Senior Democratic Services Officer
Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week (open to job share). £37,361 to £43,954 per annum. Location: Chelmsford. Working Style: Anywhere worker. Closing Date: 17th December 2025 (23:59).
About The Role
We are seeking a driven and enthusiastic Senior Democratic Services Officer to join the Democracy and Transparency Service. You will support the democratic process, school appeals, member support and committee work. Candidates with a strong scrutiny background and a track record of driving development and innovation are particularly desirable.
Job Purpose
The role delivers high‑quality appeals and committee administration, member support, election and induction processes, and promotes community engagement. You will manage the Council’s formal policy and scrutiny committees, provide constitutional guidance, and ensure decisions are taken within statutory and constitutional frameworks.
Accountabilities
* Provide professional administrative support to elected members, committees, and groups; act as Clerk at high‑profile meetings.
* Offer expert advice on procedural and constitutional matters to elected members, senior officers, and stakeholders.
* Engage key stakeholders, maximising democratic engagement across Essex communities.
* Coordinate the four‑year business plan for committees, researching and analysing material.
* Deliver election work, petitions policy, committee management, member expenses, annual governance statement, system development, and other core areas.
* Support the Chairman of the Council and Lord Lieutenant with reception planning, function arrangements, Royal Visits, and Awards Ceremonies.
* Advise on policy and scrutiny committees, coordinate Scrutiny Board meetings, and prepare communications.
* Maintain Essex County Council’s Member Development Charter Plus status through the induction process and ongoing development.
* Advocate digital opportunities to streamline systems and processes, enhancing the Digital Councillor role.
* Lead the team, focusing on results and motivating a diverse, high‑performing team.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
* Degree level education or equivalent.
* Continuing professional development and knowledge of political or policy environments; Local Government experience highly desirable.
* Significant experience providing an administrative service to high‑level meetings, including formal minute writing.
* Excellent ICT skills; strong Microsoft application knowledge; Committee Management system knowledge highly desirable.
* Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills; ability to meet tight deadlines under pressure.
* Tactful, diplomatic, and able to work within a highly sensitive political environment.
* Project management experience, with evidence of researching, analysing, and managing information.
* Effective partnership working with internal and external partners, senior officers, and elected members.
Qualification certificates should be brought to interview.
Why Essex
Essex County Council serves 1.8 million residents across 1,420 square miles. We are committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. We offer flexible working options, focus on innovation, and a dynamic public service environment.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements under the Job Interview Scheme, and we interview all veterans and care leavers meeting the role’s requirements. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants under the Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements.
We value integrity and ethical behaviour. Our code of conduct, the Nolan principles, and our safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults commitments are central to our recruitment process.
Benefits
* Local government pension scheme (LGPS) with employee and employer contributions.
* Up to 29 days annual leave, with options for additional leave and flexible working arrangements.
* Discounted shopping through a dedicated Reward Portal.
* Training and development and payment of professional fees (approved professions only).
* Relocation package up to £8,000 where agreed.
* Employee assistance programme providing wellbeing and counselling.
* Childcare vouchers through salary sacrifice.
If your role requires a DBS check, register with the DBS update service. For further information on the DBS update service, visit https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
* Government Administration
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