Senior Democratic Services Officer

Standard working hours, 37 hours per week. There will be the need to attend scrutiny meetings every couple of months which would be 6pm – 8pm.

Overseeing and supervising 2 Democratic Services Officers. Lead on the scrutiny function of the council.

Once a week on site

1. Manages the day to day operation of the Democratic Services team ensuring effective allocation of staff to the comprehensive range of tasks needed to support the democratic process.

2. Ensures servicing of meetings relating to the democratic process as assigned including committees, task and finish groups and working groups. This involves the electronic preparation of agendas, reports and minutes.

3. To be the Lead Scrutiny Officer in the delivery of a comprehensive high quality scrutiny support service and support the operation of an effective overview and scrutiny service.

4. Engage in effective communication with those Councillors engaged in the scrutiny functions of future areas for potential investigation or inclusion on the Annual Work Programme.

5. To undertake the provision of research in line with any agreed scrutiny topics as directed by any Scrutiny Committee. Delivering draft findings, options, recommendations, or committee reports in a timely manner.

6. Providing lead support for the Scrutiny Committee and function.

7. Liaising, as necessary, with officers of the Council and outside bodies.

8. Undertaking work arising from meetings assigned, including correspondence, reports and liaison with officers of other departments and outside bodies in implementing decisions of meetings.

9. Maintains various Registers.

10. Supporting the administration of the Council’s Members’ Training Programme.

11. Operational support for the organisation of all civic ceremonial and other events.

12. Staff management of the Democratic Services team.

13. Work with colleagues to develop and manage effective processes within the team.

14. Develop effective team-working to ensure that customers receive a seamless service.

15. Support and encourage the continuous improvement philosophy needed to deliver ongoing organisational change.

16. Support and encourage an environment of accountability and empowerment of all staff.

17. Ensure that staff are recruited and developed to meet the key requirements of their role and the standards they need to achieve.

18. To support the Monitoring Officer in relation to any policy register across the Council