Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer - Council and Regulatory in London

Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer - Council and Regulatory in London

London Full-Time 53172 - 55323 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage Council and Regulatory Committees, ensuring smooth operations and compliance.
  • Company: Join the dynamic Democratic Services and Scrutiny Team at Croydon Council.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for leadership and professional growth in a collaborative team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and democratic processes.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing committee meetings and strong understanding of local government.

The predicted salary is between 53172 - 55323 £ per year.

We are looking to appoint a Senior Democratic Services and Governance Officer (DSGO) focused on supporting Council and Regulatory Committees to join our high‑performing Democratic Services and Scrutiny Team at the London Borough of Croydon. This important senior role sits within a small and dynamic team responsible for delivering an efficient, high‑quality Democratic Services function. You will take a lead role in supporting the Council's Regulatory Committees and Full Council meetings, ensuring they operate smoothly, effectively, and in compliance with statutory and procedural requirements, while supporting the wider strategic objectives of the organisation.

As a senior officer you will also provide leadership within the team, including line management responsibilities, and play a key role in maintaining strong relationships with Councillors, senior officers and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Leading on the delivery and management of Regulatory Committees and Full Council meetings, ensuring they are properly constituted, well‑run and compliant with legislation and Council procedures.
  • Managing committee work programmes, scheduling meetings, and ensuring all statutory deadlines are met.
  • Preparing, reviewing and overseeing the publication of agendas, reports and minutes to a high standard and in line with legal requirements.
  • Attending meetings as a Democratic Services representative and providing authoritative procedural advice to Chairs, Councillors, Executive Mayor and Cabinet Members and Senior Officers.
  • Monitoring and recording formal decisions to ensure they are lawful, transparent and correctly implemented.
  • Leading and developing a small team, including line management of two officers and a trainee, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
  • Building strong working relationships with Councillors, senior leadership and external partners, providing guidance on governance and decision‑making processes.
  • Contributing to service development, including improvements to democratic processes, governance frameworks and efficiency initiatives.
  • Facilitating the webcasting of meetings and supporting wider democratic engagement and transparency.

Qualifications & Experience

  • A strong understanding of democratic processes and the legal framework within local government.
  • Proven experience of servicing and managing complex committee meetings in a political or public sector environment.
  • Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • The confidence and experience to advise senior Councillors, including Committee Chairs, on procedural and regulatory matters.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.
  • Experience of supervising or managing staff, supporting development and performance.

This role requires flexibility, including attendance at evening meetings, and is politically restricted. If you share our values and have the leadership, expertise and drive to help shape and deliver high‑quality democratic governance, we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: 21 June 2026

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.

Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer - Council and Regulatory in London employer: Croydon Council

The London Borough of Croydon is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes employee growth. With a focus on high-quality democratic governance, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. Join our dynamic team and contribute to shaping effective governance while enjoying a range of fantastic benefits in a vibrant location.

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Contact Details:

Croydon Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer - Council and Regulatory in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at Croydon Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of democratic processes and local government legislation. We want you to shine when discussing how you can support the Council's objectives!

Tip Number 3

Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We love hearing about your experiences and how they relate to the role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Croydon Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer - Council and Regulatory in London

Understanding of democratic processes
Knowledge of legal framework within local government
Experience in servicing and managing complex committee meetings
Excellent organisational skills
Strong attention to detail
Ability to manage competing priorities
Confidence in advising senior Councillors

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can lead and manage committee meetings effectively!

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your organisational and administrative skills. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.

Demonstrate Leadership Experience:Since this role involves leading a small team, share your experiences in supervising or managing staff. We want to know how you’ve supported development and performance in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council

Know Your Democratic Processes

Make sure you brush up on your understanding of democratic processes and the legal framework within local government. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.

Prepare for Committee Management Questions

Expect questions around managing complex committee meetings. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully led meetings or navigated tricky situations, and be ready to share those stories.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss how you've managed teams in the past, focusing on how you've supported development and performance. Highlight any specific achievements that showcase your impact.

Build Rapport with Interviewers

Remember, this role involves building strong relationships with Councillors and senior officers. During the interview, aim to connect with your interviewers by being personable and engaging. This will help them see you as a collaborative team player.