JOB DESCRIPTION – PERSONAL CANVASSER - Shropshire Council

ELECTORAL SERVICES
CASUAL STAFF
JOB DESCRIPTION – PERSONAL CANVASSER
Purpose:
To assist the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), Kim Ryley, with the compilation of the
Register of Electors by visiting properties assigned to the Canvasser.
For each property the Canvasser is asked to visit, they should achieve one of the
following:
• Receive a correctly completed Form A (Annual Canvass Form), so that the eligible
residents of the property can be included on the Register and indicate any “opt-outs”,
postal vote applications, etc.; or
• Identify/confirm that the property is unoccupied; or
• Identify/confirm that the residents are non-eligible; and
• Identifying any new properties, conversions to flats and/or property demolitions.
Description of Task:
1. To attend a training session.
2. To visit every household assigned and to make contact with a responsible adult from
each household. To ascertain that the information on the Form A is correct;
correcting any inaccurate information and obtaining a signature on that household’s
Form A.
3. When necessary, to advise the householder how to complete the Form A and to
explain the choices which each resident can make. To complete the Form A for the
householder, if necessary, and request the householder to sign where indicated.
4. When there is no response at a property, to visit a second time but at a different time
and day of the week.
5. When there is still no response from a property, to leave a card indicating that the
property had been visited, together with the appropriate Form A and a pre-paid return
envelope.
6. To report to the Electoral Services Office to deliver all completed forms collected, or
as otherwise arranged.
7. To ensure accurate information is obtained and recorded about the properties on the
Property List allocated, and also to identify new properties and leave blank Form A’s
at those addresses, as appropriate.

8. To adhere to the canvass timetable and to contact the Electoral Services Office for
guidance should you anticipate that you are unable to complete your work on time.
9. To co-operate with the ERO and his staff and to perform any other essential tasks as
directed.
10. To comply with all the procedures and policies of the Council, in relation to equal
opportunities, confidentiality and health & safety provisions.
This job description details the basic requirements of the task and must not be taken as an
exhaustive list of tasks to be completed. Duties and responsibilities may change as the
task evolves.
Canvassers who are also employees of Shropshire Council are required to work in their
own time.

ELECTORAL SERVICES
CASUAL STAFF
PERSON SPECIFICATION – PERSONAL CANVASSER
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
Essential
Desirable
Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
Electoral registration procedures, electoral
registration canvassing or election duties.
Working in a customer service environment.
SKILLS/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
Ability to meet deadlines.
Desirable
Basic written communication skills.
Well-developed oral communication skills,
including an ability to effectively communicate with
members of the public.
The ability to build and maintain constructive
relationships with internal and external colleagues.
Basic organisational skills.
Ability to use tact when dealing with the public.
Ability to work independently, with a commitment
and ability to work on your own initiative.
A commitment to equality and diversity.
Be professional in your approach to the work.
Be politically neutral in manner.
PRACTICAL ISSUES
Essential
Available to work evenings and weekends
throughout the period of employment.
Access to transport, if necessary, to meet the
geographic requirements of the post. If personal or
hire car is used, it must be insured for business
purposes.
Desirable
Access to a mobile telephone is desirable
for Health and Safety reasons, as
canvassing involves loan working.