Head Of Democratic Services in Eastbourne

Head of Democratic Services

Location: Hove, East Sussex (hybrid - 3 days onsite)

Contract: Temporary, initially 3 months

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week (4 days per week considered)

Rate: £34.58 per hour PAYE or £46.36 per hour Umbrella

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Head of Democratic Services to provide strategic leadership across Democratic Services, Overview and Scrutiny, and Civic Office functions within a local authority.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior local government professional with a strong understanding of democratic governance, political processes and council decision-making to take on a key leadership role, ensuring that democratic arrangements operate effectively, efficiently and in accordance with relevant legislation.

Working closely with elected Members, senior officers and key stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in supporting transparent decision‑making, maintaining high standards of governance and driving continuous improvement across democratic services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to Democratic Services, Overview and Scrutiny, and Civic Office teams, ensuring high-quality service delivery and effective performance management.
• Act as a trusted adviser on democratic governance, constitutional matters, political processes and council decision‑making arrangements.
• Advise senior officers, elected Members, committee chairs and political group leaders on complex, sensitive and politically significant issues, maintaining impartiality and sound professional judgement.
• Oversee the planning and coordination of Council, Cabinet and committee business, including meeting schedules, the Forward Plan, political balance and committee appointments.
• Lead the development and review of constitutional arrangements, democratic structures and decision‑making procedures in response to legislative and organisational change.
• Support effective Overview and Scrutiny arrangements, enabling Members to challenge decisions, contribute to policy development and hold decision‑makers to account.
• Ensure elected Members receive appropriate advice, information, administrative support and development opportunities.
• Oversee Members' allowances, declarations of interest, hospitality registers and associated governance and transparency requirements.
• Provide leadership for civic and ceremonial functions and ensure effective support for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
• Manage budgets, resources, service performance and team development, promoting innovation and continuous improvement.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Significant experience working within local government in a senior management, Democratic Services or closely related governance role.
• A strong understanding of local authority governance, political structures, constitutional arrangements and formal decision‑making processes.
• Experience advising elected Members, senior officers and other stakeholders on complex or politically sensitive matters.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate teams and deliver effective services.
• Experience managing competing priorities, service budgets and operational demands in a challenging public sector environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the diplomacy and judgement required to operate in a politically sensitive setting.
• The ability to remain impartial while building effective relationships across political groups and the wider organisation.

A specific professional qualification is not essential; relevant senior‑level experience and demonstrable expertise are key.

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