About The Role
Senior Democratic Services Officer (Fixed Term contract, 12 months). Full Time, 37 hours per week. £38,670 to £45,493 per annum. Location: Chelmsford. Working Style: Anywhere worker with required attendance at committee meetings in person at the Chelmsford offices. Closing Date: 13th May 2026.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a driven and enthusiastic Senior Democratic Services Officer to join the Democracy and Transparency Service. If you have the skills and drive to support the democratic process and are looking for a new and challenging role then this might be the job for you. Although the position is varied we would be particularly interested in candidates with a strong scrutiny background who are able to drive development and innovation. You may also be involved in other committee work, member support and other duties in the Democracy Team. As a senior member of the Democracy team, you will work across the whole service to deliver support to our Members and the democratic process by providing excellent services and high quality advice.
For further information and to discuss your suitability for the role please contact Joanna Boaler, Assistant Director: Democracy and Transparency, joanna.boaler@essex.gov.uk.
To read more about us please visit Corporate Services.
Job Purpose
The role of Democratic Services is to deliver effective and high‑quality Appeals and Committee Administration including scrutiny, Member Support, election and induction processes and to promote community engagement and understanding of the democratic processes of the Council.
This role operates in the political environment of the authority and requires tact and accuracy. The Senior Democratic Services Officer is important to the effective management of the democratic process across the Council. The role is responsible for delivery of the Council’s formal Policy and Scrutiny committees and will be required to provide constitutional guidance and advice to panel members, senior officers and other stakeholders to ensure that decisions made by the council are taken appropriately within the statutory and constitutional framework. The ability to be tactful and diplomatic is crucial to the success of this role.
Accountabilities
* Delivers comprehensive professional and effective administrative support to elected members, various committees and groups, and acts as Clerk at high profile meetings.
* Provides expert advice and guidance to elected members, senior officers and other stakeholders on procedural and constitutional matters.
* Contributes to the work programme encouraging key stakeholder engagement within the council and maximises democratic engagement across the communities in Essex in regard to scrutiny.
* Manages and co‑ordinates the four‑year business plan work programmes for the committees, undertaking research, summarising and analysing material.
* Undertakes a broad range of project work and is responsible for delivering against personal objectives, including election work, petitions policy, committee management, member expenses and allowances, Corporate Governance including the Annual Governance Statement, system development and other areas of work.
* Provides comprehensive support to the Chairman of the Council and Lord Lieutenant including arranging receptions and functions and the arrangement of Royal Visits and Awards Ceremonies.
* Supports Policy and Scrutiny Committees, providing advice in meetings, coordinating Scrutiny Board meetings and preparing communications relating to scrutiny activity.
* Supports the maintenance standards of Essex County Council’s Member Development Charter Plus status through the member induction process and ongoing member development.
* Advocates the use of digital opportunities to streamline systems and processes which enhance the role of Digital Councillor and enables self‑serving.
* Supports the manager by providing direction for the team, focusing on results and assisting in developing a strong performing and motivated team from diverse backgrounds to achieve local objectives.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
* Educated to Degree level or similar.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and good knowledge in a political or policy environment; Local Government experience is highly desirable.
* Significant experience of providing an administrative service to high level meetings, including formal minutes.
* Excellent ICT skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft applications; knowledge of a Committee Management system is highly desirable.
* Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure, prioritising own workload. Oral and written communication skills at a very high standard.
* Experience of working within a highly sensitive political environment with the ability to be tactful and diplomatic.
* Proven ability to manage projects with evidence of researching, analysing and managing information.
* Proven experience of working effectively with internal and external partners, the community, senior officers and elected members; evidence of understanding and responding to differing viewpoints taking a cross‑organisational perspective.
Qualification certificates should be brought to interview.
Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Benefits
* Local government pension scheme (LGPS), a career average scheme with employee and employer contributions.
* Annual leave entitlement of up to 30 days per year, depending upon grade and length of service.
* Purchase of additional annual leave, up to agreed limits.
* Flexible working arrangements (for most roles but depending on service requirements).
* Discounted shopping through a dedicated Reward Portal, including discounts at major supermarkets.
* Training and development and payment of professional fees (approved professions only).
* Relocation package (up to £8,000) where agreed.
* Employee assistance programme provided in-house (wellbeing and counselling provision).
* Childcare vouchers, through salary sacrifice.
Essex County Council regularly reviews its reward and benefits. More information can be found at https://workingforessex.com/working-here/pay-reward.
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