Senior Democratic Services Officer

Description:

Position: Senior Democratic Services Officer

Location: 25 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2EJ

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Duration: 6+ Months

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Pay Rate: PAYE: £ 277.80 Per day

Job Reference: OR(phone number removed)

Job Responsibilities

Act as the lead officer for allocated committees, panels, scrutiny groups and appeal panels.

Prepare and distribute agendas, reports, work plans, minutes, notices and action logs in line with statutory and local deadlines.

Attend formal meetings, including evening meetings, to provide clerking, governance and procedural support.

Provide accurate procedural and constitutional advice to councillors, officers and members of the public.

Support the council’s decision-making processes and democratic governance arrangements.

Research a range of topics and prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for consideration by members.

Draft policies, reports and briefing documents and present information where required.

Support the delivery of member training and development programmes, including new member induction.

Build effective working relationships with councillors, officers, partner organisations and members of the public.

Prepare and issue statutory notices and other formal documentation.

Support areas including complaints handling, petitions, member records, freedom of information requests, subject access requests and governance projects.

Provide guidance, supervision and mentoring to junior team members.

Deputise for the Local Democracy Manager when required.

Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.

Keep up to date with developments in local government governance and democratic services best practice.

Provide support during civil emergencies and elections-related activities when required.

Person Specification

Must-Have Requirements

Experience

Experience providing procedural, technical or specialist advice to a range of stakeholders.

Demonstrable experience working within Democratic Services, Committee Services or Scrutiny Services.

Experience managing complex administrative tasks and competing priorities.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to research information and produce clear, accurate and well-structured reports.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Ability to work sensitively within a political environment while maintaining confidentiality.

Excellent attention to detail and ability to oversee the work of others.

Strong IT skills, including experience using standard office software and ability to learn new systems quickly.

Ability to develop positive working relationships with councillors, officers, partners and members of the public.

Excellent written and spoken English skills, including proofreading ability.

Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a team.

Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Detailed knowledge of democratic, committee and/or scrutiny services procedures and legislation.

English language qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (A*–C) or above.

Eligibility to work in the UK.

CV submission required.

Nice-to-Have Requirements

Experience using committee management software.

Relevant professional qualification, such as an ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge or ADSO Diploma in Local Democracy.

Evidence of further or higher education