Job Description Elections Officer Politically Restricted Post a

Responsible To: Legal, Licensing and Elections Manager

Responsible For: The implementation of the duties as per the job description and to supervise the Elections Assistant

Scope: To deliver high quality services that are valued by Customers and can evidence that they are value for money

Grade: H

Job Purpose:

1. To assist the Legal, Licensing and Elections Manager in delivering the Governance service plan by the provision of a comprehensive, high quality service to its customers

2. To ensure you deliver your service in line with the Council’s values, performance management approach and positive behaviours

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. To ensure the holding and conduct of Local and National Elections, Referenda and ancillary functions is undertaken in accordance with all relevant legislation and guidance, and to interpret as required

2. To be responsible for the efficient and timely preparation, maintenance and publication of the Register of Electors, and ancillary functions, under the requirements of the Representation of the People Act 2000 or any subsequent legislation

3. To be responsible for the supervision, training and instruction of the temporary staff employed in connection with the electoral functions

4. To have a major responsibility for the Electoral Services budgets 5. To provide the Legal, Licensing and Elections Manager with budget information that will assist in the allocation of appropriate budgets to maximise benefits to the Council

6. To prepare accounts and make all relevant payments in relation to electoral services

7. To provide information, advice and assistance where appropriate to Elected Members, Candidates, Parishes and Political Parties and others in connection with electoral matters

8. As required to assist in the processing and preparation of Orders with regard to Parish Matters and carrying out of community governance reviews. 9. To be responsible for the preparation of documents to support boundary, periodic and further electoral reviews

10. To regularly review the efficiency of the service and to identify and introduce, where appropriate, new systems and techniques to improve working practices and efficiencies and to monitor the performance of the service against any national or local performance targets which may be set

11. To identify and introduce any initiatives to enhance the electors’ ability to vote and thereby increase voter turnout

12. To be prepared to work anti-social hours during election times and during the annual canvass to fulfill the duties required 13. To act as designated support for named councillors as and when required.

14. Work with the Legal, Licensing and Elections Manager to improve and monitor client satisfaction with the service provided by Legal Services

15. To support and deputise for the Legal, Licensing and Elections Manager as required

16. Other duties and responsibilities within the professional competence of the postholder as directed by the Legal, Licensing and Elections Manager

General:

 To deliver the service within the Council’s Customer Service Charter  To deliver the service within the Council’s performance management framework  To deliver the service within the Council’s values and behaviours  To adhere to the Council’s policies on disciplinary and equal opportunities  To deliver within the Council’s Integrated Assurance framework.

Health and Safety:

 To acquaint themselves with the Council’s Health and Safety Policy and to ensure that it is practised at all times.  To ensure any equipment, device or clothing provided by the Council intended to safeguard employees against risk of injury or ill health is kept in such a manner as to ensure its effectiveness.  To report all accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses to the person who is immediately senior to them or to the person to whom they normally report.  To co-operate with the Council in meeting its statutory obligations with regard to Health and Safety at Work Legislation. Person Specification Elections Officer Emphasis How Job Related Skills and Experience (Essential or assessed Desirable Personal Competencies/Attitude  Clear verbal and written communication skills E I & A  Wanting to get stuff done, a clear delivery focus that uses self-motivation E I & A

 To be able to add value to the organisation and promote best practice E I & A

 Ability to interpret key data/facts E I & A Experience  Good level of practical experience in electoral registration and running a successful election E I & A

 Good knowledge of election procedure, practice and legislation E I & A

Skills/Knowledge.  Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of election practices  Ability to work methodically and accurately with records E I & A  Ability to work under pressure, plan, prioritise and to work to tight deadlines E I & A  Excellent administrative, organisational, report writing, IT, attention to detail and problem E I & A solving skills  Ability to effectively handle sensitive and confidential information E I & A Work Arrangements  To do what’s needed, when it’s needed E I & A Education  5 GSCEs (A-C) including English and math or equivalent E A  Relevant professional Electoral Registration and Elections qualification (AEA) or committed to E I & A working towards such qualifications I = Interview A = Application