Democratic Services Officer

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

Job summary

A leading council in Colchester is seeking a committed and organised individual to support local democracy. The role involves managing formal meetings, ensuring accessibility, and providing governance advice. Flexibility in working hours is required, with opportunities for remote work.

Qualifications

• Experience in committee or board administration is beneficial.
• Strong administrative skills required.

Responsibilities

• Manage formal meetings for Councillors.
• Ensure meetings are accessible and decisions are recorded.
• Provide professional advice on governance issues.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Communication Skills

IT Aptitude

Job description

Contract Type:Permanent

Working Hours:37 hours per week

This is a politically restricted post

Interviews will take place on 10 June 2025

We are looking for a committed, organised and confident individual who would be interested in an opportunity to work at the heart of the Council supporting local democracy.

You will undertake all the associatedtasks relating to the management of formal meetings where Councillors take decisions. You will ensure that meetings are open and accessible, that Councillors and members of the public have the necessary information, that decisions are taken correctly and are properly recorded. You will support Councillors and senior officers, providing professional advice on democratic, governance and constitutional issues.

The role will require first class administrative skills and a positive can-do attitude. You will be highly organised, with strong communications skills. You will be able to develop successful working relationships with senior decision makers, working in a political environment. An aptitude for IT and digital technology would also be an asset. Experience of working in a committee or board administration, or governance role in a local authority or similar organisation would be beneficial, but support and training would be provided to develop your skills.

The post holder will be expected to work as the lead democratic officer on a range of Committees including the Planning Committee. You will also have the opportunity to work on wider democratic initiatives.

The Council formal decision-making meetings take place in the evening (typically with a 6.00pm start) so you will need to be able to work flexibly. There will be occasions when you will need to work at the Town Hall to support meetings and publish agendas, however the ability to work from home at other times will be offered. This is a politically restricted post.

If you are interested in this post and you would like an informal chat, please contact Richard Clifford on 01206 507832.

For further information regarding this vacancy, please clickhere.