At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance functions, manage meetings, and provide procedural advice to senior officers.
- Company: Salford City Council, committed to improving governance and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for extension, and experience in public sector governance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and contribute to meaningful service improvements.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in democratic services and excellent organisational skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salford City Council is seeking experienced Senior Democratic Services Officers (Grade 4A) to provide interim capacity across its Governance functions during a period of significant improvement and service redesign. These roles will support statutory and non-statutory committees, scrutiny, decision-making, and member development, while contributing to the wider Governance 360 improvement programme. Appointments will be made on a generalist basis. Depending on skills and experience, one role may be allocated a stronger focus on Health & Adult Social Care governance, funded by Public Health.
Engagement term: Interim assignment – initial term expected to be 12 months, with likelihood of extension.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of formal and informal meetings, including Scrutiny Panels, Executive decision-making cycles, and wider committee activity.
- Lead on forward planning, agenda management, report assurance, publication of papers and decision-making workflows.
- Provide governance and procedural advice to senior officers and elected members, ensuring high standards of transparency, compliance and good decision-making.
- Contribute to key aspects of the Governance 360 programme, including improvements to processes, constitutional arrangements, corporate governance practices, member support and democratic workflows.
- Support scrutiny activity, including work programming, evidence gathering, research, drafting of reports, and tracking recommendations.
- Produce high-quality minutes, reports and governance documentation.
- Use ModGov effectively to support end-to-end governance processes.
- Provide flexible capacity across Committee Services and Member Services where needed (e.g. briefings, civic functions, member learning and development).
- Work collaboratively across the wider Governance team to support cultural and procedural improvement.
Role With a Health & Adult Social Care Focus (Public Health funded)
- Support for Health & Wellbeing Board governance.
- Governance support to Health Scrutiny functions.
- Contribution to governance oversight relating to Adult Social Care transformation, where this intersects with policy, scrutiny and assurance activity.
Desirable background:
- Experience in health or social care policy, scrutiny, committee governance, or wider public-sector governance.
Candidate Profile
- Strong experience in democratic services, ideally at a senior level.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills, with political awareness.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and work at pace in a complex environment.
- Confidence working with senior officers, elected members and external partners.
- High-quality minute-taking, report writing and document production.
- Experience with ModGov or similar committee management systems.
- A proactive, flexible and professional approach.
Desirable:
- Experience of contributing to governance, scrutiny or committee-based improvement work — for example: supporting new or improved governance processes; helping embed new frameworks, policies or workflows; participating in service improvement or transformation activity; contributing to the modernisation, redesign or strengthening of democratic arrangements (aligned with the principles of Governance 360).
Snr Democractic Services Officer in Swinton employer: Deekay Technical Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Deekay Technical Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Snr Democractic Services Officer in Swinton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the governance and democratic services field. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current governance issues and practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your skills in minute-taking and report writing during interviews. Bring examples of your work if possible. This will demonstrate your high-quality documentation abilities and give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest roles listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Snr Democractic Services Officer in Swinton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in democratic services. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your organisational and communication skills. We’re looking for candidates who can manage competing deadlines and work effectively in a complex environment, so give us examples of when you've done this!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us understand your qualifications and experiences without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Deekay Technical Recruitment
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance processes and the specific responsibilities of a Senior Democratic Services Officer. Familiarise yourself with the Governance 360 programme and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with senior officers and elected members, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle competing deadlines and manage multiple tasks. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, and be prepared to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Proactivity
This role requires a proactive approach and flexibility across various services. Prepare to discuss times when you've adapted to changing circumstances or taken the initiative to improve processes. Highlight your willingness to support different areas as needed.