We have an excellent opportunity for a Democratic Services Officer to join our Democratic & Electoral Services team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, 3-month fixed term contract.
As Democratic Services Officer, you will support the delivery of high-quality decision-making, scrutiny, electoral, and councillor support functions in accordance with statutory, policy, and financial responsibilities. You'll work within the Governance, Resources & Assets Directorate, contributing to the efficient and effective operation of the Council's political decision-making processes while championing impartiality and transparency throughout all democratic activities.
This role requires expertise in supporting formal committee and decision-making processes, including servicing meetings, preparing agendas, minutes, reports, and associated correspondence. You'll provide guidance and advice to councillors and officers on the Council's Constitution and relevant statutory provisions, while maintaining knowledge of local government legislation to ensure all documentation and formal procedures comply with statutory requirements.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented, collaborative professional with experience in local government environments, formal committee processes, and stakeholder engagement to join our team.
⭐Staff Benefits⭐
Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:
⭐Generous Annual Leave – 27 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
⭐Local Government Pension Scheme
⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
⭐Move through Menopause Course
⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more
⭐Learning & Development Opportunities
⭐Employee Networks
⭐And more!
Key Responsibilities
1. To support the Council’s formal decision making and other democratic processes to ensure the efficient and effective operation of these processes and to ensure that processes are delivered in accordance with the requirements of legislation and the Council’s Constitution.
2. To service meetings of Council committees, sub-committees and other bodies, and advise on their terms of reference and to ensure that procedures and documents comply with relevant legislative and corporate requirements.
3. To prepare agendas, decisions sheets, minutes, reports and associated correspondence as required for a number of Council committees and other formal meetings.
4. To provide guidance, advice and support to Councillors and Officers in the operation of the Council’s decision-making processes, relevant statutory provisions and the interpretation of the Council’s Constitution.
5. To ensure that elected Councillors are supported in their role and responsibilities, including, assisting with arranging Councillors induction/briefing sessions and supporting and advising Councillors with registration of interests.
6. To maintain knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in order to ensure that all relevant documentation and formal procedures comply with statutory requirements and to be able to implement new procedures, as necessary.
Candidate Requirements
7. Educated to A-level standard or similar.
8. Good IT skills including Office software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
10. Ability to work under pressure whilst organising own workload and working to tight deadlines.
11. An understanding of political sensitivity and impartiality
12. Experience of supporting formal committee/decision making processes or working in this nature of environment.
Our Area:
Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.
Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.
We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Click the link below and Apply Today!
Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Priya Patel, Head of Democratic & Electoral Services, via Priya.Patel@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).