Vacancies

Democratic and Elections Trainee

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

About the role

This exciting opportunity involves supporting the delivery of high quality decision making, scrutiny, electoral and councillor support functions in accordance with any statutory, policy, financial, contractual or legal responsibilities.

You will be involved in administrative support, such as assisting members in their roles - this includes maintaining up-to-date information on the website. Also, supporting the administration of member training and induction events.

What will you be doing?

You will provide support to the Democratic Services Team, to help ensure that the Council’s formal decision-making and other democratic processes operate efficiently and effectively.

Providing support to the Electoral Services Team in the operation of all elections/referendums, particularly during the annual canvass, the period leading up to an election and post-election.

A requirement will be supporting the political processes of the Council, including assisting with the administrative support of Council meetings.

Maintaining and updating the information held in the software used by the Democratic and Elections Team (Modern.gov and Xpress).

Carrying out the administration of petitions received either in paper format or as an e-petition and other corporate and organisational development duties as may be required from time to time.

Undertaking such other duties as may from time to time be necessary to ensure the appropriate delivery of services to the Council, members, officers and members of the public.

About you

Do you have experience working in an office environment and responding to competing demands? Do you have good working knowledge of a range of IT applications including Microsoft Office, Outlook and other more specialist or complex IT systems?

Our ideal person will have experience in planning and managing tasks to tight deadlines. You will have an understanding of data protection, security and the handling of confidential information, and will be able to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills.

We’re looking for someone with a sharp eye for detail, who is organised and methodical and doesn’t shy away from a challenge.

Of course, you will have the ability to maintain political sensitivity and impartiality and can demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people's behaviours, physical, social and welfare needs.

Our benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, these include:

Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days annual leave per year, 29 days for senior managers (pro rata, depending on how many hours per week you work), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service, and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
Cycle to Work scheme.
Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
Car Lease scheme
Payment of professional subscription / membership - If your job description requires that you are registered with or are a member of a professional body, WNC will pay for your professional subscription or membership fees.
Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
A variety of flexible working options to support your work/life balance, including full or part time, term time, 9-day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
Our West Ways of Working – We want our workforce to thrive, and we equip our employees with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site, depending on the role.
Making a difference - If you want to use your skills and experience with an organisation that are genuinely invested in making a difference, are committed to improving people's lives, and whose success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your family, friends and people in your local area, then West Northamptonshire Council is the place for you.

About us

We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what it's like to work at West Northants Council https://youtu.be/lV0EfeUF4aU

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.

Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and challenges you in a positive way, every day.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.