• Job Title: Count Supervisor
• Job Type: Supervisor

Description of duties 

The purpose of the Count team is to open ballot boxes, ensure the number of ballot papers it contains agree with the Ballot Paper Accounts, and then count the votes for each candidate in the election.

The role of the Count Supervisor is undertaken in a pressurized environment, during unsociable hours, and the greatest of care has to be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made.

They must:

• Attend training/briefing sessions as required.
• Have read and agreed to the terms of the Statement of Secrecy.
• Act impartially at all times and respect confidentiality of material handled.
• Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates, agents, councillors or guests.

Duties:

The Count Supervisor will be responsible for a team of varying size as designated by the Returning Officer. They will be leading a team to verify, sort and count ballot papers quickly but accurately whilst working under pressure.

They will:

• Supervise the Verification procedure.
• Allocate contents of the ballot box to Count Assistants.
• Supervise the counting of the number of ballot papers.
• Agree figures with the Verification Table.
• Supervise re-counting of the contents if required.
• Supervise the Count procedure.
• Supervise the division of ballot papers into votes for individual candidates and counting them using the method designated by the Returning Officer.
• Adjudicate doubtful ballot papers, ensuring they are accounted for as instructed by the Returning Officer.
• Advise figures to the Deputy Returning Officers.
• Re-count if required.
• Motivate your team to remain positive, efficient and accurate.

Normally, the initial verification will commence immediately after the polls are closed at 10pm and the ballot boxes are received at the count centre. Therefore, the initial verification/count will commence late into the evening and potentially will not finish until the early hours of the following morning. Subsequent counts may take place during normal working hours or over weekends.

You may be required to perform additional duties not listed above which are appropriate and commensurate to your role and experience, ensuring the smooth running of the election process.

The Returning Officer is not permitted to employ anyone who is/or has carried out duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election, including the signing of nomination papers and display of candidates notices at their property.

All staff will be required to sign their agreement to maintain the secrecy of the poll.

The use of any electronic device within the count hall is strictly prohibited. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers etc should be placed securely into a bag or in a pocket on your person. Please be mindful of social media commentary and the agreements regarding maintaining the secrecy of the ballot.

Person Specification

Knowledge

• Experience in different types of elections such as Parliamentary, Local and/or PPFC would be desirable.
• A basic understanding of the election process.
• To have worked previously as a Verification and Count Assistant on at least two occasions.

Skills and abilities

• Good communication skills and ability to follow strict instructions.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to handle and count large volumes of confidential ballot papers whilst monitoring a number of other activities.
• The ability to work quickly, with accuracy whilst work is observed by candidates and their agents, official observers and the press.
• Ability to follow strict instructions as directed by the Returning Officer and their delegated officers.
• Good personal presentation and commitment to customer care.
• Can work calmly under pressure.
• Be able to work as part of a team and have a flexible attitude.

Other essentials 

• Ability to remain politically neutral.
• Fully literate and numerate.
• You must not have been convicted of an offence under Electoral Legislation.
• Acceptance and adherence to the terms of the Statement of Secrecy.
• Accept and sign the appointment letter that contains the Acceptance of Waiving of Working Time Directive for the period of this employment.