Politically Restricted Post
Electoral Services Manager
Grade N £36,019 - £38,789
Responsible To: Head of Governance
Responsible For: The implementation of the duties as per the job description and to supervise the Electoral Services Assistants
Scope: To deliver high quality services that are valued by Customers and can evidence that they are value for money
Job Purpose:
1. To lead on the delivery of an effective, quality service through the development and delivery of a range of functions, initiatives and projects that provide our customers with value for money
2. To ensure you and your staff deliver your service in line with the Council’s values, performance management approach and positive behaviours
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Manage the Electoral Services in a way that contributes to the delivery of the Council’s priorities, objectives and values, providing a clear sense of direction, optimism and purpose
2. To lead, supervise, allocate and co-ordinate the work of the Electoral Services team to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness of operation; and the provision of timely, accurate and consistently high quality support which fully complies with relevant legislation and best practice; customer satisfaction and service excellence standards
3. To effectively performance manage and develop staff within the service area
4. 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
5. 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
6. To be responsible for the supervision, training and instruction of the temporary staff employed in connection with the electoral functions
7. Contribute towards the development and delivery of the Governance service plan
8. Effectively manage allocated budgets
9. Develop business continuity plans to ensure minimum disruption to service in the event of an emergency
10. To prepare accounts and make all relevant payments in relation to electoral services
11. To provide information, advice and assistance where appropriate to Elected Members, Candidates, Parishes and Political Parties and others in connection with electoral matters
12. As required to assist in the processing and preparation of Orders with regard to Parish Matters and carrying out of community governance reviews.
13. To be responsible for the preparation of documents to support boundary, periodic and further electoral reviews
14. 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
15. To identify and introduce any initiatives to enhance the electors’ ability to vote
16. To be prepared to work anti-social hours during election times and during the annual canvass to fulfill the duties required
17. To act as designated support for named councillors as and when required.
18. To improve and monitor client satisfaction with the service provided by Electoral Services
19. To be the Deputy Returning Officer
20. Other duties and responsibilities within the professional competence of the post-holder as directed by the Head of Governance
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.
Political Restriction: This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and post holders are prohibited from seeking public election, holding political office, writing or speaking publicly on matters of political controversy.
The post holder may be required to work long and unsociable hours often at short notice to meet the needs of the service.
During the statutory election period* the post-holder may be required to suspend any flexible working arrangements / flexitime / annual leave and may be asked to opt out of the European Working Hours Directive - working hours. Whilst the seniority of the post requires a level of additional hours to be worked, where this is exceptional, for example at weekends and bank holidays, remuneration, subject to the approval of the Returning Officer, will be paid.
*The election period is defined for this purpose as from the date of publication of the Notice of election to six working days after polling day.
Politically Restricted Post
Person Specification
Electoral Services Manager
Job Related Skills and Experience / Emphasis (Essential or Desirable / How assessedPersonal 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 solving skills / E / I & A
· 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 working towards such qualifications / E / I & A
I = Interview A = Application