Democratic Services Officer

How would you like to be at the heart of Local Government supporting the Council’s decision-making?  We’re looking for someone to join our Democratic Services team to administer and support a range of Council and partnership bodies, and also be involved in clerking a variety of appeals.

We have an opportunity for a highly self-motivated, enthusiastic and reliable person to join our Democratic Services Team. The Democratic Services Team works closely with councillors, colleagues throughout the Council and external partners to ensure that decision making is timely and in accordance with the Council’s Constitution as well as being clear and transparent to the residents of Bracknell Forest.

You’ll have a big impact on what we do so you’ll be trusted to take ownership of your work.  You’ll have the time and support to do your job well and to help define the way we do things more broadly.  This is about taking ownership and having the opportunity to learn, develop and progress. 

What it’s like working in our team…

You’ll be working at the heart of the Council in the Democratic & Registration Services Division which encompasses three teams working closely with colleagues at all levels across the organisation.

Whether you’re an experienced Democratic Services Officer or just looking to build on limited experience, you’ll have plenty of scope to develop your skills and expertise within this role. Advice and guidance will always be on hand from a positive and supportive team.

You will be supported to carry out the following duties, responsibilities and training…

• To manage a number of the Council's committees, sub committees and other councillor, officer and partnership bodies and support the Council's decision-making processes.
• To arrange and clerk quasi-judicial appeals panels, including licensing, school admission and exclusion (Independent Review) panels.

Training and guidance will be provided.

The benefits you will experience are…

• An inclusive and social working environment.
• Flexible working opportunities including a flexi-time scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Regular opportunities for development with internal and external training courses.
• A great office location next to travel links and the regenerated town centre.
• Internal sports and social club opportunities.
• Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
• Supermarket discount.
• An interest free loan for a rail season ticket.

What we’re looking for…

We’re looking for someone who has experience of working in a Democratic Services Team or looking to build on experience from other job roles, to prepare agendas, attend meetings and produce minutes. 

As an enthusiastic team player, you will require good inter-personal skills and be confident and tactful in dealing with elected councillors and senior officers. You’ll be able to produce high quality written material, use your own initiative and work well under pressure to meet tight schedules and deadlines.

You’ll need to be computer literate and be able to embrace new technology - in addition to using the Microsoft Office suite of applications; you will use Modern.Gov to produce agendas and minutes and the Council’s inhouse system to live stream meetings.

If you have the skills and qualities we are looking for but are not already a Democratic Services Officer we would still like to hear from you.  Full training will be given to the right person.

Interview date

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 18 April 2023.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role.  Please contact:

Name: Hannah Harding

Job Title: Team Leader Democratic Services

Phone Number: 01344 352308

Email: Hannah.Harding@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

As part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified.

Any candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria.

No agencies please.