Governance Assistant

Directorate: Legal & Democratic Services

Reports to: Head of Governance

Politically Restricted: No

DBS Check

Required:

No

Good governance is at the heart of everything we do  underpins effective decision-making, supports accountability, and helps maintain public trust across our region.

We are looking for a Governance Assistant to support the delivery of high-quality formal, informal and internal governance arrangements. Working closely with the Head of Governance and the wider Governance team, you will provide essential administrative and organisational support that helps ensure our democratic and decision-making processes run smoothly and transparently.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is highly organised, confident working with a wide range of stakeholders, and interested in governance, democracy and the public sector.

You will play a key role in supporting members, officers and external stakeholders by:

• Supporting the organisation and servicing of Member, officer and external meetings
• Preparing and distributing agendas, minutes and reports, and tracking the implementation of decisions
• Ensuring democratic processes comply with the EMCCA Constitution, particularly around access to information and coordination between meetings
• Providing administrative support for meetings and other governance activities
• Contributing to integrated central support for Members and Directorates
• Supporting Member training, development and induction activities, including booking sessions, organising agendas, liaising with speakers and providing event logistics
• Assisting with pre- and post-election arrangements to support the establishment and transition of the Authority
• Maintaining accurate records, including the Register of Members’ Interests, and supporting the Monitoring Officer as required
• Assisting with updates to the Constitution and Schemes of Authorisation
• Coordinating and managing the Monitoring Officer’s diary to ensure effective use of time
• Handling enquiries and resolving issues using initiative and sound judgement
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes and ways of working

You may also be asked to undertake other duties appropriate to the level of the role.

• Excellent customer care skills, with the ability to communicate confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet tight deadlines
• Experience supporting meetings, including preparing agendas, reports and accurate records of decisions
• Ability to interpret procedures, analyse information and contribute to reports
• Confidence using initiative and judgement to resolve issues and improve processes
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and workplace systems, with experience hosting meetings on Zoom and Teams
• High level of literacy and good numeracy, with the ability to summarise complex information clearly
• Educated to A-level standard or equivalent
• An understanding of public sector or local government services and governance arrangements

We are a values-based organisation, guided by four core principles that shape how we work:

Lifting our region – Putting wider outcomes first and acting as advocates for our places and people

Working together – Building strong relationships, valuing collaboration and constructive challenge

Making an impact – Turning ideas into action and delivering meaningful improvements

Being human – Embracing diversity, authenticity and respectful engagement

These values define our culture and how we support each other to achieve positive outcomes for the East Midlands.

To deliver long-term, systemic impact for the people, businesses and places of the East Midlands.

To create a region that is more prosperous, sustainable and fair — built on partnership working and systems leadership.