Democratic Services Manager

Rutland County Council is seeking a Democratic Services Manager to lead the Democratic Services team and ensure the effective operation of the Council’s democratic governance arrangements. The postholder will deliver high-quality decision-making support, provide professional advice to elected members and officers, and ensure that all governance processes comply with statutory requirements and best practice.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the coordination and delivery of all formal Council, Cabinet, Committee and Panel meetings, ensuring agendas, reports and minutes are produced and published in accordance with statutory deadlines.
• Maintain and develop the Council’s Constitution and governance framework, ensuring documents are legally compliant, up to date, and accessible.
• Interpret complex legislation, statutory guidance and constitutional rules, providing expert advice to officers and members, and identifying compliant solutions to governance issues.
• Manage, develop and performance-review the Democratic Services team, providing clear direction and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Represent the service at internal and external meetings, working groups, and regional networks.
• Line management of Democratic Services Officer, Scrutiny Officer and Civic Officer.

General duties:

• Present to a wide range of audiences, including Panels, Working Groups and Committees, on complex matters, interpreting legislative requirements and providing practical guidance.
• Provide professional support, training, and induction to elected members, ensuring they are fully equipped to fulfil their roles.
• Manage statutory functions such as petition handling, Independent Remuneration Panel administration, and community governance reviews.
• Oversee the provision of procedural and administrative support to all democratic bodies, advisory groups, and other governance forums.
• Promote high standards of governance and ethical behaviour across the Council.
• Champion best practice in democratic services and governance to achieve strong outcomes for the Council.

Budget responsibility: Assigned service budget of £0.5m.

Qualifications/experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in governance, public administration, or related field.
• Significant experience in democratic services or local authority governance.
• Strong understanding of legislation affecting local government decision-making.
• Ability to interpret legislation and provide clear procedural advice.

Benefits:

• Minimum 27 days annual leave (pro rata), plus paid bank holidays. An extra 5 days after 5 years continuous local government service.
• Career breaks and extended periods of leave to support you.
• Free Parking.
• Payment of professional body membership fees if this is a requirement of your role.
• Easy access to learning, coaching and mentoring, and secondment opportunities.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Flexible working policies to enable you to balance work and home commitments.
• Competitive salary in line with nationally agreed pay scales and a defined benefits pension scheme.
• 24/7 advice, support and counselling for you and your immediate family via our employee assistance programme.
• Cycle to work scheme through the salary sacrifice offering a great deal.

How to apply: If you feel you have the right experience and would like to apply, please submit your application now. For a confidential discussion about the role or working at Rutland County Council contact Sara Robinson at Sellick Partnership. Closing date: 11:59pm on Monday 30 March 2026.