Democratic Services Officer
18.5 hours per week (44.89 weeks per year, term time only) with agile home working
Are you passionate about supporting democracy and enabling effective decision-making in local government? We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Democratic Services Officer to join our Democratic Services team.
About the Role
As a Democratic Services Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Council’s decision-making processes. You will be responsible for the organisation and delivery of council committees, boards, panels, and internal meetings. You’ll provide professional support and advice to elected members, senior officers, and partner agencies, ensuring democratic processes are followed with precision and integrity.
Your duties will include:
- Preparing and publishing agendas, reports, minutes, and work programmes in line with statutory deadlines.
- Providing procedural and constitutional advice to Chairmen, members, officers, and the public.
- Supporting virtual and physical meetings, including moderating public communications.
- Coordinating and attending Independent Education Admission Appeal Panels.
- Maintaining databases, conducting research, and producing high-quality documentation.
About You
We’re looking for someone with:
- Substantial experience in a similar role, ideally within a democratic or governance setting.
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
- Strong ICT skills, including Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms.
- A good understanding of local government legislation and constitutional matters.
- The ability to work independently, prioritise workloads, and meet deadlines under pressure.
Essential qualifications and experience:
- Educated to Level 4 standard or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience minuting complex formal meetings and working within legal frameworks.
- Willingness to undertake relevant training and qualifications.
Desirable skills:
- Knowledge of political proportionality and experience using specialist committee software.
Additional Information
- This role requires flexibility, including attending evening meetings.
- Fluency in English and relevant certifications may be required.
This position is for up to 18.5 hours per week (44.89 weeks per year, term time only), there is potential flexibility to offer this role at fewer hours, please include any requests relating to this within your application.
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Marie Bartlett at Marie.Bartlett@iow.gov.uk.
Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:
- Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
- Local Government pension scheme
- Discounted Solent ferry travel
- Island bus network discount
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff parking permit scheme
- Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
- National and local discounts & benefits schemes
- Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
- Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)
Find out more about working for the Isle of Wight Council and living on the Island.
The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.
We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community.
We are a Disability Confident employer. Along with a number of commitments, this means, providing you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.
The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by;
our values, culture and inclusivity
The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via adverts@iow.gov.uk if you would like to receive a copy.
The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.
For support completing your online application or for further information on how to apply, phone 01983 823134 or email callcentre@iow.gov.uk Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted.
We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable.