Democratic Services Officer
Professional 2B
Publish date: Wednesday 25 June 2025
Closing date: 12:00 - Monday 4 August 2025
Salary: £39,513
Hours – Full Time [12 Month Fixed Term]
Overview
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902 square kilometres and a population of more than 2.9 million people.
Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’.
This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.
Are you passionate about democratic processes and good governance? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment supporting senior leaders and elected Members? WMFS is seeking a highly organised and motivated Democratic Services Officer to join our Governance and Strategic Planning team.
In this pivotal role, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the effective administration of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (WMFRA) and its associated governance functions as part of the Democratic Services team. As part of a supportive and forward-thinking Strategic planning and governance team, you will help drive transparency, compliance, and continual improvement across our democratic services.
The publication of the WMFRA Improvement Plan in June 2025 provides a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to shape and enhance the service’s governance processes.
WMFS would be happy to consider secondments from existing democratic services roles for a 12-month period.
Experience and skills
We’re looking for someone with:
proven experience of local government governance frameworks and democratic processes
strong organisational skills
excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
experience managing competing priorities and maintaining confidentiality
a commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
Essential Criteria
To apply for this role you will need:
GCSEs in English and Maths (grade C/4 or above) or equivalent
qualification and/or significant experience relevant to democratic services
evidence of continued professional development
proficiency in IT and committee and meeting management systems.
Desirable Criteria
It would be advantageous to have:
membership of a professional body such as the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO)
ADSO certificate or diploma, or similar governance qualifications
knowledge of relevant public sector legislation and fire service governance
experience training or briefing members and officers
higher education qualification in a relevant field (for example, politics or public sector management).
This post is politically restricted under Section 2 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Benefits
We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:
flexible and agile working arrangements
free, on-site gym facilities
free, on-site parking.
We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.
In addition, employees have access to:
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
wellbeing programmes
‘blue light’ discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes
Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.
Diversity
We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.
WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.
Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.
How to apply
Should you wish to proceed with an application please read through the Job Summary for the role and complete the application form.
Questions
If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Tom Embury on 07590 721088 or Lucy Lawson on 07973 810494.
Please use the below link to apply:
https://fa-ertg-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/563
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