Committee Officer

Help Shape Local Democracy in Norwich

Norwich is a vibrant and ambitious city with a rich history and an exciting future. We are looking for a highly organised and motivated Committee Officer to join our Democratic Services team and play a pivotal role in supporting the Council's decision-making processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative, organisational and communication skills who is passionate about public service and good governance.

About The Role

As a Committee Officer, you will provide professional support to a range of council committees, boards and panels, ensuring that meetings are planned, managed and conducted effectively and in accordance with legislation and the Council's Constitution.

You will work closely with elected members, senior officers and external stakeholders, helping to ensure transparent, lawful and efficient democratic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Preparing and publishing committee agendas and reports.
• Attending meetings and producing accurate minutes and records of decisions.
• Providing procedural and governance advice to councillors and officers.
• Managing statutory notices and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
• Supporting elected members and maintaining effective working relationships across the organisation.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of democratic processes and services.
  
  

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
• Can prioritise a varied workload and meet competing deadlines.
• Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Has experience of committee administration, governance, public sector administration, or a related environment (desirable).

Demonstrates sound judgement, professionalism and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.

Is confident using a range of IT systems and digital technologies.

Can work flexibly, including occasional evening meetings.

Knowledge of local government decision-making processes and relevant legislation would be an advantage, but we are equally keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills and a commitment to learning.

Job Description

• Organising and recording committee and other meetings meetings as allocated, including preparation of agendas, reports and minutes and taking follow up action
• Advising elected members and officers of the Council, members of outside bodies etc on the Council’s Constitution and other procedural issues.
• Providing support to elected members, officers etc.
• Undertaking other tasks as allocated, e.g, appointments to outside bodies, maintaining the Council’s Constitution, etc.
• Conduct research and prepare briefing notes or reports as required.
• Create, develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and external contacts, to enhance the performance of the service and the Council as a whole.
• Carry out elections duties as directed by the Democratic and elections manager in supporting the Returning Officer.
  
  

Key service-related accountabilities

• Undertaking tasks as allocated, e.g, appointments to outside bodies, maintaining the Council’s Constitution, etc.
• Conduct research and prepare briefing notes or reports as required.
• Create, develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and external contacts, to enhance the performance of the service and the Council as a whole.
• Carry out elections duties as directed by the Democratic and elections manager in supporting the Returning Officer.
• The post holder will be required to work evenings and occasional weekends.
  
  

General requirements

• Post holders will be expected to be flexible in their duties and carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and falling within the general scope of the job, as requested by management
• Duties and responsibilities must be carried out in accordance with relevant Norwich City Council policies and procedures, within legislation and any code of professional ethics of relevant professional body.
• All employees are expected to maintain a high standard of customer care in the context of the council’s core values, to uphold the Equality and Diversity Policy and health and safety standards and to participate in personal learning and development necessary to the post.
  
  

Why work for us

Our council is full of people who have chosen to work in local government because they want to help others and make a difference to their lives or the environment in which local people live.

To find out more about working and living in Norwich Home | Work in Norwich.

The council has a long and proud history of being a council that is keen to push the boundaries of what a district can achieve, to find out more about what it is like to work in local government visit Working in local government - #LocalGov Careers - Youth Employment UK

We offer our employees a competitive pay and benefits package. Whether you’re looking for a new career, promotion, flexible working opportunity to fit with your home life or a sideways move – we have a variety of challenging employment opportunities for everybody.

Norwich City Council offers the opportunity to work with great people who are passionate about promoting Norwich and the services the council provides. We also offer good career prospects with competitive rates of pay, generous holidays and working arrangements to suit all lifestyles.

Equal Opportunities Policy

The council is committed to a policy of equality opportunity in employment, in recruitment and the services we provide. Applications are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post regardless of sex, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. People with disabilities are guaranteed an interview provided they are suitably qualified and/or experienced.

Candidates will be considered for shortlisting on the factual information on their application form. Therefore it is important to give as much detail as possible including information about experience gained outside employment.

Benefits

We offer our employees a competitive pay and benefits package and are proud to have the Living Wage accreditation. Whether you’re looking for a new career, promotion, flexible working opportunity to fit with your home life or a sideways move – we have a variety of challenging employment opportunities for everybody.

• All employees are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Paid holiday entitlement starts at 26 days per annum and increases with length of service to a maximum of 33 days per annum. This is pro rata for part-time employees
• In addition to the statutory public holidays, we grant an additional statutory day leave at Christmas
• Norwich City Council supports its employees through the provision of occupational health and employee assistance support