About The Role
Ceremony Officer – Permanent, Part Time
Salary: £16.03 per hour (Full-Time Equivalent £30,942 per annum)
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Operational field-based worker
Contract Details
* Availability required (over a 4-week rolling pattern).
* Week 1 commencing 13th April.
* 400 Annualised Hour Contracts – Based at Prettygate Library, Colchester
* Total minimum number of days to be available: 9 days
You must be available to work:
* Week 1 – Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
* Week 3 – Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
* Week 4 – Monday & Tuesday
Travel requirements: Regular travel is a key part of this role. Mileage claims are permitted, with deductions made for the distance between home and designated base location.
Role Overview
The County of Essex is one of the most popular places in the country to get married. Our Registration Service in Essex is responsible for registering almost 6,000 life events each year, including Marriages, Civil Partnerships, and non-statutory ceremonies. The service meets statutory and legal obligations set by the General Register Office (GRO) and provides a high-quality service in line with GRO guidelines and standards.
If you are interested in playing a significant role in people’s milestone occasions, this role offers the opportunity to work across venues across Essex. Essex County Council values diversity and welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds.
The Role
Our ceremonies peak in the summer months. We require individuals who can be flexible and adapt to a modern working approach to balance seasonal demand. The busiest days are weekends and Bank Holidays, with additional busy days varying by district.
You will be assigned a base location but will work across other districts. You must be able to drive and have access to your own vehicle, as venues can be rural or hard to reach and travel between venues is required within a specified timeframe.
You will ensure high-quality customer service across Wedding, Civil Partnership, and non-statutory ceremonies. You will interact with customers during emotional moments, requiring sensitivity, strong organisational and people skills, and excellent communication abilities. Training to conduct memorable ceremonies and register them may be offered.
In a small team, Ceremony Officers may precisely register marriages or civil partnerships via the national registration system (RON), completing legal paperwork and certification, or verbally officiate ceremonies that may include non-statutory ceremonies such as Renewal of Vows, Naming or Commitment ceremonies. Roles require accuracy and high attention to detail and a level of computer literacy to access and update systems.
This is a rewarding role offering personal satisfaction and the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people in some of the country’s most stunning venues.
Accountabilities
* Ensure ceremonies are legislatively compliant, with all statutory and legal regulations adhered to as set out by the GRO, and that ceremonies are conducted and registered accurately and timely.
* Maintain integrity of stock management and data protection related to ceremonies, with understanding of breach implications.
* Use specialist skills and experience to deliver professional ceremonial activities with excellent customer service to enhance the customer experience during milestone events.
* Advocate the Essex Registration Service’s work and demonstrate flexible and modern working approaches to meet demand across boundaries.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders across teams to define and develop working requirements for key outcomes and service levels.
* Build strong relationships with external partners to ensure regulatory compliance and positive engagement, enhancing the service’s reputation.
* Communicate effectively with competent administration and IT skills, and the ability to use a variety of programmes to support daily work.
* Specific targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
* Ability to develop knowledge and skills and to work independently.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills; experience of public speaking and engaging with the public.
* Experience in managing large groups and a commitment to customer care and service improvement.
* Experience of following prescriptive processes with detailed legal procedures; preferable to have experience in a statutory environment.
* ICT skills with practical knowledge of the MS Office suite.
* Experience in a statutory environment, with evidence of embracing change and collaborating with partners to improve customer service.
For more about us, please visit Climate, Environment and Customer Services.
Why Essex?
Essex County Council is a large, dynamic UK local authority offering a stimulating public service environment with flexible working options and opportunities for career development. The council is committed to diversity and inclusion and to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and vulnerable adults. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please speak to our recruiters.
Additional information: Driving licence and access to a vehicle are required as the role involves mobility across an operational area. DBS checks may be required; if so, you will need to register with the DBS Update Service. Further information is available on gov.uk.
Please email christine.simmons@essex.gov.uk with queries. Follow us on social media and visit our careers page for more details.
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