Overview
This role sits in the Governance Services department and supports elected Members and the Council’s democratic processes in a professional environment. The team plays a vital role in supporting the Council's governance and decision-making processes and provides assistance to the Council's 50 elected councillors.
Responsibilities
* Lead and advise on democratic decision-making processes, ensuring compliance with legal and constitutional requirements.
* Manage and motivate Democratic Services staff to deliver high-quality support.
* Provide clear, well-presented reports, agendas, and minutes.
* Promote public participation and understanding of Council processes.
* Liaise with elected Members, senior officers, government departments, and external stakeholders.
* Support Member and officer training and development.
* Drive improvements in governance and service delivery.
About you
You will be a confident communicator with effective written and verbal communications skills, organisational ability and able to work to multiple and tight deadlines. You will also have strong administrative and IT skills. Knowledge of legislation and procedures relating to local authority meetings is also needed. The role requires the ability to deal with issues sensitively, together with a level of political awareness and the ability to remain politically impartial at all times.
* Strong understanding of local government.
* Leadership and interpersonal skills.
* Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and manage competing priorities.
* Experience in governance, procedural advice, and committee administration.
* A commitment to continuous improvement and professional standards.
* Effective ICT skills and familiarity with tools like Civica/Modern.gov and Microsoft Teams.
Why join us?
East Sussex County Council offers a supportive and flexible working environment, with opportunities for professional development. You will be joining a dedicated team committed to upholding the Council's governance and decision-making processes. Team members are expected to attend the offices on a regular basis to support committee meetings, which are held during the normal working day, and to provide assistance to councillors as required.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please click the apply now button above to upload your CV and a supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
Interview information
Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes during the week commencing 6 October 2025. If you are unavailable on these dates, let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.
Benefits and additional information
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Hannah Matthews, Member Services Manager, by email at hannah.matthews@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a phone call.
For work that makes a difference, Choose East Sussex.
About us
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to Work in the UK - GOV.UK (gov.uk).
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.
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