Principal Democratic Services Officer - Newbury, United Kingdom - West Berkshire Council

Tom O´Connor

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Tom O´Connor

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Description
Vacancy Summary

  • Employer:
  • West Berkshire Council
  • Salary:
  • From £39,186 to £45,441 per annum (Grade J)
  • Location:
  • Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury
  • Contract:
  • Permanent
  • Working Pattern:
  • Full Time
  • Hours:
  • 37 hours per week.
  • DBS Check:
  • No
  • Closing Date:
  • 08/12/2023 at 23:59
  • Reference:
  • 05126
Vacancy Description

Are you an experienced Democratic Services professional looking for a new challenge? West
Berkshire Council is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our Legal and
Democratic Services team, reporting to the Democratic Services Manager. This is an exciting
opportunity to play a key role in supporting the democratic processes of the Council and making a
real difference to the local community.

As the Principal Democratic Services Officer, you will be responsible for:

  • Providing expert advice and support to Members, senior officers and other stakeholders on all
aspects of democratic governance

  • Managing and overseeing the efficient running of Council meetings, including the preparation of
agendas, reports and minutes

  • Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations, including the Local Government
Act and the Council's Constitution

  • Maintaining a high level of public engagement with our democratic processes
  • Leading and managing a small team of Democratic Services Officers

To excel in this role, you should have:

  • Extensive knowledge and experience of democratic governance within a local authority or
similar public sector organisation

  • Strong understanding of relevant legislation and procedures, including the Local Government
Act and the Freedom of Information Act

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships
with a wide range of stakeholders

  • Proven organisational and time management abilities, with the capacity to work under pressure
and meet tight deadlines

  • Leadership qualities and the ability to motivate and inspire a team
Why work for West Berkshire Council?

At West Berkshire Council, we value our employees and offer a range of benefits to support their
professional and personal development.

When you join our team, you can enjoy:

  • Flexible working arrangements to promote worklife balance and a generous annual leave
entitlement

  • Access to a wide range of relevant training and development opportunities
  • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme for a secure financial future
  • Family friendly policies to support your work and personal commitments
  • A range of local discounts, including reduced gym memberships and shopping vouchers
  • A supportive and inclusive working environment
  • You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays), rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years' service.


This post is a Specified Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities.

In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace.

Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council's Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Stephen Chard, Democratic Services

West Berkshire Council is committed to promoting equality and diversity. We welcome
sexual orientation, religion or belief.


Equal Opportunities
How to apply


This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.


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