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- Tasks: Lead democratic governance processes and manage committee meetings for Wandsworth Council.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Wandsworth Council, shaping local governance.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local democracy while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, strong communication skills, and political sensitivity required.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for innovation and service improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48873 - 62451 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: ÂŁ48,873 to ÂŁ62,451 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (flexible working arrangements are available)
Contracted hours: 36 hours per week
The Democratic Services team is a single staff team in the Chief Executive’s directorate supporting two separate sovereign unitary Councils: Richmond-Upon-Thames and Wandsworth. This management role sits at the heart of the formal decision‑making and overview and scrutiny processes in the Council. You will be working alongside politicians and senior officers across all departments, as well as providing advice and information to members of the public. You will be based mainly in Wandsworth, but you will be expected to work flexibly across both boroughs, as necessary. You and your team will support a range of Executive, Scrutiny and Regulatory Committees, as well as school admission and exclusion appeals, licensing appeals and charity administration.
About the role:
- Lead and manage the Council’s democratic governance processes: Oversee the coordination, planning and delivery of committee meetings, scrutiny work, forward plans, agendas, reports, minutes and decision records to ensure smooth, transparent and legally compliant decision‑making.
- Provide expert governance advice to Members and senior officers: Act as a trusted source of guidance on constitutional rules, decision‑making procedures, standing orders, declarations of interest and wider governance matters.
- Manage and develop a small team: Lead, support and supervise 2–3 Democratic Services Officers, fostering a positive working environment, monitoring performance and developing skills within the team.
- Drive service improvement and digital innovation: Develop and embed the use of ICT, governance software and emerging technologies to improve the democratic process, enhance service delivery and support continuous improvement.
- Lead projects and support key corporate responsibilities: Manage governance‑related projects, oversee the School Appeals Service, support Member induction and development, promote resident engagement in decision‑making, and deputise for senior governance leaders when required.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- A track record in working in governance and knowledge of UK local authority constitutions.
- Acute political sensitivity and judgement.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- The ability to explain complex guidance and demonstrate confidence in providing constitutional advice to Councillors and Officers in a range of meeting situations.
- Good IT skills, including the Microsoft suite of packages, remote and hybrid meeting technology and decision‑management systems.
- The ability to work with a minimum of supervision whilst supervising and managing others; work well under pressure, often to competing deadlines; and demonstrate excellent time management.
Closing Date: Sunday, 12th April 2026
Likely interview Date: Week commencing Monday 27th April 2026
Democratic Services Manager, London Borough of Wandsworth employer: Association Of Democratic Services Officers
Contact Detail:
Association Of Democratic Services Officers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Manager, London Borough of Wandsworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the democratic services field, especially those connected to Wandsworth Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent decisions and governance challenges. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves advising members and officers, being able to explain complex information clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Manager, London Borough of Wandsworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Democratic Services Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in governance and communication can benefit our team. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will reflect your ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember 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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association Of Democratic Services Officers
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the UK local authority constitutions and governance processes. Familiarise yourself with Wandsworth Council's specific procedures, as well as any recent changes in legislation that might affect decision-making. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about situations where you fostered a positive working environment or improved team performance. Be ready to discuss your approach to supervision and development, as this role involves leading a small team.
✨Demonstrate Political Sensitivity
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to exhibit acute political sensitivity. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated complex political environments before, and be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with both senior officers and elected members.
✨Embrace Digital Innovation
Since the role involves driving service improvement through technology, think about how you've used ICT and governance software in previous roles. Be prepared to share ideas on how you could enhance the democratic process at Wandsworth Council using emerging technologies.