Interim Democratic Services Officer

Location: Barnsley

Contract: Interim

About the role

Our client is a metropolitan borough council in South Yorkshire, looking to appoint an Interim Democratic Services Officer to support its democratic and committee functions. The role sits within the democratic services team and helps keep the council’s decision-making processes running smoothly and in line with statutory requirements.

The successful candidate will support the administration of council, committee and other formal meetings, from agenda preparation through to the publication of minutes and decisions. Day to day, you will work with elected members, senior officers and colleagues across the organisation, giving clear procedural support and keeping accurate records.

This suits an experienced democratic services professional who can start quickly, work with a high degree of independence and maintain the quality of the service throughout the assignment. The rate, start date and assignment length will be confirmed with candidates.

Main responsibilities

• Administer council, committee and sub-committee meetings, including agenda preparation and publication
• Attend meetings and take accurate, timely minutes and records of decisions
• Provide procedural and constitutional advice to elected members and officers
• Support report authors with committee report requirements and deadlines
• Maintain the forward plan and the publication of decisions in line with statutory timescales
• Provide support to elected members, including diary management and member enquiries
• Support scrutiny arrangements and the work of scrutiny committees
• Maintain committee management systems and keep records up to date
• Work with colleagues across the organisation to meet legislative and transparency requirements

Requirements

• Experience in a democratic services or committee services role within local government
• A working knowledge of local government committee procedures and constitutional arrangements
• Experience of preparing agendas and producing accurate minutes
• Experience of supporting elected members and senior officers
• Strong written communication skills, with excellent attention to detail
• Good organisation and time management, with the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team
• Experience of using a committee management system

The offer

This is an interim position based in Barnsley. Rate, start date and assignment length will be confirmed with candidates. You will join an established democratic services team and take on a clear remit from the outset.

If you are an experienced Democratic Services Officer looking for an interim role in local government, this assignment offers a defined scope and a supportive team environment. Apply below.