Electoral Services

Post: / Presiding Officer
Responsible To: / Returning Officer
Responsible For: / Polling Station and Poll Clerk
Fee: / £288.90 (including training and travel)

Electoral Services

Job Description

Purpose of the Job

To manage the processes required by legislation and to ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere.

Special Conditions

·  This is a casual position for a single election

·  Dress standard is smart but casual

·  Polling Commences at 7:00am and finishes at 10:00pm. Presiding Officers must arrive at their polling station by 6:15am at the latest

·  The post holder is not allowed to leave the polling station at anytime until the close of poll

·  The post holder may be required to assist the Chief Presiding Officer to deliver the ballot box back to the Returning Officer, following the close of poll

·  The post holder must not have helped or been employed in any way with any candidate, election agent or political party involved with this election.

·  Acceptance of Waiving of Working Time Directive for the period of employment

·  Attendance at a training session is compulsory.

Main Duties

·  Comply with any instructions issued by the Returning Officer

·  Read the Handbook for Polling Station Staff and any other instructions issued by the Returning Officer

·  Assist the Chief Presiding Officer in ensuring the polling station is opened and closed on time

·  Check that all necessary supplies and election stationery have been delivered to the polling station

·  Account and be responsible for all the ballot papers, issued and un-issued

·  Erect the polling booths and organise the layout of the polling station

·  Make sure that the proper procedure for voting is followed and ensure that electors are treated impartially and with respect

·  Instruct and supervise the work of the poll clerk, ensuring that ballot papers issued to voters are issued in order and that the corresponding numbers list is marked correctly

·  Deal with special voting procedures

·  Receive postal votes delivered by voters by hand

·  Maintain the secrecy of the ballot at all times

·  Be polite and professional in dealing with voters, candidates and agents and others entitled to be present in the polling station.

·  Act impartially at all times.

·  Monitor the activities of tellers and make sure that they do not interfere with the voting process

·  Keep the polling station neat and tidy throughout the day and ensure that all signs and notices are clear, visible and remain in place

·  Communicate any significant issues to the elections office immediately

·  Complete the ballot paper account and associated paperwork, as well as pack up documents in accordance with instructions given by the Returning Officer

·  Supervise the dismantling of the polling station and ensure the building is returned to good order

Presiding Officer

Person Specification

EXPERIENCE
Essential / Desirable
Some understanding of importance and significance of elections
Previous line-management or supervisory experience
To have worked at a polling station on a previous occasion / Previous experience of working in a customer facing environment
SKILLS/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential / Desirable
Excellent communication skills
An awareness of, and sensitivity to, the needs of a broad range of voters
Present yourself in a confident and professional manner
Ability to work independently and remain calm under pressure and to follow legal procedures
Excellent administration/numeric skills and attention to detail and the ability to complete a ballot paper account across three sets of ballot papers
A team player with flexible attitude