Senior Democratic Services Officer

Rugby, United Kingdom | Posted on 08/07/2026

Job Description

3-month contract role with a local authority

Summary

• This is a 3-month contract role with a local authority, aimed at leading and coordinating the delivery of Democratic Services. The position ensures the effective administration of the Council’s democratic decision-making processes. The role involves supervising the Democratic Services team, supporting elected Members and committees, leading scrutiny functions, and providing high-quality governance support to ensure the Council operates efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Democratic Services team, ensuring workloads are effectively planned and allocated.




• Supervise and support Democratic Services staff, fostering a high-performance and customer-focused culture.




• Organize and service Council, Cabinet, Committee, Scrutiny, Working Group, and Task and Finish Group meetings.




• Prepare and oversee the production of agendas, reports, minutes, and associated meeting documentation.




• Act as Lead Scrutiny Officer, supporting the delivery of a comprehensive Overview and Scrutiny function.




• Work with elected Members to identify and develop scrutiny topics and annual work programmes.




• Undertake research and analysis to support scrutiny reviews, investigations, reports, findings, and recommendations.

Requirements

Essential Experience Required

• Significant experience working within Democratic Services, Committee Services, Governance, or a related local government function.




• Experience servicing formal meetings and supporting democratic decision-making processes.




• Experience preparing agendas, reports, minutes, and meeting documentation.




• Experience supervising, coordinating, or managing staff within an administrative or governance environment.

Essential Qualifications Required

• Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) Diploma, or




• Equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience gained through a senior role within Democratic Services or a similar governance environment.

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 hours per week.




• Attendance at scrutiny meetings every couple of months from 6pm – 8pm is required.

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