Senior Governance Officer
Temporary (3 - 6 months), Full Time
£19.74 per hour
Location: Basildon
HRGO are delighted to be supporting to recruit three Senior Governance Officers on a temporary basis.
Overview
Senior Governance Officer is a key role that operates as part of a small team providing high-quality service to support meetings of the Council, and its committees.
With the ability to work both at home and in the office through hybrid arrangements, the post will also be required to provide support to a range of internal and external meetings, Members of the Council and carry out a range of other duties to support the Council's democratic and decision-making process and ensure effective governance arrangements exist.
Accountabilities
To be responsible for the timetabling, servicing and co-ordination of the work of meetings of Cabinet, Committees, and any related Sub-Committees (including quasi-judicial hearings) and Panels as appropriate, including partnership and specified internal meetings. To effectively manage and administer meetings of the Council's decision-making bodies in accordance with legislative requirements and the Council's Constitution.
Preparation of Agendas for the Council's meetings to set procedures and within strict deadlines involving collation and checking of material from various sources, writing reports, etc.
Arrangement and attendance at meetings, usually held in the evening, either hybrid or in person, ensuring that all documents and other material relevant to the meeting are available and taking action as directed upon decisions made by the meeting, involving the preparation of letters and of further reports.
To provide at those meetings procedural, legal and constitutional advice particularly to Members.
To provide advice and expert guidance across the organisation regarding the Council's democratic and decision-making processes.
To prepare reports for Council, Cabinet and committees and ensure that all services accord with the Council's processes and arrangements for production of reports to ensure high quality reports and providing training an advice when required.
To maintain appropriate work plans for meetings and an awareness of work-related issues across the service, and lead on issues upon request.
To act as meetings manager for allocated internal and external meetings to ensure they work smoothly and effectively and driving the agenda business planning system and contributing to new ways of operating.
To liaise as necessary with the public, Officers of the Council at all levels and Members on a wide variety of subjects relevant to the responsibilities of the service. Fostering good working relationships with the rest of the organisation.
To undertake a range of specific tasks and projects on behalf of the service. (See list below):
- To contribute to the Council's corporate working groups as necessary and to be responsive to corporate needs.
- To represent the department at meetings and briefings to advise Members on a wide variety of subjects relevant to the responsibilities of the service.
- To manage the Member Development function ensuring statutory requirements are met, in addition to commissioning appropriate training / briefings on any further topics required by Members.
- To provide training on a range of matters relevant to the work of the department to Members and Officers as appropriate.
- To provide the initial point of contact for newly elected Members in their first weeks as a Councillor to ensure that they meet all statutory requirements and feel welcomed to the Council. Arranging induction events as required and ensuring they have the information and equipment needed.
- To utilise the report management system to support the democratic and decision-making processes and maintaining an overview of the system to ensure that it meets the needs of the section and the organisation. Providing on-going support to report writers.
- To develop, review and maintain a wide range of guides and protocols relating to the democratic process (in addition to those contained within the Constitution) and advise Members and Officers on their use.
- To maintain an awareness of emerging legislation affecting the Council's decision-making processes and contribute to responding to this to ensure the Council's compliance.
- To establish and maintain effective and efficient working relationships across the Council.
The Experience You Will Bring
- At least 3 years' experience of managing and providing administrative support to committees
- Managing projects using formal project management skills
- Experience of working with Elected Members
- Experience of working in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance i.e. a Councils Constitution
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a diverse number of tasks whilst meeting challenging timescales on a regular basis
- Excellent written communication skills including the ability to write high quality reports and minutes of meetings
- Ability to establish effective relationships with Elected Members and Officers at all levels of the organisation
- Flexible approach with the ability to attend evening meetings on a regular basis
