Full job descriptionMid Suffolk District Council are seeking a Youth Council and Governance Support Officer in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full-time, 37 hours per week, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £31,537 - £36,363 per annum (pro rata for part time).
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join our team
We are seeking a dynamic and politically astute Youth Council and Governance Support Officer to support the establishment and management of the Mid Suffolk Youth Council.


If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
Launched last year by Mid Suffolk District Council, the Youth Council is designed to give young people a chance to have their voice heard and get involved in local politics.
The initiative was driven by research showing the disconnect between young people and politics, with almost three quarters of those asked believing that politics should be taught more in schools or colleges.
Working in our Democratic Services team, you will report to the Lead Governance Officer for Scrutiny and Projects.
In this exciting new role, you will be responsible for:
*liaising with key stakeholders
*carrying out research
*managing and clerking meetings of the youth council
*providing governance advice to councillors and youth councillors
*ensuring the youth council operates appropriately and in line with expectations
In addition, you will be expected to support the broader democratic services team, providing cover and capacity where appropriate.
About you
This is an exciting opportunity for somebody with a passion for local politics to help build something innovative from the ground up, generating enthusiasm and engagement amongst young people towards our democratic processes.
To be successful, you will demonstrate:
*a keen interest in politics and local democracy
*excellent networking and communication skills
*good knowledge of research sources and techniques
*broad understanding of the local government system and the local member role
*strong administrative, clerical, IT and organisational skills
*real energy and drive to support the democratic process in the local community
This is a hybrid role, enabling you to work from home and from our office in Endeavour House (Ipswich) on a flexible arrangement suited around working patterns.
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in.
We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors.
We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
*60 conservation areas
*two National Landscapes
*many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK (United Kingdom).
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
*Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
*Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
*Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
*Private Health Care Options.
*Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
*Paid volunteering days.
*Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
*Great learning and development opportunities.
Closing date: 5:00 pm, 30 June 2026.
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Youth Council and Governance Support Officer role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.