Democratic Services Officer

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Please apply online via the link provided.

36-month fixed-term contract or 36-month secondment for internal candidates

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Democratic Services Officer on a fixed-term contract.

At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a good work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices and hybrid working opportunities, allowing you to work in the office and from home.

Anysuccessful internal candidate will be offered the position as a secondment and, in line with Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy, must consult with their manager before applying.

About you...

You will be at the heart of local government, playing a key role in supporting the council’s decision-making processes. You will work as part of the Democratic Services team, administering and supporting a variety of council and partnership bodies. Your work will be especially important following the council’s recent SEND inspection, as you take responsibility for managing a range of committees, sub-committees and other councillor, officer and partnership bodies, while also contributing to the effective delivery of the council’s decision-making processes.

We are looking for someone with a degree-level education, or equivalent, or verifiable experience and training. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of Information Security and GDPR requirements. You will also have experience of presenting information and advice confidently and effectively to a wide range of people.

About the team...

You will be working at the heart of the council in the Democratic and Registration Services division which encompasses three teams working closely with colleagues at all levels across the organisation.

The Democratic Services team works closely with councillors, colleagues throughout the council and external partners to ensure that decision making is timely and in accordance with the council’s Constitution as well as being clear and transparent to the residents of Bracknell Forest.

Whether you are an experienced Democratic Services Officer or just looking to build on limited experience, you will have plenty of scope to develop your skills and expertise within this role. Advice and guidance will always be on hand from a positive and supportive team.

Key responsibilities…

• To manage a number of the council's committees, sub-committees and other councillor, officer and partnership bodies and support the council's decision-making processes, including executive decision making.
• To arrange and clerk quasi-judicial appeals panels, including licensing, school admission and exclusion (Independent Review) panels.
• To work with the Team Leader: Overview and Scrutiny when required, to support the effective delivery of the overview and scrutiny function.

Training and guidance will be provided.

Our benefits…

• 28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service
• The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
• An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
• Local government pension scheme.
• Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme).
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
• A great office location next to travel links and Bracknell Forest’s thriving town centre.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
• Sports and Social Club.
• Staff dental and health plans.
• Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
• Supermarket discount.

*(pro rata for part time)

Our values

At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.

Interview date...

Interviews will be held on Monday, 7th July 2025.

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Name: Hannah Harding

Job title: Team Leader

Phone number: 01344 264519

Email: Hannah.harding@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambitious and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details.

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.

No agencies please.