Democratic Support Officer

Southampton City Council; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Southampton City Council is seeking a Democratic Support Officer to join their Democratic Services team. This role involves supporting the council's governance processes, preparing committee documentation, and providing expert advice to elected officials. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a generous benefits package, including a local government pension scheme and annual leave.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible Working Arrangements

Hybrid Working Options

25 Days Annual Leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in local government administration or governance.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, including MS Teams and SharePoint.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and publish committee agendas, reports, and minutes.
• Support democratic and school appeal processes.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Relevant Administrative or Governance Experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

Modern.gov Agenda Management

Appeals Pro

Job description

Southampton City Council Democratic Support Officer

As Southampton City Council prepares for significant changes due to the establishment of a Mayoral Combined Authority and Local Government Reorganisation, we are offering an opportunity to join the Democratic Services team as a permanent, full-time Democratic Support Officer.

About The Role

The Democratic Services team supports effective political governance of the Council. They are responsible for coordinating, delivering, and managing the Independent Education Appeals Service for Southampton Schools. As a Democratic Support Officer, you will play a key role in delivering the council’s constitutional and decision-making processes, providing expert advice and support to elected councillors and senior leaders. Responsibilities include preparing and publishing committee agendas, reports, and minutes, as well as supporting the democratic and school appeal processes.

About You

We seek an enthusiastic, flexible team player capable of working independently and collaboratively in a busy, deadline-driven environment. Essential qualities include:

• Relevant administrative or governance experience within local government.
• Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.
• Confident communication skills, aware of working in a sensitive, political environment.
• High standard of written English and proficiency with Microsoft 365, including MS Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience with ‘modern.gov agenda management’ and Appeals Pro systems is advantageous but not essential.

We offer a flexible working environment with a mix of home and office-based work, depending on business needs. The role may require evening work to support committee meetings.

What We Can Offer You

• A generous local government pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements (role dependent), including up to 13 days of Flexi Leave.
• Hybrid working options (role dependent).
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), plus bank holidays.
• Online benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes, discounts, and benefits.
• Accessible local transport links.
• Employee assistance programme supporting health, wellbeing, and more.

Further Information & Contact

If you believe you have the necessary background, experience, and skills, we would like to hear from you.

For informal discussions, please contact Senior Democratic Support Officers:

• Claire Heather: 023 8083 2412
• Judy Cordell: 023 8083 2766

To apply, contact us at [e-mail] or call 023 8083 4033.

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