Assistant Assembly Clerk, Clerking (Signer)

Apple Recruitment are recruiting for an Assistant Assembly Clerk, Clerking (Signer) on behalf of the NI Assembly.

Main duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Assembly Clerk, Clerking (Signer) are:

Job Purpose

The Assistant Assembly Clerk role supports the legislative process, and services and supports committees of the Assembly and plenary meetings of the Assembly. This role involves working frequently with Members of the Legislative Assembly (Members), as well as a range of other internal and external stakeholders.

The role of an Assistant Assembly Clerk is both demanding and challenging, operating as it does in a highly pressurised and scrutinised environment, and on occasion outside of normal business hours.

This opportunity is specifically to support the passage of legislation on sign language. The successful candidate will be placed in Committee for Communities and will be expected to work within a team but specifically provide communication to stakeholders in BSL or ISL.

Job Description:

The main duties and responsibilities of the job:

· Providing real-time information in BSL or ISL to stakeholders who are deaf or have limited hearing.

· Undertaking research and investigatory work, providing timely and accurate analysis and recommendations to assist with complex issues relating to plenary and committee scrutiny of legislation, policies, reports and briefing documents.

· Supporting processing of primary legislation in the Committee stage, working closely with the Assembly Clerk/ Assistant Assembly Clerk to understand the activities within the scrutiny process including monitoring plenary, supporting evidence givers, and processing amendments.

· Being able to communicate information about the Committee process (for example, scheduling, purpose or content of briefings) on behalf of the clerk in BSL or ISL. Engaging with departments and other stakeholders to manage issues regarding legislation and the conduct of committee business under the direction of the Assembly Clerk.

· Ensuring the accurate and timely production of minutes for Committee meetings for publication, to reflect the key decisions and actions of the Committee.

· Drafting a digest of each meeting that considers the legislation on sign language, agreeing the text with the Assembly Clerk, and recording a signed version (in either BSL or ISL) for publication.

· Taking part, as required, in meetings and discussions with Committee Chairs and Assembly Members.

· Supporting the Assembly Clerk in the scrutiny of legislation in Committee meetings, including the first draft of a Committee report on a bill.

· Attending, participating in and managing meetings, visits and other events in support of the work of the Assembly; ensuring these are carried out effectively and that accurate records of business are maintained.

· Leading, managing and developing individual staff members to ensure the delivery of team objectives and front line services to a range of stakeholders.

· Developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders, including Members, colleagues from across the Assembly Commission, officials from Executive departments, other external stakeholders and members of the public, particularly with people who are deaf or have limited hearing.

· Drafting and approving information for publication on social media platforms and the Assembly webpages and ensuring that this information is up to date and fit for purpose e.g. managing the Committee’s social media account.

· Ensuring that your work is quality assured to ensure compliance with legislation, Standing Orders and other procedural guidance in order to meet agreed service standards.

· Ensuring that any communication delivered in either BSL or ISL is clear, impartial and accurate.

· Assisting the Assembly Clerk in the management of financial budgets as required;

· Effectively using Microsoft Office and bespoke internal Assembly software systems and databases to carry out work including the production of reports and documents.

· Managing information and records in accordance with established policies and statutory requirements.

· Complying with all of the Assembly Commission’s staff policies and procedures including Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work policies and procedures and all mandatory training requirements.

· Carrying out other duties that the Assembly Commission reasonably requires of you.

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Caroline by clicking on the link below by noon on 12 noon on Friday 10th January 2025. You must also include a bullet pointed synopsis at the top of your CV demonstrating how exactly you meet the Essential Criteria below:

The Person

As a temporary Assistant Assembly Clerk, you will work within the Committee for Communities team.

You must be proficient in either BSL or ISL. Proficiency means that you must be able to communicate clearly and impartially on topics which may be technical or complex. Support is available in the form of signed glossaries and advice from a professional signer team who deliver live broadcast signing on a weekly basis.

You are a team player who is committed to delivering a high quality service.

You must also be willing and keen to adopt a customer-facing focus, as you engage with a wide range of persons involved within business at Parliament Buildings.

Essential Criteria:

Applicants for the post must, by the closing date for applications, have:

1. At least a primary degree, minimum 2.2 classification, in any subject. Applications will be considered from applicants with formal qualifications of an equivalent or higher standard to those stated.

2. Proficiency in communicating complex information to stakeholders in BSL or ISL.

AND

At least 3 years’ experience of:

a) Leading and managing individual staff members or a team of staff to ensure the quality, accuracy and timeliness of work.

b) Analysing information from a range of sources to develop high quality written documents which support and inform effective decision making.

c) Planning and organising a diverse workload, delivering high quality work to tight deadlines and in line with organisational policy and procedures.

d) Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders such as colleagues, managers, elected representatives, departmental officials, and other external stakeholders to ensure a high quality service and achieve tight deadlines.

OR

3. Proficiency in communicating complex information to stakeholders in BSL or ISL.

AND

4. At least five years’ experience in each of the areas detailed at (a) – (d) above.

Further Details:

· Hourly Rate based on £42,345 per annum

· 6 months initially

· Closing Date for CV’s: 12 noon on Friday 10th January 2025

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Caroline by clicking on the link below by 12 noon on Friday 10th January 2025.

Applicants must ensure their CV is accurate and up to date. The CV should include your full employment history inclusive of dates, all academic achievements and full personal contact details.

Please note only applicants that match this criteria can be considered for the role.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.