Assistant Democratic Services Officer

London Borough of Hillingdon; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work

Local Government Pension Scheme

Perkbox Benefits

Mental Health Support

Travel Support

Trade Union Membership

Job summary

London Borough of Hillingdon is seeking a trainee governance professional to support democratic services and councillor enquiries. You will help with petitions, committee administration and decision reports, gaining exposure to the heart of local democracy.

This office‑based role offers structured development, salary progression and the chance to work closely with residents, officers and councillors across the Council.

Qualifications

• Interest in local democracy, governance or public service.
• Clear and professional communication.
• Organised, adaptable and eager to learn new skills.
• Strong written, digital and Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and manage competing priorities.
• Ambition to build a career in Democratic Services.

Responsibilities

• Support the resident petitions process and councillor enquiries.
• Assist with committee and meeting administration.
• Work closely with Councillors, senior officers and residents.
• Review decision reports to support transparent decision‑making.
• Develop skills in meeting management and governance advice.
• Support service improvement through digital technology and responsible use of AI.

Skills

Petitions process

Committee administration

Councillor enquiries

Meeting management

Governance advice

Digital skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Help Shape Local Democracy at the Heart of Hillingdon Council

Looking for a career with purpose, variety and responsibility?

At Hillingdon, we're committed to putting residents first and being brilliant at the basics. The Democratic Services Team sits at the heart of that mission, supporting the Council's Administration and all 53 elected Councillors in their different roles, ensuring decision‑making, scrutiny and local democracy operate openly, efficiently and transparently. The work of the team helps the Council make decisions, deliver high‑quality local services and improve outcomes for more than 300,000 residents across the Borough.

This trainee career‑grade role offers a clear development pathway, with structured support, increasing responsibilities and salary progression as your skills and experience grow.

About Hillingdon's Democratic Governance

Hillingdon has a strong and highly regarded democratic framework built around transparency, accountability and effective decision‑making.

Elected Councillors are actively involved in shaping policy, scrutinising decisions and representing their communities. Democratic Services plays a central role in supporting this work and is widely valued across the Council for delivering governance that is responsive, efficient and trusted.

We pride ourselves on helping the Council make decisions openly and at pace, whilst ensuring appropriate challenge, assurance and public accountability. It makes Democratic Services one of the most interesting and rewarding places to build a career in local government.

About The Job

You will support a wide range of democratic governance functions, including:

• Supporting the resident petitions process, democratic engagement and Councillor enquiries.
• Assisting with committee and meeting administration.
• Working closely with Councillors, senior officers and residents.
• Reviewing decision reports and supporting transparent decision‑making processes.
• Developing skills in meeting management, governance advice and procedural support.
• Supporting further service improvement through digital technology, innovation and responsible use of AI.

Working at the heart of local democracy requires professionalism, integrity and political impartiality. In supporting all Councillors and the Council's decision‑making processes, the successful candidate must always maintain political neutrality. This post is, therefore, politically restricted.

About You

• Has an interest in local democracy, governance or public service.
• Communicates clearly and professionally.
• Is organised, adaptable and enjoys learning new skills.
• Has strong written, digital and Microsoft Office skills.
• Can work effectively as part of a team and manage competing priorities.
• Has the ambition and potential to build a career in Democratic Services.
• Please note this is a predominantly office‑based role and is ideal for someone who values regular face‑to‑face collaboration with colleagues, councillors and stakeholders across the Council.

Why Join the Team?

• Structured career and salary progression.
• Training and development opportunities.
• A well regarded small team, working at the centre of a modern, forward‑looking Council.
• Based in the heart of Uxbridge Town Centre, at the Civic Centre Campus.
• Gain experience supporting major decisions, Council meetings and also elections.

Put Residents First. Support Local Democracy. Build Your Future at Hillingdon.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• Qualifications Check
• 2 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early.