Committee Services Officer

Job title: Committee Services Officer
Location of the job: Warwick
Contract type: 6 Months temporary
Weekly hours: 37
Working hours and breaks: Office Working
Start date: ASAP

Role Overview:
The Committee Services Officer (Scrutiny) will play a vital role in supporting the democratic processes of the Council.

The role involves providing expert advice, ensuring the smooth administration of committee meetings, and supporting the scrutiny function within the local authority.

Key Responsibilities:

• Committee Administration: Liaise with the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, service heads, and report authors to manage committee agendas, ensure reports are in the correct format, and meet deadlines.


• Meeting Management: Attend approximately 40 meetings and training sessions annually, many of which will be in the evening.
  
  Ensure accurate recording of decisions, and create checklists to ensure implementation of meeting outcomes.


• Scrutiny Process: Lead on the Council's pre and post-scrutiny process, including compiling and producing documents such as summaries of decisions following committee meetings.


• Project Participation: Contribute to the delivery of various projects within the team.


• Legislative Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, ensuring that agendas and reports are available for inspection by the required dates.


• Deputise Responsibilities: Act as a deputy for the Chairman's PA in their absence and participate in the administration of elections managed by Warwick District Council.

Qualifications & Experience:
Essential:

• Minimum of two years' experience in committee/democratic administration within local government.


• Experience providing advice at meetings.


• Understanding of the scrutiny function in local authorities.


• 3 A Levels (Grade A-C) or equivalent, including Mathematics and English.


• BTEC Higher National Diploma or Certificate in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent.


• Ability to advise on local government law, Access to Information legislation, and political sensitivity.

Desirable:

• Association of Democratic Services Officers Certificate or Diploma.


• Experience providing services to a Scrutiny Committee and task and finish groups.


• Degree-level qualifications relevant to the role.

Skills & Abilities:
Essential:

• Strong interpersonal skills for dealing with senior colleagues, elected Members, and the public.


• High level of IT skills.


• Ability to prioritize, solve problems, and work under tight deadlines.


• Adaptability and the ability to work both independently and within a team.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting Scrutiny Committee reviews and policy development.

Other Requirements:

• Evening Meetings: Ability to attend evening meetings is essential.


• Equality & Diversity: Commitment to applying equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in service delivery.


• Health & Safety: Responsibility for personal health and safety and compliance with Council policies.