Lead Democratic & Electoral Services Officer

Are you experienced in working in democratic services and/or elections and looking for a new challenge? Perhaps you’re looking for an opportunity to take a lead in delivering interesting work and broadening your knowledge and experience of elections or governance?

If the answer’s yes, we have the role for you.

We are looking for a Lead Democratic and Electoral Services Officer to join our Democratic Services Team in a role which:

• places you at the heart of the Council’s decision-making process, working closely with our councillors, under our committee system model.
• gives you the chance to positively influence the running of elections and electoral registration.
• gives you the chance to build on your previous experience by working on interesting and high-profile democratic and elections work.

About the role

Sitting at the heart of the Council, our Democratic Services Team:

• provides support to councillors, committees and officers. 
• plays a vital role in ensuring the Council’s decision-making process is efficient.
• ensures the smooth and effective delivery of local and national elections, referendums and electoral registration.
• promotes flexible working.

Who we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• have experience of working in democratic services and/or elections.
• are looking to advance your career and want to broaden your knowledge of either democratic services or elections.
• have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a deep understanding of working within a political environment.
• are an excellent team player, pro-active, dynamic and flexible.

What we offer 

When you join us your expertise, skills and experience will be valued, and your career development will be our priority.

We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference.

We believe in balancing hard work with fun. Our active social team organises two to three events a year, ranging from Staff Awards, quiz nights to rounders in the park, helping the workplace to be productive and enjoyable. 

We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and we hold regular face to face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings to keep you in the loop.

We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on-site parking.

In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (giving you the opportunity to work from home for up to three days a week), flexi-time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

Please visit our website for more information about working for us www.tandridge.gov.uk/jobs and download our Working for Tandridge guide. 

Diversity statement 

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services.

We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act.

Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Want to know more?

If this sounds like your kind of challenge and you want to be part of our friendly and supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’d like to find out more, please read our role profile and specification, or for an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail Alex Berry, Democratic and Electoral Services Manager, Alex Berry at aberry@tandridge.gov.uk or call on 01883 732968.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey is part of the government’s plans for local government reorganisation. This means the current two tier system, where services are split between Surrey County Council and district and borough councils like Tandridge, will be replaced with larger councils, which handle all local services.  

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, this process will take several years and during that time we still need to provide services.  

When local government is reorganised, most staff will transfer to the new council which may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety as part of a larger organisation.