Democratic Services Officer

Job Description

1 Month Contract with a Local Authority

Umbrella - £23.71 per hour - Umbrella

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.

Requirements
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.