Democratic Services Manager

Be a Leader in Local Democracy – Manager of Democratic Services

• Are you a committed governance officer ready to lead in a high-profile, fast-paced environment where excellence truly matters?
• Do you have the experience and knowledge of Local Authority constitutional governance and a track record in delivering first-class democratic services?
• Can you demonstrate development and delivery of projects which brought about real change and improvement to the efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of governance arrangements?
• Do you thrive in high-profile, ambitious local authorities who are always looking to be the best they can be?

The Role

We are looking for an exceptional individual to manage our Democratic Services team — a key role at the heart of our council's commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Democratic Services is a supportive, friendly and professional service with highly-motivated and experienced officers who are passionate about delivering good governance for members, senior officers and, most importantly, our residents.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen democratic processes in a council that is under significant external scrutiny and determined to be the best in its field. Leading your skilled and dedicated team you will support elected members and work closely with senior officers to deliver outstanding committee and governance services.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Manage our high performing Democratic Services team.
• Ensure the provision of excellent governance support to all formal Council and Committee meetings.
• Work in a highly sensitive political environment in a non-political and professional manner.
• Have day-to-day responsibility for managing constitutionally sound decision-making processes.
• To innovate and develop best practice in the provision of Democratic and Governance support to Committees, Members and senior management.
• To clerk the Council's Cabinet meetings and to take personal responsibility for other high-profile meetings and Committees.
• Promote open, efficient and transparent decision-making encouraging engagement of Members and the public as appropriate.
• To maintain excellent networks of contacts at related local authorities, partners and sector organisations such as the Association of Democratic Services Officers with a particular aim of identifying best practice to support the development of our service.
• To deputise for the Head of Service as required both internally and externally.

What we offer

• At least 29 days' annual leave (plus a week at Christmas, bank holidays etc) rising with long service.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee benefits such as cycle to work, discounts, corporate gym membership and similar.
• Hybrid working with a requirement for a minimum of 2 days in the office a week (plus attendance at regular evening meetings/events as required).
• Employee Assistance Programme and well-being support
• Work within a diverse and inclusive workforce with access to a range of staff networks and events.

Does the above role appeal to you? Can you bring strategic insight, passion and innovation? If so we want to hear from you.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact the Head of Service:

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people's lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it's a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you'll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London's most important and vibrant places. If you're looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.