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- Tasks: Lead and develop the Democratic Services team while providing expert governance advice.
- Company: Join a dynamic council committed to effective governance and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime pay, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local democracy and support elected officials in their roles.
- Qualifications: Experience in Democratic Services leadership and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Evening meetings and election duties are part of the role, offering diverse experiences.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the job
Aim and Purpose
- To lead, manage and develop the Democratic Services team.
- To provide expert advice and guidance on governance and decision making matters to the organisation.
- To manage the servicing of the Councils committees/the Council, member working parties and some senior internal officer meetings.
- To lead the ongoing maintenance of the Councils constitution.
- To lead on member support, including new member induction and ongoing training.
Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Post
- To provide visible leadership for the Councils governance and committee functions, and constructive challenge where necessary.
- To ensure that the meetings that the Head of Democratic Services is directly responsible for (many of which are in the evenings) are serviced in accordance with constitutional and statutory provisions.
- To provide detailed, expert advice and guidance on constitutional and statutory provisions relating to Democratic Services areas of responsibility.
- To lead on preparations for the annual governance cycle including annual Council, reviews of the allocation of seats on committees, reviews of the constitution, member training, induction, scheduling of committees, etc.
- To ensure that the Democratic Services team is trained to deliver its services, and that it is suitably represented at a senior level within the organisation, under the guidance of the Corporate Head of Law and Governance.
- To monitor the performance of the Democratic Services team, including its adherence with constitutional, statutory and procedural provisions.
- To draft briefing papers, reports and policies, and present them to members as appropriate.
- To build and maintain effective working relationships, and support a variety of individuals with engaging with the democratic process including elected councillors, officers at all levels of the organisation, partner organisations and members of the public.
- To monitor and manage the Democratic Services team budget.
- To lead on the periodic review of members allowances via an independent remuneration panel.
- To comply with the councils data protection arrangements and maintain discretion.
- To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of local and national developments in local authority governance.
- To assist the team in its preparations for meetings or other duties not allocated directly to the postholder.
- To provide support for elections related duties, or other areas within the general level of responsibility for the role, as required.
- To provide support and guidance to the office of the Mayor.
- To undertake research on a variety of topics.
- To assist as required in the Councils response to a civil emergency.
Person Specification
Knowledge
- Detailed technical knowledge of the law and practices in which Democratic / Committee Services operates.
Skills and Experience
- Substantial experience in a Democratic Services leadership role, or similar position.
- Ability to offer expert, well reasoned advice in an authoritative and confident manner, in a range of settings.
- Well-organised: able to work methodically and manage a range of competing deadlines.
- Excellent IT skills, including the ability to use general office software, and an ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Ability to develop and maintain constructive working relationships with a range of individuals including councillors, officers at all levels and members of the public.
- Good use of written English and ability to proof read.
- Ability to work within and motivate a team.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and when managing competing deadlines.
- Ability to work sensitively in a political environment.
- Ability to work under own initiative and lead the development of the team.
- Experience of using moderngov committee management software.
Training and Qualifications
- English language to a minimum GCSE grade 4 or equivalent (A* - C).
- A relevant qualification such as the ADSO diploma in local democracy, ADSO certificate in Democratic Services knowledge, and/or evidence of other relevant leadership or management qualifications/training.
- Evidence of further or higher education.
Other Requirements
- Willingness to attend evening meetings on a rota basis and very occasionally at short notice for which overtime is currently paid or time off in lieu (TOIL) can be taken.
- To undertake election related duties as and when required (including attending the annual member induction day which currently takes place on a Saturday).
Democratic Services Manager in Addlestone employer: 5 Star Recruitment
Contact Detail:
5 Star Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Manager in Addlestone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the democratic services field. Attend local council meetings, workshops, or events where you can meet councillors and other professionals. Building relationships can open doors to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your knowledge about governance and decision-making processes. This will demonstrate your confidence and make you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about the challenges faced in democratic services and how you've tackled similar issues in the past. Practising your responses will help you feel more at ease during interviews and show that you're ready for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Democratic Services Manager role. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Manager in Addlestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight any experience you have in leading teams or projects. We want to see how you've motivated others and driven results, especially in a democratic services context.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to demonstrate your understanding of governance and decision-making processes, as this is key for the role.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the specific duties mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do at StudySmarter, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at 5 Star Recruitment
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest laws and practices related to Democratic Services. Being able to discuss specific governance issues confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to lead the Democratic Services team effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing a tight deadline or dealing with a difficult councillor. Practise your responses so you can articulate your thought process clearly and show your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's current governance challenges or the team's dynamics. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.