Governance Officer
Location: Winsford
Salary: £31,537 - £33,699 per annum (DOE)
Overview
We’re looking for a Governance Officer to support the organisation’s political and management structure, ensuring strong governance, effective decision-making processes, and compliance across all areas. Working closely with Members, senior leaders, and partner agencies, you’ll help ensure the smooth running of meetings, committees, corporate planning and complaints processes.
This role also acts as deputy to the Governance Manager when required and provides strategic support across a range of governance and information management functions.
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Political Support
*Assist the Governance Manager and deputise when needed to ensure political and decision-making arrangements meet legal and procedural standards.
*Coordinate meetings for Members and senior management, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and ensuring accurate documentation.
*Serve as the main communication link between Members and senior officers, ensuring effective follow-up and action tracking.
*Support and brief Members and senior managers for internal committees and external engagements with local, regional, and national partners.
*Ensure the Authority is appropriately represented and that relationships with partner bodies, including Democratic Services teams, are well maintained.
Corporate Planning
*Support ongoing Corporate Planning processes, maintaining planning documents, templates and guidance.
*Organise planning meetings throughout the year and assist departments in developing their corporate and departmental plans.
Complaints Management
*Oversee the Authority’s complaints procedures for both staff and Members.
*Monitor, review and report on complaints, including drafting reports for Members on the Corporate Complaints Scheme.
Decision-Making & Systems
*Monitor documents progressing through decision-making processes, ensuring compliance and keeping senior managers informed.
*Assist in implementing and maintaining electronic committee management systems.
*Provide strategic support to the Head of Governance (Monitoring Officer) as needed.
Core Responsibilities
Personal Performance
*Take ownership of personal development, skills, and fitness to meet the requirements of the role.
Accountability
*Manage delegated responsibilities in line with the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation.
Values & Behaviours
Promote the values of Cheshire Fire Authority, including:
*Being Inclusive – acting with integrity, fairness and respect.
*Doing the Right Thing – maintaining high professional standards.
*Acting with Compassion – supporting colleagues and communities with kindness.
*Making a Difference – creating positive impact wherever possible.
*Upholding the NFCC Code of Ethics, including integrity, leadership, equality, dignity and community-focused behaviour.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
*Promote and embed the Service’s Equality & Diversity Strategy.
Health & Safety
*Work in line with Health & Safety policies, identifying hazards and managing risk.
*Support the wellbeing of yourself and colleagues.
Environmental Responsibility
*Follow environmentally responsible working practices and support the organisation’s Environmental Management System.