Job Description

We are looking for a confident, proactive individual with excellent communication and organisational skills and a keen eye for detail to join our Democratic and Electoral Services team as a Committee Services Senior Officer.

About the role

The Democratic and Election Services team is responsible for supporting the democratic process by arranging and facilitating all councillor decision making meetings; supporting engagement with public concerns and scrutiny of council activity though Policy and Scrutiny Panels and running elections, referendums and polls as required.

The Committee Services Senior Officer is responsible for preparing and publishing agendas and reports; convening and supporting meetings of council committees; ensuring that information on meetings and supporting papers is available to members/officers via the software management system and the public via the website; taking notes and preparing accurate minutes; providing advice on the council\'s procedures relating to standing orders and delegated powers and providing effective and appropriate supported to elected members in their role.

The post is career-graded from Level 6 to Level 7 to allow progression as you gain experience and knowledge within the role. Progression to the next level of the career grade will be dependent upon managerial assessment of competence and independent working.

Our new system of agile working encourage flexibility. So, although your work base will be the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, you will also be able to work from home should you prefer. Please note that some work at the Town Hall location will be required.

About you

As well as being able to work under pressure to consistently meet deadlines, you will have strong interpersonal skills in dealing with a variety of people at all levels both within and outside the Council and to work as part of a team. You will also be able to work flexibly and on your own initiative and have a positive approach to problem-solving.

You will have a proven track record of success in managing formal committee meetings involving the decision-making processes in a political organisation; the ability to interpret and apply legislation; awareness of and an interest in current affairs; good communication and writing skills; excellent organisational skills; the ability to consistently meet demanding deadlines in a pressurised environment.

You will have proficient IT skills in Microsoft office packages including Word, Outlook and Excel, with an ability to learn additional software as required by the service.

You will also have the ability to take notes at meetings and use them to draft minutes. Working closely with councillors, colleagues and the general public, you will have good communication skills both oral and written.

You will have current knowledge of the council\'s Constitution and be able to find information within it.

Want to know more and apply?

For an informal discussion, please contact Hazel Brinton (Committee Services Manager) on 01275 884811.

Anticipated interview date: Wednesday 26 July 2023 or Thursday 27 July 2023

North Somerset Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of our community regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion, belief or sexual orientation. North Somerset Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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