Democratic Services Manager

North Yorkshire Council; Thirsk; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is seeking a Democratic Services Manager to lead the delivery of democratic services, scrutiny support, and governance improvement across the organisation. You will work closely with elected Members, the Mayor, and senior officers to ensure lawful, transparent decision-making and robust committee processes.

The role requires strong experience in local government governance, excellent stakeholder management, and proven team leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting complex decision‑making in local government or public sector.
• Knowledge of local government governance frameworks and constitutional requirements.
• Ability to provide impartial, robust advice and challenge when required.
• Experience leading and developing teams and driving service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of democratic services and scrutiny support across the organisation.
• Oversee committee and scrutiny services and support high‑profile meetings.
• Lead Member development programmes and manage a team of democratic services professionals.
• Strengthen governance arrangements and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Democratic services

Governance

Scrutiny

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Job description

Democratic Services Manager Salary: 49,817 - 54,143Hours: 37 HoursContract: PermanentLocation: York/Northallerton Hybrid Working

The OrganisationThe 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.

The Opportunity

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.

What You Will Bring

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.

• 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