R2R103890 - 105210 - Democratic Services Officer

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

The Council is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed person to its well-regarded and friendly Democratic Services team. As part of a team, you will support a wide range of committee services to the Council, Cabinet, scrutiny bodies, regulatory committees and bodies (including school appeals panels). You will assist in supporting Councillors to enable them to carry out their roles effectively and deal with enquiries from councillors and members of the public. You will also have an opportunity to work on elections.There are excellent opportunities for your personal and professional development, including the option of working towards an Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) qualification.

The team is based at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue. This role requires a flexible approach, balancing remote working with the business demands of Democratic Services, including regular evening meetings.You will be expected to work in the office a minimum of two days per week, with greater office attendance as required by the role (as determined by the Democratic Services Manager).The Job Description and Personal Specification set out further details of the requirements and responsibilities of this position.

If you have any queries regarding this role, please contact Stephanie Cox, Democratic Services Manager at stephaniecox@southend.gov.uk.

Please note that this is a politically restricted role and any successful candidate will be required to attended regular evening meetings.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this position, you will be a well organised and methodical person with well-developed communication and report writing skills together with a high level of IT competency. You will need excellent team working skills and be able to develop effective working relationships with councillors, senior officers and partners. You should also demonstrate tact, discretion and diplomacy and have sound knowledge of local authority functions. Previous experience of Committee administration processes (including a working knowledge of a committee management system, preferably modern.gov) is desirable but not essential.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward your application.

Please note that CVs are not acceptable. Applications must be made with a supporting statement (maximum of 2 sides of A4) setting out how you meet the criteria in the personal specification.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require a DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.