At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the council's democratic processes and supervise a small team.
- Company: Supportive Local Authority with a focus on governance and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Democratic Services and strong communication skills required.
Location: Hybrid Working – Warwickshire (1 day per week in the office)
Pay: £18.85 per hour PAYE + Holiday Pay
Contract: Initial 3 Months (Potential Extension)
Hours: 37 hours per week (Occasional evening committee meetings)
Lynx Employment Services are recruiting an experienced Senior Democratic Services Officer to support a busy Local Authority governance team on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Democratic Services professional to take a lead role in supporting the council's democratic processes, scrutiny function and committee services while supervising a small team.
The Role
- Lead and support the council's Overview and Scrutiny function.
- Supervise and provide day-to-day support to two Democratic Services Officers.
- Prepare and publish committee agendas, reports and minutes.
- Provide governance support for committees, working groups and member meetings.
- Carry out research and prepare reports to support scrutiny reviews.
- Liaise with councillors, senior officers and external organisations.
- Maintain statutory registers and governance records.
- Support member training programmes and civic events.
- Ensure democratic processes are delivered efficiently and in accordance with legislation and best practice.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience working within Democratic Services in a Local Authority.
- Experience supporting committee services and the scrutiny function.
- Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Strong knowledge of local government governance and democratic processes.
- Excellent communication, organisational and report-writing skills.
- High level of political awareness and diplomacy.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and work independently.
- Willingness to attend occasional evening committee meetings.
Desirable
- Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience using Modern.gov committee management software.
What's on Offer
- Hybrid working (approximately one day per week on site).
- Competitive PAYE rate plus holiday pay.
- Initial three-month contract with potential extension.
- Opportunity to lead an experienced Democratic Services team within a supportive Local Authority environment.
If you have the Democratic Services experience and governance expertise we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today with your latest CV.
Contact Details:
Lynx Employment Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Democratic Services Officer in Rugby
✨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 Rugby
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 Lynx Employment Services Ltd
✨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 Lynx Employment Services Ltd.
✨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 Lynx Employment Services Ltd 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.
