Democratic Services Officer – EK

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Tendring; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington Blake Recruitment is recruiting a Democratic Services Officer for Tendring District Council in Essex. The role focuses on supporting committee administration, organising meetings, and ensuring minutes and decisions are accurately recorded.

Evening meetings are required and on-site attendance is up to two days per week, reflecting a busy meeting schedule. You will advise on council procedures, prepare agendas and documents, and help maintain Modern.Gov systems to streamline governance

Qualifications

• Experience in democratic services, committee administration, governance or a similar administrative role.
• Experience preparing agendas, drafting reports and taking formal meeting minutes.
• Strong written communication and organisational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with councillors, officers and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Organise and support council meetings, Cabinet meetings, committees, sub-committees and working groups.
• Prepare, check and publish meeting agendas and supporting documents.
• Take accurate minutes of formal meetings and ensure decisions are recorded and published promptly.
• Draft, review and collate reports for councillors and council officers.
• Provide advice and guidance on council procedures, protocols and constitutional requirements.
• Support Overview and Scrutiny Committees by preparing reports and meeting documentation.
• Liaise with councillors, council departments and external organisations to coordinate meetings and information.
• Set up and operate microphones, audiovisual equipment, livestreaming and meeting recordings.
• Support and improve the council’s Modern.Gov committee management system.
• Identify opportunities to improve committee administration processes and procedures.

Skills

Democratic services

Agenda preparation

Minutes taking

Report drafting

Communication skills

Local government knowledge

Evening meetings availability

Tools

Modern.Gov

Job description

Democratic Services Officer

Location: Tendring, Essex
Hours: 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £18.39 per hour PAYE
Closing Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Working Arrangements: On-site attendance up to 2 days per week, depending on the meeting schedule. Evening meetings will be required.

About the Role

We are seeking an organised and proactive Democratic Services Officer to support Tendring District Council’s decision-making processes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with local government, committee administration or governance experience to play an important role in ensuring council meetings run smoothly and decisions are accurately recorded.

Key Responsibilities

• Organise and support council meetings, Cabinet meetings, committees, sub-committees and working groups.
• Prepare, check and publish meeting agendas and supporting documents.
• Take accurate minutes of formal meetings and ensure decisions are recorded and published promptly.
• Draft, review and collate reports for councillors and council officers.
• Provide advice and guidance on council procedures, protocols and constitutional requirements.
• Support Overview and Scrutiny Committees by preparing reports and meeting documentation.
• Liaise with councillors, council departments and external organisations to coordinate meetings and information.
• Set up and operate microphones, audiovisual equipment, livestreaming and meeting recordings.
• Support and improve the council’s Modern.Gov committee management system.
• Identify opportunities to improve committee administration processes and procedures.

Essential Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Experience in democratic services, committee administration, governance or a similar administrative role.
• Experience preparing agendas, drafting reports and taking formal meeting minutes.
• Strong written communication and organisational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with councillors, officers and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local government procedures, council functions or legislation.
• The ability to work flexibly and attend evening meetings when required.

Previous local government experience and familiarity with Modern.Gov or similar committee management systems would be advantageous.

Additional Requirements

• A full driving licence and access to a car for work purposes are essential.
• The successful candidate must be available to attend evening meetings.
• On-site attendance will be required up to two days per week, depending on the meeting schedule.