Electoral Register canvasser

The role of a canvasser is to help the Electoral Registration Officer to update the Register of Electors. Canvassers are required to visit all outstanding properties/individuals in the area to which they are assigned, in order to make attempts (where no response has been received) to obtain a completed response. Where a response is not achieved, additional communications must be delivered.

Canvassers are required to work in their own time. For council staff, this means working outside of their normal council duties (such as evenings, weekends or leave days)

Job purpose

To assist the Electoral Register Officer to accurately update the Register of Electors for the whole of the London Borough of Bromley

The role

• Comply with instructions from, and working co-operatively with, the Electoral Registration Officer and their staff
• Ensure confidentiality is respected and maintained at all times
• Ensure all electors are treated with impartially and respect
• Complying with procedures and policies outlined by the Electoral Registration Officer relating to equal opportunities and recognising diversity in the completion of the role.

Principal duties and responsibilities

Before starting canvassing

• Provide electoral services with payment details, proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK, if requested
• Attend mandatory training session(s) provided by the Electoral Registration Officer
• Visiting the Civic Centre to collect forms and other materials as required
• Sort collected forms in order, as directed by the electoral services staff

During canvassing

• Visit assigned households within a designated area, at least twice, to obtain responses to forms (as appropriate) in order to update the Electoral Register.
• Where no contact is made, leave additional form(s) and other relevant correspondence.
• Advise electors on the completion of the form if required.
• Confirm vacant properties and fully complete documentation for them.
• Record information about the visits made to all properties, including identifying new properties and those that no longer exist.
• Wear a photo ID badge at all times whilst canvassing
• Returning completed forms to the electoral services office, Civic Centre, on a weekly basis.
• Maintaining other clerical records, as necessary.
• Adhering to the timetable and to contact the electoral services office in the event of any circumstances that may prevent the completion of the work on time.
• Performing any other duty as directed by electoral services staff

After canvassing

• Return all materials and equipment provided, including ID badge
• Respond to any requests for extra information from the Electoral Registration Officer or their staff

Additional information

• You cannot be employed if you have performed any duties on behalf of any political party.
• You must not wear any colours relating to any political party
• Canvasser’s work is checked against information from other sources and anyone found to be deliberately falsifying information may face criminal action
• The council’s terms of recruitment, selection and employment do not apply to this post

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Ability to work confidentially, independently and on your own initiative
• Experience planning workloads and meeting deadlines
• Good written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and legibly
• Good oral communication skills, including an ability to relate to members of the public, including being tactful, honest, polite and with a politically neutral manner
• Access to a mobile phone for health and safety reasons as canvass involves lone working

Desirable criteria

• Ability to work continuously throughout the period of appointment, including evenings and weekends
• Some knowledge of the local community and area
• Experience of working in a customer service environment and/or understanding of customer care
• Be physically fit in order to travel your assigned area(s)