Democratic Services Officer

City of Lincoln Council; Lincoln; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government body in Lincoln seeks a Democratic Services Officer on a full-time, temporary basis to support decision-making processes. The role involves organising and attending committee meetings, taking minutes, and providing essential administrative support to Councillors and management. Candidates must possess 4 GCSEs including Maths and English, effective communication skills, and an awareness of local government operations. This position offers flexible working hours, with a mix of remote and office-based work.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Employee discount scheme

Health and Wellbeing support

Sustainable travel options

Qualifications

• GCSEs in core subjects are essential.
• Must possess effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage tasks under tight deadlines is important.

Responsibilities

• Advise and assist in the management of the Council's Committees.
• Record decisions made by the Council and support administrative duties.
• Conduct scrutiny research functions and lead task groups.

Skills

Effective communication

Ability to take and transcribe minutes

Ability to work under pressure

Knowledge of local government workings

Education

4 GCSEs including Maths and English Grade C or equivalent

Job description

An opportunity has arisen to work within the Democratic Services team at the City of Lincoln Council to provide support to the Council's decision‑making processes. A Democratic Services Officer is required on a full‑time, temporary basis to cover maternity leave.

As a Democratic Services Officer, you will support the Council's decision‑making processes, including organising and attending formal committee meetings and taking minutes. You will provide support and advice to Councillors, the Chief Executive and Town Clerk and the Corporate Management team. The postholder will be expected to act in a politically neutral way.

You will be expected to attend daytime and evening meetings (for which time off in lieu will be given). The postholder will work flexibly, with a combination of remote and office‑based working.

Key Responsibilities

• To advise, service and assist in the management of the Council's Committees and other bodies.
• To advise on committee procedure and members' interests.
• To record the decisions made by the City of Lincoln Council and carry out a full range of administrative duties to ensure the effective / smooth operation of the Democratic Services team.
• To work under the general direction of the Democratic Services & Elections Manager to provide an effective and confidential support service to members.
• To undertake scrutiny research functions and lead scrutiny task groups.

Qualifications

• 4 GCSEs including Maths and English Grade C or equivalent.
• Knowledge of how local government works.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to officers, the public and members.
• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst maintaining high service standards.
• The ability to take and transcribe minutes.
• An awareness of and sensitive to the political environment of Democratic Services.
• An awareness and basic understanding of the Constitution.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Local government pension scheme.
• Employee online discount scheme (including cinema, retail / supermarkets and homeware / tech).
• Health and Wellbeing support.
• Sustainable Travel Options (Tax free bike scheme and discounted City parking).