Job Overview
Bournemouth Town Council is seeking an organised, proactive and customer-focused Council Services Officer to support the delivery of a wide range of council services.
This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of a new and developing Town Council. Working closely with the Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer, you will provide administrative and operational support across financial administration, governance, civic events, allotments management and customer enquiries.
The successful candidate will help ensure the Council operates efficiently, transparently and in accordance with its statutory responsibilities whilst delivering excellent service to residents, councillors and stakeholders.
Duties
- Process purchase orders, invoices and payments.
- Maintain financial records, spreadsheets and accounting systems.
- Assist with budget monitoring, bank reconciliations and audit preparation.
- Provide administrative support for Council and committee meetings.
- Prepare and circulate agendas, reports and supporting papers.
- Draft minutes and maintain action logs.
- Maintain governance records, policies, procedures and registers.
- Support the publication of agendas, minutes, decisions and policies on the Council website.
- Assist with Freedom of Information requests, Subject Access Requests and other information governance processes.
- Support the planning and delivery of civic and ceremonial events.
- Act as a point of contact for residents, councillors and stakeholders.
- Respond to enquiries received by email, telephone and other communication channels.
- Administer allotment services, including waiting lists, tenancy records, inspections and tenant enquiries.
- Maintain databases, records and electronic filing systems.
- Support Council projects, consultations and community initiatives.
- Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as reasonably required by the Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer.
Skills
- Experience in an administrative role.
- Experience of financial administration, record keeping or similar administrative processes.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritise competing workloads and meet deadlines.
- Ability to draft accurate correspondence, notes and reports.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and SharePoint.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement.
- Ability to establish positive working relationships with councillors, residents and stakeholders.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle available for business use.
- Ability to travel throughout Bournemouth and attend evening meetings and occasional weekend events when required.
Desirable
- Experience working in local government, parish or town council administration, or a public sector environment.
- Experience supporting committee services or democratic processes.
- Experience preparing agendas, minutes or formal records.
- Experience working with accounting or financial management systems.
- Experience supporting civic events, community projects or public engagement activities.
- Experience of allotments management, community facilities or public-facing services.
- Knowledge of local government governance and decision-making processes.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunity to help shape and support a new Town Council serving Bournemouth's communities.
Application Information
Applicants should submit a completed Bournemouth Town Council application form demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria for the role. Forms can be requested from [email protected]
The Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received. Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.
Pay: £30,023.00-£32,046.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bournemouth BH2
