Temporary Committee Support Officer / Admin - Legal

Job Ref: Oxfordshire 5207923

To provide specialist support to the management of meetings and democratic governance. The post holder will advise and liaise with members, senior officers and the public. They will have personal responsibility for managing and administering meetings and undertaking all related duties i.e. reviewing draft reports, production of agendas, attendance at meetings, production of accurate minutes etc. ensuring that the processes accord with legislative requirements and the Council’s Constitution, often in a difficult political environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on individual committees as allocated by the Head of Governance, acting as the lead for the Committee on matters such as agenda preparation, minute production and public attendance
• Arrange the meetings and ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for the accommodation and other facilities required for the meeting.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Elected Members and all those (external and internal) involved in Democratic Services processes.
• Prepare the agenda and co-ordinate production of reports for the meeting, using modern.gov. and ensuring that papers are of an appropriate quality and conform with the Council’s Constitution, other requirements of the Council and the legal framework.
• Arrange for the reproduction and despatch of the agenda and reports.
• Attend meetings, taking written notes, preparing and issuing decision sheets and preparing formal minutes.
• Undertake action arising from the meeting
• Independently advise meetings of those bodies on the relevant provisions of the Council’s Constitution and other procedures and generally on the democratic process and assisting the meetings to articulate their decisions and recommendations.
• Respond to queries from the public, officers and members and effecting communications for keeping them informed and engaged in the decision-making process.
• Advise members and officers about their roles and responsibilities within the decision-making process.
• Keep up to date with local government law and best practice with regard to the management of meetings.
• Clerk education appeals panels as required.
• Support councillors by providing route-finder advice as a Councillor Link Officer.

“Role Requirements” – to give yourself the maximum chance of success please try and ensure your CV addresses the following essential criteria:

Qualifications:

• English to A level or equivalent standard with an ability to comprehend, interpret and summarise including being accurate and attentive to detail.
• ADSO Membership (desirable).

Experience:

• Substantial experience of committee administration (or equivalent) ideally in a local authority context with a broad knowledge of major current issues affecting local authorities.
• Demonstration of leadership and motivational skills together with an ability to speak confidently in a public context and proven flexibility in meeting and facilitating change.
• A good understanding of administrative processes and systems and experience of supervising and coordinating delivery of services in connection with administrative processes, including supervision of staff when needed.
• Experience of working with the public and dealing effectively and positively with enquiries from a range of people.

Skills:

• Demonstration of a highly developed political awareness with an ability to advocate and negotiate.
• Demonstration of a proven commitment to customer services and the ability to suggest and advocate service improvements.
• Demonstration of strong self-motivation and initiative, and ability to organise and prioritise effectively and to work well under pressure.
• Ability to manage own time and workload, working effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with IT systems (Microsoft Office, email, databases such as modern.gov).

NB: Please feel free to apply to us direct via [email protected] by quoting the job reference and job title exactly. SEE DETAILS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS AD.

If you have previously applied to one of our vacancies and have already sent the required supporting documentation to us, please make this clear when you re-apply as this will help speed up your application.