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: Enjoy a competitive salary, fantastic benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and leadership within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and democratic processes.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of democratic processes and experience in managing committee meetings.
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.
To discuss the role informally, please contact simon.trevaskis@croydon.gov.uk.
Closing Date: 21 June 2026
Equal Opportunities Statement: 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 employer: Croydon Council
The London Borough of Croydon is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values leadership and professional growth. As a Senior Democratic Services and Governance Officer, you will benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local governance while collaborating with dedicated colleagues in a dynamic team. With a strong commitment to employee development and community engagement, Croydon Council provides a rewarding career path for those passionate about public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer - Council and Regulatory
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in local government or democratic services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of democratic processes and the legal framework. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed complex committee meetings in the past – real-life examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! If you’ve supervised or managed staff before, be sure to highlight this experience. Talk about how you’ve supported team development and performance – it’s a big plus for senior roles.
✨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 and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer - Council and Regulatory
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience with managing committee meetings and providing procedural advice. We love seeing examples of how you've navigated complex situations in a political or public sector environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, attention to detail is key in this role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our fantastic team at Croydon Council!
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 specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully led or supported such meetings, and be ready to explain how you ensured compliance with legislation and procedures.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your experience in supervising or managing staff, including how you've supported their development and performance. Highlight any successful team projects you've led.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key for this role. Try to build rapport with your interviewers by engaging them in conversation and showing your enthusiasm for working collaboratively with Councillors and stakeholders.
