Democratic Services Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Democratic Services Officer to join us! This is a full-time role with hybrid working, and a salary of £30,193 - £34,104 per annum. Part-time applications would also be considered for this role.

About Us

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse. Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Democratic Services Officer to join our team.

The Role

Democratic Services Officers act as the essential ‘gatekeepers’ to the council in terms of the decision-making process. The team facilitates over 150 committee meetings and 100 school appeals per annum, but in addition to this, the role will be responsible for a number of projects and initiatives that will usually be worked on with minimal supervision. The main purpose of the role is to ensure that statutory and regulatory committees are facilitated with the correct legal, governance and constitutional advice provided to ensure that councillors are making robust decisions. All of the council’s decision-making meetings are held in public and are accessible via the RBWM YouTube page, where the role can be seen in a live setting. This is a diverse and varied role, where no two days are the same and an adaptable approach is required to deliver high-quality services to the council’s Senior Leadership Team, officers, councillors, the press and members of the public. The role will see you working alongside not just the other Democratic Services Officers, but also every team across the council and it will serve as a fantastic foundation to broaden your understanding of local government. Providing support to both the Governance & Democratic Services Manager and Principal Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer, when required, will also be key as they help to mentor you and aid your development in Democratic Services.

Your Role Will Involve

• Acting as the ‘gatekeeper’ for the council, by ensuring councillors have the correct high-quality information they require at committees in order to make robust decisions regarding council policy and the allocation of funding.
• Taking full responsibility for a varied and diverse workload, which includes the management of your own project e.g. School Admission Appeals, Appointments to Outside Bodies, Petitions, Licensing & Public Space Protection Order Sub-Committees, Councillor Development and much more.
• Ensuring meetings occur as timetabled and that appropriate legal requirements and meeting procedures have been satisfied. This includes organising, providing governance and constitutional advice, administration, reprographics, the sensitive handling of confidential material, public liaison, audio visual management and minute writing.
• Assisting with the provision and development of services for elected councillors to ensure that they are able to undertake their various roles effectively and are comfortable in their roles.
• Taking an active role in tasks associated with the local elections process and other elections, such as General Elections or Referendums when required.

What We Are Looking For

• Educated to at least A level standard.
• Commitment to continual improvement of personal knowledge and performance, with strong self-management skills, drive and determination coupled with good organisational abilities to be able to work to tight deadlines.
• Have a keen interest in current affairs and politics.
• Have good administrative & organisational skills, a good standard of English and attention to detail.
• Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present advice and information confidently to a high number of people.
• Be able to form strong professional relationships equally with councillors, the Senior Leadership Team, officers and external partners.

What We Offer

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

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