Democratic Services Officer

About Us: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is a dynamic local authority at the heart of the community, committed to delivering high-quality services and putting customers first. Our Democratic Service Team supports 48 locally elected Councillors and provides administrative services for the Council’s decision-making meetings.

Job Description: We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Democratic Services Officer to manage high-level decision-making meetings of the Council, ensuring they are well-administered and comply with legislative requirements. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing advice and guidance to Councillors, Officers, and members of the public regarding decision-making rules and regulations.
• Ensuring all meetings are open, transparent, and accountable, facilitating public engagement and scrutiny of decisions.
• Supporting Councillors in their various roles through Councillor support, development, and training.

Requirements:

• Ideally, a background in Democratic Services, but applications from those with experience working with committees, boards, or panels with multiple stakeholders are welcome.
• Excellent administrative and communication skills.
• Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to work with virtual meeting platforms and audio/visual equipment.
• High level of accuracy, ability to work under pressure to meet statutory deadlines, and a flexible attitude.
• Willingness to work outside of normal hours, sometimes at short notice.
• Ability to work impartially with all political parties in this politically sensitive role.
• The ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge is desirable, but we are willing to support the right candidate in achieving this qualification.

Benefits:

Additional benefits for this post include 22 days annual leave and an additional day in December (increasing to 27 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service), membership of the Local Government Career Average (Revalued Earnings) (CARE)  Pension  Scheme, as well as invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development. 

Closing Date: 16 Februrary 2025

Interview Date: 21 Feburary 2025