Council approval.
  • To prepare, maintain and regularly review an annual forward plan of Council and Committee agenda items.
  • To monitor actions and outcomes arising from Council and Committee meetings, to notify relevant officers, and to track and report on progress as required.
  • To liaise with Councillors in relation to meetings, democratic processes and procedural matters.
  • To assist and support the Leadership Team with day to day responsibilities, as directed.
  • To support the Council in ensuring compliance with all legal, statutory and procedural requirements relating to governance and democratic administration.
  • To provide advice to Councillors and officers on democratic processes, constitutional matters and good governance practice.
  • To support the review, development and maintenance of Council policies and governance documentation.
  • To maintain an accurate, accessible and up to date library of Council policies and governance documents.
  • To act as the principal point of contact for Councillors in relation to democratic services matters.
  • To support Councillor induction, development and training programmes.
  • To oversee the updating and publication of Members’ registers of interests and other statutory information on the Council’s website.
  • To assist with research, briefings, consultations and working groups, as required.
  • To support compliance with statutory duties, including Freedom of Information, Data Protection and transparency requirements.
  • To undertake any other duties appropriate to the post, as directed.

Democratic Services Officer in Yeovil employer: Yeovil Town Council

As a Democratic Services Officer, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to upholding the integrity of local governance. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values transparency and accountability, providing ample opportunities for professional development and growth. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the democratic processes that shape our society.
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Contact Detail:

Yeovil Town Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer in Yeovil

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the democratic services field, attend local council meetings, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of governance and democratic processes. Familiarise yourself with recent legislation and be ready to discuss how you can support the Council's operations effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed agendas, minutes, or compliance tasks in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of a Democratic Services Officer.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer in Yeovil

Meeting Administration
Agenda Preparation
Minute Taking
Legislative Compliance
Communication Skills
Report Writing
Project Management
Research Skills
Data Protection Knowledge
Governance Documentation
Councillor Liaison
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the key responsibilities and duties of a Democratic Services Officer. This will help us tailor your application to show how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for.

Be Clear and Concise: When you're drafting your application, keep it straightforward. We want to see your ability to communicate clearly, just like you would in the role. Avoid jargon and get straight to the point!

Show Your Attention to Detail: Since accuracy is crucial in this role, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Double-check everything before hitting send. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to quality work.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Yeovil Town Council

✨Know Your Legislation

Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and statutory requirements that govern democratic services. This will not only show your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance, which is crucial for the role.

✨Master Minute-Taking

Practice taking minutes from mock meetings or past recordings. Being able to produce clear and accurate draft minutes quickly is key, so ensure you can summarise discussions effectively and capture essential details.

✨Engage with Councillors

Understand the dynamics of working with Councillors and their needs. Prepare some thoughtful questions about how they prefer to communicate and what support they might need, showing that you’re ready to be their go-to person.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks, like preparing agendas and tracking actions from meetings. Share specific examples of how you've successfully organised similar responsibilities in the past to highlight your efficiency.

Democratic Services Officer in Yeovil
Yeovil Town Council
Location: Yeovil

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