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- Tasks: Lead democratic services and scrutiny functions at Slough Borough Council, shaping local governance.
- Company: Slough Borough Council is dedicated to improving community life and promoting diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 26-33 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful change in local democracy and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: In-depth knowledge of local authority law and governance is essential.
- Other info: This role offers professional development opportunities and a chance to influence council direction.
The predicted salary is between 67483 - 74983 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny role at Slough Borough Council.
Salary: Starting from £67,483 per annum inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Observatory House, 25 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2EL (Hybrid - 3 days in the office)
The closing date for applications is midnight on 1st July 2025. Interviews will be held week commencing 14th July 2025.
About the Role:
We are looking to recruit to a new role of Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny here at Slough Borough Council on a full time and permanent basis. Circumstances in Slough Borough Council over recent years make this one of the most meaningful local democracy roles around. The scene is set for an ambitious individual to demonstrate what it really means when we say that democratic services are the engine room of any council.
Working closely with Members, our Corporate Leadership Team and government-appointed commissioners, the post-holder will need to deliver the Council's Democratic Governance and Scrutiny functions over the coming years together with a committed team. The postholder will have the opportunity to shape the future of their role, their team and the council. This is an opportunity to work in a local authority during a time of significant change and improvement. The work will be fast paced and highly varied in nature. The post of Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny presents an attractive and challenging opportunity for a motivated individual to bring their enthusiasm to the team, build on their experience, and continue the upward trajectory for the service.
In depth knowledge of local authority best practice and law - including decision making and governance - is required. Professional development and training in democratic services is essential.
Our Council:
Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and our environment and we would love you to join us in our mission! All of our employees, whatever their job, contribute greatly to delivering services to local people - either directly, or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and are continuously striving for our residents to enjoy fulfilling prosperous and healthy lives.
What we offer:
- 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 30 days between 2 - 5 years’ service and 33 days after 5 years’ service.
- The Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working options to promote work-life balance
- Our commitment to equality and diversity through a range of employee networks
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Season loan ticket - to help with the cost of your rail / bus journey to & from work.
Interested?
If you need any further information about the role, please contact Sukdave Ghuman (Monitoring Officer) on sukdave.ghuman@slough.gov.uk
Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer and we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and we foster a workforce where people are valued, and represent the local communities that we serve. Slough Borough Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.
We want our application process to be open and accessible. If you wish to make your application in an alternative format, please email Recruitment@slough.gov.uk quoting the job reference - our Accessibility Statement has more information.
How to Apply:
Please click on the apply button below to submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you!
Join our team at Slough Borough Council and help accelerate our journey of transformation and growth!
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive a number of suitable applications.
Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny employer: Slough Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Slough Borough Council Recruiting Team
sukdave.ghuman@slough.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current democratic governance and scrutiny practices within local authorities. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Slough Borough Council will help you demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of democratic services. Attend relevant local government events or webinars to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the role and how you can contribute to the council's mission. Think about innovative ideas that could enhance democratic services and be ready to share them during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the key stakeholders you would be working with, including council members and government-appointed commissioners. Understanding their priorities and how they align with your experience will help you tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in democratic services, governance, and local authority best practices. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your capability for this role.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the council's mission. Highlight specific examples from your past that showcase your leadership skills and ability to drive change within a local authority context.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this senior role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Slough Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what the Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny role entails. Familiarise yourself with local authority governance, decision-making processes, and the specific challenges facing Slough Borough Council.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in democratic services or similar roles. Highlight any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage complex governance issues effectively.
✨Engage with Current Issues
Be aware of current events and challenges within Slough and the wider local government landscape. This will show your commitment to the role and your ability to think critically about how to address these issues.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this is a senior position, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and develop your team. Provide examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or managed change in previous roles.
