Democratic Services Officer

Job Purpose

As a Democratic Services Officer, you will provide professional democratic and committee services support, ensuring the effective administration of Council, Cabinet, Committee and Panel meetings while supporting effective local authority decision-making processes.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Organise, coordinate and attend Council and Committee meetings.
• Prepare and publish agendas and supporting papers.
• Draft, review and publish meeting minutes.
• Provide procedural and constitutional advice to Councillors and Officers.
• Review committee reports and ensure compliance with agreed standards.
• Research, analyse information and draft reports.
• Support Council, Cabinet, Committees, Panels and Working Groups.
• Attend evening meetings as required.
• Maintain and develop the Modern.Gov committee management system.
• Support live-streaming and audio-visual arrangements for meetings.
• Work closely with Democratic Services, Leadership Support and Elections teams.
• Assist with governance and local government reorganisation projects.

Essential Experience Required

• Previous Democratic Services or Committee Services experience.
• Minute taking experience at formal meetings.
• Experience preparing agendas and committee papers.
• Report drafting and document preparation experience.
• Knowledge of Local Government processes and decision-making structures.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and workloads.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and elected members.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office.

Desirable Experience

• Previous Local Government experience.
• Experience using Modern.Gov.
• Knowledge of Council constitutions, governance and committee procedures.
• Customer-focused administrative experience.

Additional Information to Note

• Working Hours: 37 hours per week.
• Contract Length: 1 Month Initial Contract (with potential extension).
• Location: Tendring, Essex.
• Hybrid Working Available.
• Up to 2 Days Per Week On-Site.
• Evening Meeting Attendance Required.
• Full UK Driving Licence Required.
• Access to Own Vehicle Required.
• Closing Date: 28th October 2026.
• We work on bi-weekly payment schedule.
• Apply ASAP.