Senior Democratic Services Officer

Senior Democratic Services Officer

• Directorate:

Legal & Governance
- Pay Grade:

11
- Weekly Hours:

37

All about the Role

To be responsible for the Council's Cabinet and Committee decision-making structure and to have responsibility for all Committees including Regulatory and Scrutiny function

To be responsible for maintaining a strong overview of governance of the Council and ensure effective democratic arrangements are inplace, including the constitutional propriety of the decision-making process.

To be responsible for effectively organising, monitoring and updating key governance areas including the Constitution and other relevant governance protocols and guidance.

To have sound knowledge on the constitution and all legislative requirements and to advise on delegated decisions made to Senior Officers of the Council.

To be responsible for liaising with Councillors, Directors and report authors to ensure timetables are met and relevant legislation is understood and followed.

All about our Team

Democratic Services sits within the Constitutional Services Team, under Legal and Governance Directorate.

The team consists of one manager, two Senior Democratic Services Officers, one Senior Democratic Services Officer (Police and Crime) and one Democratic Services Officer.

Within the Constitutional Services Team is Elections and Executive and Members Services as well.

The Team are managed by the Head of Constitutional Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer, and led by the Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer.

All about You

We are looking for a confident, knowledgeable and forward thinking officer who can thrive in a dynamic political environment. You will bring, in-depth knowledge of local government law and decision-making procedures.

You will need to show experience in supporting teams through change in a fast-paced setting.

You will require ability to provide clear, confident advice under pressure.

You will require strong interpersonal skills to build trusted relationships with elected members and officers and work well with the public.

Attendance at evening meetings will be required.

The post is political restricted.

Requirement to attend statutory meetings in person is essential.

All about our Benefits

We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme…

• Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes
• Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)
• Access to car lease scheme
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
• Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
• Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth
• Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
• Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network
• Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards

All about our Commitments

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success.

We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact we will work with you to meet your needs.

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Employee benefits platform

Access to a range of benefits, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes.

Annual Leave Buying

Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata).

Car Lease Scheme

Access to car lease scheme.

Bank Holiday Flexibility

Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances.

Shared Cost AVCs

Make Additional Voluntarily Contributions to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings.

Learning & Development

Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth.

Volunteer Leave

Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day.

Employee Recognition Awards

Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards.

Find out more about our benefits, ways of working and commitment to your wellbeing.

WHY JOIN US