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- Tasks: Lead democratic services, ensure smooth council meetings, and provide governance advice.
- Company: Join Huntingdonshire District Council, a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including remote work and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of governance while working in a diverse and inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and experience in democratic services or governance required.
- Other info: Apply by 24 February 2025; rolling applications may close early.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer
Hours: 37 Hours Weekly
Location: Pathfinder House, Huntingdon
Contract Type: Permanent full time
Closing Date: 24 February 2025, 09:00
Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents, and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people.
Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making.
At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising ), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.
Job Details
There has never been a better time to join HDC. We are on the lookout for our new Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer. Whether you are a non-practicing solicitor or someone who understands the importance of good governance, we have an incredibly exciting new opportunity for you!
About the Role
We are a forward-thinking, financially stable local authority committed to delivering high-quality services for our community. Our mission is to ensure transparency, accountability, and democratic engagement in all our operations. We are seeking a driven and experienced individual to join our dedicated and high-performing team as the Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer.
You will play a pivotal role in supporting the democratic processes of the council. You will ensure the smooth running of council meetings, provide expert advice on governance and legal matters, and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. Additionally, you will have the unique opportunity to influence the outcome of the council’s constitution, shaping the future of our governance framework.
About You
Educated to degree-level or equivalent in a relevant subject and using your extensive experience in democratic services, governance, or a similar role within a local authority, you will act as the principal advisor on ethical standards and member conduct.
With a thorough knowledge and appreciation of the issues facing local government and the public sector, you will bring strong leadership skills to address these issues and provide strategic advice on governance, constitutional, and procedural matters. Using your exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, you will lead a dedicated and talented Democratic Services team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. Huntingdonshire District Council does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.
Does this sound like the opportunity for you? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You can apply by either completing an application form or submitting your CV, along with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, to .
The closing date is 9am on Monday 24 February 2025 .
However, this is a rolling campaign and we’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and will close the advert early should we receive suitable applications, so please don’t delay in applying! First round technical interviews are scheduled to take place the week commencing 3 March and final assessment centre is scheduled for Monday 17 March.
For many of our roles (and where it is possible) we are currently working remotely and anticipate in the future returning to a hybrid office model on a flexible basis. This will still include work from home and flexi-time opportunities to provide a good work-life balance whilst ensuring that teams benefit from in-person interaction. Candidates should therefore be within commutable distance of our offices in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire or able to attend meetings as required if further afield.
Working for the Council
As an employer who values diversity of thought, we seek to employ candidates from a range of backgrounds in order to make our organisation more innovative. We are seeking candidates who are looking for their next career opportunity on a full-time, part-time, or condensed hours basis. We will consider any flexible working arrangements and are a supportive employer, enabling our staff to work in an environment that produces high standards of work in an employee-led environment.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.
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Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer employer: Huntingdonshire District Council
Contact Detail:
Huntingdonshire District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the icare values of Huntingdonshire District Council. Demonstrating how you embody these values in your experience and approach will resonate well during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Research recent developments in local governance and democratic services. Being able to discuss current trends and challenges in the sector will showcase your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of democratic services and local government. Engaging with others can provide insights and potentially valuable connections that may help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the technical interview by reviewing common governance scenarios and ethical dilemmas. Being ready to discuss how you would handle these situations will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and leadership capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Highlight your knowledge of governance, democratic processes, and any relevant leadership experience, ensuring to reflect the values of HDC.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize your previous roles in democratic services or governance within local authorities. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in leadership, communication, and ethical standards, which are crucial for this position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-organized and professionally presented to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Huntingdonshire District Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer role. Familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities, such as supporting democratic processes and providing governance advice, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with these needs.
✨Emphasize Your Leadership Skills
As this position requires strong leadership abilities, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and fostering a culture of excellence. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you plan to inspire and guide the Democratic Services team.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Local Government
Demonstrate your thorough knowledge of local government issues and the public sector. Be ready to discuss current challenges facing local authorities and how you would address them in your role, showcasing your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Align with HDC's Values
Huntingdonshire District Council values candidates who embody their icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising). Prepare to provide examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles, showing that you are a good cultural fit for the organization.
