Committee Services Senior Officer

We are looking for a confident, proactive individual with excellent communication and organisational skills and a keen eye for detail to join our Democratic and Electoral Services team as a Committee Services Senior Officer.

This advert was originally advertised under reference CSDA0071 and previous applicants need not apply.

About the role

The Democratic and Election Services team is responsible for supporting the democratic process by arranging and facilitating all councillor decision making meetings; supporting engagement with public concerns and scrutiny of council activity though Policy and Scrutiny Panels and running elections, referendums and polls as required.

The Committee Services Senior Officer is responsible for preparing and publishing agendas and reports; convening and supporting meetings of council committees; ensuring that information on meetings and supporting papers is available to members/officers via the software management system and the public via the website; taking notes and preparing accurate minutes; providing advice on the council’s procedures relating to standing orders and delegated powers and providing effective and appropriate supported to elected members in their role.

The post is career-graded from Level 6 to Level 7 to allow progression as you gain experience and knowledge within the role.  Progression to the next level of the career grade will be dependent upon managerial assessment of competence and independent working. 

Our new system of agile working encourage flexibility.  So, although your work base will be the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, you will also be able to work from home should you prefer.  Please note that some work at the Town Hall location will be required.

This role is full time, 37 hours, however, a job share would be considered.

About you

As well as being able to work under pressure to consistently meet deadlines, you will have strong interpersonal skills in dealing with a variety of people at all levels both within and outside the Council and to work as part of a team.  You will also be able to work flexibly and on your own initiative and have a positive approach to problem-solving.

You will have a proven track record of success in managing formal committee meetings involving the decision-making processes in a political organisation; the ability to interpret and apply legislation; awareness of and an interest in current affairs; good communication and writing skills; excellent organisational skills; the ability to consistently meet demanding deadlines in a pressurised environment.

You will have proficient IT skills in Microsoft office packages including Word, Outlook and Excel, with an ability to learn additional software as required by the service.

You will also have the ability to take notes at meetings and use them to draft minutes. Working closely with councillors, colleagues and the general public, you will have good communication skills both oral and written.

You will have current knowledge of the council’s Constitution and be able to find information within it.

Why North Somerset Council?

In return we offer competitive salary, generous holiday of up to 32 days a year, and the chance to enrol in an excellent average salary pension scheme.

You will be able to join our NSC advantage+ which will give you access to a range of benefits, discounts and offers. We can contribute to the cost of your professional subscriptions and give you the chance to pay into a health cash plan that can help you manage the cost of dental treatment, eye tests, and new glasses.

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need.  These include: 

• A competitive salary package
• A range of flexible working and hybrid working options, including flexi-time, and home-working, dependent on service requirements
• A generous holiday allowance and special leave provisions including the opportunity to purchase up to two weeks additional annual leave
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme – whatever life throws at you; we are committed to supporting you and your well-being at work and home
• Professional and personal development including in-house training and accredited qualifications including Aspiring Manager and Leadership Development
• Discount scheme including the NSC Advantage card that offers numerous local discounts including cycle to work
• Electric Vehicle benefit scheme

If you think you have the skills for the role and are up to the challenge, we want to hear from you!

Want to know more and apply?

For an informal discussion, please contact Hazel Brinton (Committee Services Manager) on 01275 884811.

Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/jobs to download an application pack and apply online.

Anticipated interview dates:  Wednesday 4^th & Thursday 5^th October 2023

North Somerset Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of our community regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion, belief or sexual orientation. North Somerset Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Somerset Council – Open, Fairer, Greener.