Democratic Services Officer
Grade: SH4
37 hours per week (job share/part-time will be considered)
We are looking for a confident, articulate person who has good organisational skills and a
flexible, helpful and proactive approach to join our small, busy team managing the Council’s
democratic processes. You will work with councillors and officers at all levels of the
organisation, supporting a range of council and committee meetings and working groups, as
well as dealing with all aspects of elections and electoral registration.
You will need strong written and verbal communication skills, have the ability to interpret and
explain complex guidance and be confident in providing advice to a range of audiences
including councillors, officers and the public in a range of settings. You must also be able to
manage your own workload and work to tight deadlines.
You must be proficient in the use of standard Office software as well as Zoom and Teams.
Experience of using Xpress, the Council’s Electoral Management System, and/or Issue
Manager, the Committee Management System would be an advantage, however full training
will be given.
Whilst experience of elections and local authority governance would be an advantage, it is not
essential and full training will be given. Transferable skills will also be taken into account. The
role will involve developing experience of local government constitutional law and practice,
governance rules and procedures and knowledge and experience in electoral registration and
elections.
Although the hours are 37 per week, this is not a 9 to 5 job as you will be required to attend
regular evening meetings (both in person and virtually), for which time off in lieu will be given.
You will also be expected to work additional hours, possibly including weekends, at peak
election times.
Benefits include a minimum of 24 days’ annual leave, pension scheme, free parking, flexible
working hours and private healthcare (subject to 3 years' service with Surrey Heath BC).
This is a Politically Restricted Post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as
amended). You will also need to undergo a Basic DBS check.
For an informal discussion on either of these vacancies, please contact Katharine Simpson,
Senior Democratic Services Officer, on 01276 707157.
Closing Date: Sunday, 24 September 2023
Interview Date: TBC – w/c Monday, 2 October 2023
Surrey Heath Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and
service delivery and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.