Democratic Services Officer

Democratic Services OfficerApplylocations: HU1time type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: 18 August 2026 (25 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR Number of Vacancies: 1 Time Type: Full time Worker Type: Regular Proposed Interview Date: Monday, August 31, 2026 Hours of Work: 37 Hiring Manager: Alex Holgate Contact Number: Job Description Summary: This is a Full Time Permanent Position Interviews will take place week commencing 31 August 2026 We are looking for a highly organised and motivated Democratic Services Officer to join our Governance Team and play a key role in supporting the Council's democratic decision-making processes. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, providing professional support to elected Members, senior officers and committees, ensuring effective governance and transparent decision-making for our communities. As a Democratic Services Officer, you will help deliver a high-quality democratic services function, supporting a range of committees, panels and meetings while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and the Council's Constitution. You will be responsible for: • Managing and supporting a portfolio of Council committees, panels and working groups. • Preparing, publishing and distributing agendas, reports and minutes within statutory timescales. • Providing professional advice and guidance to Members and officers on governance procedures, constitutional matters and decision-making processes. • Attending evening meetings as required and providing procedural advice during proceedings. • Supporting elected Members in their roles, including assisting with enquiries and governance matters. • Maintaining accurate records of decisions and ensuring transparency and public access to information. • Contributing to the continuous improvement of democratic and governance processes. • Supporting elections, referendums and other corporate governance activities where required. We are seeking someone who: • Has experience of committee administration, governance or democratic services within a local authority or similar organisation. • Has a sound understanding of local government decision-making and democratic processes. • Possesses excellent organisational skills and is able to manage competing priorities and deadlines. • Has strong written communication skills with the ability to produce accurate and concise minutes and reports. • Can build effective working relationships with Members, senior officers and external stakeholders. • Demonstrates political awareness, tact and discretion when dealing with sensitive issues. • Is proficient in Microsoft Office applications and committee management systems. • Can work flexibly, including attendance at evening meetings when required. We expect to make the appointment at a Grade 6 or 7. ROLE AND PURPOSE Grade 6 and 7: Assists with the organisation and management of the Council, Cabinet, Cabinet Committees, Council and other Committees and external bodies to meet the requirements of users, including the recording of all business, ensuring decisions are communicated as required and in accordance with relevant legislation and the City Council's Constitution. Assists with the organisation and management of: the Council's Corporate Management Team meeting including the recording of all business ensuring decisions are communicated as required; school admission and exclusion appeals; charitable organisations where the Council is the trustee, and the Boards of Council companies. Supports the Committee and Scrutiny Team Leader in the development and management of the Committee function. Grade 8 all of the above plus: Co-ordinates the organisation and management of the Council, Cabinet, Cabinet Committees, Council and other Committees, external bodies including charities and companies to meet the requirements of users, including the recording of all business, ensuring decisions are communicated as required and in accordance with relevant legislation and the City Council's Constitution. Assists with the organisation and management of: the Council's Corporate Management Team meeting including the recording of all business ensuring decisions are communicated as required; school admission and exclusion appeals; charitable organisations where the Council is the trustee, and the Boards of Council companies. Supports the Committee and Scrutiny Team Leader in the development and management of the Committee function. Grade 9, all of the above plus: Leads the organisation and management of the Council, Cabinet, Cabinet Committees, Council and other Committees, external bodies including charities and companies, including planning and organisation of agendas, to meet the requirements of users, including the recording of all business, ensuring decisions are communicated as required and in accordance with relevant legislation and the City Council's Constitution. Assists with the organisation and management of: the Council's Corporate Management Team meeting including the recording of all business ensuring decisions are communicated as required; school admission and exclusion appeals; charitable organisations where the Council is the trustee, and the Boards of Council companies. Contributes to the development and management of the Committee function. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Grade 6 1. Assists with the organisation and management of the Council, Cabinet, Cabinet Committees, Council and other Committees and external bodies2. Gathers and disseminates information and offers advice and guidance to Elected Members, Chief Executive, Corporate Directors and Heads of Service, local government organisations, outside organisations (including Government Departments) and the general public on the key decision making processes to encourage local decision making and community participation.3. Co-ordinates and manages the conduct of school admission and exclusion appeals, serving as Clerk to the panel in accordance with the DfEE Code of Practice. Provides independent advice on the Code of Practice and Legislation relating to school admission and exclusion appeals.4. Provides a supporting role to the principal Democratic Services Officers and deputises for them to ensure effective management, motivation, development of staff/services in accordance with the Council's objectives. Also assists with providing up to date, accurate management information to the Democratic Services Manager to enable workload monitoring, estimates and subsequent re-charges for the unit to be generated.5. Assists in the arrangements for the opening of tender documents and advises on the contract procedure rules in accordance with the Council's Constitution and other statutory requirements.6. Supervises the work of the Business Support Team who are responsible for typing and clerical support, the booking of rooms for Member meetings and co-ordination so that services are provided in a cost effective and efficient manner and in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Section.7. Advises and supports standing committees on corporate matters to inform the decision making processes and ensure that appropriate Corporate Directors are fully informed of issues relating to their area of responsibility. Processes and actions correspondence, Government Circulars and circulars from Local Government Associations within predetermined timescales.8. Undertakes research and analysis to develop proposals to enhance the decision making function of the City Council9. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation places responsibilities for health and safety on Hull City Council, as your employer and you as an employee of the council. In addition to the Councils overall duties, the post holder has personal responsibility for their own health & safety and that of other employees; additional and more specific responsibilities are identified in the Council's Corporate H&S policy. Grade 7, all of the above plus: 12. As above but will also be required to support staff on a Grade 6 Grade 8, all of the above plus: 1. As above but will also be required to support staff on a Grade 72. Assists and helps co-ordinate and manage the operation of the Boards of Council companies to meet the requirements of and ensure compliance with the legislation relating to companies.3.Assists with the operation of the Council's Corporate Management Team including planning and organisation of agendas, recording of all business, communicating decision and progress chasing.4. Produces, publishes and updates monthly the Council's Forward Plan of Executive Key Decisions in line with legislation.5. Provides a supporting role to the Democratic Services Manager and deputises for him/her to ensure effective management, motivation, development and recruitment of staff/services in accordance with the Council's objectives.6. Use and assist in the development and implementation of appropriate ICT based systems.7. Liaises with other units within the Democratic Support Services and other related support areas, along with input from other Directorates and outside organisations to ensure the overall effectiveness of the City Council's democratic processes.8. Provides advice and guidance generally to Elected Members, Chief Executive, Corporate Directors and Heads of Service, local government organisations, outside organisations (including Government departments) and the general public on the decision making processes to encourage local decision making and community participation. Grade 9, all of the above plus: 1. As above but will also be required to support staff on a Grade 82 Acts as Deputy Returning Officer for Parliamentary, European and Local Elections in accordance with all statutory requirements and legislation. Provide advice to the public and supervise election staff.3 . click apply for full job details