(four year fixed-term contract)
Our Administration Division operates in the centre of the organisation and has a key role to play in supporting the democratic process, Council, Panel and Partnership meetings and services for Members.
We are offering an opportunity for an enthusiastic and energetic person to join us as a trainee in Democratic Services until summer 2012. We will provide practical on-the-job training and the opportunity to pursue a professional qualification. In return, we will be looking to you to make a positive contribution to a varied workload, and the new challenges and opportunities facing local democracy.
You should have three good A Level passes or equivalent and it is important that you have high standards of literacy, communication and IT skills.
General
The Administration Division of the Central Services Directorate is responsible for a variety of front line and support services within the District Council.
The primary responsibilities of the Division are –
- Supporting the democratic process involving elected Councillors.
- Ensuring high standards of probity in the Council’s business and that of Parish Councils in Huntingdonshire.
- The operation of the electoral process.
- Public protection involving the licensing of various activities.
- The local land charge process.
- Telecommunications and reception services.
- Printing and reprographic services.
Principally, the Trainee’s position is designed to provide practical experience and training in Democratic Services and meeting administration as well as giving the post holder the opportunity to contribute to the various activities of the Division. The Trainee will be required to study for a suitable professional qualification.
Term
This post is offered on a fixed-term contract until summer 2012 during which time the post holder will be expected to have obtained a professional qualification.
Salary Grade
The salary is in accordance with Grade 11 of the Council’s grading scheme which has a range of £15, 882 to £23,822 per annum. The post holder will progress to Grade 10 which has a range of £18,339 to £27,507 per annum, subject to part qualification. The starting salary is expected to be circa £15,882 per annum. Progression through the grade will be by annual progression based upon assessed performance with additional incremental progression for examination success.
Principal Duties
The post holder will be trained in the following principal areas with an increasing involvement in carrying out the duties of the various sections upon having gained sufficient experience –
The democratic process including –
- Convening, attending and recording meetings of Councillors and Officers.
- Support for Councillors both collectively and in their constituency roles.
- Research and report writing.
- Providing advice and guidance to Councillors and Officers on the Council’s constitution.
Ethical standards including –
- Promoting high standards of conduct by Councillors.
- Promoting high standards of conduct by Parish Councillors.
- Providing advice, guidance and training to Councillors on codes of conduct.
The post holder will also have the opportunity to gain experience and assist in the following areas –
The electoral process including -
- The registration of eligible persons to vote.
- The conduct of all elections for Parliament, the European Parliament and County, District and Parish Councils.
- The review of electoral boundaries.
The local land charges process including -
- The registration of charges for land and property.
- The processing of land charges applications for land and property transactions.
Public protection including -
- The licensing of individuals, premises and vehicles for a variety of purposes.