Democratic Services Officer – Trainee, Officer, or Principal level
Are you seeking a move to a busy, collaborative and supportive Democratic Services Team as we make the transition from a Borough Council to being part of a larger unitary?
We have ONE vacancy in our dynamic Democratic Services team and are looking for someone with the aptitude and attitude to help support our Council meetings. It could be that you have good GCSE and/or A-Level grades in English and are looking for an exciting challenge and development opportunities, or you’re an experienced governance professional looking for your next move. The Trainee Democratic Services Officer level post would suit a recent graduate in law or politics. Either way you’ll be self-motivated with excellent communication skills and well organised. Whether you come with a sound knowledge of local government law and practice or are keen to build this up, our Democratic Services team could be stronger with you.
We are seeking a team player with great inter-personal skills to join our friendly team in supporting Hertsmere’s decision-making and governance arrangements. The core will be arranging the logistics for Committee meetings and papers, through to recording the outcomes of meetings (minutes) and dealing with queries. You’ll be providing Members with procedural advice to help support senior officers and if experienced will be coaching others in the team to field issues as they arise.
You must be able to work to tight deadlines and have a high level of computer literacy. Much of what we do is based around legislative requirements so an interest or experience in Politics or Law can be valuable, but this is a politically restricted post so you won’t be able to be involved in politics if appointed.
The post is offered on a full-time basis (36 hours per week) as a fixed-term contract to 31 March 2028. The Council operates a hybrid working model, with employees able to work up to three days per week from home. Most of our meetings are held in the evening where you’ll need to be physically present and we operate a TOIL system. It has been offered as a fixed term contract as we do not know what the governance configuration of the new unitary authority will look like. We know that the current offices are in Borehamwood, Rickmansworth and Watford and that things will take shape over the coming months and year.
Appointments to all three levels will be considered but there is only one vacancy. If starting without the relevant experience, you will be supported to complete training to reach the substantive post.
Benefits include:
- 27 – 32 days annual leave (depending on length of Local Government Service), plus all bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexi-leave – accrue additional hours and exchange for up to 2 days’ leave per month
- Free gym membership
- Cycle schemes (Cycle to Work Scheme and free Beryl Bike rides for staff)
- Free wellbeing benefits (such as lunchtime yoga, flu jabs, and health MOTs)
- Employee Assistance Programme
If you’d like an informal conversation about the requirements of the post please contact Allan Witherick, Democratic Services Manager, allan.witherick@hertsmere.gov.uk
Closing Date: Monday 17th August, 10am
Please note: this vacancy may close early depending on the volume of suitable applications received, so early application is encouraged.
No Agencies – Direct Applications Only
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CV’s submitted without a fully completed online application form.
