Democratic Services Team Leader - Internal Applicants Only in Walthamstow

Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest

Contract Type: Full time - Permanent

Working hours per week: 36 including some evenings

Application Deadline: 15/05/2026

Proposed Interview Date(s): TBC

Reference: 2095

About Us: Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident‑focused, insight‑led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents. London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace.

About the role: This role sits within Democratic Services team and works at the heart of the council’s decision‑making process supporting our committees, Councillors, and residents. We are looking for a confident and motivational team leader, who is proactive, adaptable and is focused on delivering the highest quality service. With a record of successfully supporting committee meetings, backed by a strong knowledge of relevant legislation, and a proven ability to provide authoritative advice to other officers in the Council and Councillors. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills and a proven ability to problem solve in a high pressure political environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain oversight of the Democratic Services function, ensuring the Council's decision making arrangements are effective, operating efficiently and compliant with statute and Council's Constitution.
• Co‑ordinate, manage and develop a team of Democratic Services Officers, ensuring meetings comply with statutory and best practice requirements.
• Ensure the highest quality clerking service and procedural advice to all meetings serviced by the Democratic Services Team.
• Provide or ensure provision of appropriate support to all committees, including but not limited to Cabinet, Council and Audit and Governance Committee.
• Provide or ensure provision of appropriate support and guidance to Overview and Scrutiny Committees, leading on Coordinating Scrutiny Committee.
• Draft committee, Cabinet, Council, Scrutiny or other working group reports as appropriate.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years experience of either committee management, scrutiny or policy work in a public sector of similar organisation.
• Understanding of committee procedures, scrutiny and regulatory functions within a local authority setting.
• Knowledge of local government law, decision‑making processes and governance best practice, including Council, Cabinet and Committee functions and the role of members.
• Knowledge of the Modern.gov Committee Software System.

Terms and Conditions:

• Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks.
• Satisfactory declaration of interest.
• This post is politically restricted therefore the post holder is disqualified from undertaking certain political activities under the Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990.
• As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public‑facing roles are able to speak fluent English.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: Promoting equality of opportunity, Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage, Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels, and Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.

Locations: Walthamstow, Greater London, United Kingdom