Senior Governance Officer
Basildon, Essex
Full-Time, Temporary – 36.25 Hours per Week
3-6 Months Contract
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week.
The Role
Senior Governance Officers form part of the Council’s Committee, Member and Executive Support Service, which operates at the heart of the Council’s democratic and decision-making process.
The post of Senior Governance Officer is a key role that operates as part of a small team providing a high-quality service to support meetings of the Council, and its committees.
With the ability to work both at home and in the office through a hybrid arrangements, the post will also be required to provide support to a range of internal and external meetings and Members of the Council and carry out a range of other duties to support the Council’s democratic and decision making process and ensure effective governance arrangements exist.
Much of the services work is IT based
Accountabilities
To be responsible for the timetabling, servicing and co-ordination of the work of meetings of Cabinet, Committees, and any related Sub-Committees (including quasi-judicial hearings) and Panels as appropriate, including partnership and specified internal meetings. To effectively manage and administer meetings of the Council’s decision making bodies in accordance with legislative requirements and the Council’s Constitution.
Preparation of Agendas for the Council’s meetings to set procedures and within strict deadlines involving collation and checking of material from various sources, writing reports, etc.
Arrangement and attendance at meetings, usually held in the evening, either hybrid or in person, ensuring that all documents and other material relevant to the meeting are available and taking action as directed upon decisions made by the meeting, involving the preparation of letters and of further reports.
To provide at those meetings procedural, legal and constitutional advice particularly to Members.
To provide advice and expert guidance across the organisation regarding the Council’s democratic and decision making processes.
To prepare reports for Council, Cabinet and committees and ensure that all services accord with the Council’s processes and arrangements for production of reports to ensure high quality reports and providing training an advice when required.
To maintain appropriate work plans for meetings and an awareness of work related issues across the service, and lead on issues upon request.
To act as meetings manager for allocated internal and external meetings to ensure they work smoothly and effectively and driving the agenda business planning system and contributing to new ways of operating.
To liaise as necessary with the public, Officers of the Council at all levels and Members on a wide variety of subjects relevant to the responsibilities of the service. Fostering good working relationships with the rest of the organisation
The Experience You Will Bring
At least 3 years’ experience of managing and providing administrative support to committees
Managing projects using formal project management skills
Experience of working with Elected Members
Experience of working in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance i.e. a Councils Constitution
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a diverse number of tasks whilst meeting challenging timescales on a regular basis.
Excellent written communication skills including the ability to write high quality reports and minutes of meetings.
Ability to establish effective relationships with Elected Members and Officers at all levels of the organisation
Flexible approach with the ability to attend evening meetings on a regular basis
Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office