At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Democratic Services team and support elected members in decision-making processes.
- Company: Havant Borough Council, committed to diversity and community representation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A level education, experience in Democratic Services, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 41771 £ per year.
Salary: Grade G – £38,220 to £41,771 per annum
Contract type: Permanent, Full-time
Contracted hours: 37 hours per week
The Role
As our Senior Democratic Services Officer, you will join our motivated and hardworking Democratic & Electoral Services Team which provides support to elected members within the Council’s decision‑making process and also has responsibility for elections and electoral registration. This role works on the democratic services side of the Team and you will be responsible for servicing formal and informal member and officer level meetings across the Council, with your main responsibilities leading the Democratic Services team and providing expert advice and guidance to senior officers and elected members. Deputising from time to time for the Service Manager, you will work closely with the operational lead over service delivery.
To succeed you will need to be a seasoned line manager who is flexible and adaptable, with excellent written and oral communications skills. The ability to work to a high standard and to tight deadlines with attention to detail is essential, as is a thorough understanding of local government decision‑making with the associated technical knowledge of appropriate legislation. You will also possess excellent research, data analysis and report writing skills. Attendance at evening meetings held at the civic offices will be required as part of this role.
Education to at least A level standard and a recognised qualification in Democratic Services is required, along with minute taking experience and the ability to foster productive working relationships with members and officers at all levels within the authorities.
What we offer
- A competitive salary
- Support for your continuous professional development
- Generous Leave Allowance
- Free Parking
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working/Hybrid working to support your work‑life balance
- Family Friendly Packages
- A comprehensive benefits package
If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Jenni Harding, Democratic & Electoral Services Manager on 02392 446234.
To Apply
Please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below to apply and complete the short application process (3-4 minutes). Please ensure you attach your CV and a supporting statement when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful. We will not be able to progress your application further unless you provide a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile.
Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist soon after the closing date.
We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment. Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.
Closing date for receipt of applications: Midnight, Thursday 27 November 2025
Interviews will be held on 2 December 2025
For full details and to apply, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.
Senior Democratic Services Officer, Havant Borough Council employer: Association Of Democratic Services Officers
Derby City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a rewarding career. Join us in Derby, where your contributions will be valued, and you will be part of a team that prioritises both personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
Association Of Democratic Services Officers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Democratic Services Officer, Havant Borough Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Havant Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to local government decision-making. We should also think of examples from our past experiences that highlight our skills in managing teams and providing expert advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our communication skills! During the interview, be clear and concise when discussing our experiences. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can articulate ideas effectively to both members and officers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating our enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it’s a great way to keep us on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Democratic Services Officer, Havant Borough Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the role. Highlight how your experience aligns with the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. This is your chance to shine, so be specific about your skills and achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent written communication, ensure your CV and supporting statement are clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language but keep it friendly – we want to see your personality shine through!
Research the Council:Take some time to research Havant Borough Council and its values. Understanding the council's goals and challenges can help you frame your application in a way that shows you're not just a good fit for the role, but also for the organisation.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our recruitment platform! It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application goes directly to us. Remember to attach your CV and supporting statement – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association Of Democratic Services Officers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of local government decision-making processes and relevant legislation. Brush up on the key responsibilities of a Senior Democratic Services Officer, as well as any recent developments in the field. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for this role, prepare to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated with elected members and senior officers in the past. Think about specific situations where your communication made a difference in achieving a goal or resolving an issue.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
As a seasoned line manager, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your management style, how you motivate your team, and any challenges you've faced while leading a team. Be ready to provide examples of how you've fostered productive working relationships within your team and across departments.
✨Prepare for the Practicalities
Since the role involves attending evening meetings, be ready to discuss your flexibility and adaptability regarding working hours. Also, think about how you can manage tight deadlines and maintain attention to detail in your work. Having a few strategies in mind will show that you're prepared for the demands of the job.
