At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance, drive improvement, and ensure effective decision-making for Slough Borough Council.
- Company: Slough Borough Council, committed to making a difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with supportive career growth and diverse staff networks.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on local democracy and strengthen trust in the council.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in governance or electoral services with strong political judgement.
The predicted salary is between 31725 - 38775 £ per year.
Directorate: Corporate Resources
Pay Level: SML11 - £69,641 to £78,782 fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
DBS requirement: Not required
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 31st August. Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 17th September.
What you’ll be doing:
Shape transparent, trusted decision-making at the heart of Slough. Slough Borough Council is seeking an outstanding Head of Governance to lead Local Democracy, Electoral Services and Member Support, helping drive our improvement journey and deliver better outcomes for residents. As principal adviser on member-level governance and Statutory Scrutiny Officer, you will ensure democratic decision-making is lawful, effective and inclusive. You will lead scrutiny, elections and committee support, advise councillors and senior officers, and provide the challenge and assurance essential to good local government. You will bring senior leadership experience in democratic, scrutiny or electoral services, strong political judgement and the confidence to influence at the highest level. In return, you can make a lasting difference in a diverse borough, with flexible working, a generous pension and family-friendly benefits. Join us and help strengthen trust in the council.
Our Council:
Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.
What we offer:
- We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard.
- You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.
- We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance.
- We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
- Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months' service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.
- Alongside a competitive salary, we provide:
- 26 days' annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years' service.
- The Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
- Tax-free childcare and childcare services.
- Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.
Accessibility and Support:
Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team: Recruitment@slough.gov.uk. Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond. Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive.
Right to Work and Checks:
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact Recruitment@slough.gov.uk before applying. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Head of Governance in Slough employer: Slough Borough Council
Slough Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of local residents while enjoying a fulfilling career. Join us in our mission to enhance community wellbeing and quality of life through innovative and evidence-led commissioning strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance in Slough
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Slough Borough Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Slough Borough Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Slough Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Slough Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Slough Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Slough Borough Council.
