Democratic Services Officer

Democratic Services Officer

PO1: Starting salary £35,067 per annum

x1 permanent post and
x1 Fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for 12 months

Lambeth is a dynamic and exciting borough that stretches from the banks of the Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament to Streatham and West Norwood in the south, via the South Bank, Clapham, Brockwell Park, iconic Brixton, and the UK’s busiest station at Waterloo. With over 320,000 residents, bustling markets, iconic venues and public events across our town centres, the borough is home to diverse, strong, and engaged communities.

Democratic Services are responsible for support to all 63 Councillors and manage the governance and democratic arrangements for the Council which includes Elections, Governance and Decision Making. The team also provide support to the Chief Executive in discharging their role as the most Senior Officer of the Council.

We are looking for a confident, articulate person to join our Democratic Services Team. Working at the heart of the Council’s decision-making process, you will be required to attend a range of formal Member level meetings (some of which are held in the evening so flexibility for evening work is required) and undertake all the associated tasks relating to the management of formal (and informal) meetings, including preparing and publishing agendas, reports, and minutes. You will work closely with elected Members and senior officers, providing professional advice on democratic, governance and constitutional issues.

We are seeking enthusiastic candidates for this post based within the busy and exciting Democratic Services team. The post holder will be responsible for administering and clerking various council committees, forums, and panels, providing professional support to all 63 of our Elected Councillors, and leading on a project area such as education appeals, outside body appointments and scrutiny. You will also be expected to support the council during elections.

The ideal candidate should have a sound knowledge of local government, be a well organised administrator, have a good command of English, display energy and enthusiasm, and could work as part of a small team. You should be able to work flexibly, be customer focused and be adept at meeting demanding deadlines in pressurised circumstances. Experience of the Modern.Gov or any other committee management system would be highly advantageous, and the post holder will also need to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of political sensitivity.

Should you wish to discuss the vacancy or want to have an informal discussion about the role please contact Wayne Chandai, Head of the Chief Executive’s Office, and Democratic Services wchandai@lambeth.gov.uk 020 7926 1065.

Closing date: Wednesday 30 June 2021 at midnight.

Job Description and Person Specification