The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. They work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity. The Commission is responsible for any changes to the electoral system for example, the introduction of voter I.D and the changing of electoral boundaries.
Careers at the Electoral Commission
Job opportunities at the Electoral Commission are divided between the main teams. Check them out below:
Communications, Policy and Research
They support the Commission to:
- understand the democratic process and how it is working
- understand what we think might be done to make it better
- tell other people about what we think is important
They work with teams across the organisation to support them with their work, and to raise awareness of what they do externally.
Much of their work focuses on reaching the voter, through:
- their website and social media
- coverage in the media
- education work in schools
- work with partner organisations
- public awareness campaigns to publicise important messages
They reach the entire population, but also target some activity to groups that need their support the most. For example, working with the British Deaf Association to create BSL guides to Voter ID.
They also communicate with other audiences that are influential on the issues covered. For example, parliamentarians, policy makers, and academics helping them to understand their thinking on important issues and considering their views for any new approaches.
This input plays into policy thinking, alongside their research work with the public and other stakeholder groups. This makes sure that all thinking is based firmly on evidence and can be scrutinised, challenged and trusted.
Electoral Administration and Guidance
They play an important role in ensuring elections in the UK are well run.
They work with a diverse range of stakeholders, such as electoral administrators, parties, campaigners, governments, and third sector organisations.
They have a wealth of knowledge about electoral processes and strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Provide advice and guidance to these stakeholders, and to teams across their organisation. This ensures they meet the needs of everyone involved in elections in the UK.
Financial and Corporate Services
They are responsible for the day to day management of the Commission’s funding. This includes:
- effective and efficient administration and management of accounts
- procurement and contract advice
- providing a framework for the management and maintenance of financial controls and compliance across the organisation
The Planning and Performance team supports the Commission to make decisions, perform effectively, and plan and prepare for the future. This includes the management of the programme and project management framework.
Collectively, they support the organisation to achieve the corporate aim and objectives.
Regulation and digital transformation
This directorate is responsible for regulating political parties, regulated donees and campaigners. They’re also responsible for IT and infrastructure improvements.
They support parties, candidates, and campaigners to understand and comply with electoral law. They offer tools to support compliance, such as webinars, one to ones and bespoke training.
They also provide an advice service so members of our regulated community can contact the commission in a way and at a time that works for them.
The directorate publishes guidance and advice for political parties, campaigners, candidates and agents. This ensures they understand and can comply with finance laws. The directorate also maintains the registers of political parties and campaigners and publish their financial information. This includes:
- donations and loans they’ve been given
- what they’ve spent on their campaign after an election or referendum
- their annual accounts
If you are interested in working for the electoral commission, you can try and get some experience in the election process by contacting your local council (this can be for both national and local elections).