Senior Democratic Services Officer Admin & Clerical

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organised and politically astute Senior Democratic Services Officer to support the effective delivery of the Councils democratic and decision-making processes. This role plays a vital part in ensuring transparency accountability and good governance through the coordination of Council and Committee meetings agenda management minute production and the administration of statutory appeals.

The post holder will provide professional support across all aspects of Democratic Services contributing to service improvement policy development and the modernisation of democratic functions. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong local government knowledge excellent communication skills and a commitment to democratic governance.

Key Responsibilities

Committee & Democratic Governance

• Compile draft and publish agendas ensuring accuracy clarity and timely distribution.
  

• Attend Council Committee and related meetings providing accurate impartial minutes that reflect key decisions and actions.
  

• Communicate and publish decisions made by Committees and ensure monitoring follow-up and completion of required actions.
  

• Manage develop and maintain detailed Committee work programmes arranging meetings briefings and supporting statutory processes.
  

• Interpret the Constitution governance rules and relevant legislation providing authoritative advice to elected Members senior officers partners and the public.
  

• Support the modernisation of democratic processes including committee management systems digital solutions and streamlined workflows.
  

Scrutiny Policy & Project Support

• Support scrutiny and democratic improvement projects contributing to the development of service reviews policy evaluation and corporate governance.
  

• Draft and present reports briefings and updates as required.
  

• Assist with stakeholder consultations strengthening relationships with residents partners and community organisations.
  

Statutory Appeals & Governance Compliance

• Provide clerking and administrative support for statutory independent appeals panels (e.g. school admissions and exclusions) ensuring legal compliance and timely processes.
  

• Maintain high standards of governance accuracy and data management in all statutory and administrative duties.
  

Electoral Services Support

• Work collaboratively with Electoral Services providing advice administrative support and project coordination for elections referenda and electoral registration where required.
  

Continuous Improvement & Professional Development

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation national guidance and best practice in democratic governance.
  

• Engage in ongoing professional development and support initiatives that promote local democracy and community leadership.
  

• Undertake additional duties as required consistent with the level of the role.
  

Key Responsibilities by Area

People

• Provide clear professional advice on governance procedures democratic processes and constitutional requirements.
  

• Support Councillors senior leaders and colleagues with tact diplomacy and political sensitivity.
  

• Contribute to a collaborative supportive and high-performing team environment.
  

Financial

• No direct budget responsibilities but ensure cost-effective delivery of democratic functions.
  

Strategic

• Support the delivery of the Councils governance framework and organisational priorities.
  

• Contribute to service planning modernisation projects and wider corporate objectives.
  

Resources

• Maintain accurate electronic and manual records in line with information governance requirements.
  

• Use committee management and administrative systems effectively to support decision-making processes.
  

Planning & Organising

• Manage a varied workload independently balancing high volumes of work with strict deadlines.
  

• Plan and prioritise tasks across multiple committees and project streams.
  

• Coordinate complex schedules documentation and statutory processes.
  

Decision Making

• Provide authoritative advice on governance issues exercising sound judgement and professional discretion.
  

• Escalate complex constitutional or political matters where necessary.
  

• Use initiative to lead small projects and improvements within the service.
  

Requirements

Ideal Candidate Profile

Essential Skills & Experience

Qualifications

• English Language to A-Level standard (or equivalent).
  

• Mathematics at GCSE grades AC (or equivalent).
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Awareness of current local government issues.
  

• Knowledge of local government law procedures and governance roles.
  

• Understanding of committee structures decision-making processes and constitutional frameworks.
  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  

• Ability to draft concise minutes agendas reports and official correspondence.
  

• Strong organisational time-management and analytical skills.
  

• Ability to handle high workloads while maintaining accuracy and quality.
  

• Competent in using administrative systems and digital tools.
  

Experience

• Experience in local authority committee administration.
  

• Proven minute-taking experience in formal settings.
  

• Experience preparing and coordinating large volumes of documents.
  

• Experience working with Councillors senior officers and/or governance professionals.
  

• Experience supporting decision-making processes and leading small projects.
  

Desirable Skills & Experience

Qualifications

• ICSA BTEC Higher National DMS ADSO or equivalent governance qualification.
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to produce documents using digital tools including MS Word and Excel.
  

Experience

• Advanced Committee Administration experience.
  

• Experience with webcasting or streaming Council meetings.
  

• Experience using or similar committee management systems.
  

Additional Working Requirements

• Ability to travel across the borough as required.
  

• Availability to attend regular evening meetings.
  

• Willingness to work flexibly including occasional weekends and non-standard hours.
  

• Ability to adopt agile working arrangements in line with business needs.
  

• This post is politically restricted.
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Proof of Right to Work in the UK
  

• Satisfactory references
  

• Basic DBS check
  

• Compliance with safeguarding confidentiality and GDPR protocols
  

• Completion of mandatory training and appraisal processes
  

Benefits

Why Join

• Support the democratic functions that underpin local decision-making and community leadership.
  

• Play a central role in maintaining transparency and accountability in governance.
  

• Work within a professional and dedicated Democratic Services team.
  

• Opportunities for professional growth development and progression within governance.
  

How to Apply