Head of Democratic Services
Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.
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. xgikmsk
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 struct...
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