Introduction
Today, local authorities are determined to give people the kind of
service they feel they deserve as council taxpayers. In order to
achieve this, councils are encouraging greater public involvement
and participation. The democratic services officer is at the
heart of this drive and the post can be found in all types of
authority. Where the specific post does not exist, similar
functions may be carried out who try to ensure that the council is
giving the public value for money.
Work Environment
This is mostly office-based but, as a member of a standing
committee, there will be meetings to attend both internally and
externally. The officers are required to attend public meetings
such as town centre forums, partnership board meetings and other
standing committees. Local authorities see this post as essentially
that of a committee officer but with more duties and
influence. You would work the usual council hours - 37 per
week, although there may be times when additional hours would be
needed to meet specific deadlines and timetables. Flexible working
arrangements, a car allowance and other travel benefits are
available in some authorities.
Daily Activities
The main purpose of the job is to provide administrative and
managerial backup to the democratic services manager who is
empowered to ensure that the council functions in an open and
accountable way. This means advising council committees and working
parties on correct procedures, relevant legislation and
interpretation of standing orders - what can and cannot be done -
notifying them of decisions taken and action to be followed. There
is a great deal of committee work and 'political' negotiation with
a responsibility for setting up meetings, educating officers,
members and external bodies about what it means in detail to run a
democratic local government system. This will entail close working
with the managers of town centres who have close contact with
members of the public and meet their grievances head on. Officers
will also service meetings of quasi-judicial bodies such as those
called to look at education admission appeals - where parents
concerns about what schools their children have been allocated to
attend or are excluded from are considered. The democratic services
officer gives advice to these bodies in accordance with relevant
legislation, internal procedures and natural justice. Within this,
there are other specific duties, which include:
- developing a detailed knowledge of local government
administrative law;
- preparing reports of committee outcomes for the Chief
Executive;
- researching and preparing replies for signature by the Leader
of the Council, the mayor and others;
- encouraging public and stakeholder involvement in town centre
forums;
- monitoring understanding of the democratic functioning of the
council;
- developing new ways of getting the community
involved;
- taking part in initiatives linked to performance regulation and
efficiency.
Skills & Interests
To be competent at this job you would need to be able to:
- show enthusiasm for public involvement in local decision
making;
- work equally well with the formal committee process and with
wider partnership groups involving the public and other
stakeholders;
- work in a team;
- build effective working relationships with a diversity of
individuals and groups;
- communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- inspire confidence;
- analyse and evaluate well, drawing logical conclusions from
complex information;
- apply new technology;
- demonstrate resilience and stay effective in stressful
conditions;
- respect and promote diversity;
- exercise political awareness;
- demonstrate first class administrative skills;
- work with word processing and e-mail systems.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 2 A Levels (Grade A - C) are essential.
Experience in local government - in drafting letters, reports,
servicing committees, working parties - is required. You would be
expected to be a good meetings administrator. You may also have
ICSA qualification or equivalent. Qualification and
non-qualification training is given both in-house and via external
short courses.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
In today's political climate (which also reflects the requirements
of EU legislation) the public expects recognition of its rights and
consequently the state has increasing obligations. This area of
work offers many opportunities for advancement. The transferable
skills gained from this role mean senior posts become a viable
career path.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Management Institute www.managers.org.uk
Institute of Administrative Management www.instam.org
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.