Senior Democratic Services Officer – 6 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

• Committee & Governance Support:
  
  
  
  • Lead officer for committees, panels, and working groups.
    
  
  
  • Prepare and publish agendas, reports, minutes, action logs, and statutory notices.
    
  
  
  • Ensure compliance with legislative and constitutional deadlines.
    
  
  
  • Provide professional support throughout decision-making processes.
    
  
  

• Meeting Management:
  
  
  
  • Attend and manage formal meetings, including evening sessions.
    
  
  
  • Offer procedural and constitutional advice during meetings.
    
  
  
  • Accurately record decisions, actions, and outcomes.
    
  
  

• Democratic Services Advice:
  
  
  
  • Provide procedural advice to councillors, senior officers, and the public.
    
  
  
  • Support compliance with constitutional procedures and governance frameworks.
    
  
  

• Research & Report Writing:
  
  
  
  • Conduct research on governance and policy matters.
    
  
  
  • Draft reports, briefing papers, and policy documents.
    
  
  
  • Present information and recommendations as needed.
    
  
  

• Decision-Making Processes:
  
  
  
  • Coordinate non-committee decision-making procedures.
    
  
  
  • Maintain governance records and documentation.
    
  
  

• Member Support & Development:
  
  
  
  • Support elected Members in their roles.
    
  
  
  • Assist in delivering Member training and induction programmes.
    
  
  

• Complaints & Information Governance:
  
  
  
  • Support complaints investigations and governance-related enquiries.
    
  
  
  • Assist with Freedom of Information Requests and other governance requirements.
    
  
  

• Team Leadership & Support:
  
  
  
  • Mentor and support junior colleagues.
    
  
  
  • Deputise for senior managers when required.
    
  
  

• Elections & Emergency Planning:
  
  
  
  • Support elections-related activities and emergency response arrangements.
    
  
  

Essential

• Extensive experience in Democratic Services, Committee Services, Governance, or Scrutiny Services within a Local Authority.
  


• Experience as a lead officer for committees and formal council meetings.
  


• Strong knowledge of Local Government legislation and governance procedures.
  


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Ability to work in politically sensitive environments and manage multiple deadlines.
  

Highly Desirable

• Experience with Modern.Gov committee management software.
  


• ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge.
  


• Experience supporting scrutiny functions and member development programmes.
  

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant experience in Democratic Services, Governance, or Committee Services.
  


• Experience servicing formal council meetings and providing procedural advice.
  


• Experience managing complex workloads and statutory deadlines.
  

Knowledge

• Detailed understanding of Local Government governance and decision-making processes.
  


• Knowledge of committee procedures and constitutional requirements.
  

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
  


• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  

Qualifications

• GCSE English (Grade C/4 or equivalent).
  


• ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge (Desirable).
  

Working Environment

• Location: Slough
  


• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
  


• Attendance at committee meetings and governance activities required.
  


• Some evening meetings may be required.
  

What's on Offer?

• £375.00 per day (Umbrella)
  


• 6 Month Contract
  


• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
  


• Opportunity to work within a busy Local Authority Democratic Services Team
  


• Bi-weekly Pay