Governance Officer

Our local authority client based in North London are urgently seeking an experienced Governance Officer.

£21.05 an hour Umbrella

Purpose of the Role:

• To administer formal and informal meetings of the Council as allocated in accordance with agreed working practices and with the minimum of supervision.
• To deal with all associated administrative matters and follow-up actions.
• To provide professional support to the Monitoring Officer, to management and colleagues in the delivery of relevant services.
• To ensure that the decision-making process works efficiently and effectively and in accordance with the Council's Constitution.
• To provide cover and support across the Governance and Scrutiny Team.
• To provide professional advice and guidance to members, officers and other key stakeholders on the Council's decision-making arrangements and procedural matters.

Accountabilities

1. To administer meetings allocated to the post holder, including the preparation and co-ordination of agenda and associated reports, attendance at the meetings, recording the business transacted and drafting and finalising minutes or notes in the agreed format
2. To keep management informed of issues requiring further consideration or action
3. To undertake follow-up actions arising from meetings and the decisions of Members, keeping their line manager and senior management informed of outcomes where necessary, including where complications arise
4. To be responsible for the evacuation procedure during committee and other meetings where appropriate.
5. To deputise for other Governance & Scrutiny staff as directed by their line manager or senior management
6. To provide cover for the administration of meetings and other work across the Governance Team.
7. To establish, develop and maintain effective working relationships and communications with Officers, Members, external agencies, and individuals

Essential:

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to carry out research and to collect, collate and present information to a high standard of accuracy and presentation, even when under pressure
2. Diplomatic and tactful, with excellent customer services skills, able to deal with sensitive and highly charged political situations
3. Ability to competently use computerised record systems, including Microsoft Word and Excel and email systems, and to be able to identify and evaluate how IT can improve the delivery of support services
4. Good organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to set and work to deadlines and to prioritise workload
5. Ability and willingness to regularly work evening meetings when required and flexibility to cover staff absences

Desirable:

1. Experience of committee administration, including responsibility for managing meetings, producing agenda and minutes, and advising on procedures and guidelines

The role is mostly office based so would be required to come in but there is some flexibility to work from home after evening meetings to complete minutes

Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained.

At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy will have been unsuccessful.