Job Introduction
We are looking for someone with a real passion for democracy to deliver our participation and engagement work. Working in the Democratic Services team, you will be supported by the Electoral Services Manager and Head of Democratic Services.
You’ll oversee the work of the Council’s youth led democracy project, helping young people to engage with politics and decision making. You’ll also coordinate and assist with the election of young people to Youth Council / Cabinet. We have a good reputation for youth led democracy in Milton Keynes and are members of the British Youth Council.
The role will also require working in partnership with a variety of stakeholders to engage with communities to advance key messages about registering to vote, electoral integrity and turnout. You’ll also play a key part in ensuring that voters in Milton Keynes are ready for voter identification in May 2023.
As you will be working with young people, an enhanced DBS check will be required. Some evening and weekend work will be required, but you will have the freedom to manage your workload, supported by our flexible working policy.
Interviews for this role will take place W/C 29 August 2022
Main Responsibility
- Drawing on an appropriate evidence base, to formulate and deliver a Democratic Engagement Plan for the Council, which is evaluated and refreshed annually. To collaborate with colleagues to deliver tailored communication plans to support electoral registration, voter turnout and election integrity messages on an ongoing basis.
- Support and lead (working collaboratively with youth workers, democratic service colleagues and volunteers) the Council’s young people led democracy project (currently the MK Youth Cabinet) to:
- establish and promote processes that allow decision makers to understand their views;
- help to identify and support appropriate ‘campaign priorities’; and
- organising elections as directed / appropriate.
- Develop and support active interest and participation from key groups in decision making processes and democratic processes at a local, regional and national level. Attend democratic engagement forums and events where required.
- Formulate a programme of work in schools and MK College, directly leading sessions which are specifically aimed at increasing young people’s understanding of local democracy and the importance of their engagement in the work of the council and of elections.
- Plan and deliver Borough-wide initiatives to increase democratic engagement, targeting groups who are most disengaged from local democracy, for example ethnic groups and adults with learning disability.
- Support the delivery of voter identification requirements and the Council’s engagement with people who could find this presents obstacles to their involvement.
Establish community outreach networks in areas where participation is lower, working with, and through, established local organisations like parish and town councils, places of worship and the voluntary and community sector to reach and engage with residents to specifically promote voter registration.
The Ideal Candidate
As the role involves working with young people, a youth work qualification (or similar) would be an advantage but is not essential.
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone enthusiastic, organised, who is an excellent communicator and can build effective relationships.
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 18.8%
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cashplan
- MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
- SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
- Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles)
- Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs)
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements
- Childcare Subsidy
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.
Milton Keynes Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.
Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.
