Committee administrators play a key role in the day to day operation of the democratic processes. The job is chiefly concerned with servicing meetings of all types, including those where members of the public may play an active part.

There are over 4,000 staff operating in committee administration roles in local government within the UK. They are employed in all types of local authorities.

Work Environment

The work is carried out in an office environment and attending meetings both in the Town Hall or Civic Centre and other council meeting venues e.g. area assemblies or community forums.

Daily Activities

The work principally involves the preparation of agendas and reports; attending council meetings to record the business undertaken; the production of formal minutes; liaison with other services within the council; and advising elected members on the democratic processes and procedures.

Skills & Interests

Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills are important along with political awareness because of the nature of the business and the individuals being supported.

The ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines (often under pressure) and still maintain a commitment to good customer care are also essential, along with a high standard of written skills for the production of accurate and concise communications of all types. Minute-taking requires the ability to accurately record salient points often arising from lengthy and complex debate to produce coherent and concise formal records.

Keyboard skills and computer literacy are required (in particular Microsoft Office) as many authorities now use electronic means for document transfer.

Entry Requirements

A good all round education with a commitment to public service ethos plus relevant qualifications although some staff come in at trainee level and work towards relevant qualifications in post. These may be drawn from a HNC or degree in Public Administration, membership of or working towards the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators qualifications.

Estimated salary range

£18,000 - £23,300

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

The work offers a sound basis for career progression with central corporate roles in local government and the modernisation agenda is providing scope for further and more varied career development supporting cabinet and scrutiny structures and roles. Management opportunities exist bridging both committee and member support services and the most senior post is clerk to the council.

Opportunities for advancement are greater within larger authorities (counties, metropolitans and unitaries).

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