Head Of Democratic Services
15 days ago
Eastbourne
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 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. • 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr