Democratic Services Officer

We are looking for a Democratic Services Officer working to the Democratic Services Team Leader to provide the necessary support to members including the Mayoralty and servicing Cabinet, Committees and Council. You will need to be confident when dealing with members, senior officers and the public, and have an understanding of how the councils democratic functions operate, as you will be assisting in the smooth running of member committees and other meetings - some of which are held in the evenings - and facilitating meetings and training events for members and with partners and other stakeholders as required. Whilst it would be an advantage to have worked in democratic services, you need not have an in-depth knowledge of the relevant legislative framework provided that you have the right attributes and skills and are prepared to undertake to acquire the necessary knowledge -training will be provided-with a view to you being able to attend meetings, assist the chair and members with queries at such meetings and produce effective minutes, satisfying the councils legislative and constitutional requirements.,

• The supporting information section of the application is your opportunity to share with us your key achievements and highlight any relevant experience. We'd like you to tell us; who you are, your values and strengths, why you feel you are suitable for the role and finally, your career goals.
  
  You will be competent in the use of ICT as necessary to do the role, be meticulous in record-keeping and able to work evenings and weekends as required. You will work with the Democratic Services Team Leader and Monitoring Officer to ensure that the matters relating to member requirements and the constitution are kept up to date and play a role in respect of civic functions involving the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
  
  Newcastle-under-Lyme is a borough with big ambitions. We've already started our transformation, however, we still need to find better ways of doing things because we are determined to do the very best we can for our communities.
If our vision is to be the best, then we need the best people working for us. Our people are at the heart of what we do and have the freedom to innovate, grow and develop. We recruit people who share our vision and values; people who have the drive to deliver our ambitious council plan. Our historic borough is a place of marked contrasts. We are the home of a world class University at Keele, a leading light known internationally for its research and sustainability record, which stands side by side with former mining communities including some which register amongst the most deprived areas in the country. Our borough is also a mixture of urban centres, affected by some of the same social issues facing our neighbouring city, Stoke-on-Trent, but also outstanding rural landscapes in our less populated villages. Our plans and priorities aim to address the needs of all our communities.

We reward our people with a competitive range of benefits including;
• access to the local government pension scheme
• minimum 24 days annual leave plus 5 extra days after 5 years' service
• flexible working options and family friendly policies
• local and national high street discounts
• free car parking
• wellbeing support including £12.50 per month Jubilee2 membership
• green travel scheme including cycle to work and electric car salary sacrifice
• free employee 24 hour employee assistance and counselling services, flu vaccination service and health checks
• development and training opportunities