Committee Officer

Committee Officer

Part Time Permanent.

18.25 Hours.

Grade 4 - £30,151 - £37,261 Pro rata.

About Us

Do you want to work at the heart of local-decision making at the largest local authority in Europe?

If so, we are seeking an innovative and enthusiastic Committee Officer – part time (18.25 hours per week) – to work at Birmingham as part of Scrutiny and Committee Services (Legal and Governance).

Working directly with Councillors, and colleagues across the organisation, the team plays a key role in enabling democratic decision making, facilitating participation in local democracy and championing the council’s governance processes. This includes organising high profile meetings, including Cabinet, City Council and Regulatory Committees. In addition, the team has recently taken on new responsibilities in relation to the Birmingham Schools Forum.

The successful candidate will be able to work from home on a regular basis but needs to be able and willing to work at the Council House (and other locations) as/when required.

The Role

We are looking for an individual committed to excellence in their work and with a passion for governance and democratic involvement. If successful, you will work across all aspects of democratic services including:

• managing the work of committees and supporting Councillors in their role;
• co-ordinating and managing the publication of agendas and associated papers for Council, Cabinet and other Committees;
• giving procedural advice to members of the public, Councillors and Council Officers regarding meetings;
• ensuring that the decisions are formally recorded and published.

As part of this, you will need to embrace new technologies and innovative ways of working as council decision making evolves in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Key Requirements

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a politically sensitive environment. You will also have highly developed diplomacy and negotiation skills and an ability to communicate efficiently and confidently with Council members and officers at all levels, external agencies and the public.

You should have a sound knowledge of local government, have relevant experience of meetings administration and be comfortable in providing advice on procedural matters.

The post holder will be required to administer and attend daytime and (on occasions) evening meetings, as required, as well as undertaking a range of associated tasks involving Elected Members and Officers from all the Council’s Directorates.

Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will have experience of managing council committees and decision-making processes, with a good working knowledge of the relevant legislation and regulations relating to democratic processes. As well as having experience in administering committee meetings, you should be adept with IT packages, ideally with experience of CMIS (Committee Management Information System).

The successful candidate will have a flexible approach to ensure the teams duties are covered when required. Enthusiasm and a solution focused approach is key, with excellent attention to detail, an organised approach and good political awareness.

Additional Information

The post is based in the Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB

You must upload a Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. This is required for shortlisting; you need to describe how your experience and skills fit the essential criteria for the role as specified in the Person Specification. If you do not attach your Supporting Statement, your application will not be considered. Please do not attach CVs as we do not accept them.

Closing date 2nd April 2023

For any informal enquires please contact: Christian Scade, Head of Scrutiny and Committee Services, 07517 550013 christian.scade@birmingham.gov.uk

Ref: 826

We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities and flexible working options will be considered.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) may need to apply for a visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and may require a Certificate of Sponsorship from Birmingham City Council for a skilled worker visa (if the job is eligible).

Job Description and Person Specification