Democratic Services Manager

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking a Democratic Services Manager to lead democratic services and scrutiny support across the Authority, ensuring governance is lawful, transparent and effective. You will work with elected Members, the Mayor and senior officers to provide expert governance advice and oversee committees and scrutiny services.

With a strong track record in democratic services or governance, you will drive continuous improvement, develop teams and build

Qualifications

• Significant experience in democratic services, governance and scrutiny.
• Experience advising elected Members and senior leaders on complex issues.
• Knowledge of local government governance and constitutional requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of democratic services and scrutiny support across the Authority.
• Oversee committee and scrutiny services and support high-profile meetings.
• Develop governance arrangements and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Democratic services

Governance

Scrutiny

Advising elected Members

Constitutional requirements

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Decision-making support

Governance improvement

Job description

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking to appoint a Democratic Services Manager. As Democratic Services Manager, you will lead the delivery of democratic services and scrutiny support across the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, ensuring our governance arrangements are lawful, transparent and effective. This is a highly influential leadership role at the heart of democratic decision-making. Working closely with elected Members, the Mayor, senior officers and key partners, you will provide expert advice on governance, constitutional matters and decision-making processes, helping to ensure public confidence in everything we do. You will oversee committee and scrutiny services, support high-profile and politically sensitive meetings, lead Member development programmes, and manage a team of democratic services professionals. You'll also play a key role in strengthening governance arrangements, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the organisation remains open, transparent and accountable. This is an exciting opportunity to shape democratic governance within a growing and ambitious Combined Authority that is delivering transformational change across York and North Yorkshire.

You will be an experienced democratic services or governance professional with a strong track record of supporting complex decision-making processes in local government or a related public sector environment.

You will bring:

• Significant experience of democratic services, governance and scrutiny, including advising elected Members and senior leaders on complex and politically sensitive issues.
• Strong knowledge of local government governance frameworks, democratic processes and constitutional requirements.
• The confidence and credibility to provide robust, impartial advice and challenge where required.
• Experience of leading and developing teams, managing resources and driving service improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across political and organisational boundaries.
• The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, balancing competing priorities while maintaining high professional standards.
• A commitment to public service, integrity, transparency and continuous professional development.

Most importantly, you will be politically astute, adaptable and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the democratic governance and success of York and North Yorkshire. You will be joining a new and developing organisation at an exciting time. The benefits of working for us can be found here; Careers at York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority: Work for us

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.