At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive governance improvements and support elected members in a dynamic local government environment.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive and innovative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and help shape the future of Lambeth.
- Qualifications: Experience in democratic services or governance roles with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 54360 - 54360 £ per year.
12-month Fixed Term Contract or Secondment Opportunity
About Us:
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth.
About the Team:
The Council’s Democratic Service team looks after governance procedures and ensures the Council operates in line with its constitution and decision-making processes are compliant with the law. The team co-ordinates a large number of Council meetings and committees each year as well as provides advice and support to 63 councillors. Democratic Services also includes the Mayoralty office which looks after civic engagements for the Mayor of Lambeth, the first citizen of the borough.
About the Role:
You will be innovative, positive and help to drive improvement and be responsible for a wide range of governance tasks within the team. You will also manage activities related to elected members, including Overview and Scrutiny, member (councillor) development and other tasks that enables our elected Councillors to discharge their roles effectively. You may be looking for the next step up or already be a senior, either way a thorough knowledge of how local government operates is needed as well as having worked in a democratic services or similar governance role previously. You will have strong all-round communication and interpersonal skills, political awareness, tact and diplomacy, attention to detail, an ability to think logically and able to plan ahead and work with the minimum of supervision. Reliability and calmness under pressure are pre-requisites, given that the role often involves working to tight deadlines.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate innovation, ideally in respect of modernising decision-making processes in a local authority context. Experience of the Modern.Gov or any other committee management system would be highly advantageous.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Wayne Chandai, Assistant Director of Governance wchandai@lambeth.gov.uk
Successful candidates will be asked to apply for a Basic Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information about the DBS can be found at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs. You will be required to undertake a Cifas check. Further information about Cifas can be found here Cifas.
How to Apply:
To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence how you meet the shortlisting criteria on the personal specification marked “A” for application: Job Description and Person Specification. We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.
Recruitment Timelines:
- Advert close date: @23:59 on Sunday 9th August 2026
- Shortlisting: 21st – 24th July 2026
- Interviews: week commencing 10 August 2026
At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.
Senior Democratic Services Officer in London employer: Borough of Lambeth
The Borough of Lambeth is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and professional development. As an Early Years Quality Improvement Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on early years education while benefiting from comprehensive training and support in a dynamic Greater London setting. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to fostering high standards and compliance in out-of-school settings, all while enjoying the rich cultural diversity and resources that Lambeth has to offer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Democratic Services Officer in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Democratic Services Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lambeth
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Borough of Lambeth.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Borough of Lambeth that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
