Democratic Officer

North East Combined Authority; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days Annual Leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexi-time

Flexible working

Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave

Training and development

Wellbeing offer

Cycle to Work

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Darlington Borough Council is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join the Democratic Team, providing high level administrative support to the Council's decision making process. You will prepare and manage agendas, support meetings, and provide Minutes, offering procedural guidance to Councillors and Senior Officers.

A key role is supporting Overview and Scrutiny with research and reports. Additionally, you will assist with Education Admission Appeals and, when required, elections/electoral

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities.
• Diplomatic and tactful approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work as part of a small, collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage agendas, support meetings, and take Minutes.
• Provide procedural advice to Councillors and Senior Officers.
• Support Overview and Scrutiny by researching and preparing reports.
• Coordinate Education Admission Appeals and assist with elections/electoral registration.

Job description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual to join our Democratic Team, providing high level administrative support to the Council's decision making process.

Working as part of a small team you will undertake a wide range of responsibilities to support the democratic functions of the Council from preparing and managing agendas, supporting meetings, preparing Minutes and providing procedural advice to Councillors, Senior Officers and external colleagues.

You will play a significant role in supporting the Council's Overview and Scrutiny function, including undertaking associated research, preparing reports and coordinating work programmes.

You will also play a role in supporting the Education Admission Appeals process and provide support to the elections/electoral registration process as, and when, required.

You will have excellent written and oral communication skill, strong interpersonal skills and be conscious of the issues involved working in a sensitive political environment. You will have a diplomatic and tactful approach towards problem solving and should enjoy working as a team player.

Interviews expected to be held on Tuesday, 3rd November 2026.

The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:

• 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
• Flexi-time scheme
• Flexible working
• Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
• Staff equality forums
• Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
• Physiotherapy service
• Confidential counselling service
• Great wellbeing offer
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
• Local and National retailer discounts
• Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
• Arriva Employee Travel Club

We are an equal opportunities' employer. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.