Committee Officer

Norwich Living Wage City Action Group; Norwich; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Norwich Living Wage City Action Group is seeking a highly organised Committee Officer to support the Democratic Services team in Norwich. The role focuses on ensuring meetings are planned, managed and conducted in line with legislation and the Council's Constitution.

You will work with elected members, senior officers and external stakeholders to promote transparent, lawful democratic decision-making, with responsibilities spanning agendas, minutes, records and advisory support.

Qualifications

• Experience of committee administration, governance or public sector admin.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and publishing committee agendas and reports.
• Attending meetings and producing minutes and records of decisions.
• Providing governance advice to councillors and officers.
• Managing statutory notices and ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Supporting elected members and maintaining relationships across the organisation.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of democratic processes.

Skills

Organisational skills

Administrative skills

Written & verbal communication

Discretion with sensitive information

Tools

IT systems

Job description

Help Shape Local Democracy in Norwich

Norwich is a vibrant and ambitious city with a rich history and an exciting future. We are looking for a highly organised and motivated Committee Officer to join our Democratic Services team and play a pivotal role in supporting the Council's decision-making processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative, organisational and communication skills who is passionate about public service and good governance.

About the Role

As a Committee Officer, you will provide professional support to a range of council committees, boards and panels, ensuring that meetings are planned, managed and conducted effectively and in accordance with legislation and the Council's Constitution.

You will work closely with elected members, senior officers and external stakeholders, helping to ensure transparent, lawful and efficient democratic decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing and publishing committee agendas and reports.
• Attending meetings and producing accurate minutes and records of decisions.
• Providing procedural and governance advice to councillors and officers.
• Managing statutory notices and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
• Supporting elected members and maintaining effective working relationships across the organisation.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of democratic processes and services.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
• Can prioritise a varied workload and meet competing deadlines.
• Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Has experience of committee administration, governance, public sector administration, or a related environment (desirable).
• Demonstrates sound judgement, professionalism and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
• Is confident using a range of IT systems and digital technologies.
• Can work flexibly, including occasional evening meetings.

Knowledge of local government decision-making processes and relevant legislation would be an advantage, but we are equally keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills and a commitment to learning.

Key corporate accountabilities

• Organising and recording committee and other meetings meetings as allocated, including preparation of agendas, reports and minutes and taking follow up action
• Advising elected members and officers of the Council, members of outside bodies etc on the Council's Constitution and other procedural issues.
• Providing support to elected members, officers etc.
• Undertaking other tasks as allocated, e.g, appointments to outside bodies, maintaining the Council's Constitution, etc.
• Conduct research and prepare briefing notes or reports as required.
• Create, develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and external contacts, to enhance the performance of the service and the Council as a whole.
• Carry out elections duties as directed by the Democratic and elections manager in supporting the Returning Officer.

Key service-related accountabilities

• Undertaking tasks as allocated, e.g, appointments to outside bodies, maintaining the Council's Constitution, etc.
• Conduct research and prepare briefing notes or reports as required.
• Create, develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and external contacts, to enhance the performance of the service and the Council as a whole.
• Carry out elections duties as directed by the Democratic and elections manager in supporting the Returning Officer.
• The post holder will be required to work evenings and occasional weekends.

General requirements

• Post holders will be expected to be flexible in their duties and carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and falling within the general scope of the job, as requested by management

• Duties and responsibilities must be carried out in accordance with relevant Norwich City Council policies and procedures, within legislation and any code of professional ethics of relevant professional body.
• All employees are expected to maintain a high standard of customer care in the context of the council's core values, to uphold the Equality and Diversity Policy and health and safety standards and to participate in personal learning and development necessary to the post.