Senior Democratic Services Officer – 6 Month Contract

Location: Slough
Rate: £375.00 per day (Umbrella)
Contract: 6 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Democratic Services Officer to join our dynamic Local Authority Democratic Services team. This role is pivotal in providing high-quality governance, committee, and democratic support across various council functions. As the lead officer for allocated committees and panels, you will ensure meetings are efficiently administered in line with statutory and constitutional requirements. Your expertise will guide councillors, officers, and the public, supporting democratic decision-making processes. This is an excellent opportunity for a governance professional seeking a challenging and rewarding contract within Local Government.

Responsibilities

• Committee & Governance Support:
  • Lead officer for committees, panels, and working groups.
    
  • Prepare and publish agendas, reports, minutes, action logs, and statutory notices.
    
  • Ensure compliance with legislative and constitutional deadlines.
    
  • Provide professional support throughout decision-making processes.
    

• Meeting Management:
  • Attend and manage formal meetings, including evening sessions.
    
  • Offer procedural and constitutional advice during meetings.
    
  • Accurately record decisions, actions, and outcomes.
    

• Democratic Services Advice:
  • Provide procedural advice to councillors, senior officers, and the public.
    
  • Support compliance with constitutional procedures and governance frameworks.
    

• Research & Report Writing:
  • Conduct research on governance and policy matters.
    
  • Draft reports, briefing papers, and policy documents.
    
  • Present information and recommendations as needed.
    

• Decision-Making Processes:
  • Coordinate non-committee decision-making procedures.
    
  • Maintain governance records and documentation.
    

• Member Support & Development:
  • Support elected Members in their roles.
    
  • Assist in delivering Member training and induction programmes.
    

• Complaints & Information Governance:
  • Support complaints investigations and governance-related enquiries.
    
  • Assist with Freedom of Information Requests and other governance requirements.
    

• Team Leadership & Support:
  • Mentor and support junior colleagues.
    
  • Deputise for senior managers when required.
    

• Elections & Emergency Planning:
  • Support elections-related activities and emergency response arrangements.
    

Requirements

Requirements:

Essential

• Extensive experience in Democratic Services, Committee Services, Governance, or Scrutiny Services within a Local Authority.
  
• Experience as a lead officer for committees and formal council meetings.
  
• Strong knowledge of Local Government legislation and governance procedures.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Ability to work in politically sensitive environments and manage multiple deadlines.
  

Highly Desirable

• Experience with Modern.Gov committee management software.
  
• ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge.
  
• Experience supporting scrutiny functions and member development programmes.
  

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant experience in Democratic Services, Governance, or Committee Services.
  
• Experience servicing formal council meetings and providing procedural advice.
  
• Experience managing complex workloads and statutory deadlines.
  

Knowledge

• Detailed understanding of Local Government governance and decision-making processes.
  
• Knowledge of committee procedures and constitutional requirements.
  

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  

Qualifications

• GCSE English (Grade C/4 or equivalent).
  
• ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge (Desirable).
  

Working Environment

• Location: Slough
  
• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
  
• Attendance at committee meetings and governance activities required.
  
• Some evening meetings may be required.
  

What's on Offer?

• £375.00 per day (Umbrella)
  
• 6 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
  
• Opportunity to work within a busy Local Authority Democratic Services Team
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  

Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with experience as a Senior Democratic Services Officer, Committee Services Officer, Governance Officer, Scrutiny Officer, Civic Officer, Democratic Services Manager, Local Democracy Officer, or Committee Clerk.