Committee Officer

Summary

We are seeking a skilled Committee Officer to join the Democratic Services team of a Local Authority. This role is pivotal in delivering top-notch administrative and governance support for the political decision-making processes. You will be responsible for managing various committees and panels, such as Cabinet, Council, Overview & Scrutiny, Regulatory Committees, Licensing Panels, and Appeals Panels, ensuring that meetings are conducted smoothly and adhere to constitutional and legal standards. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in supporting formal committee meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, offering procedural guidance, and thriving in a high-profile, politically sensitive setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage meetings for the Council, Cabinet, Scrutiny, Regulatory, Licensing, Appeals, and other committees.
• Draft and distribute agendas, minutes, action logs, decision notices, and related documents.
• Offer procedural and constitutional guidance to Councillors, Officers, and stakeholders.
• Oversee the agenda planning process, ensuring timely submission and publication of reports.
• Attend and support meetings, including those held in the evening.
• Serve as clerk for appeals, exclusions, licensing hearings, and other quasi-judicial panels.
• Ensure accurate recording and communication of decisions to stakeholders.
• Prepare briefing materials and guidance for Committee Chairs and senior officers.
• Support the live streaming of committee meetings.
• Manage and update committee records using the Mod.Gov system.
• Address inquiries from Councillors, MPs, the public, and external organizations.
• Assist with Freedom of Information requests, complaints, and correspondence related to committee services.
• Contribute to service improvement and the enhancement of committee management processes.
• Maintain precise records, archives, and governance documentation.

Requirements

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in supporting formal committee meetings within a Local Authority, public sector, or governance setting.
• Demonstrated ability to handle a diverse workload and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in preparing agendas, minutes, reports, and briefing notes.
• Understanding of governance, constitutional, and procedural issues.
• Capability to advise Councillors, Chairs, and Officers on meeting procedures and governance needs.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in IT, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work autonomously in a politically sensitive environment.

Desirable

• Experience with Mod.Gov or similar committee management systems.
• Previous experience in Local Authority Democratic Services.
• Experience in managing Licensing Panels, Appeals Panels, or other quasi-judicial hearings.
• Experience in supporting webcast or livestream committee meetings.
• Familiarity with Local Government legislation and governance frameworks.

Additional

• Hybrid working model.
• Regular attendance at evening meetings is required.
• Occasional travel to external meeting venues may be necessary.
• Exposure to a high-profile, political, and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunity to collaborate closely with senior officers, elected members, and external stakeholders.

What's on Offer?

• £21.63 per hour (Umbrella)
• 7 Month Contract
• Full-Time Hours
• Hybrid Working
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic Democratic Services team.
• Exposure to high-level governance and decision-making processes.
• A varied and fulfilling role supporting local democracy.
• Potential for contract extension.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a

• Committee Officer
• Democratic Services Officer
• Governance Officer
• Member Services Officer
• Scrutiny Officer
• Executive Support Officer
• Local Government Officer
• Constitutional Services Officer
• Licensing Officer
• Governance and Compliance Officer