Democratic Services Officer

• Democratic_Services_Officer__Temp__2026_JD

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

We have an excellent opportunity for a Democratic Services Officer to join our Democratic & Electoral Services team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, 3-month fixed term contract.

As Democratic Services Officer, you will support the delivery of high-quality decision-making, scrutiny, electoral, and councillor support functions in accordance with statutory, policy, and financial responsibilities. You'll work within the Governance, Resources & Assets Directorate, contributing to the efficient and effective operation of the Council's political decision-making processes while championing impartiality and transparency throughout all democratic activities.

This role requires expertise in supporting formal committee and decision-making processes, including servicing meetings, preparing agendas, minutes, reports, and associated correspondence. You'll provide guidance and advice to councillors and officers on the Council's Constitution and relevant statutory provisions, while maintaining knowledge of local government legislation to ensure all documentation and formal procedures comply with statutory requirements.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented, collaborative professional with experience in local government environments, formal committee processes, and stakeholder engagement to join our team.

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave – 27 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

Key Responsibilities

• To support the Council’s formal decision making and other democratic processes to ensure the efficient and effective operation of these processes and to ensure that processes are delivered in accordance with the requirements of legislation and the Council’s Constitution.
• To service meetings of Council committees, sub-committees and other bodies, and advise on their terms of reference and to ensure that procedures and documents comply with relevant legislative and corporate requirements.
• To prepare agendas, decisions sheets, minutes, reports and associated correspondence as required for a number of Council committees and other formal meetings.
• To provide guidance, advice and support to Councillors and Officers in the operation of the Council’s decision-making processes, relevant statutory provisions and the interpretation of the Council’s Constitution.
• To ensure that elected Councillors are supported in their role and responsibilities, including, assisting with arranging Councillors induction/briefing sessions and supporting and advising Councillors with registration of interests.
• To maintain knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in order to ensure that all relevant documentation and formal procedures comply with statutory requirements and to be able to implement new procedures, as necessary.

Candidate Requirements

• Educated to A-level standard or similar.
• Good IT skills including Office software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure whilst organising own workload and working to tight deadlines.
• An understanding of political sensitivity and impartiality
• Experience of supporting formal committee/decision making processes or working in this nature of environment.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.

Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Priya Patel, Head of Democratic & Electoral Services, via Priya.Patel@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: Sunday 3rd May 2026 at 11pm

Interview date: TBC

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.