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- Tasks: Lead the Democratic Services Team and support local democracy across two councils.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils serve 190,000 residents with a commitment to community and environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, competitive pension, wellbeing support, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government, excellent communication skills, and governance knowledge are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; join a team dedicated to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 64000 £ per year.
Salary: £62,276 – £75,619 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week – Full time, part time and job share opportunities will be considered
Reference: 17732
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Head of Democratic Services to lead our Democratic Services Team. To be successful in this role, you will share our values, commitment, and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities.
About the role
As the Head of Democratic Services, you will play a pivotal role in supporting local democracy and ensuring transparent, informed, and high-quality decision making across two sovereign councils.
You will lead and manage a team of professionals, acting as a vital link between officers, councillors, and members of the public. This role is designed to combine professional and technical expertise with core management skills, and you will be accountable for budgets, performance, and service quality. You will also act as the Deputy Monitoring Officer.
As a member of our Extended Leadership Team (ELT), you will also be expected to provide expert advice to other Heads of Service, Members, and Service Delivery Teams, ensuring consistency in operations.
Your role involves participating in change management processes, working with communities and customers to provide high quality support, and managing resources like budgets, staff, and contracts.
Additionally, as an active member of the ELT, you will support them and councillors in developing external relationships, leading organisational projects and programmes, and acting as an Ambassador for the councils, promoting the districts and developing strong communities.
About you
An excellent communicator with experience of negotiating and influencing, you will be politically astute and able to demonstrate experience of working with Elected Members in local government.
You will bring proven success in motivating and developing teams and individuals, including effective delegation, as well as the ability to influence senior managers and members and establish and maintain collaborative partnerships and inspire and motivate to build trust, credibility, and confidence.
The successful candidate will need the ability to deal with a range of complex and competing demands, including managing multiple deadlines and dealing with highly sensitive matters.
Extensive governance knowledge and expertise in Local Government Law relating to Councillors and meetings is a must for this role.
About us
Working together across our councils and with our partners in the public, private, and voluntary sectors, we provide excellent services to our 190,000 residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
We are proud of the role we play in creating the environment, economy, and communities for our districts. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work. With picturesque market towns, 60 conservation areas, and two National Landscapes within our districts, it is little wonder that we are consistently within the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits
- Great opportunities for learning and development.
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 26 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support Programme.
- Employee Assist Programme.
- Health Care Options.
For more information, please visit our Employee Benefits page .
Our ways of working
Work is what we do, not where we go! We are committed to working in a more Hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business needs permitting). This has worked well for us and is something we will be continuing with.
We are committed to supporting equality and diversity; Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils provide opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible service for our residents.
For more information
If you wish to have an informal discussion about this role, please contact Sara Wilcock, Director – Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement by emailing .
How to apply
To apply and for further details, please visit: or click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.
Closing date: 5pm, Monday 27 January 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
For full details and to apply, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.
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Head of Democratic Services, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils 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 Head of Democratic Services, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the local governance structure and key players in Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Understanding the political landscape will help you navigate discussions and demonstrate your political astuteness during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing teams and influencing senior managers. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and built collaborative partnerships in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of Local Government Law and governance practices. Being able to discuss relevant legislation and its implications for councillors and meetings will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to change management and community engagement. Providing examples of successful projects or initiatives you've led will demonstrate your capability to support local democracy effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Democratic Services, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Democratic Services. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially around local government law and team management.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in local government, team leadership, and governance knowledge. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex demands and influence stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for local democracy and community engagement. Address how your values align with those of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and provide examples of your previous successes in similar roles.
Highlight Communication Skills: Emphasize your excellent communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you have successfully negotiated and influenced decisions in past roles, particularly in a local government context.
How to prepare for a job interview at Association Of Democratic Services Officers
✨Show Your Commitment to Local Democracy
Make sure to express your passion for supporting local democracy and how you can contribute to transparent decision-making. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully influenced or supported democratic processes.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing resources effectively. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you motivated your team, delegated tasks, and achieved positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Governance and Legal Questions
Since extensive governance knowledge is crucial for this role, brush up on Local Government Law and be ready to answer questions related to Councillors and meetings. Show that you understand the legal frameworks that guide local government operations.
✨Exhibit Your Communication and Negotiation Skills
As an excellent communicator, you should be able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate and influence effectively. Prepare to share examples of how you've built collaborative partnerships and maintained trust with various stakeholders.
