Job Introduction
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to support the Council’s formal decision making processes and meeting procedures, the role will involve providing support and advice to Members, officers and the public to ensure the Council operates within its constitution and statutory requirements around the democratic process.
The role will focus on providing a high level of advice and support for Members and the formal meetings typically within a specialist area, acting as the sole provider of constitutional and procedural advice at public meetings without recourse to others.
Main Responsibilities
Manage the delivery arrangements for formal and informal Council meetings to ensure that proper decision making is delivered in line with required procedures and that meetings are compliant with democratic governance arrangements and the Council’s constitution. This will involve preparing agendas, advising at the meeting on constitutional issues where appropriate, producing clear and accurate minutes, and recording details of proceedings and all decisions or recommendations made.
Provide advice to Members and officers regarding the Council’s constitution and statutory requirements around the democratic process and decision making, so that Members and officers understand the requirements and can operate in accordance with them.
Provide advice to Members, external panel representatives, and other partner organisations to ensure compliance and delivery of the Overview and Scrutiny function within defined principles and procedures.
Work across service units to ensure that recommendations and decisions taken at Councillor and Officer meetings are communicated appropriately and carried out effectively within defined procedures.
To liaise and communicate with members of the public, Government Departments and other partner organisations on service-related issues.
To support the Education Appeals Clerk and Appeals Officer to administer the school admission and education appeals process, to ensure that appeals proceed in compliance with defined procedures and decision-making requirements. This will involve providing advice to appeal panels on procedures, and communicating with independent panel members, parents and schools.
Provide support and supervision to more junior officers, including supporting with complex or escalated issues, to ensure the smooth-running of the service.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience of working as a Democratic Services Officer
- Experience of working in a political environment or in an organisation with similarly complex governance arrangements
- Detailed knowledge of relevant legislation used to support the local government decision making process
- Experience of achieving results through influence, negotiation and effective advocacy
For an informal discussion please contact Sarah Culwick at sarah.culwick@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
We offer an excellent benefits package to colleagues. Find out more on our website.
As a result of the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying our terms and conditions of service and will be creating a single pay structure which is to be applicable for all employees. It is important to us that we offer benefits that our colleagues value as part of their total employment package and we are reviewing these to make sure we have it right. We are in the process of establishing a timescale for implementation and colleagues joining us will be included in these changes. This is expected to be in place in 2024.
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