Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer

Democratic and Member Services is at the heart of the Council. Providing support for Councillors and for meetings of the Council is an essential part of ensuring the decision-making processes of the Council, ensuring it runs smoothly and effectively.

We are seeking to appoint a highly organised and motivated individual, who has an eye for detail, to the post of Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer.

As a Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer, you will be responsible for the provision of effective and high-quality support and advice to elected Members and ensure that all democratic services processes are effective and efficient and comply with statutory and constitutional requirements.

You will work closely with elected councillors, directors and senior officers of the Council to ensure a planned and legally compliant approach. This will involve a wide range of democratic services activities, including agenda planning, all aspects of meeting support and decision recording and your responsibilities will span everything from undertaking research, preparing reports, briefing notes and presentations, through to proactively intervening and influencing change where necessary.

The role requires political sensitivity, strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to explain complex guidance and the confidence to provide advice to councillors and officers in a range of situations.

The ideal candidate will have experience in governance and democratic practice and the ability to work collaboratively, managing changing priorities and tight deadlines.

The successful candidate will be required to speak English to an appropriate standard.

The full responsibilities and requirements of the post are in the Job Profile but if you would like an informal chat, please ring Daisy Challenger Democratic Services Team Leader on 01226 787327or Jane Murphy Scrutiny Officer on 07741 702447 or email democratic@barnsley.gov.uk.