• Job Title: Electoral Registration Canvasser
• Job Type: Marketing

Description of duties 

In accordance with current legislation, you will be required to visit assigned properties within a designated area of Warwick District Council area and make attempts to obtain a completed Canvass Form, either via Mobile Tablet or Paper, dependent on allocation of round and advise electors on how to register to vote. Depending on which type of canvass you have been allocated to, this may also be conducted via telephone.

Canvassers are required to work in their own time and for the best response, evening, and weekend work is required.

Duties:

• Visit each non-responding household within a designated timescale to collect/complete Canvass Form(s) or to obtain any outstanding information from the household.
• Operate registration software which is loaded onto a WDC issued electronic tablet device.
• Advise electors on the completion of the Canvass Forms, Invitation to register, and any other outstanding requirements related to the Elections Act 2022.
• To inform the Elections Officer of any new residential properties which may not be listed on the Electoral Register.
• To attend a training session covering all aspects of an Electoral Registration Canvasser’s duties, including training on electronic tablets.
• To ensure confidentiality is respected and maintained at all times and all personal data is securely held, and to ensure safe keeping of any WDC equipment.
• To comply with any procedures and policies outlined by the Electoral Registration Officer, which will include Health and Safety, Data protection and Equal Opportunities.
• To adhere to deadlines set by the Electoral Registration Officer and to manage the workload within the timescales given.

The impact of this role within this service

All aspects of the electoral process are subject to intense scrutiny by both electors and the political parties.  Decisions made by the Electoral Registration Canvasser can have a profound effect on the process locally, nationally and both personally and professionally on the Chief Executive in his role as Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.

Additional information

• The post holder will be required to complete an accurate timesheet and mileage form of the hours you have worked.
• The post holder will be expected to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and may, from time to time, be expected to work unsociable hours, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• The post holder will be responsible for ensuring their own health and safety.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with Council policy at all times, including in relation to their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting equality.
• The post holder will be expected to adopt and work in accordance with the Council’s values.

Person Specification

Knowledge 

• Basic knowledge of the electoral registration process (full training will be provided).
• Basic knowledge of the Elections Act 2022 (full training also provided).
• We also desire knowledge of both the Warwick District area and the Xpress elections software we use.
• Experience of working with customers or members of the public.
• Previous experience of using a mobile tablet device.
• A good standard of general education to A level or equivalent work related experience.

Skills and abilities

• Professional and politically neutral manner.
• Ability to diffuse difficult conversations and use tact and discretion when dealing with the public.
• Ability to complete an accurate timesheet and mileage sheet.
• Ability to treat personal data with an appropriate level of security.
• Have good written and verbal skills.
• Basic organisational skills.
• Be able to maintain a calm and professional disposition when dealing face to face with members of the public.
• Must be able to use their own initiative when prioritising their workload in order for all deadlines to be met.
• Be reliable, flexible and must be prepared to work outside ordinary working hours in order for all areas of work to be completed.
• Access to transport, if necessary, to meet the geographic requirements of the post. If personal or car hire is used, this must be insured for business purpose.

Other essentials

• Commitment to customer care and service excellence.
• Must not have been convicted of an offence under Electoral Legislation.