Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

The Council is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed person to its well-regarded Democratic Services team on a full time and permanent basis. In this role, you will be working in a friendly team on a hybrid work pattern which is a combination of working from home and the office.

As a democratic services officer, you will support a wide range of committee services to the Council, Cabinet, scrutiny bodies, regulatory committees and bodies (including school appeals panels). You will assist in supporting Councillors to enable them to carry out their roles effectively and deal with enquiries from councillors and members of the public. You will also have an opportunity to work on elections. There are excellent opportunities for your personal and professional development, including the option of working towards an Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) qualification.

To meet the demands of this role, the successful candidate will be expected to be in the office at least twice a week with attendance for evening meetings as necessary.

Please be aware that this is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989

To be successful in this position, you will be a well organised and methodical person with well-developed communication and report writing skills together with a high level of IT competency. You will need excellent team working skills and be able to develop effective working relationships with councillors, senior officers and partners. You should also demonstrate tact, discretion and diplomacy and have sound knowledge of local authority functions. Previous experience of Committee administration processes (including a working knowledge of a committee management system, preferably modern.gov) is desirable but not essential.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Applications should be made through providing a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4, evidencing the requirements as set out in the job ‘person specification.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.